Patapum Toddler Carrier vs. traditional backpack type carriers?

[GISDiva]

So my mei tai just doesn't work with my very tall, very heavy 13 mo. old. I feel like he's going to flip out the back (even though he is secure, it just *feels* that way, plus it seems to stress my not so big body), plus I'd like to be able to have DH wear him as well. I was originally going to start looking at frame carriers (such as a Kelty or whatnot) when I came across the Patapum. It looks perfect, easily transportable, nice fabric, awesome price compared to a frame pack...any advice?

I should probably mention that the main reason I'd like something like this is to go on short hikes and whatnot. We're not hard-core backpackers or anything, but it would be nice to have something for say, an hour or two hike. (And we're in Wisconsin, so, um, no mountains to speak of.)

Any other product I'm missing? Any experience with the Patapum? Can it really be a replacement for a frame carrier? The only thing that DS might like better is that a frame carrier is higher and he could probably see better. Thoughts?

[Quirky]

I think the patapum toddler would be a great choice. It is just a little trickier to use than other soft structured carriers, as there's an extra strap you have to get the legs under, but the strap provides more support.

Esp. as your child is tall, he'll be able to see around no problem.

And IMO, a soft structured carrier is way more comfy for me than a frame pack. I used to use a (really nice, very expensive) frame pack for grocery shopping, etc. before the Ergo first came out, and it was ridiculously bulky! I think esp. for women, it raises your center of gravity unnaturally high and gets tippy. Also, if baby falls asleep, there's really no way to keep them from bouncing around in it.

I would give it a go!

[pixiepunk]

ITA with Quirky. and the patapum is a good toddler ssc as well as one of the least expensive on the market and it can take some abuse as it's made of sturdy canvas. there are tons of toddler-sized ssc's on the market these days, it'll make your head spin researching all of them frankly (i know, i just did ) but i think the patapum is your best bet for the money and for what you want to use it for.

we also own a very nice frame pack and my DH likes to use it, but i can't stand it. perhaps because i'm used to having the baby close to me having them away from my body and so high up really throws my balance off. plus if the child wants to get down and walk, you've still got a big bulky backpack to carry. with the patapum you can fold it down and snap it onto the waist belt so it just looks like you're wearing a fanny pack or something (or toss it in a bag if you're carrying one). and like quirky said, if baby falls asleep, their head flops around all over the place in the frame pack! the patapum has a mesh sleeping hood that snaps on and holds their head from lolling around too much.

don't know if you ever go on thebabywearer.com but i saw one there yesterday on FSOT for $55ppd and it look like it was in great shape!

[Quirky]

I had to laugh today....dh broke out the frame backpack and put 18 month old dd in while he was mowing the yard. She thought it was way cool to be up high on daddy's back -- but then she fell asleep! Poor thing was sleeping on her arms and woke up with all sorts of weird red marks on her face. But the funniest part was that dh took her off and propped her up against the house wall, in the shade, to finish her nap.....I guess that's the one thing that a frame pack is good for!

[Draupadi]

nak
DH got me a TP as an early Mother's Day gift. I love it! It works well, has a nice sized body, and is super comfortable- even for front carries! DS just turned 2 today and is huge (36 in. tall and 30+lbs.) my only complaint is that the sleep hood is too short for my tall child. Otherwise, I love it. : )
Taking it to Ireland in a few days. Should be good for hiking around town!