Is there a carrier like this?

[an_aurora]

Is there a carrier that also has storage? Like a backpack + child carrier?

We are wanting to do some backpacking this summer. We have 3 kids: an almost 5 year old, who will be fine walking, a 3 year old, who does fine for 2-3 miles, and a 10 month old who will be in the Beco. I'm trying to figure out the logistics of backpacking with 2 kids that need to be worn.

I was thinking that I would wear DS in the Beco, and DH would carry the heavy pack with all the gear. But then when the 3 yo tires...? I have seen frame carriers, which DH actually prefers over wraps or the Beco, but every one that we have tried does not work for my funky shape. The alternative of course is to just always take a 3rd person (which is actually an option, as my mom is moving in with us and does pretty much everything with us) but I would hate to say "hey let's go on a hike, here carry this kid"

[fruitfulmomma]

The Ergo has a backpack that you can purchase which hooks onto it. It does make the carrier a little harder to get on and off but for long hikes that probably wouldn't be an issue.

[lifeguard]

I have the ergo backpack & really like it. I thought it would be bulky to get on & off but I actually don't find it that bad. It would really only be big enough for day hikes though - not overnights.

[lalemma]

Someone gave us a backpack - I can't remember the model, and we're away from home so I can't check on it, but it's something like this: http://www.amazon.com/Evenflo-Snugli.../dp/B00014PL9A

We haven't used it yet (it's not appropriate for babies who can't consistently sit up under their own power) but it has a whole area under where the baby sits for storage. And when my husband was trying it on, we both noticed how much it looked and wore like a framed hiking backpack, so a lot of the weight went onto your hips.

I can't speak to how it works as a carrier, though.

[luckygreen713]

Originally Posted by fruitfulmomma

The Ergo has a backpack that you can purchase which hooks onto it. It does make the carrier a little harder to get on and off but for long hikes that probably wouldn't be an issue.

Yup, we have one, and it works with other carriers too. I used it with my new Boba a few days ago. It would prob work just fine with your Beco. I can fit a few cloth diapers (toddler size), a small wet bag for said diapers, 2 child-size long-sleeve shirts, sunscreen, bug spray, and a water bottle in it. It was packed pretty tightly, but I got it all in and I probably could have fit a few more small items- like wallet, cell phone, keys if I had wanted to. HTH

[an_aurora]

We would need another carrier in addition to the Beco, since I use the Beco with DS and he'd need another carrier for DD in case she needs it.

I found packs like this. Does anyone have any experience with these?

ETA: or like this

[Kreeblim]

Originally Posted by an_aurora

We would need another carrier in addition to the Beco, since I use the Beco with DS and he'd need another carrier for DD in case she needs it.

I found packs like this. Does anyone have any experience with these?

ETA: or like this

YES I have a kelty that isn't exactly what you have pictured but it is very close. It is SUPER comfortable, my two medium kids have both LOVED it, and it holds a stupidly huge amount of stuff. It has a little attached back pack that is connected onto the carrier pack and can become it's own back pack on a smaller child if needed in addition to several other storage areas and water bottle compartments on the carrier itself. We have packed it full of enough diapers, clothes, sippy cups and snacks for a newborn and a 2 year old to survive all day at the zoo PLUS stuff for us and the older kids (approx. 4 milk boxes, 4 juice boxes, big bottles of seltzer, kid hoodies, 5 PBJ sammiches, crackers, apples, bananas, carrots) PLUS all the stuff that would normally go in a purse plus some books and coloring book stuff just in case. It literally is like a bottomless pit and we normally don't have the other adult carrying ANYTHING except for the baby in a front carrier type thing.

I actually found it by doing an image search. This is the exact one I have.

I am not really sure we could live without it. Plus, since part of it comes off as a little backpack, my 5 year old can wear it if that works out better. The largest storage area is on the carrier, not the back pack though (just to give you an idea of how much this holds we often pack enough stuff for all day for all 6 of us without even using the detachable back pack AT ALL).

[Carhootel]

I've heard really good things about the deuter

[an_aurora]

Has anyone tried the Deuter KangaKid? I'm interested to see how it works IRL.

[tankgirl73]

Those backpacks are interesting -- but have you also considered the option of using a FRONT carrier while having a regular backpack on your back? A mei tai or wrap (which could be left on, just pop kid in and out when he tires) could be used in front with a backpack worn over the whole shebang.

[an_aurora]

Yes, we have considered that option, but I'm too nervous hiking with a child on my front, especially a heavier child, on uneven footing. I did a very steep climb with DS on my front last summer when he was a nb, but once they are able to throw their weight around I much prefer a back carry. Plus the back carry seems more comfortable.

That was what we were planning to do--have DH carry DD in an Ergo or something on his front, with a pack on his back to balance the weight. But I would prefer to not take up space with another carrier (and he hates wraps).