Kid Gear?? Hiking backpack....

[miss1180]

We're looking to get a hiking backpack to use with DS, who is 2.5, and weighs about 27/28 pounds. Any suggestions?  Thanks!

[usuallylurking]

Do you want something to carry him with? Or something for him to carry?

[miss1180]

Jun 24, 2013 21:34:55 GMT -5 usuallylurking said:

Do you want something to carry him with? Or something for him to carry?

lol sorry!! something to carry him in. we have an Ergo, and he likes that still... but looking at one of the ones where he can sit up a little higher and look around more...

[litebright]

We have a Deuter carrier -- the Kid Comfort, I think. I don't know which model exactly, but it's one of the few kid packs with space for a hydration bladder, and that's a feature DH wanted since he does most of the carrying.

It's a really good carrier for hikes.

[usuallylurking]

Yep I was going to recommend the Deuter as well. The Kid Comfort III is what we have for DS1 who is now 3 years and about 35 lbs. it is expensive, but absolutely the best and most comfortable with bigger/older kiddos. We justified the expense 1, by how much we use it, and 2, we bought it during REI's annual Labor Day sale and got it for 20% off.

We had a Kelty FC 3.0 and it was awesome up until he hit about 18 months, then it just suddenly got uncomfortable for us to carry him in. He also seemed to outgrow it in terms of a comfortable place to put his feet. We now use the Kelty for DS2 and even though he's lighter I'm still jealous of H that he's using the Deuter.

Here's a site that compares the three different Deuter's: www.deuter.com/en_US/454-520.php?title=Choosing%20The%20Right%20Deuter%20Kid%20Comfort%20Carrier

[tdk2]

Jun 24, 2013 22:03:10 GMT -5 miss1180 said:

Jun 24, 2013 21:34:55 GMT -5 usuallylurking said:

Do you want something to carry him with? Or something for him to carry?

lol sorry!! something to carry him in. we have an Ergo, and he likes that still... but looking at one of the ones where he can sit up a little higher and look around more...

Haha. I was picturing your kid carrying his load on a few day hike.

We have some cheapie that wouldn't be good for long hikes. We got a friend a Kelty we found at a garage sale for cheap ($25) and they seem to like that. I don't know that they've done more than day hikes though.

I've had and use all kinds of baby wearing carriers and have loved them or different reasons. For walks and hikes and trails, c really loves riding in he backpack. She actually hums and sings happy tunes the whole time. Loves. I've taken her to festivals in it too


I believe the Kelty has a sun awning (put together w tent-like poles) and optional backpack pouch. I recommend the backpack pouch thing. We use ours on our cheapie one all the time. Makes you able to go hands free.

[purplelemon]

We have the MEC one, and love it. I hiked with 2.5 year old DS last summer with no problem. It is comfortable for both of us. It has a removable sun awning.

When I was researching which to buy, everyone said to get one with a seat and somewhere for lo to put their feet. As opposed to them hanging by their crotch, which would cause their legs to fall asleep.

[nahoku]

We also got a Kelty and bought it used at Once Upon A Child. We used it with our 3 year old DD last month when we were in CO and it was great. She was comfortable enough that she fell asleep in it a couple of times while we were hiking.