Question about Child Carriers

[sirbingo]

Hay Ya’ll,

Since my little hiker is getting to big for her Baby Björn (http://www.babybjorn.com/)
I am in the market for one of those child carriers that you wear like a hiking backpack.

Here is a pic of what I’m talking about: http://tinyurl.com/yoqppj

Anyway, do any of you white blazers have experience with these contraptions?
Any recommendations? What features should I look for? Etc.

Thanks!
:D

[icemanat95]

I've got an LL Bean carrier made by Kelty. Carries well, like a regular external frame pack. Stands up easily when you aren't wearing it, packs pretty flat. has a decent sized pack underneath (not huge but enough for some dayhiking stuff and a rain canopy.

It's in good shape, wasn't overused by any means. My kids are grown out of it and I'd rather have them hike anyhow.

Drop me a PM

[Alligator]

I have the Happy Trails (http://www.mec.ca/Products/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=84552444177 6409&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374302735239&bmUID=1173795068854)from MEC. I'm very happy with it. If you plan to overnight, it could be a tight fight for that. If one parent is carrying the carrier, the other is carrying a large share of the gear. Just as an aside, for overnights, compressable, small, light gear is very helpful.

You want it to have a kickstand. Most seem to.
Soft padding on the kid's straps is nice.
Five point harnass is good.
A rain sun shield is a big plus.
It needs to be comfortable for you, the mule:) .
Ours doesn't have stirrups. I don't get kicked much, but it might be more comfortable on the child's legs.
Extra compartments help, but if you are just going for dayhikes, you won't need anything fancy.
Keep an eye on load capacities. Children won't be roaming too far 'til at least three. So if you want to actually hike, you'll be carrying them. Then again, once they hit about 30 lbs, you don't want to be carrying them too far either.

[Pennsylvania Rose]

I love Tough Traveller. We bought the stallion when our oldest was little, and was given a Kelty a year later because by then we had two toddlers. I sold them both because I didn't expect to have any more kids. When my youngest came along 8 years later, I bought another TT stallion on ebay because I liked it better. Even well-used it was still in great shape.

The only problem is comparison shopping. 15 years ago my local backpacking store sold TT, so I could try it on. Since Kelty came out with their backpacking-quality child carriers, they seem to have pushed TT out of retail stores, as well as some catalogs. So, you might only be able to find Kelty to try on and check out fit in the store.

Don't get the cheap cotton carriers with thin belts they sell at Babies R Us and the like. They HURT!!! Both the Kelty and TT have true backpack suspension systems, with well padded hip belts and shoulder straps, a sternum strap, and other adjustments. You can get them with enough carrying capacity for overnight hikes, or smaller if you're just planning to day hike. The child's harness system goes over both shoulders and across the lap like a car seat so the kid doesn't go flying if you take an unexpected fall (or the child decides to do a nice bouncing dance on your back). Get the rain/sun hood - it's invaluable. There's lots of little places to tie toys, binkys and sippy cups to.

http://www.toughtraveller.com/

[vipahman]

Here is a pic of what I’m talking about: http://tinyurl.com/yoqppj (http://tinyurl.com/yoqppj)
I hiked up Mt Washington with my 25 lbs kid in it. All the way to the summit.

[nutlub]

Sirbingo,

Did you ever get on of these "contraptions"?

I'm in the market for one myself.

:)

[Toolshed]

Two Kelty Kids Carriers. The first one in 2000 for our firstborn. I cannot say enough good things about the Kelty models. I sold it in 2003 after probably close to 250-300 miles on it and still got just over $100 (I bought it cheaply when I worked at EMS). I just got another from REI, using my divs and 20% off, for our upcoming newborn and I really like their new models. Some nice added features.
Kelty is comfortable and easy to use. Don't chintz yourself (and your baby) out on a few bucks and get some crappy model that you'll find uncomfortable and decide not to use.:)

[ozt42]

I believe there was a recall on one of the Kealty models sold by ll bean. There were notices up in the retail store for quite a while. You may want to check model numbers...

[sirbingo]

Yeah I know about that recall. I almost bought a Kelty on e-bay until I realized it was one of the recall models.

:eek:

[greentick]

We have a couple that were on clearance. I think we got one from campmor and when our second baby was on the way got one from REI. Have the rain/sun shields and mosquito nets too.

My oldest baby is now 3 and weighs about 35-40lbs. The weight is definately more on the shoulders now. Time for that girl to walk! I started her in it when she was about 6 mos old. She is the one in the pic.

25lbs and under - easy carry. Weight stays on your hips.

We have used them at a few state parks here in GA. In Alaska, Colorado, NY and FL hiking. They fit in airline overhead compartments when folded up.

[Toolshed]

Yeah I know about that recall. I almost bought a Kelty on e-bay until I realized it was one of the recall models.

:eek:
How did you know it was a Recall model? I couldn't tell the difference between a '99 model and a 2000 model.....