Baby Slings, Carriers, & Wraps
April 2004
Re: Carrier for Europe trek with 22-pound baby
Get a Deuter. Not as expensive as the Kelty but don't let that
fool you - it's way better! I got the Deuter Kid Comfort 2
because i do a lot of hiking in the hills and it has good baby
support and good back support. Plus, the baby sits really close
to you, which is good for not throwing off your balance. the
hip belt is the best I've seen. The Deuter Kid Comfort 3 is a
bit burlier, and may be something to think about because it has
so much storage built into it. The only place I've seen them is
at Rockridge Kids, so go check them out! It's not non-bulky,
but if you're looking for something you can wear for extended
periods of time (and it sounds like you are), I promise you
that this is the pack you're looking for.
Jen
Hi there!
My son is also 11 months and 22 pounds and I JUST went through
this same issue and would be happy to share what I found out
and did about it.
The bjorn became useless (as you know!) about 5 pounds ago. I
explored both options, a hip carrier and a backpack and ended
up buying one of each (both used to save some money!)
For a backpack we purchased the Snugli Cross Country (see
following link)
http://snugli.com/pr/fc/prfc_crosscty.phtml
I found it at Rockridge Kids for approx. $80 and online from
Wal-Mart for approx. $65 but ended up purchasing an almost new
one on ebay for only $45, including shipping. (side note:
I've found ebay to be a WONDERFUL resource for baby gear,
especially if you're patient enough to wait for the right
deal). I am 5'4'' and my husband is 6'1''. Although the
specifications state that it will fit adults as small as 5', I
do not find the backpack to be the *perfect* fit for me. I can
use it but the lower lumbar support does not hit me in the
right place on my lower back so I think I would find it
uncomfortable for a longer walk. It hits a little low, but
maybe once I get to know the backpack better I can make an
appropriate adjustment. When we're on a ''backpack'' activity, I
just let my husband carry the baby. The great thing about the
backpack is the kickstand. It makes a great highchair in a
jiffy which may be something to think about for a trek through
Europe. It also has a big storage area underneath to keep some
spare diapers, etc. But I wouldn't load it up too much because
it will just add extra weight to the pack.
I also purchased a hip hammock (used through the newsletter for
half the price of a new one) which I keep in the car for quick
trips into the grocery store, etc. I used it at a 2 hour trip
to the zoo once and wasn't even a little tired afterward. No
sore neck, no aching back. The *key* to getting it comfortable
is the waist adjustment. Make sure it's tight enough around
your waist. Once I figured that out, we were set! The benefit
of the hip hammock is that it rolls right up and you can easily
throw it in the diaper bag. They say it can carry kids up to
age 4. After using it now, I think that as long as a child can
still be carried on your hip, it will work. See their website
for further info. www.hiphammock.com
Both carriers (and other brands) are sold at Rockridge Kids.
If I could have afforded to purchase both of them new, I would
have given them my business because I love to support small,
local businesses as much as I can. I cannot say enough good
things about the staff in that store. I would suggest going
there and talking with the staff about the carriers and trying
them both on with your baby. (and not just for carriers, but
for everything!)
We've been using the backpack and the hip hammock for about a
month now and completely happy and satisfied with both
systems. We don't find the backpack too bulky or awkward in
public spaces and the hip hammock is surprisingly useful and
comfortable. I would be hard-pressed to pick one over the
other but considering a trek through Europe and if I could only
pick one or the other I would probably pick the backpack, if
for nothing else because it would probably be more comfortable
for my son for longer periods of time. (although I'd probably
sneak the hip hammock into the storage space...)
Hope that helps. Happy baby-carrying!
Tiffany
We used the Tough Traveller Stallion extensively for both our
children. I tried on all the packs at REI and it was the most
comfortable hip belt and straps to fit both my husband (6') and
me (5'6''). Plus it has a detachable daypack in addition to the
attached zipper compartment, and a detachable sun/rain canopy.
We used it around town and for fairly serious hikes. There are
alot of straps so take time adjusting it the first time or ask a
salesperson to help you. Also, attaching a few toys to the top
was very effective as entertainment.
kathryn
While a frame backpack, like a Kelty, may work better for, well,
hiking, it's not the best choice for walks-about-town, use on
trains and in hotels or homes, etc. For that a soft carrier is
usually a lot more comfortable and less awkward. I suggest
looking at an Ergo, which can be used on your back or on your
front, beginning as soon as baby can sit up and up to 60
pounds! If you and your baby are used to the Bjorn, this will
probably be an easy transition. (You can buy an Ergo in various
places; one source is www.peppermint.com)
If you do plan a lot of long hikes, it's worth taking a look at
the frame packs, since they may offer features like sun
protection for baby and extra pack space for diapers and other
stuff, but getting a good fit is crucial. And if more than one
adult (like, both mom and dad) will be wearing it, it has to be
adjustable to fit both well. So shop carefully; try-ons are
really necessary to know what will work best for you.
Have fun!
Holly
I'd like to second all the recommendations for the Ergo baby
carrier. We originally bought a Kelty backpack. Although it's
comfortable, we found it to be way too bulky. It's so bulky we
never want to use it/can't fit it in the car. Our other big
problem with the Kelty was that our daughter (now 9mo) couldn't
fall asleep in it for more than 10minutes. I've seen lots of
other babies sacked out in their's but she just couldn't get
comfortable. In the Ergo she sleeps with no problem which is
huge on long hikes. The only downsides of the ergo. 1. it
can be a little awkward to get the baby in by yourself (my
husband won't do it, I have no problem) and 2. the baby can
get a bit warm/sweaty from being so close.
Noreen
Oct. 2003
I would like to get a baby backpack now that my daughter is
getting too heavy to wear in the Bjorn for extended periods of
time. I've read the previous recommendations but was wondering
if anyone has had any experience with the REI brand of child
carriers. Thanks!
shari
I found that every back pack feels/fits differently and so it is a good idea to try
them on to see which one works best for you. Rockridge Kids has a few
different kinds as well as do other stores in the area. I would try them all on
until I
found one that fits [you].
anon
After doing a fair amount of research, we ended up buying one
from LL Bean. It never worked for me. It was too heavy. They
ALL were too heavy. And I had great difficulty lifting the pack
and my child onto my back. I never felt safe doing it alone-
could not get the right angle from the ground up; too scary to
leave it loaded on any elevated surface. I do have friends that
had success with KELTY. If my memory serves me correctly, you
can try/buy at REI.
Leslie
Try it on with as heavy a baby as you can borrow (have a friend
with a few months older and heavier baby come along) and then
also with your own baby; get a salesperson who can show you all
the correct adjustments. I think the quality and features are as
good as any of the high-end backpacks, you just have to find the
one that fits your body the best. The rei and kelty ones 5 years
ago (different models now) didn't fit me at all, I am 5'3 and
even though they were rated for 5'1-6'0 tall parents, the Madden
and Tough Traveler were the ones that felt comfortable on my
back with a 15-20+ lb. baby in them and the REI felt like it was
really for 5'6 and up.
Chris Z.
We ended up getting a Deuter back pack instead. We found it to
be much better than the REI brand or the Kelter brand that REI
sells. It's constructed better, easier to use, seems much more
comfortable for the child and safer, and can be adjusted
significantly when one parent is taller than the other. (My
husband is 8'' taller than I am and the Deuter back pack is easy
for us to switch back and forth between us when on hikes.) My
husband also has a bad back (herniated disc) and is able to
wear this backpack without a problem - the weight distribution
is amazing -- you don't carry any weight on your shoulders!
Apparently it holds the child closer to you than any other one,
which also helps. It also has a nice size carrying pouch right
below where the child sits, so the weight of what's in there is
held close as well.
We got ours at Rockridge Kids, where they were much more
knowledgeable and helpful than anyone we spoke with at REI.
anon
June 2003
I'd like some updated information on baby carrying backpacks. My
husband and I would like to buy a backpack for doing ''real''
(overnight) backpacking with our daughter-she's a strong 4 months
now so will be perfect this summer. We went to Marin Outdoors
and were fitted for the new Kelty Summit which is second from the
top of their line. It felt like a real backpack-padded and
weighted right and our daughter looked really supported in her
compartment. We have heard good things about Maddens and tried
one at Rockridge Kids and just aren't sure. It's half the weight
but we had trouble adjusting it to my husband who is a little
over 6 ft, and the baby just didn't seem as supported for days of
hiking. Part of the problem was that we couldn't find anyone
really knowledgeable to help us fit it (we were definitely more
qualified than anyone there) and we can't find them around
anywhere else, despite Madden's website claims. Does anyone have
any experience with these? We are well aware that when
backpacking, little differences make BIG differences after awhile
so we are willing to spend money for comfort. Can anyone comment
on the newer Kelty's which seem to be a lot nicer and more
comfortable than older models? Another issue is that we'd like
Mom (me) to be able to take some gear in addition to the baby so
want one we can load a little.
I suppose next month we will be having to make decisions about
dayhiking packs.
Patty
I don't know about packs for real camping, but for daypacks
we MUCH preferred the REI brand -- we tried lots, borrowed
a Kelty for weeks (hit me in the low back wrong -- too long
for me), then went to REI and bought a pack that we've been
happy with for a full year now - it's superb. It was their top of
the line carrier pack for day trips -- has a pouch in back and
side pockets and a mirror so you can see what your little
one is doing.
Ioana
Hi,
YOu mentioned the Madden pack. I have one of these, although not
one that is hefty enough for long trips. I absolutely love it.
I would recommend that you talk to Christian at Rockridge Kids.
He was wonderful and helped fit me!
Good luck,
Michelle
We have a Madden backpack that we purchased about 4
years ago at Marmot Mountain Works. We love that it fits my
husband 6'6'' and myself 5'7''. They were good with fitting it.
At the time there were two models. The higher one
definately outfitted for backpacking. Good luck.
Amy
Hi -- We also do a lot of outdoor backpacking and we bought a
Deuter backpack (at Rockridge kids.) It's very comfortable, and
has an attached sun/rain fly under a hidden zippered pocket and
you can buy a full rain fly separately. It also has a large
pocket in the lower frame that can hold a lot of stuff (sleeping
bags, etc) in addition to the regular backpack pockets on the
back of the pack.. I did a bunch of research and found the
Kelty's to be pretty uncomfortable to carry over long
distances. They hold the weight in a way that makes you feel
like you're tipping over backwards. And the Madden's are good,
but I have heard they kickstand part is really tippy. Maddens
are also heavier and cost more than the Deuters. I found
reviews of all the packs online and the Deuters were recommended
for off trail hiking and scrambling -- the baby is really safe
and comfortable.
- Candace
We have Kelty summit 2002 model and we are very pleased with it
because it has adjustments everywhere so we can custom fit it
to our baby as he grows and also to me and my husband. We
started using it since our son was 4 months old and he has been
very happy in it. Also, the sun/rain/wind shade is a must
because it also protects him from tree branchs on the trails.
We also purchased their diapar bag which fits under the baby so
I can carry some stuff other than the baby. The only thing is
the weight of the pack. I also tried Kelty Meadow but we didn't
like it because the child sits way far from your body and
weight of the baby seemed to pull you toward the back.
I don't have any experience with the other brand you are
interested. But if you have more questions on Kelty backpacks,
please feel free to send us an email.
jayjay
We have a Kelty Summit. We didn't do much research before buying
it, because it was partly a gift. We did, however, trade up from
the Kelty Backcountry. I love the backpack, and I'd recommend
this one over all the other Kelty's if that's what you decide,
and I bought it partly with the idea that we'd take our daughter
backpacking. However, I am appalled that neither Kelty nor the
other manufacturers seemed to put much thought into some basic
things. For example, my daughter falls asleep almost every single
time she's in it (and if your child will be 4 months when you go,
I can almost guarantee it will happen to you as well). There is
NO head support, and virtually no way to provide it. I had a
little baby neck pillow, and put it at the back of her head, but
her head just flopped forward onto the rigid, not soft, and not
easily cleanable front bar. It's a little uncomfortable to just
put towels or blankets underneath, because it's difficult to see
if she can breathe. I bought a second baby neck pillow and put it
in the front, only to have it fall out sometime on the 1-hr hike
I took. Now I have a firmer, wedge of foam that is tucked into
the front bar, and it works reasonably well and can be washed.
But this would be a really easy addition for Kelty to add, so I
don't know why it doesn't already exist. The summit overall is a
very comfortable and easy to use backpack. The kickstand thing is
great, so you have the backpack standing while you're trying to
get the baby secured, then you can pick up the pack relatively
easily to put it on your back. The pack adjusts really easily,
and though it is more expensive than the others, it holds more
weight, and it is more comfortable--and not just because of the
easy adjustment. Plus, it comes with the rain/sun hood, a zip-off
backpack, and a duffle bag that clips underneath. Still, the
storage is really an afterthought (also appalling, coming from
Kelty). You'd need to secure the duffle bag better in order to
really pack any gear in there and not throw off your balance. But
I don't know if other packs are any better. The rain/sun hood is
a little annoying in that you have to unhook velcro straps
through a loop just to get the baby out--and you probably won't
really take it off, since the baby doesn't really need to be in
the sun. Plus, I find it just a little annoying that the baby can
only really see clearly (not through plastic or mesh) out the
sides. And you can't really see her either (I carry a
lightweight mirror, which I'd strongly recommend). Again, I don't
know if other packs are better-but I did see a Yakima backpack
where the rain/sun hood is 90 degrees rotated, so they can't
really see out the sides, but they can see out in front. I don't
know if that's better or not. Also, you may eventually want some
of the accessories: stirrups for their feet ($10 or so at
campmor), or possibly the mosquito netting (which is really
expensive). keep in mind, too, that any rain that isn't falling
straight down can get the baby wet w/o an umbrella overhead or
raingear on the baby.
janet
When you're looking for a baby backpack for hiking, you should
definitely seek the advice of a BACKPACKING expert (not a baby
gear expert).. try REI in berkeley -- they'll know all about how
the pack should fit and all the features. I agree,, at baby
stores, folks don't know much about good backpacks :)
i recommend the kelty -- we use a back country with a diaper
duffel (which can be purchased separately) for even more cargo
room. its great!! i'm really little -- under 5'4'' and 110 Lbs,
but i can still carry my 30LB 2-year-old comfortably in it .. my
legs get tired eventually, but not my back!!
Visit REI, try it on with baby in it, and make sure that some
one knowledegable is fitting you for it so you know its on there
right !!
meg
October 2001
I'm looking for recommendations for an infant/child carrying pack. I've read through the listed recommendations, and see a lot of good words regarding Tough Traveler brand. I didn't see any pros or cons regarding Madden packs (we tried some on at Rockridge Kids). They have internal frames - and the adjustable one is quite expensive. Is it worth it? My husband is 8" taller than I, so it seems necessary that it be adjustable. We will mostly use it for short hikes or shopping, though I still have fantasies of longer hikes out of Tuolumne Meadows (obviously next year). Any advice is appreciated. Thanks.
Jenny
If you're going to be using a backpack a lot, say more than a few times a month, I would absolutely buy the Madden backpack. Maddens are far and away the best made and most comfortable kid-carrying packs. However, you pay for it: the last time I priced them they were some $75 - $100 more than Tough Travelers and Keltys. So you have to decide if you're going to use it enough to warrant the extra expense. I was hiking 2 - 3 times a week with my first child, so I knew that I would get my money's worth out of it. On occasion I pull out my old Tough Traveler and I'm always surprised at
how uncomfortable it is compared with the Madden. Now don't get me wrong - Tough Travelers are excellent packs and to me felt much better than Keltys, so a TT would be my second choice; but I'm sure glad I have my Madden!
Richard
We have the Madden, the pricey one that is adjustable, and really like it.
Though my husband and I are close to the same height, I am very
short-waisted and he is long waisted. After trying on all the choices, it
was the only possible one that we could both wear comfortably. Do try it
with your child in it before you buy. We've used it several times and it's
quite comfortable. It also includes a little backpack and the sunshade. I
think it's worth the price if you plan to get good use out of it. We are
happy with ours!
Kate
I think the usable time for a backpack is about 1 year of a toddler's life. I say that b/c an infant is too small to go into the backpack until they're at least 6 months, but more likely closer to a year. Then by the time they are close to 2 years old, they could walk, or actually run all over. We purchased a Madden backpack and I think it was not necessary, particularly b/c we used the back pack only about 20 times (mostly at Point Isabelle). It's reportedly more supportive, and a better fit for folks 5'6" and under. I think if we were to do it again, I would have gotten a Tough Traveler, b/c it's a better buy. I've myself used the Madden pack only once, and my husband used it the rest of the time, so we could have gone w/ the Tough Traveler after all and saved some bucks.
Susan
Jan 2000
I have a 5 month old daughter and am in the market for a backpack-type
carrier. I hope to get one soon that will last through toddlerhood. I'm
interested in using one for light hiking (three miles or so) and traipsing
around the city, etc. I'd greatly appreciate any suggestions on brands and
qualities to look out for when shopping and comparing one carrier to the
next. Thanks!
Kristi
We have a Kelty Kids carrier that we love. They make 5 or 6 different
models with the Town being the entry model and then it goes up from
there. We have the Trek model (mid range). It retails for $149, but
REI on-line was having a special in December for $99 - you might want to
check it out. We looked at a lot of these packs and the Kelty Kids
packs were really superior in our opinion. I think you can carry a
child up to 40-45 pounds + some equipment. This would be great for day
hikes, around town, even backpacking.
Annie
When my daughter was an infant, I bought a Kelty kid pack, as well as an
additional matching backpack that could be zipped on and off the pack.
The pack itself *looked* like it was engineered well, and it felt okay
when I tried it in the store, with my daughter in it and giggling.
However, after repeated use, I can say that I wouldn't recommend it at
all. It wasn't balance properly, and although it had many, many
adjustments, it never quite seem to fit comfortably -- for either me or my
daughter's dad, and we are quite different in size and shape. It should
have at least worked for *one* of us, neh? But no. Let me add that I am
also a former mountain ranger -- maybe that makes me a qualified judge, or
maybe I'm just too picky. :) At any rate, I kept it and used it because
1)it was expensive and I was stuck with it and 2)it was still much more
convenient than a stroller for some types of outings, both urban and
rural.
The matching backpack, however, RULES and is still what I use today. It
has zippers and pockets in all the right places, and the bottom half of
the bag can be collapsed and zipped in, or expanded to full size. My kid
is almost three, and the pack shows no wear and tear and still fits
everything I could conceivably want to carry with us, including her padded
potty seat, a small soft cooler, a blanket, small toys, and extra clothes.
I never carried a diaper bag, just this wonderful pack.
Sarah
We started out with a cheaper model, the Tough Traveler, but found it quite
uncomfortable.
We then spentsome money on the Kelty, which we've never regretted. Could be
because we're
both tall, or that the Kelty is actually designed like a hiking backpack? I
gave my old
TT to a friend who finds it acceptable but not all that great. One Kelty
complaint: not
enough storage compartments! You have to buy them separately. I believe all
the Kelty
models have the same load-carrying infrastructure, but the higher end ones
offer more
storage, fancy rain canopies and such.
Kathy
The ONLY way to know whether a carrier works for you is to try each one you
can get your hands on. They are VERY different, and each fits differently
on different-sized people. Make sure you're getting help from someone who
knows how to fit them well. I hear the owner of Rockridge Kids is good.
Also, make sure you have the baby (or a heavier baby preferably) on your
back in the carrier for a good amount of time before deciding, or see if you
can buy the carrier and return if it's not comfortable. We bought and
returned two, then ended up using a hand-me-down.
Ed
I have a pack from Tough Traveler which is over 10 years old as its a hand
me down from my brother. This pack has been around the world and been used
by at least 5 kids for everything from trips to the park and store, to real
hikes in Yosemite, etc. Before getting this we bought a much more
expensive Kelty pack at REI and after testing it at home realized that the
hand me down was much better in comfort and function so we saved over $100
and have a much better pack.
I'd recommend the basic version, and you can add accessories, ie sun/rain
hood, additional pouches if necessary. They were available at REI last time
I was there, right next to the higher priced Kelty I returned.
Alexandra
A nice alternative to a frame backpack for children is
a "Baby Trekker". It's all cloth, with straps that go
around your shoulders and waist. We've used it since
our baby was 3 or 4 months old; he's a very tall
32-pound year-and-a-half now, and it's still very
comfortable. Both my husband and I have found it to be
much more comfortable than backpacks we tried. The
baby can face in or out, or your front or back. We
often still carry him on the front, which wouldn't be
feasible in any other carrier we've tried at his size,
and it's also quite comfortable with him on our back,
for long hikes or if we're climbing up rocks on our
walks. It took a little getting-used-to at first
because the straps are long and seem a little
complicated, but pretty quickly it seemed easy to use.
It adapts well to different sized adults; my husband
and I are very different in size. The Baby Trekker
keeps the baby very close to your body, which I've
found throws off my center of gravity less than
backpacks do, which makes carrying the baby a lot less
tiring. And I haven't felt any strain in my back as I
did with backpacks; the weight just seems to be
distributed better. It's made by a small company in
Canada. Their number is 800-665-3957. You can
mail-order it, and return it if it doesn't work for
you. I think it cost about $60.
Jennifer
I have had very good luck with the Tough Traveler pack. I can comfortably
carry my 25-lb daughter for extended periods of time, and the attached
pocket is large enough for pretty much anything you need on an extended
jaunt. My husband (who is 6" taller) finds it equally comfortable, and it
takes only seconds to adjust it from my setting to his or vice versa. (This
is their high-end "Stallion" pack; some of the other models don't have the
same adjustability. The Kelty packs, which I tried at REI, didn't seem
easily adjustable either.) After a year of almost daily use, it shows no
signs of wear. The features that keep me using it even now that my daughter
is getting heavy are 1) she will happily stay in the pack for WAY longer
than she'll put up with a stroller and 2) with an oversized umbrella, it's
jsut the thing for walks in the rain.
But to reiterate what someone else has said: what works for someone else may
not work for you. All babies are not created equal, and just 'cause mine is
happy as a clam in the pack doesn't mean yours will enjoy it as much.
Likewise, a given design may be comfortable for one person but not for
others, and some of us just show more aptitude as pack animals.
From: Laurel (May 1999)
We ended up buying the Tough Traveler, Stallion model. It was 50 % off at
REI; I don't think we would have paid full price ($160!). It is very
comfortable, but the best part is that it is adjustable for different
heights. My husband is 6 feet tall and I'm 5'3", so we needed something that
could accommodate both of us. You might want to keep that in mind when
you're considering backpack models. The only thing I don't like about the
Stallion is that the zipper bag under the baby seat does not come off, so
unless you're a contortionist, things (keys, wallet, etc.) are difficult to
get to. Good luck,
Laurel
From: Kateri (7/98)
re: baby back pack. We have hiked extensively with our kids, and there is
definitely a time when the Baby Bjorn/sling is too painful for a long hike
with a 14 lb'er or so, and the Tough Traveler deluxe backpacks (which we
definitely recommend for ages 8 mos to 4 years!) don't offer enough
support for the child, esp. if they need to sleep. Answer: a good old
Gerry back pack, with a waist band to put weight on your hips. The child
is very well supported, but in close contact to your back, and can rest
his/her head on your shoulders when they sleep.
From: Tahani (Jan 1998)
We were able to buy one of the "good", expensive, heavy-duty
yuppie hiker frame type backpacks -- I can't remember the brand
-- Kelty? -- through a friend of ours for far less than the list
price. Later on I picked up at a resale store one of the much
smaller ones (again, I can't remember the brand -- some very
well-known manufacturer of baby stuff) which was just a seat slung
between a metal frame that folds out when you want to sit the baby
on the floor and in when it's on your back.
Anyway, we used the small cheapo one perhaps 99% of the time. The
main problem with the bigger ones is just that -- their size. You
knock people over when you turn around in stores, and fill up half
the trunk with them. The cheapo ones fold flat. (They're rather
like a very simple camping stool.) I'm sure the big backpack provides
far more support, etc. etc., but it's just not worth it unless you're
hiking for miles and miles.
Funny, I was just earnestly giving my brother this same advice over
Christmas!
From: Nils (Jan 1998)
RE: Baby backpacks, we have a Tough
Traveller "Stallion" w/ added rain/sun
shade (optional, + $30 or so). At over
150.00, not cheap, but well made as any
backpack (it has external frame), light,
and adjusts all over. You MUST adjust it
properly for different size parents! or
risk back problems, but that could be so
with any carrier. I carried our elder boy
until over 2 yrs (30+lbs) in the mountains,
and did fine.
From: David (Jan 1998)
Re: the kids backpack, we just received an aluminum frame Kelty Kids
pack as a holiday gift. It seems excellent, though we haven't used it
yet. Others have said "it's a Cadillac." I know it can be purchased at
REI.
From: Natasha (Jan 1998)
Although Kelty and Gerry have come out with new models since we first
bought our baby backpack several years ago, I believe that the Tough
Traveler brand is the best. Go to REI to have a look at all the options,
and then call around to the consignment shops to see if you can save some
money by buying a used backpack. (Toy World, Lillian's and Darla's have
them occasionally). The Tough Traveler has several models: the Pony,
the Stallion, the Colt, etc. The differences have to do with the amount
of weight they can accommodate, and whether it is possible to clip on
some of the accessories such as a rain/wind hood and additional carrying
pouches. We have one of the larger/accessorized models which we have
used for long hikes, inclement weather,or a heavier child, and we also
have one of the smaller, simpler models for errands around town or short
hikes. By the way, check out my web page for local hikes to take with
babies:
http://home.earthlink.net/~natashab/NMbabyhikes.html
From: Susan
REI on San Pablo has some excellent baby backpacks. Make sure you get a
salesperson to help you fit one properly. I tried several on and gave
up, finding them all much too large--until the salesman showed me all
the rather complicated adjustments. We had had a Tough Traveler
backpack from several years back that my husband used but that was
always uncomfortable for me--it was built for a bigger person. The new
Tough Traveler we got from REI has a key adjustment--the parents' back
length--which is very important if you're short like me. Sorry, I can't
find any model name or number on it, but if you work with the people at
REI and take a good test run around the store with your baby in the pack
I'm sure you'll find a good one. It's been a lifesaver for me--I wear it
around the house a good part of the day and it keeps my ten-month-old
happy. My husband wears it as he does the dishes at night and she falls
asleep in it.
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Last updated: May 20, 2004
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