Baby Backpack Carrier

We shopped around and found that the best models were the most cumbersome, the cheaper ones had a very ordinary harness and were made from pretty weak fabric.

We got the Deuter Kid Comfort 3, it's not easy to store, but it's got a great harness, heaps of features, comfy for dad to carry and bub to be carried in.

I guess it will come down to your priorities, as a hiker, I couldn't bring myself to carry the cheaper, more compact, versions.

I agree with the above reply, if you want quality you will have to compromise on compactness. I can recommend carriers made by Mac Pac (New Zealand company) - the "Possum" model from memory - they are very sturdy, have lots of features and have very good re-sale value.

Cheers,
Jezza

Agree also with previous posts. We have a Tatonka with a full frame. I've cross country skied with it. The difference with the small packs is that you have much greater stablity, especially when the child goes to sleep and just flops around. They also have things like canopies from the sun & pouches for keeping bits in.

Our boys are 5 & 8 now and the pack's just sitting there waiting for me to put it in the trading post - if you're in Melbourne you're welcome to try it out.

Adrian

Hi

Travelled around Oz for 4months with an 18month old and used a backpack to carry the young fella and did not take a stroller. Was a great idea.

My suggestion is to get one that can free-stand on the ground. Frequently he would fall asleep and you could take himoff your back and sit the backpack on the ground and he would sleep on. You could also leave him in there and use it as a makeshift highchair for feeding lunch etc.

Ours is similar to the blue and yellow on that Kathmandu sells, but bought elsewhere for much less. Came with the sunshade, pouches, change mat etc.

Second all of the above comments, buy one made by a good quality backpack company, they will know what is best to stick on your back.
We carted three kids with ours over 7 or 8 years, can't remember the brand but it could freestand, had a head rest, pockets to put crap in, was very comfortable(they all slept well) and I could carry them for long periods without discomfort (except for the dead weight!).
The old story, you pay for what you get, if someone has one try it before buying.

Ditto

I did the research a year ago and found you need to spend the money. We picked up a second hand MacPac from ebay for around $100. Best purchase ever for hiking. Yes it is bulky, but very lightweight. I just throw it on top of everything after the car is packed.

Macpac Possum is the go. Ive just remembered Ive got one for sale. It comes with the full weather protection as well, a bargain.
Dean