You have a dilemma. You’re up for some serious hiking or planning a trek across Europe. You also have a 25 pound baby. Hike or stay home with baby? Well, you can do both with a baby backpack! This carrier is like a regular backpack, except that you place baby in a harness within the pack. There are a variety of baby backpacks on the market that are up for your challenge, but look for companies that specialize in outdoor excursions, as they will generally have much more experience in building rugged and comfortable backpacks. Such companies include Kelty, Sherpani, and Deuter.
How can you tell which is right for you? More importantly, what should you look for in a good quality, comfortable pack? Look for the following features:
The frame
If you are planning on a heavy-duty trip, the backpack must have a frame. This allows the pack to be sturdier and thus include more features, such as extra storage for food and diapers, and the ability to clip on accessories such as a sun visor or rain protector.
A hip belt
A good, secure belt transfers the weight of your child off your back and shoulders and to your hips, which can better take the strain.
Head support
Whether it’s the rocking of your walk or simply the extended periods of time in a backpack, your child will fall asleep at some point. Make sure there’s good support for their sleeping head.
Safety Harness
All baby backpacks should come with a safety harness. A 3-point harness consists of two straps that go over a baby’s waist, and a third that comes up between the legs. A 5-point harness includes two straps over the shoulders to connect at the waist buckle.
Adjustments
If you and your spouse both plan on carrying baby, the backpack must fit both of you. Look for a backpack that allows versatile adjustments to fit your torso, back and shoulders comfortably.
Accessories
Some models come with a rain canopy, others do not. If you are going on some serious hiking, a canopy is a must. Even if you don’t buy them now, make sure you can get accessories for your backpack.
So then, how do the brands compare? Based on multiple customer reviews, all have their fans.
Kelty
Pros: Great versatility with adjustments, excellent storage space, designed for long-term travel, excellent padding
Cons: Expensive, many accessories have to be bought separately, bulky
Summary: Kelty’s roots began in the Sierra Club in the 1950’s, inventing the hip belt to minimize shoulder pain. Today they are the company to be measured to, and have won many awards and accolades for their baby backpacks from consumer magazines.
Sherpani
Pros: Constructed specifically for active mothers, lightweight, very comfortable
Cons: Accessories such as the rain shield is awkward to put on
Summary: Sherpani is a Colorado-based company specializing in backpacks specifically for women. The construction is designed for a woman’s back and curves, yet is also versatile enough to be worn by fathers.
Deuter
Pros: Very comfortable, less expensive than Kelty, child sits close to your body (so your balance is better)
Cons: Confusing harness, some basic accessories like a sunshade has to be bought separately
Summary: Deuter is newer to the North American market, but has been in Europe for over a hundred years. Reviewers rave about the comfort of a Deuter compared to other brands.
