Backpack carriers....which one?????

[**Helen**]

Hi guys, just wanting some opinions on what brand backpack carrier I should buy. We are planning on doing quite a bit of bush walking this summer and I am desperately wanting to get a backpack carrier to carry Eithan in. It will be primarily worn by DH but I would like to be able to wear it with ease aswell.

We had noticed the Kathmandu one on sale in their catalogue, but we will not be buying that one yet as finances are pretty stretched.

Just wondering what kind of ones you guys use and if you found them good or wished you had brought a different one and around what kind of price you paid for it.

All help and opinions would be much appreciated.

Love

[Muppity]

We bought a Kathmandu one for SiL and she loves it. She doesn't use it much anymore because her little man is too heavy to lift into it by herself but is fine once in if someone else can lift him (if that makes sense).

She did go and buy the sun shade later and said that that was money well spent as they go on beach walks so there is a lot of sun exposure.

They are on sale regularly so don't worry about rushing out to grab one - sure to be on sale again before summer. In every sale they are 50% off so about $150 from memory. I always notice because I must be the only sucker in the world that paid full price for it!

I have seen similar ones at Paddy Pallin and other outdoor adventure stores. They seem to be a bit more for the serious backpacker but probably worth looking at to compare features. PP has at least three different types and I am pretty sure that they are in about the 300-450 price range but also often on sale.

HTH

[~kaos~]

The Ergo all the way. Very comfortable. Gets used constantly here at home and out and about. Because it is an unstructured carrier (no metal frame) it is also very portable. I think that ultimately you'd get more use out of an unstructured carrier than one with a frame. It is so worth the money about $150

[ms_fluffy]

Hi Kaos
Just wondering what age range the Ergo is suitable for? My daughter is nearly 18 months.

Thanks so much!

[**Helen**]

Thanks guys,

TaffyLou-It's good to know that they keep going on sale, poor you though at the constant reminders.

Kaos-Thanks, but I am looking at a more structured one, so that I can have the sunshade etc.

Kepp all ideas coming. I like the idea that they come with mirrors to look at the child, also most have a small bag attatched with changemat etc. I have read of one with stirrups to put the childs feet into, not sure what to think of that, whether it would encourage child to try to stand up or not.

Love

[Muppity]

Oh Helen - I know - I can't open Kathmandu catalogues without getting mad at myself. 50% off every time without fail Grrrrrr!

[~kaos~]

Hi Kaos
Just wondering what age range the Ergo is suitable for? My daughter is nearly 18 months.

Thanks so much!

From newborn (with a newborn insert or blanket inside) till you can't carry them anymore.

I use it on occasion for my DS who will be 3 in Oct. We carried him regularly in it until after he was two.

I definitely think it would be fine for an 18mth old. The places we liked to use it most was where ever prams weren't easily used, like the markets, walking, trips overseas etc.

[ms_fluffy]

From newborn (with a newborn insert or blanket inside) till you can't carry them anymore.

I use it on occasion for my DS who will be 3 in Oct. We carried him regularly in it until after he was two.

I definitely think it would be fine for an 18mth old. The places we liked to use it most was where ever prams weren't easily used, like the markets, walking, trips overseas etc.

e


Thanks SO much, Kaos... I'm going to go try it out again. Nadia hated it when we tried her in it when she was about 10 mths but I'm hoping she'lkl like it more now. Did it take a while for your son to get used to it, or did he love it straight off? Ta!

[~kaos~]

My son always loved the Ergo, but DD didn't. I tired her in from about 5 months onwards and she hated it until she was about 11 mths old. And I tried all the time (the Ergo is my saviour when I need to get things done).

Maybe tell you DD that it is like a piggy back, except it'll go much longer with the help of the Ergo

[Smoke Jaguar]

I'd second the Ergo suggestion! As for sun, they can wear a hat with a neck flap and a brim to shade the eyes, as that is what we do in summer. When he falls asleep, we just use the hood to keep his head still and shaded Absolute godsend. And DS is 14 months old...we're so not finished with the Ergo!

[meow]

For older children, Patapum has a toddler backpack. it's like the ergo but has a longer back support for taller children.

You don't get any other carry space in an ergo or patapum though so having a little bit of a day pack included like in the structured packs might suit you if you go on long walks.

[**Helen**]

Thanks Ren, yeah we will be going on long walks, so I am thinking a structured pack would suit us better.

Love

[Smoke Jaguar]

a ver cool accessory to the ergo is the clip on bag solves that one!