Child Carriers

My friend love thier Ergos and if I have another child I would look into it; however, if you are doing serious hiking though I recommend something with a frame. It is sturdier and better for both of you for long hikes. We have the REI carrier which we like. It is less expensive then the other frame carriers and has room for a hydration pouch. It sits a little different than a backpack. I highly recommend going to a store and trying them on with your child in them.

We used an Evenflo Trailtech with both of our kids and it was great and not terribly expensive either. I just sold ours on craigslist for $20 (and it was in great condition). You might want to check there for one. Many people buy them and then don't use them as often as intended.

I'll third the Ergo raves. I just love mine and our 2 year old is quite happy in it as well.

ERGO! No question! It holds kids up to 35 pounds (probably more than you'll ever want to carry), plus they SLEEP so well on your back! And it folds up VERY small, unlike the big "hiking gear" ones, so it's easy to throw in the diaper bag or car, or even a large purse.

My kids slept so well in them, it got to the point where I ALWAYS went to the bathroom just before putting them in the Ergo carrier, or I would end up having to wake them up so that I could use the bathroom.

They have to be old enough to hold their heads up, so at least 5 months old. And you can carry them on your back or front. The back is easiest, because it allows you to do more, and on the front they have to be facing in, never out. But that's not really an inconvenience, 'cause when they face foward like the Bjorn carrier, sooner or later you're gonna get kicked! (Although that's a LOT more painful for dads.)

It may take some practice getting them in it when you're alone - it's kind of awkward - but it's totally worth it because it's very comfortable.

(Although I should second the person who said for SERIOUS hiking, get something with a frame. Ergo is more all-purpose, good for long days at the zoo, festivals, shopping, stuff like that.)

We have an Ergo. And also a Kelty backpack which is on an aluminum frame.

I love my Ergo too, and I've tried lots of carriers. The Ergo actually holds up to something like 60 or more pounds. And they sell an infant insert so you can use it facing forward for infants. I thought it was a little bulky and hot for the newborn stage- I liked slings much better then but the Ergo is wonderful for a little older baby. I can wear my heavy toddlers around in it for hours comfortably. In my experience, I would choose the Ergo for heavy/long hiking over a frame pack anytime. I could hike all day with the Ergo, but not so with a frame backpacks we used. We love our Ergo!!!

I have a Kelty backpack that I don't care for much- it's not super comfortable.

I have an Ergo carrier (www.ergobaby.com) that is super comfortable. It can be used on front or back and is very comfortable for the child as well. My kids have spent many hours sleeping and riding in it very happily. Although they are expensive they last a long time (I am on my third baby) and are a LOT more comfortable that something like a baby bjorn or a typical baby backpack.