I am looking into buying a used hiking backpack to carry my 1 year old... I remember my baby brother being toted around in one when we were kids, and it seemed like a godsend at the time. I know my son won't be able to 'hike' like the older kids, and we camp often. I'm just wondering if this is a necessity (in the event we can't bring the jogging stroller on the trails) or if I should save my money.
now i want to go and drag out the photo albums and look at all the pics of my babies in their hiking backpacks!
definitely get it.
:) khairete
S.
I got ours off freecycle, but I've seen some combo packs that go to 40 lbs and have a removable bag that I might get for our vacation. They are GREAT, in my opinion, for times when the stroller isn't as good an option. Like at the fair, or hiking or just anywhere it might be better to put the kid up and walk. I like the ones that can stand on their own and have a light frame. We also camp and my daughter has ridden in the backpack carrier since she outgrew the front pack. I think it would be a good investment. Downside, of course, is the weight after a while. :)
We love our Kelty. It has places to store goodies, and my son was always comfortable in it. Our son used his up until he was 2.5 because we would go to places not necessarily kid friendly (Yellowstone, Tetons, etc.). It is heavy to carry your child around, but when you adjust the straps properly and allow your body to get used to it, it isn't too bad. We plan on using it with number 2 as well!
Do it! I took my jogger on a few hikes/camping vacas and it was virutally useless for the trails bends, curves, climbs, etc.
Also having use of your hands for balance and an unobstructed view of trail are just good in terms of safety and your comfort level.
One thing to be sure to do (which you probably know, but I leanred the hard way) sunscreen up that kiddo and insist they wear a hat. It gets hot up there! LOL!
We have a two Kelty backpacks, one about 15 yrs old and the other maybe 3 yrs old that were both handed down to us. I don't remember the exact types. We love them!! My husband is much more comfortable wearing it then I am (I have a short torso so I prefer the soft structured carriers like an Ergo) but both of us have been able to hike decent distances with them on. We always take a hiking pack when flying as it is much easier to maneuver through the airport than a stroller and it leaves our hands free for the other children and/or our luggage. We carry both our 3 yr old and 1 yr old in them without a problem (though both are under 30 lbs). I'd ask around and see if anyone has one you can borrow first to try it out and then buy one on Craigslist. It seems like you can get them pretty cheap. We love being able to still be outside with our little ones and go longer distances. Enjoy!
We used to have one. I used it ALL the time and the kids loved it. A lot of times they would fall asleep in it. I can't recommend one now because it's been awhile -- but the main thing to check is the frame. It should be light, but the frame should be well designed so you can lean up against, say a picnic table and put the backpack down and slide your arms out of it without it falling over with baby inside. I would recommend them with the caveat that you really check them out before you buy them for stability, weight and comfort. Have fun!
We have a Deuter backpack and it is great. DS feels way more comfortable in it than in his old Kelty one. There is an actual seat like thing and his legs seem to be situated better. We took him all over Glacier Natl Park in it last summer (when he was 3) and there was still room to grow.
I would suggest getting an ergo baby. Though it offers very little storage, it is so much more comfortable than the hiking backpacks that I have worn - especially after a few miles.
