Kid Carriers

You can’t take the buggy everywhere - the kid carrier, you can!

Well, almost. Of course safety of your child and his patience needs to be considered too. If the terrain is very steep and difficult, you could fall and that can be quite difficult to balance out for both the kid and you. But of course, a kid carrier is way easier to go up the mountain with than an outdoor buggy is.

©Kid carrier by Deuter

The kid carrier should not only make the kid’s life easier – but also the parent’s

There are some specifics to consider as a parent or as the carrier of this backpack. Of course, it needs to carry the child properly, but at the same time not be a large burden for the carrier. Just like with regular hiking or trekking backpacks, it is important for the backpack to fit well and stable on your back. It needs proper hip and chest straps for support (best if these also have small compartments), a good cushioning in these for comfort and an adjustable carrier system. Because very often, these packs are not just carried by one person, instead you change in-between. And to make sure that the backpack fits you all, it needs to be adapted to each carrier’s back.

What is also relevant, is the weight. And this depends (partly) on the volume, just like with any other backpack. The more volume you have for other necessities such as clothing, gear and equipment, the more the backpack will weigh.

And the kid carrier needs to ventilate your back as well as possible. Because when hiking and trekking in summer, you will get quite warm, especially underneath the backpack. Different systems are therefore used in the packs to ventilate your back. Of course, for this to actually make sense and work, you also need some proper outdoor apparel!

By the way, it is also handy to have a pack that is compatible with hydration systems. That way, you can easily integrate your water bag and do not have to keep digging for your water bottle.

Of course, the kid carrier also needs to fit your kid

Again, there are different aspects to consider. First of all, the adjustability. Because children do grow quite fast and to match this, you need to be able to change the height of the seating position. Also, you need straps inside to secure the child and chin cushion as well as regular cushioning inside to keep it comfortable. Most importantly, the head needs to be stable! If the child falls asleep, it should not fall to the side!

And if for once, the weather is not as nice as expected, or it very sunny, you need a sun roof and a rain cover. These can be bought separately.

Last but not least, make sure the kid carrier has a good and stable foot that holds it on the floor while the child is put in or out of the carrier.

Read more regarding kids carriers

• Kid carriers: All you need to know
• Backpack Guide: How to pack the right way
• Hike with the Right: Essentials you need for your next Hike and Trekking Tour