I bought this pack for my daughter. I have had some time to evaluate its performance, the pack carries my granddaughter, who is 1.5 years old and of normal size and weight. The carrier has a number of serious flaws:1. The parent’s shoulder pads are grossly undersized for the weight advertised – they are far too small to acceptably distribute weight and way too ‘mushy’ to safely be used to pick up the pack with the child. Look at any overnight hiking backpack, which is rated for similar weight – the straps are far more substantial and stiff.2. The child’s shoulder straps allow for minimal adjustment and are impossible to secure if the child is wearing a winter coat.3. The worse part of this pack is the frame. There are two supports running down each side of the pack “secured’ by clamps on a vertical support at the bottom of the pack. These easily pop out of the clamps and stick into your back. The clamps cannot be tightened enough to be re-secured. On my last visit to my daughter, I put the vertical shafts through these clamps and secured them on the other side with hose clamps. The frame has stayed together since.The overall design of this pack was visually ‘clean’ however, the pack is so poorly engineered, it should be recalled. I expected far more from Kelty, who has been building packs for decades. They clearly did not apply their knowledge of carrying heavy loads to this pack – this thing was engineered by sock-monkeys. Read more

I know it’s pricey, but seeing how much our daughter loves it, made it worth it. She was literally kicking and laughing from happiness when she got on it. Slept for the last hour of our 3 hour hike and it wasn’t bad at all from a parent perspective. Took a few breaks given that you’re carrying over 25lbs on you, but overall very happy with this backpack. Read more

I haven't tried the other child carriers, but I have a nice Osprey and a nice Thule hiking bag, the kind with the internal frame and all the little features they have these days. I also have my old Army ALICE pack, which is honestly not terrible, but isn't comparable to these things.This Kelty is my first experience with the company. The bag is solid, looks awesome, the blue looks like faded denim rather than a flat color. The most important thing about enjoying this is to read the short manual and get it open and ready before using. If you place the shoulder straps out of the bag, have the height set, put the baby or toddler in, then latch and tighten it up, it is very easy, the child is safe and comfortable. But if you don't do that, it is too confusing to figure out on the fly with a child in the way.The weight is supported well, but not perfectly. My child hangs out the bag moving around, and it's just not the tight center that a well packed bag would have. My shoulders feel fine, my hips too, thanks to the really nice belt and shoulder straps. They are really good.There's not a ton of storage. This isn't that kind of bag. It's not even as much as my diaper bag has. But there's enough for a couple diapers, water, snacks, and a place for dirty diapers or something else. Also space for a water bag, stretchy slots for its straw, stretchy side for a thermos or water bottle. There are also feet straps. My daughter seems to like taking her feet out and playing with them with her hands. I don't really care.My daughter adores this thing. She is all smiles, singing the whole time. The only real trouble is picking the bag up with her in it, and it's not bad at all depending on your upper body strength. The kickstand is easily closed if you have long arms (I am six feet tall) but if you don't you can't reach it. To be honest, I don't think you necessarily have to close it.I get jealous looks at the park hiking around while other parents have strollers. I just seem to be having a great time. My daughter is only a couple inches over my head, but she can see enough and I don't have to worry at all about hitting her head.It's not hard to see your baby wearing this. She doesn't have any marks or really tiredness from the walks. My longest hike is six miles and it's a great workout. Read more

Yep. Another one of those "haven't used it yet, but it's great" posts. But I just wanted to let y'all know that the Deuter Kc deluxe rain cover fits this pack pretty well. I had to add some strings and clips to secure it but the fit is almost like it was make for this pack. That's good because Kelty seems to not think we should hike with kids if there's any chance of rain in the forecast.Will update later when my baby is old enough to keep her head up and I get some real use out of it. Read more

This is the most supportive, most customizable, most comfortable, and most well-built outdoor child carrier I've ever bought.I cannot say enough great things about it! It is sturdy, solid, and for all the features it's packed with - lightweight!Ultimately, however, it is SUPERIOR in child comfort. Our 3 year old is always extremely comfortable, and safely restrained in the harness. I never have to worry about whether he's trying to climb out, if he's falling forward, or if his legs still have circulation.WORTH EVERY PENNY.- A avid hiker, and penny pincher. Read more

Excelente me gusto mucho la mochila👌🏾 Read more

Great for bringing your child out Read more