Backpack Carriers

Backpack carriers are most comfortable for hiking trips

Backpack carriers allow a baby to sit forward and up high on the parent's back. However, these carriers, designed with an excursion in mind, are only suitable for older babies. Infants must be able to support his/her head independently. We didn't find as many reviews for this type of baby carrier, probably because they are more of a niche product. It's harder to get your child in and out of a backpack carrier, so they are best suited for longer jaunts.

Sherpani, a luggage company, has been lauded by "Baby Bargains" and 3Luxe.com for its Rumba backpack (*Est. $200). The Rumba has a high weight limit of 70 pounds, more than most backpack carriers (whether you really want to carry a 70-pound child on your back is another question). It has a padded chest plate and bucket seat to hold a baby upright comfortably, and foot stirrups for proper leg circulation. This carrier will fit caregivers with a torso length between 16 and 22 inches, and the waist belt adjusts from 29 to 42 inches. The Rumba also comes in a Superlight version (*Est. $160), which has slightly less storage space but weighs about four pounds, compared to 7.5 pounds in the original. The Superlight version is only capable of holding a maximum weight of 55 pounds, however.

The site 3Luxe.com commends the Rumba for its unique ability to adjust the suspension system without having to remove the backpack first. The carrier also comes with a removable pack that can be used as a diaper bag, as well as sun shade/rain cover and five-point safety harness. There are only a few consumer reviews available for the Rumba on ChildCarriers.com and Epinions.com. These are mostly positive, although a few note that the Rumba didn't fit them very well. One reviewer at Epinions.com criticizes the adjustable suspension system, saying that it loosened from the weight of the baby.

Kelty makes a large number of backpack carriers. There are three Kelty Frame carriers (*Est. $130 to $200), all lightweight frame-style carriers that come with different accessories. Three Transit Child Carriers (*Est. $70 to $170) are quite different. These resemble a soft carrier paired with a traditional backpack. We haven't seen too many reviews for these new Kelty carriers. Parents do like the amount of storage included in the more expensive Frame Carriers, and the fact that they're capable of holding up to 50 pounds. Many parents have used them successfully with both toddlers and younger babies. Storage space is also a plus of the Transit Carriers, although they can only be used up to 40 pounds for the two more expensive versions; 30 pounds for the cheaper version.. Most parents say the Kelty line is easy to use and adjust, and they all have a five-point harness.

The Kelty Convertible (*Est. $225) converts from a stroller to a backpack and weighs 9.5 pounds. Parents posting reviews on ChildCarriers.com are impressed with its versatility. ChildCarriers.com says the latest design of the Kelty Convertible has been modified to include a partition between the leg rest and the storage basket, preventing a child from getting his feet into the basket and pressing down on the wheels during use as a stroller. Overall reviews are positive, with some parents saying that they use this carrier daily.

We found one professional commendation for the Tough Traveler Kid Carrier (*Est. $175) as durable, dependable and lightweight. It is equipped with a five-point harness, high-padded sides and a high-back seat for baby. It supports up to 50 pounds and has plenty of storage, including an under-seat area, convenient for a diaper bag. A sun and rain hood (*Est. $45) is available separately. The Kid Carrier is easily adjustable for the parent, and according to Epinions.com reviews, it's extremely comfortable. The big issue we found with this model -- despite some significant praise -- is that it's hard to find other than through the manufacturers' website.