Backpack Carriers

Backpack carriers are most comfortable for hiking trips

Backpack carriers allow a baby to sit up high, leaning forward on the parent's back. However, these carriers, designed with outdoor excursions in mind, are only suitable for older babies. An infant must be able to support his or 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. Most backpack carriers have an aluminum frame, and although the straps are adjustable, proper fit is a common complaint. You should try on a backpack carrier if possible before making a purchase.

The biggest drawback to backpack carriers is price, with many models in the $100-plus range. One exception is the Chicco Smart Support Backpack (*Est. $90). The Smart Support Backpack weighs just 6.5 pounds but can accommodate a child up to 40 pounds. It has a three-position, height-adjustable seat and an included weather shield that can be zipped up to protect the baby from rain, sun or wind. The belt straps are adjustable for the wearer, and padded shoulder straps and lumbar padding reduce back and shoulder strain.

The Chicco Smart Support Backpack gets mainly positive reviews from owners, averaging 4 stars out of 5 on Amazon.com, ToysRUs.com and ChildCarriers.com, based on a total of about 125 reviews. Most say it's affordable and appreciate that the Chicco backpack carrier folds flat for storage. There are a few complaints about fit, and several owners mention that the chest strap ends up sitting very high on the chest. Most reviewers agree that the Chicco is easy to use, and the padding and lumbar support seems to effectively reduce back strain for most wearers.

Sherpani, a luggage company, has been lauded by 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 4 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 suspension system, which can be adjusted while being worn. 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. Readers aren't as enthusiastic, however: More than half of the users posting reviews at 3Luxe.com give the Sherpani Rumba a thumbs-down rating, although readers can't post written reviews. 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 number of backpack carriers. There are three Kelty FC carriers: FC 1.0, FC 2.0 and FC 3.0 (*Est. $150 to $250), all lightweight frame-style carriers that come with different accessories. Two TC Carriers, TC 2.0 and TC 3.0 (*Est. $150 to $180), are quite different. These resemble a soft carrier paired with a traditional backpack. There are few reviews for these Kelty carriers; a handful of owner-written reviews can be found for various models on Amazon.com and ChildCarriers.com, where reviews are middling to positive. Parents do like the amount of storage included in the more expensive FC 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 TC carriers, although they can only be used up to 40 pounds. Most parents say the Kelty line is easy to use and adjust, and they all have a five-point harness.

We also found some good comments for the Tough Traveler Kid Carrier (*Est. $150) 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 (where just under 10 reviewers contribute to a perfect 5-star average rating), 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 manufacturer's website.