Sherpani Rumba Backpack Carrier

Frame-style backpack carriers are recommended for hiking and other outdoor pursuits. A lightweight metal frame supports a fabric seat, and you wear the whole contraption on your back. Your child sits high up behind and has a good view. Meanwhile, the weight is distributed over your shoulders and hips with a waist belt. We found good reviews in this category for the Sherpani Rumba; reviewers like the amount of storage this carrier has, including a removable daypack/diaper bag. It's rated for kids up to 70 pounds, which is higher than most other backpack carriers. There's also a five-point harness, an included rain/sun shade and foot stirrups to make the bouncy ride while hiking more comfortable.

Parents say they appreciate the suspension system, which can be adjusted without taking the carrier off. The Rumba backpack carrier weighs 7.5 pounds; you can find lighter backpack carriers, but they won't have as much sun protection or storage areas as the Rumba. Sherpani does sell a lighter version the Rumba Superlight (*Est. $160) which weighs 4.5 pounds. This model has fewer storage options and skips the adjustable suspension system. The lighter version has a 55-pound weight limit. 

We found the best reviews of the Sherpani Rumba in the popular baby gear book "Baby Bargains." The latest edition of this book provides an in-depth analysis of the various types of baby carriers, including backpack carriers. The site 3Luxe.com includes the Rumba in their roundup of best baby carriers, but testing criteria isn't very clear. User reviews on consumer sites such as ChildCarriers.com and Epinions.com are also useful, although the Sherpani Rumba isn't reviewed extensively on these sites.