With the birth of our son in June 2011, my wife and I found we stopped going for long walks in the countryside. A pushchair can only be taken over easy terrain and would not be suitable for muddy paths and getting over styles etc. The answer was to get a child carrier backpack and to write a review of Deuter Kid comfort II to help other parents.
I tried on a couple in a local baby store but found they sat too high on my back, with the waist straps around my bellybutton – not good! Lacking adjustable backs there’s nothing I could do to make them fit.
After online research I found Deuter and their Kid Comfort range. Deuter have been making rucksacks for 110 years providing high quality backpacks for alpine sports, trekking, cycling and snow sports.
The entire Kid Comfort baby carrier range has the level of adjustability you would expect from a hardcore trekking backpack, which assured me I could make it fit my back. So I ordered the Deuter Kid Comfort II plus a sunroof and rain cover to help protect the little man from the elements.
On arrival I was very impressed with the quality of the backpack and the obvious thought that was put into keeping the child comfortable. The seat and various harnesses have plenty of padding, and there is a removable and washable chin pad (aka dribble patch) in front for the child to lean their face on.
The design of the Deuter Kid Comfort II includes a stand that folds out from the back. This keeps the backpack standing upright and stable while you put the child in – a great feature for a child carrier backpack.
We found that even with excessive wiggling it did its job, and means you only need one adult to get ready for your walk. It also makes it easy to get it on, and likewise to take it off again requires just one adult.
Importantly, there is lots of storage space, with one big pocket at the base and lots of smaller pockets to fit the various stuff you need when walking with kids. There is also a pocket to carry a water bladder between you and the child, keeping the weight close to your back.
We have now been walking with our son happily sat on my back in the Kid Comfort three times. I am pleased to report that the adjustability of the backpack means it fits me perfectly and it can also be adjusted to fit my wife – although I still get to do the majority of the carrying!
So we love it, but the real test is what does the little man think? Well as you can see from the picture our son loves it! He giggles a lot and shouts (says hello) at other walkers, wildlife and sometimes trees.
He has been comfortable enough to fall asleep in it for over an hour, and when the weather’s not been great, the roof and rain cover have kept him warm and dry.
If you have young children and want to get out walking, I can whole heartedly recommend a child carrier backpack and specifically the Deuter Kid Comfort II. You will enjoy the freedom it gives you to get out and bout and your child will love the new form of transport.
Giddy up daddy!
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