Hiking Baby Carriers and Harness

Jenn06L80 · July 2012

DH and I are taking DD and my family to Iceland this August. Does anybody have any experience with hiking baby carriers? We have an Ergo, but I don't think it will provide enough support for the longer hikes. I was looking at some of the Kelty carriers. DD is 24lbs.

Also I am looking for a harness as well, for when she is walking around. Thanks for the recs!

MrsCodeMonkey · July 2012

I just borrowed a friend's Kelty carrier for the weekend. It takes a while to get used to it. At first I felt like I was hunched over and my neck felt strained. After a few minutes I worked on my posture and it was more comfortable. The friend I got it from swears by the Ergo instead of the framed carriers. I didn't get a chance to make the comparison. I was thinking of getting the Chicco one from Amazon. Too bad you can't try it out first. For reference my DD is just under 20lbs.

Jenn06L80 · July 2012

Did you you have the metro or escape? Thanks!

Arcadia1114 · July 2012

We use the ll bean one hiking. It's good but may be bulky to travel. I know someone who used the ergo at Disney with her two year old and was happy with it. Have a great trip!

MrsCodeMonkey · July 2012

I don't know what type it is. She said it was older. I found one on Craig's list at half price. I think the prices are rather high, so it would be nice to save some money.

bgf1 · July 2012

My DS is 27 lbs. We have a Kelty hiking pack and an Ergo. DH loves the Kelty and I hate it. I love the Ergo and DH won't wear it anymore. I can hike with LO in the Ergo for about 1.5 hours before I get uncomfortable.

The Kelty and from what I can see most hard framed packs position the child much higher so that the weight is closer to your shoulders. This works for DH because as a man his shoulders are his center of mass and ergonomically the pack is perfect. Women carry most of their mass around their hips and the Ergo positions DS closer to my center of mass so I find it more comfortable. I feel really off balance with the hiking pack when DS starts to lean to the side which is another disadvantage for me.

Do you know anyone with a hiking pack you can try before you go. I'd make your decision about what carrier to take based on what is most comfortable for the parent who will carry LO most. Have a great trip.

grr_aargh · July 2012

I have a Kelty and I'll be honest, I'd rather have a Mei Tei/soft sided carrier.

frlcb · July 2012

I prefer our Ergo and Beco to our Kelty, but dh likes the Kelty. I would find a place to try Keltys out.

MandaPanda518 · July 2012

No advice, just glad you asked this question. We've been looking at getting a carrier for walks/hikes and get out more. Have fun in Iceland!

gimmietimmies · July 2012

We have a Kelty and DH loves to use it more than I do. I prefer our Ergo.

MouseInLux · July 2012

I'd stick with the Ergo. Its easier to travel with, keeps LO closer to you so you keep your centre of balance and 9 timesout of 10 puts LO in a better position. My mum hikes with a lady who uses the Ergo with her 3 year old still. We use the Ergo for all day outings with no problem at all.