Deuter KangaKid Kid Carrier - 2007 BCS

I first saw this pack in the Chicago airport Hilton as people scrambled to get rooms when flights were canceled. Midnight, and a 4 year old kid was sound asleep in the pack. We got this in addition to the Deuter Kid carrier - and it seemed a little confusing with all the straps and adjustments - but once you get over the initial "how does it work?" hump, it is great. Our one year old seems to love being close to the parent, but high enough to take in all the action. We use it for around town and short walks. Note, they advertise this as providing your kid a break - it is not a true long hike pack. Go for the framepack for longer hikes - the support is simply better. But, this pack can be carry on when you travel, as opposed to the framepack which you need to check. This pack is surprisingly comfortable and works as advertised.

This pack is an urban child carrier, a day pack, and a diaper bag all in one. We use it for the zoo (when the little guy doesn't want to be in the stroller any more), street fairs, and farmers' markets. No need to carry a separate diaper bag because of all of the storage, and if you don't need the carrier, it zips completely shut. We can even use it as a day pack if we don't need the carrier.

So much more versatile than a frame pack, but you'll need a frame pack for long hikes. This pack just serves a completely different purpose.

already on my second child with this backpack. Perfect for the airport, or that 10 minute walk to the restaurant. It's low profile when the kid's not in it, works as a regular backpack. The second child discovered a new trick though : she figured out how to wedge her feet into the crease of the carrier and stand up ! Nevertheless she has not yet fallen out... Its a fantastic and very utilitarian pack.