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The boy is nearly 6 months old now and growing fast. We have a baby carrier that we've used since birth but I'd like to get him in a rucksack for more challenging walks.
I've seen a few other dad's out and about using them and they look pretty good.
I want something I can carry him in but also with some space to carry all the extra gear that you need for a child.
What do you recommend?
This is also a stealth ad if anyone has one to sell.
Thanks
A second hand one. Vau De are good. Macpac overengineered.
Ironically, we have one we are looking to sell. Was going to take some pics over the weekend. I used it with the little one when Mrs G would come into town with us (she is in a wheelchair so couldn't push her and a pram). Ours is a deuter kid comfort 2, highly recommended. Tried a couple of cheaper ones but they were rubbish, this one has padded straps and full adjustability like a camelbak (or similar). Think of it as a camelbak that can hold a child.
It has a large pocket to store nappies, wipes, bottle/beaker etc, a smaller pocket for whatever you want to put in there, a pocket on the hip strap. It also has a pocket for a bladder and shoulder clips for the hose, my 3l camelbak one fitted in no problem. Ours also has a rain cover (pocket for this too) that covers the head area, not a complete cover. But in bad weather he wore a snowsuit.
If you are interested my email is in my profile. If not, i would definitely recommend one of these anyway.
Bushbaby pinnacle. fits the kid. The spare clothes. The picnic and all your crap.
I think we've still got a couple of Jack Wolfskin Watchtower Deluxe carriers in the loft. Purchased at the time because they were the only kind that fitted my back for length.
Have a stand so you can put them down without them falling over which makes picking up/putting down easier, a detachable rucksack which is great as a changing bag, a raincover that stops rain hitting their head, and a big storage section for your coats, pack lunch etc.
I'll pop into the loft and the weekend and take some photos of you're interested.
Deuter or Osprey would be my recommendation. Had a Deuter and would again.
We got good mileage out of a littlelife one. Just looked and they've changed all the models, so sorry I can't tell you which one. 2nd hand is your best bet
Little life was good for us.
I had no intention of paying Osprey money until I tried one on. More comfortable than not wearing a rucsac at all!
The wee man seemed to absolutely love it in the shop as well and fell asleep in it first time out. Result!
We have a little life cross country, very comfy.
My sister in law has a deuter one with the stand, it has fallen over before so don't rely on it if you get a similar one!
Another little life one, but as others have said go second hand. We just ended up with little life as it was like new.
Bought the accessory pouch which is a little small on our but just enough for essentials. Only an issue if you are on your own as otherwise other half has backpack.
Just managed to pick up rain cover second hand. Ours lives the carrier but hates the wind so hopefully this will help.
I had no intention of paying Osprey money until I tried one on.
That was my thinking too. Much more comfortable for me than the Littlelife ones. Lal lass loves it and will happily fall asleep in it too.
Its a good few years since I had to lug a StonerJr around on my back, but my abiding memory of those rucksacks was that they were all v uncomfortable for a tall chap. In fact all three that I tried (as in, bought and owned and used) cut of blood supply to my right leg and gave me a dead leg. I could never get any to adjust sufficiently for my body. Unfortunately that meant that Mrs Stoner had to do al the carrying. Ahem. And that's the honest truth your honor.
We had one for GtiJunior and my only recollection is that he very quickly grew to the point where it was too heavy. We moved on to tag-alongs and then an Islabike.
Stoner, I'm 6ft3, so adjustment is needed, I'd not thought about that until now.
I didn't want to spend all that money on an osprey one.
Tried them all
Bought an osprey one. It's brilliant and think it's worth every penny
Little Monk loving his new rucsac
Shagged out after a long jolting (note the old windproof jacket wrapped around the rucsac, keeps some chill off without completely enclosing him in the rainproof cover, have since bought him a wee windproof suit instead)
Pro-tip. Their feet get well cold in the winter because 1) they're not moving and 2) possibly the crotch seat restricts blood flow. Get some massive bootees and some of those tea bag hand warmer thingies. Obviously the teabag thingies might explode and set you and your baby on fire so that's just guidance based on my own experience.
Pro-tip2. Don't bother with all the accessories like roof, midge net, wind cover unless they come for cheap/free. We're talking nippers here, they usually have a coat and hat and they don't dissolve in the rain or sun. If it's that cold/hot/wet/midgey you probably won't be going too far unless you're one of these outward bound style parents who wants to make a point at the expense of theirs and their child's comfort, enjoyment and well being.
@monk - digging little monk riding his new purchase out of the shop!
Osprey poco plus or premium. Get one second hand cause usually they are hardly used. We tried lots; by far the most comfy and best design by miles.
Tried a little life one and asked to see the (optional rain cover). It comes in pieces like a really complicated 70's test. Shop assistant faffed with it for about 10 minutes before giving up and saying weakly...'it's very easy, really'. We didn't buy that one...
Can't say I've ever come across a rucksack that can walk and carry kids. 😉
@damascus have messaged you a link to some photo of ours.
I'm 6' 5" and tried on loads when it was purchased as I couldn't find any that fitted. The Jack Wolfskin has an adjustable back length and adjustable height hip belt and was pretty comfortable from what I remember of carry the little ones around the Lakes etc.
Ours might not be for you as logistically things might be tricky given it's size, shape and weight but I'd certainly recommend them for the taller gent.
We also chose an Osprey one. Used it a decent amount, it's very good. Ours is also now surplus to requirements and in Oxford in case that's any use (though I work in London W12). PM me if interested.
Now on child three done basic which worked with no. 1. Macpac which was amazing everything included, ie the raincover. Then no 3 arrived osprey took everything good and made it better lighter and sexier.. Little life are good but osprey are the total bollo ks
My recommendation is don't get a child carrying rucksack, get a woven sling wrap instead. They are more comfortable for you and will support your baby's head when they fall asleep so that their away stays open and they don't start to asphyxiate. Added bonus is that you can carry much bigger kids with them, occasionally used ours with a 6 year old when she was tired out on long walks.
what is a "woven sling wrap" - is it the one that looks like you are from the developing world?
You can get pretty much any fabric design you like
personal favourite
£93-£139
Third-world style, first world prices. Are they or at least did they used to be made in Hebden Bridge?
Tactical edit - turns out they're from my manor in Huddersfield, not quite the artisan edge of Calderdale but not far off.
I'm giving away a little life one in the classifieds (I got it for free and am passing it on).
We picked up a LittleLife S2 or something off gumtree, and it's vastly better than the baby sling we had before.
They've changed the names of them but it looks like this
https://www.littlelife.com/products/child-carriers/traveller-s3
Our daughter loves it, and she's constantly giggling in my ear and kicking her legs in excitement when I use it.
It does get a little uncomfortable after an hour or so, but I'm not sure she'd want to be in there more than that, and tbh I don't think carrying around 10-15kg on my bike is ever going to be that comfortable given how often I do it.
It's actually quite useful around the house too. She sometimes gets a bit whingy/clingy so I pop her in there and she's happy while i do the vacuuming/unload dishwasher/cut the lawn etc..