backpack recommendations?

[Lizzie Beth]

DH and I are thinking of buying a backpack for him to carry our little girl around in. We are planning on taking her to some sporting events that involve stadiums, which I understand are not very conducive to strollers...

So I'm interested to see if you guys have any reccomendations as to backpacks.. It's really meant for my DH, so I want him to be as comfortable as possible wearing it..

[Sarah]

Well, I have a yakima backpack I love, but I don't think it's being made anymore. I actually just replied because I was a little confused by your post. If you want to go to a stadium, you'd probably drive there, right? So you'd use the carseat to get there, and then use the backpack to transport the baby in, but you couldn't really use the backpack when you were seated in your seats. You wouldn't be able to fit the backpack in where you were seated. I think a sling would be more helpful in that situation. Just a thought. :D

[mama915]

We have a Snugli backpack and absolutely love it! It adjusts really easily. My DS loved being in it too :)

[SiValleySteph]

We have an REI Tagalong and really love it. That said, we wouldn't take it to a stadium. It is way too big and bulky. There would be no where to put it at the seat and you couldn't wear it while seated, either. We have a Mei Tei carrier (a fabric carrier) that we would probably use in that situation to carry DS in from the car. We went to an NFL game with DS when he was 2 months and he went in the Bjorn. I don't use the Bjorn to carry him anymore because it was too hard on my shoulders once he got close to 20lbs. We really only use the frame backpack when we go on hikes. Oh, and DH carries DS on hikes. He picked out the frame backpack and is very comfortable wearing it. He also carres DS in our Mei Tei, as do I. :D

[Lizzie Beth]

Oops, hadn't thought about where we'd put it once we were seated... Thanks, Sarah & Steph for pointing that out!! :o

We do need a backpack anyway, for zoos and museums and stuff... but I did get a hip hammock that would probably work better for the stadiums... Now if I can just get DH to learn how use it so I'm not aching at the end of the day...

I do have a ring sling, but I'm not too good at figuring it out. I keep adjusting and readjusting until DD gets fed up and yells at me. :(

How long did it take you to figure out the mei tei, Steph ?

[Sarah]

Our Mei Tai only took me a day or two to get comfortable with- they are pretty easy to use, IMO.

[Parrothead]

Looking for more frame backpack recommendations...I have heard good things about Kelty. Any thoughts?

[elladee]

We have a Sherpani Rumba (http://www.rei.com/online/store/ProductDisplay?storeId=8000&catalogId=40000008000&productId=47869719&parent_category_rn=4500629&vcat=REI_SSHP_KIDS_CLOTHING_TOC). I love it. DD is currently about 19 pounds, and I can comfortably carry her all afternoon (this is now I get things like vacuuming done around the house).

We went with the Sherpani over the Kelty because we do have plans to take DD out for some overnight trips, and this had the higher storage capacity. Plus, I thought it was cuter. :)

[Kate&Joey]

We have a Kelty backpack. Works great for us! We bought it for walking the dogs. Using a stroller is not an option with them! ;) DS is 22 pounds and it works fine for a 45-minute walk or so...haven't needed to wear it for longer. DH has also used it for doing yardwork (sweeping, raking leaves, etc.), but I have not.

[SD601]

Oh, the Ergo all the way. DS is nearing 30 pounds (I think...he hasn't been weighed in forever) and it's so comfy, without adding any weight from those metal bars on other backpacks. Here's a pic:


http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i190/inimeg81/DSC_0348.jpg

http://www.ergobabycarrier.com/

[jki]

We have an older version of the Kelty Journey (http://www.rei.com/online/store/ProductDisplay?storeId=8000&catalogId=40000008000&productId=47881191&parent_category_rn=4501338&vcat=REI_SEARCH) and it's great. DS is about 43 lbs. and DH has no trouble carrying him in it. Both of my kids LOVE riding in it!

[KRL626]

I second the Ergo!

[crow]

We have both the Kelty Adventure? and the Ergo. IMO, the Ergo is considerably more comfortable and so much lighter than the Kelty. I love the Ergo but it is not up to me.

Our DS likes the Kelty more. He likes to be high up and see everything. He is really squirmy and arches his back when he is behind us in the Ergo.