How to Choose a Kid Carrier for Hiking
The great outdoors can be even greater when you take your children out to enjoy it with you as a family. While some parents think it is a huge hassle to organize such an outing with infants or toddlers, the right gear can make it a breeze. A backpack made for carrying a child, or a "kid carrier" can afford families the opportunity to include small children in some of their favorite outdoor activities. But like people, these packs are not all made the same, or made for the same body-types and they are not usually a cheap item. Here you will find a way to determine the right one for you.
- Difficulty:
- Moderately Easy
Instructions
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Assess the level of usage. Before you start searching for the right pack, realize that all packs are not equal and will serve different purposes. Some will be good for short trips, grocery shopping, walks in the park or with the family dog. Other packs may have too much "stuff" included because they are made for overnight camping trips, long hikes, back country treks and so on. So before you even start looking a picture after picture, review after review, talk with your partner or other caregivers and assess your personal wishes for the actual usage of the carrier.
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Consider the cost. If you know you will be using the carrier from the time the child is big enough to safely occupy one until they are too big to be carried that way, you are probably need to be willing to pay a little more. In the long run, putting up a few more dollars will save you from replacing pack after pack because they wore out from use. If the level of unsafe is assessed as light, spending less money on the carrier can still bring about a quality purchase.
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Measure up. Consider the size of the people who will be using the pack. There are options out there that will accommodate small to large frames. However, be careful. If a couple is going to be passing the pack back and forth size features are very important.Wearing a 25 pound child on your back in an ill-fitting pack can cause injury, discomfort and ruin a trip in general. There are packs out there that will "re-size" on the go to fit smaller frames and larger framed people as well. Learn how to measure your torso and know what those measurements are when you are shopping so you know whether a pack will be right for you or not.
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Use retailer resources. Outdoor retailers usually have knowledgeable staff on-hand and you may even be able to test the pack out in the store. Take advantage of sales staff who want to help you choose the right pack. Your child may even be able to test out the seating arrangements as well!
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Consider your child. Take into consideration the child who will be occupying the pack while you slog down the trail. Is the child very active? If so, some packs have entertainment options. For instance they may come with toy loops or other built in activities. Also, some packs come with foot stirrups that help maintain good circulation in the child's legs as you hike so they are not in discomfort because their legs fell asleep. These are things to consider.
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Be safe. Once you choose a pack, be sure to test it out on short trips before going on a longer adventure with your child. Also, make sure you are completely comfortable with getting your child in and out of the carrier. If you are going to be using the carrier alone with the child, make sure it is a product that allows for that. Some packs really do require two people to load and unload the child from the pack and from your back. There are many options with kid carriers and doing the research will pay off for you, your wallet and your family.
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Tips & Warnings
Ask lots of questions.
Buying second-hand is always a money-saver, just be sure to check the used carriers over for safety issues.
Make sure your child is protected from the elements when adventuring outdoors with them.
Always consult a physician before beginning strenuous physical activity, especially if you have any pre-existing medical conditions.
Don't be talked into something you really don't want because it's on sale.
Related Searches
Resources
- Read this Article in Spanish
- Visit this blog for lots of information pertaining to the use of child carriers and how to find the right one for you.
- Neat company with an array of rugged carriers.
- Outdoor outfitter for children and active families.
- A wide array of carriers from slings and wraps to rugged packs and lots of helpful reviews.
- Photo Credit Stacy Puzo
