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Our Review of the Deuter KangaKid baby backpack
Improvements made to the 2007 Deuter KangaKid baby backpack carrier:
- New attachable sunroof (sold separately)
- 5-point harness and "Side loading" technology that makes getting your baby in or out much easier
- Breathable child seat cushions
- More storage pockets
- New nylon micro rip-stop fabrics
- Small enough to fit easily into an overhead compartment on an airplane
- Optional Sun Roof
Deuter created the KangaKid baby backpack carrier as a lightweight child carrier solution for multi-tasking, on the go parents. It combines the functionality of a full sized backpack with the convenience of a quality baby carrier. The first "convertible" child carrier, the KangaKid looks, and acts, like a large capacity backpack, it also has the thickly padded shoulder straps and waist belt of your usual baby backpack carrier. It passes for a backpack, but unzipping the front portion of your Deuter KangaKid reveals a thickly padded, size-adjustable child cockpit where your kid gets a free ride. Thanks to the new "side loading" technology, getting them in and out of the cockpit is much easier than it used to be.
As a backpack, the KangaKid is excellent: plenty of space, and no shortage of compartments. As a carrier, there are other models with frames and more thickly padded straps that will ease strain during long trips, but if you need a carrier that lets you get your child in and quickly you can't do much better. This Deuter carrier isn't designed for hiking, but will do the job too well if you're taking your carrier to the mall or through the airport.
How does the KangaKid compare with Kelty Transit Carriers?
The closest comparison to the KangaKid is the Kelty Transit Carrier series, which utilizes the same "convertible" baby back carrier technology but to a slightly different effect. The KangaKid has a much smaller profile than the Kelty, and Deuter does a much better job of concealing the actual carrier. When zipped up, the KangaKid looks just like a backpack, whereas the Kelty baby carriers have a number of straps that need to be retracted in order to conceal the cockpit. What's more, the KangaKid has more padding in the shoulder straps that the Kelty, making it much more comfortable when your baby is with you.
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- Closed
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- Open
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- Shown with Sun Roof (sold seperately)
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Child Carrier Specs
- Maximum carrier dimensions
- 11 x 13 x 21"
- Carrier weight
- 4 lbs. 5 oz.
- Weight Capacity
- 33 lbs.
- Torso Fit Range
- 13-18"
- Adjustability
- 5"
- Seat Length (Front to Back)
- 8"
- Seat Width
- 10"
- Seat Height
- 12"
- Seat Back Height
- 13"
- Harness
- H-style
- Warranty
- Lifetime
- Full length zipper conceals child carrier seat
- Spacious main compartment
- Two front mesh pockets
- Elastic cord attachment
- H safety belt
- Aluminum stay supports child seat
- Deuter's Alpine Back System for wearing comfort
- Lifetime Warranty
Deuter KangaKid baby backpack Reviews
All Customer Reviews
- Average Rating:
- Highest Rating:
- Lowest Rating:
- Number of Reviews:
- 6
Outstanding!
wonderful product
Excellent Design
Perfect for Us
Just didn't work for us...
Absolutely love it, despite drawbacks
To fill the in-between niche, I found the KangaKid a fantastic alternative, and we use it daily. For travel, it is great because the baby bag and carrier eliminates the need for a stroller and other bags. It is big enough (if I pack very carefully) to even serve as my own backpack for traveling. The baby is very happy up where he can look around and never complains (even during the awkward on/off process - more on that below). I love to take him shopping this way - my hands and attention are free because the baby is safely tucked away and entertained up there, and he doesn't fuss like he does out of boredom in a stroller. This backpack gave me back the ability to go shopping and visit with friends, even with a squirmy pre-toddler.
Comfort: While I definitely prefer my frame-pack for longer walks, the Kangakid is even comfortable enough for moderate hikes in a pinch. I have hiked with it for up to an hour, or been shopping with it for up to 3 hours (taking the baby out a few times to move) and I think that is probably the limit. After a couple of hours carrying my 25lb baby, I am a little tired and have to be sure to stretch my lower back, but am otherwise fine. (I should add that I am a somewhat athletic 5'8" woman - I would not recommend this pack to someone who considers themselves out of shape or not very strong). I have no idea how it would fit a smaller person.
Support and padding for both the baby and the adult is quite good. The back is rigid, and while not as outright comfy as my frame pack, it has never been remotely uncomfortable. Same with the hip belt, which is not as sturdy as on a full-frame pack and so more of the weight ends up on your back (unlike a frame pack where you can put almost all the weight on your hips). This means that when I'm moving a lot or doing a strenuous hike, the straps are not as comfortable and my back takes more of the heat than with my big frame pack.
The only drawback I've noticed for the baby is that it lacks any place to rest his head when he falls asleep. If he's awake, he's usually happy and singing and waving to everyone he sees.
On/Off: As described in every review I've ever read about this pack, it can be awkward. I have learned to put the baby in it in a chair/backseat of the car/bench, and then pick the whole thing up gently by the top strap and swing it around. You do have to be fairly strong to accomplish this without help, but I've mastered doing it alone. Fortunately the pack does actually stand pretty well on its own, so in a pinch we can do this by sitting the pack on the ground.
My only complaint with the pack is that none of the pockets or zippered compartments are reachable when the pack is on. I would love to have just one pocket on the side where I could reach a cell phone/wallet.
I anticipate using this pack for a long time - as my baby becomes a toddler then a walker, I'll just use this as a backpack until he decides he wants to ride. When the carrier compartment is zipped up, you can't even tell it's there. Awesome design!
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