Backpack style carrier for almost 9 month old?

We have a Kelty backpack carrier that I bought at a resale shop but dd doesn't seem to like it very much. It looks like it is the back country model or something similar. She is OK is I am walking, but if I bend over or down she gets upset. Any suggestions for something else that would be better? She is will be 9 months in a week and weighs around 20lbs. I want to use it to take the dog to the beach, go hiking, go on longer walks around the neighborhood, etc. I have a sling, but she doesn't seem to like it. I could never get her to stay in it long at all.
TIA,
Nicki

I am not sure about "better", but I have some suggestions on things to try. My wife and I were set to get a Kelty when we found out that they don't fit her properly. (The shoulder straps don't tighten enough to remove the loop above her shoulder.) So we tried on a few other brands. We tried the REI Piggyback, a Tough Traveler, and an Evenflo. Of those 3, I have to say the Piggyback was nice, but I thought a bit expensive for what you get. Not enough extra pack space.

We finally decided on the Deuter Kid Comfort II, which I think is good for shorter people, and very comfortable for longish (2-5 hrs?) walks. Deuter makes packs for hiking, and I think that experience keeps the pack very light (5lbs 6oz), while keeping alot of functionality and carrying capacity. Also, the harness can be adjusted very easily for people of different heights. The only drawback is that you have to purchase the sunshade/rain cover separately. About $30. Deuter makes a larger and smaller pack too, if your carrying needs are more or less extensive.
http://www.deuterusa.com/Product/Family/KC2.htm

I have heard that Madden (another pack company) makes good carriers for tall people. And many people like Tough Travellers, which supposedly started the framed kid carrier thing.

And there are many posters here that rave about the Macpac's and Vaude Swing. I wish we could have tried those because we couldn't purchase without trying it on firsthand.

Also, I found these reviews to be very helpful:
http://www.backpackgeartest.org/revi...ld%20Carriers/

If you do a search on these forums for "backpack carrier", you'll get alot of useful info.

HTH. Sorry for the rambling.
-neal

[redhookmom]

My daughter rides in a Kelty, a VauDe Swing and a Ergo. I think her favorite is the Ergo, which I like to use inside. Outside I prefer the Swing and my DH the Kelty. I don't feel comfortable bending down or over with these packs. So if I am wearing it inside I clean the upper half of our house. LOL

[hipmaman]

Hi,

If I can offer one tip, don't bend over with your legs straight and lower your head but go down by bending your knees. It's better for your back as well as the safety of your child in the backpack carrier. See if that would help w/ the Kelty you are having.

If not, there were good suggestions given to you by spikeso. But here are a few reviews and discussions on the Macpac and other backpacks

http://www.windsorpeak.com/dc/dcboar...ng_type=search
http://www.windsorpeak.com/dc/dcboar...ng_type=search
http://www.windsorpeak.com/dc/dcboar...ng_type=search

Happy reading. I have pictures of the Macpac on my website http://pages.ivillage.com/hipmaman/tamstoys/id6.html

The good news is the Macpac is now available in the US
http://www.kiwi-kid.com/macpac_child_carriers.html at a better price than what I paid for my in the UK.

Thanks for all your replies and the links really helped. I am now thinking of either the Vaude Swing or MacPac. I am still leaning towards the MacPac as the one do-it all pack.

Thanks again,
Nicki