Looking for comfortable backpack

I'm about 5 foot 6, but have a smallish frame. I'm looking for a comfortable backpack for my 10 month old - she's also on the small side (about 16 lbs). Any recommendation? Has anyone had any experience with the Kelty backpacks that double as daypacks?

My husband uses the Tough Traveler with our two bigger boys, but it's much too cumbersome for me....

Thanks !

[katydid1971]

What are you wanting to do in the pack? If you want it for everyday use I LOVE LOVE LOVE my Ergo pack. I had a Kelty that I returned because it was too big and bulky for me. If you want a sturdier pack for hiking I suggest going to REI and trying a bunch out.
HTH
Sarah

http://www.ergobabycarrier.com/

I had the ergo with my second baby and didn't feel like it had enough support for my back. You're right - I should go to REI and test some out...

Thanks,
Lea

[katydid1971]

Was that the first or second generation Ergo. THey have made several changes to the newer ergos. If your was a first generation one you might want to try the new ones. I have some really bad back problems and I have never had a problem with my second generation ergo. This site has a 60 day trail period for an ergo.
Sarah

http://www.the-ergo-lady.com/

I don't know which generation it was -- I got it about 3 years ago.

[tarynsmum]

I second the Ergo (or similar soft structured carrier) rec. I really dislike the big frame backpacks, I have this fear that I'm just going to topple over with it (I'm 5'3)

[lizajane]

freakin' LOVE our kelty pack. we got the mid level one, whatever that was called 4 years ago. we started using it when schuyler was about 5 months old and we still use it for dylan all the time. he is 2.5 and weighs 27lbs. we both find it very comfortable and easy to wear on long walks. my DH is 6'2" and i am 5'8".

[samantha546]

I am also a fan of the ERGO. It's much more comfortable, not to mention, less bulky than a framed pack. It's also versatile enough to use everyday.

I know there are many people out there that love their framed packs, but it just didn't work for us. Our daughter would fall asleep on a hike and there was no place for her to rest her head so it would just loll around. Plus it took up so much room in the car.

You had also mentioned that you are of smaller frame-- this may not work with the Kelty's and the like. If that's the route you take, make sure you try them on and walk around a lot before you buy it.

Good luck!

I didn't like the ergo I had 3 years ago. How do I find out if I had a first or second generation one?

[samantha546]

It could be the older generation. If you go to their website, you can see the new generation. If yours doesn't look like those, then it's the older one. Does that make sense? :)