Backpacks get kids out on the trail

I‘ve found backpack child carriers to be a godsend for keeping active with a little one in tow.

My wife and I have hiked in Sweden, trotted along in local orienteering races, walked unencumbered with the dog on a leash through our neighborhood and even shoveled snow with a content baby in carriers we’ve tested.

The Piggyback, a $165 carrier made by REI ( www.rei.com), is the most full-featured model. It is a comfortable design for both baby and parent, and it includes everything from an integrated hydration sleeve to moisture-wicking padded shoulder straps.

A contoured back panel matched with the cushy shoulder straps make the Piggyback a comfortable carry. Its harness system is similar to those found on beefy backpacking-oriented packs. The child’s seat and harness can be adjusted for size to fit little babies on up to toddlers.

When empty, the Piggyback weighs about 7 pounds, which is a burden. Add a 20-pound baby and the load can feel substantial. But the pack distributes the weight well, and with all its adjustments, pockets and features, the Piggyback also alleviates some of the hassle of taking a child on a gear-intensive adventure such as a backpacking trip.

For example, REI includes a small mirror tethered to a string for peeking up at baby without having to remove the pack. There’s a fold-out kickstand for stabilizing the pack on the ground, and the carrier has a zip-off daypack with an insulated baby bottle pocket.

On the other extreme, the Tour, a $100 carrier model made by Kelty ( www.kelty.com), has few bells and whistles. Kelty calls the Tour one of the lightest frame-equipped child carriers on the market, though it still weighs 4 pounds 9 ounces when empty, which would be considered heavy in backpacking circles.

But the Tour’s design, with fewer pockets, zippers and straps than the Piggyback, was appealing. I preferred the simplicity of the Kelty, especially for day hikes and short walks.

Like the REI model, the Tour carries well, and it has padded shoulder straps and a waist belt. A mesh back panel provides good airflow and ventilation. A kickstand lets you set the pack upright on the ground with baby sitting inside.

For long treks with baby, the REI Piggyback is the best option. For day hikes, I’d recommend the Kelty Tour for its simplicity.