Take a Hike! Kelty Backpack Carrier Review

By Candace on June 13, 2010

We have a pretty large backyard with some woods. There is a lot of walking and exploring that can be done at our home. We also have a 20 month old toddler who runs so we needed a solution to talk with him in the wooded terrain and we needed a backpack carrier. Kelty is a company of great outdoor items including camping tents, sleeping bags, all terrain strollers and more. Kelty sent me the FC 3.0 Backpack Carrier to review for my event.

Tech Specs:

Safety Features:

• Auto-deploy kickstand (US Patent 5,626,271)
• Five-point, adjustable child’s harness
• No-pinch Hinges (US Patent 5,626,271)

Carrier Features:

• Sun Hood included (US Patent 5,609,279)
• Changing Pad included
• Under-seat storage
• Padded adjustable-height child’s seat
• Toy loops
• Carry/lift handles
• 50-pound weight limit
• Removable, washable cockpit pad
• Lightweight aluminum frame
• Organizer pocket

Suspension Features:

• Sliding waistbelt torso-length adjustment
• Laminated, padded and contoured waistbelt
• Laminated curved, padded shoulder straps
• Laminated, padded backpanel
• Waist belt storage pockets
• Load-lifter straps
• Sternum strap
• Scherer Cinch waistbelt system (US Patent 5,465,886)

JPMA Certified

Now right out of the box it looked like the picture except without the sun shade. The shade along with the changing pad were inside the backpack area. The first thing that I noticed and loved was the kickstand. If you are trying to load a child alone this stand makes it really easy. My toddler is probably pushing 26 pounds maybe more so lifting him while he was in it was tricky, but smaller weight babies would be easier to lift. The 5 point harness made me feel a lot better when lifting him. There was ample room in the pockets and the fact it has a diaper changing pad was great. The user guide is very detailed as the first thing I had to do was tighten straps to fit me. The shoulder straps are rugged and thickly padded which is great because it helps with some of the weight. Its best to wear this carrier exactly as directed with all the straps tightly connected. Both for safety and comfort. A bad fit will make your shoulders and back ache fast.

Aiden LOVED being in the carrier because he was up high with the big kids! He didn’t like the sun shade as much but he doesn’t mind it now. His favorite thing is to take a walk with his brother Colton who is nearly 13.

Pros: Lightweight with loads of safety features. Lots of storage for the essentials, baby gear and things. Definitely dad friendly colors and design. For hiking this takes the cake for me. Its rugged and will last.

Cons: Its bulky when not in use. It is rather large and takes up quite a but of space.

If you are looking for a backpack carrier this is a really good choice because it has great safety features, its lightweight and rugged. I don’t think I would wear it to the grocery store, that is a bit overkill but to a town festival or something like that it would be perfect because you can carry the baby needs and other things without having to haul a stroller!

Buy it: The Kelty FC 3.0 retails for $249.99. You can buy the Kelty FC 3.0 at Kelty and the do have a list of authorized dealers too!

Win it!! Kelty is giving away a FC 3.0 carrier to one lucky reader!

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