Average Price: $100
Availability: Online and off
Rating:
Product Link: TC1.1

The Kelty Transit Carrier 1.1 is a soft bodied “backpack” style child carrier that easily converts into a regular backpack. It is compact, light-weight and versatile with a weight limit of 30lbs (including the weight of anything in the backpack area). It has a curved lightweight aluminum insert to support your back and distribute weight evenly, waist and sternum straps, heavy padding throughout, and a 5 point harness for your child.

THE LOOK:
This soft child carrier closely resembles the ubiquitous “high school backpack” so closely that we’ve had a few double-takes by folks that thought we just put a baby into a normal backpack. This is somewhat nice, as so much child gear screams out “made just for kids!” in less than stylish ways. This carrier is just another backpack… But with a handy seat and harness for your child. The TC1.1 comes in black, grape, green apple (pictured above), and tangerine (pictured below).

FEATURES:

The TC1.1 has mesh side pockets for water bottles/sippy cups, pacifier or toy attachment loops, a carry handle, and an organizer pocket as well as a roomy backpack compartment and the child carrying area.

SAFETY:

The TC1.1 has some nice safety features- the backpack portion of the carrier is obviously designed to be significantly larger at the bottom of the pack than on the top, making sure that anything you place in the bag adds weight to the bottom rather than making the whole contraption top-heavy. The 5 point harness has buckles recessed inside of padded pockets to minimize the risk of pinched fingers and toes. And the whole contraption is quite well-balanced. The curved aluminum back support and waist/sternum straps can be considered safety devices as well, as they keep your back safe.

COMFORT:

This carrier is heavily padded (but not bulky) in all of the areas that count. The shoulder straps, waist strap, and back are all very well padded as is the inside of the child carrier area. This is a very comfortable backpack carrier for both baby-wearer and baby. We have used this carrier for extended periods of time, and both wearer and child have remained comfortable.
One thing to note is that unlike other carriers, this carrier isn’t very good for sleeping children- there isn’t sufficient head support. Since the rhythm of walking frequently lulls a baby to sleep, this might be an issue.

EASE OF USE:

The ease of use of this carrier could be slightly improved. The straps and padding of the child area tend to fall inwards, making it require four hands or a very well-practiced set of two hands simply to get the child buckled in. It also takes a little bit of practice to figure out exactly how to get the pack onto your back once it’s loaded. Since it’s a soft pack carrier it doesn’t sit up well on its own, so putting it on the couch and backing your way into it is often a little bit difficult (and frequently results in a pissed off child), but swinging it over your shoulder the way you would with a simple backpack can be a bit nerve wracking the first few times. Particularly if you are using this carrier with a younger child.

Other than that, the carrier is quite easy to figure out. The buckles are all quite obvious in their function, although there’s quite a few of them to remember to fasten.

Were it not for this issue with the straps and padding, this pack would be great for a quick jaunt around the corner to a friend’s house or a convenience store. Unfortunately, the added difficulty strapping the child in means that it’s more suitable for longer walks.

BENEFITS:

When I first had my daughter and was carrying her a lot I was using Mei Tais and wrap-style carriers that my husband declared “girly” and caused him to start calling me Pocohontas. He preferred the more manly Bjorn despite the toll it takes on one’s lower back. Needless to say, he was delighted at the Kelty TC1.1. What could be better than a rugged nylon hiking backpack with a contoured aluminum frame? Apparently not much. While the TC1.1 does not provide quite as ergonomic a carrying experience as a Mei Tai or wrap, it comes close. And without the somewhat daunting array of wrapping techniques and tying of straps to worry about. It weighs 3lbs 8oz, which is quite lightweight for a backpack style child carrier.

ACCESSORIES:

You can purchase a separate sun/rain hood from Kelty for about $35.

VERDICT:
The TC1.1 has a somewhat low weight limit. (30lbs combined) so if you expect that your child will be on the larger side, invest in one of Kelty’s other carriers that have higher weight limits. The TC2.1 has a 40lb weight limit, and the FC1.0 has a 50lb weight limit. Remember that this INCLUDES CARGO. For smaller children that have good head control, this pack is a lightweight convenient carrier.