theSIMPLEmoms: deuter :: kid comfort II {father's day gift idea}

This summer my husband and I are excited to take our first vacation as a family of three. Only minutes into planning our trip to the Rocky Mountains, it became evident that we had two options as first-time parents prepping for travel: give up activities we love or find a way to adapt. We chose the latter and began researching child carriers for hiking. The answer was clear: award-winning outdoor enthusiasts Deuter and their Kid Comfort series.

We needed a child carrier that could also serve as a backpack (pockets for snacks, phones, etc.). The design had to be solid yet flexible enough that both my husband (6’0”) and I (5’4”) could use it comfortably as we took turns carrying a 1-year-old for hours at a time. We also hoped it would be comfy for our daughter and allow her to enjoy a great view of the scenery. Deuter child carriers are all these things and more.

We chose the Deuter Kid Comfort II because it had all the “extras” we wanted (breathable foam back to minimize perspiration, hydration system compatible, & VariFlex system which allows freedom of movement in the hip area for easy navigation of tricky terrain) while still being a mid-size pack (click here to compare all four sizes of Deuter child-carriers). In seconds, I can switch the belts and straps from my husband’s settings to fit my smaller frame, wider hips, and shorter torso. It weighs approximately 6 lbs, 8 oz, which in mommy terms is about the size of a newborn. Music to your ears if you have to lug a 13-month-old around in the mountains! I can’t get over how sturdy and strong this pack is for weighing so little. My husband (an engineer) assures me that is the mark of top-notch engineering. Deuter understands quality and practicality - it’s obvious from the many adjustment options, padded belt, and anatomically shaped shoulder straps for mom/dad to the comfy seat with padded sides and washable chin and head rests for the passenger. The child’s 5-point safety harness (not unlike a car seat) is simple and easily adjustable. Getting a child in and out is effortless and can be done from the side as well as the top, thanks to the kick-stand (with locking hinge) which allows the pack to stand while on the ground (as pictured above).

If your family is like ours, you may not have a lot great hiking spots close to home. Many Deuter fans opt to use their Kid Comfort instead of a stroller when travelling in large cities, attending festivals, or doing other activities where space can be tight. Since we can't yet head to Colorado to put our KCII to the test, we'll be sporting it at the zoo, on walks, and at our city's week-long summer festival. My daughter absolutely loves the view from “up high” and even after wearing her for over an hour, the unit isn't heavy or cumbersome. It's super comfy for both of us, and I am able to take the pack off easily by myself, which is great because my husband won't always be with us. Since the carrier stands on its own, you don't have to worry about taking your child out and putting him back in when you stop for bathroom breaks - just set the pack on the ground and then slip it back on and keep going! There is more than enough room in the pack’s pockets and pouches for diapers, wipes, a sippy cup, keys, a cell phone, and a bottle of water - so when we're out, I don't have to worry about dragging along my diaper bag. My hands are free the whole time!

If you’re looking for a great Father’s Day gift for active and outdoorsy dads, we highly recommend Deuter’s Kid Comfort Series. The KCII can be used from the time a child can sit up on their own until they reach 35-40 pounds. I’m really looking forward to all the great memories we’ll be making with our daughter and the Kid Cofmort II this summer - and for many years to come!

The Kid Comfort II and other great Deuter products can be purchased at Backwoods, Altrec, Eastern Mountain Sports, Backcountry Edge, Summit Hut, Moosejaw, and Rock Creek stores - or click here to find a retailer near you!

Deuter Kid Comfort II :: $229.99

Sun & Rain Covers and Hydration System sold separately

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