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Reviews > Packs > Infant and Child Carriers > Deuter Kid Comfort II Child Carrier > Owner Review by Suzi Gibson

Deuter Kid Comfort II Child Carrier Pack
Owner Review Suzi Gibson
June 27, 2009

Tester Information:

Name: Suzi Gibson
Age: 31
Gender: Female
Height: 5'6" (1.7 m)
Weight: 155 lb (70.3 kg)
Email address: suzi_q_jones at yahoo dot com
City, State, Country: Anderson, South Carolina, USA


Backpacking Background:

I've gone on many family camping trips to various places along the east coast of the US since I was a child. The backpacking bug was always there, whispering in my ear until finally in my early twenties it bit me! I've since done several backpacking trips in Florida, Washington, Virginia, and North Carolina. I typically backpack with around 30 lb (13.6 kg) of essential gear (sleeping bag and mat, tent, stove, and clothes), food and water and usually go for 2 to 3 days. My current tent and bag comprise almost half of the pack weight.


Product Information:

Manufacturer: Deuter
Year of Manufacture: 2008
URL: http://www.deuterusa.com/
Listed and Actual Weights: 6 lb 1 oz (2.75 kg); 6 lb 6 oz (2.9 kg)
Listed and Actual Measurements: 26 in (66 cm) x 15 in (38 cm) x 13 in (33 cm); 26 in (66 cm) x 15 in (38 cm) x 13 in (33 cm)
Fabric: Microrip/ Hexlite 210
Colors Available: Storm Anthracite, Cranberry Anthracite
Color Tested: Storm Anthracite
Pack Volume: 1000 cubic inches (16.4 L)
Maximum Load, listed: 48.5 lbs (22 kg)
MSRP: Not Available


Field Conditions:

I purchased this pack in May 2008 so I could hit the trail again and take my then-infant, now toddler daughter with me. The pack got immediate use since I was alDeuter Kid Comfort IIlowed to wear it out of the store and had to walk several blocks to my car and then it was taken on its first hike a few days later. It's been used nearly every week since then. Our hikes with this child carrier have been in South Carolina, North Carolina, and Maryland over somewhat level, sandy trails and roads to moderately steep climbs in the mountains of North and South Carolina. All hikes ranged from 3-6 miles (5 - 10 km). It has also been used on my neighborhood walks (~3 miles, 5 km), touring the museums and Mall area in Washington D.C., and transporting my daughter in the airport. Temperatures and conditions experienced on hikes have ranged from 50 F (10 C) to 90 F (32 C), and clear, sunny skies to moderate rain.


Description:

Deuter Kid Comfort II

The carrier is the Storm Anthracite color, which is a slate blue-like color with grey and black trim. The fabric is made of Microrip/Hexlite 210. According to the Deuter website, Microrip is "a 210 denier fabric with strong ripstop threads and PU coating". The Hexlite 210 is "a lightweight nylon with a 210 denier rating used for light and fast packs." The top of the pack also boasts a small safety tag written in English and German. The aluminum frame comes complete with an exposed base and kickstand. The kickstand has two soft plastic pads the minimize scuffing and absorb impacts from setting the carrier down.

The Vari-Quick system is designed to quickly adjust the pack's harness system for either personal modifications or if switching the pack to a hiking partner. This is done by un-Velcroing the Velcro closure, removing it from the ladder systems and reinserting it into the ladder the best fits and re-securing the Velcro. The number of straps on the ladder makes it easy to get a very good fit. The harnesses shoulder straps are slightly contoured to better conform to the shoulders. All adjustment straps seem to be similar to those found on an average backpacking pack. These include: sternum strap,

stabilizer straps, shoulder straps and load lifter straps. The Deuter Kid Comfort IIlumbar support is well padded as are the shoulder straps and hip belt. Deuter's padding system is designed to effectively circulate air in and around the padding and thus helping to dissipate heat from underneath the pack as well as the back padding in the child carrier section. Air is circulated through the hollow foam chambers with every move from the wearer. This is found on the shoulder straps (both for the hiker and the child), lumbar pad, hip belt and back padding (again for both for the hiker and the child). The padding is also wrapped in a 3D mesh lining to facilitate air movement.

The child carrier section is outfitted with a 5-point harness system. The shoulder straps are adjustable by means of un-Velcroing it from the back of the child carrier section and re securing it in the proper position. The shoulder harness is well padded as is the seat and back padding. The child's adjustment straps include a sternum, height and seat adjustment straps and a buckle and adjustable strap on one side of the carrier that allows for easy access putting in and removing the child.

Deuter Kid Comfort IIThe top of the carrier has two handles that allow the pack to be carried or lifted. There are two mesh panels near the top of the sides of the carrier for stowing baby items within reach of the baby. On the back of the carrier, there is one open pocket measuring approximately 9.5 x 6.0 x 9.0 in (24 x 15 x 23 cm) that has a buckle and adjustment strap located in the middle of the opening. There are two channels on the top rear of the pack that allow for the optional rain/sun shade to be inserted. In addition, there are small (approximately 0.75 in/ 1.9 cm) loops on pack that allow for the Sun and Rain cover and the Full Rain Cover to be attached. Both pieces are optional equipment features and need to be purchased separately. On the very outside back of the carrier is a smaller zippered pocket measuring approximately x 8.0 x 4.0 x 6.0 in (20 x 10 x3 15 cm).
Deuter Kid Comfort IIDeuter Kid Comfort II
Deuter Kid Comfort IIOn the bottom of the pack is the largest of the storage compartments. This compartment measures approximately 8.0 x 9.0 x 11.0 in (20 x 23 x 28 cm) and has a zipper. There is also a small (approximately 4.0 x 1.0 x 3.0 in/ 10 x 2.5 x 7.6 cm) pocket on the right hip belt. There is a zippered compartment (complete with drinking tube port and Velcro straps on the right shoulder strap) between the child carrier section and the back padding that accommodates up to a 3-liter drinking reservoir.

Impressions:

It's not enough that I absolutely love this child carrier, but the fact that the mere sight or suggestion Deuter Kid Comfort IIof the carrier results in a squeal of delight and the "happy hiker" dance from my daughter. The fabric, stitching and zippers have all proved to be very durable. The carrier has seen approximately 100 miles (160km) on the trail and easily over 200 miles (320 km) on local and neighborhood walks. Through it all, the pack still looks almost new. The only exceptions to this are the drool marks on the chin guard and slight scuffing on the bottom of the exposed aluminum frame and kickstand pads. The kickstand has been easy to retract and deploy on the fly.

I really like how easy this pack is to adjust on the fly and how well is distributes the always moving weight of my toddler. Having a somewhat short torso, I also appreciate how well this carrier fits and seems to mold to my back. The ventilation in the carrier's padding is great for both hiker and baby. This has been especially invaluable in our hot, humid, Deep South summer hikes. I have also noticed that when I do sweat during hikes, it quickly evaporates from the carrier's padding and the smell is not retained.

The main compartment is spacious and easily accommodates a day's outing of food, drinks, and baby essentials. On dayhikes, I typically carried the following items in the main compartment:

  • Small, basic, first aid kit
  • Food for me and my daughter
  • Primus Lunch Jug with either beverage or food
  • Diaper changing supplies (2-4 diapers, wipes, baggie, and pad)
  • Extra clothes and coat for my daughter

The top open compartment typically holds her neck support pad, which I used when she falls asleep in the carrier in addition to the rain/sun shade when not in use. I usually placed trail maps (when not needed) in the smaller outer pocket as well as a small thermometer and compass and car keys. The small hip belt pocket typically held my phone and wallet. The two mesh pockets on the top sides of the carrier were always filled with either sippy and snack cups or toys. Although I did end up using these straps designed to fit around sippy cups and secure them to strollers to hold her snack and sippy cups to the pack where she could have better access to them. The hydration sleeve is easy to use and has been essential on my hikes. My 2-liter reservoir easily fits into the sleeve and is equally easy to remove at the end of the day. Putting my daughter into and pulling her out of the pack has always been relatively easy and quick. The 5-point harness is easy to adjust and does a great job keeping her secure regardless of my missteps.  


Summary:

Overall, I absolutely love this child carrier, as does my daughter. I find it to be very comfortable to use and I believe my daughter feels safe and secure Deuter Kid Comfort IIenough in it to nap in it while we're on the trail. The padding does a great job drawing heat away in hot conditions and the carrier's design distributes the weight so well I almost forget I'm carrying 35 lbs (16 kg) of carrier, toddler and accessories on my back. The only drawback I see with the pack is the lack of storage that one can access without removing the carrier or asking for assistance from a hiking partner. To overcome this, I have installed a canteen pouch on the hip belt to stow a bag of larger snack crackers, sippy cup and a camera.  

Pros:

  • Easy to adjust on the fly
  • Comfortable for baby and hiker especially in hot, humid conditions
  • Accommodates up to 3-liter drinking reservoir
  • Ample storage for dayhikes
  • 5-point harness
  • Well ventilated

Cons:

  • Lacks small, readily accessible storage


Read more reviews of Deuter gear
Read more gear reviews by Suzi Gibson

Reviews > Packs > Infant and Child Carriers > Deuter Kid Comfort II Child Carrier > Owner Review by Suzi Gibson



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