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| Reviewed by: Baby Gizmo Senior Editors |  |  |  | |
 | Title: Kelty Frame Child Carrier 2.0 - Blueberry
Best: Ease of use, durable, comfort for parent and child Worst: Price Full Review: see below
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| Full Review: Close your eyes. Picture this… you’ve headed out for a nice serene hike in the woods. The colors are bright, the weather is inviting and the sounds are delightful. Listen closer. There are birds chirping, leaves beneath foot crunching and the sound of light delightful laughter filling the air. What you can’t hear is the constant “hold me, hold me” or the “I’m hungry” mantras of your sweet angel / devil. The Kelty Frame Carrier 2.0 is the perfect addition to your outdoor expeditions as it allows you to tow your child on all of your adventures! It is also great for around the town trips, farmers markets, or a stroll through the center of town as it keeps your child both contained and entertained. We love the Kelty Carrier because it was obviously designed for safety and comfort. It is simply an added bonus that it is so good looking with several choices in great bright colors as options. The carrier frame is made of the light weight aluminum and weighs approximately 7 pounds. The Kelty Frame Carrier 2.0 is the next model up from the FC (frame carrier) 1.0. The FC 2.0 has all the great features of the FC 1.0 plus these three useful additional features: two layer padded waist belt, sliding back panel torso-length adjustment and zip off diaper bag with shoulder straps. The carrier uses a five-point harness that is padded just enough to keep your little one comfy. The snaps and adjustable straps are easy to use - and for us to say this it means that it is fool proof. The shoulder and waist belt straps are also appropriately padded and comfortable. In other carriers, I have found that the waist belt and shoulder straps can be too padded making the fit uncomfortable. In addition, the carrier has a padded mesh like back that was designed to keep you cool as you are out and about. I can’t boast about this enough. There is nothing worse than being overheated with a sweat rash due to the extra weight you are carrying. A great added feature of the Kelty 2.0 is the sliding back panel. This back panel easily slides up and down the backrest (which slides the shoulder straps closer or farther away from the waist belt) to adjust the fit of the carrier for mom or dad based on your torso-length. This feature is great for getting the most comfortable fit for tall and shorter parents alike. While my taller husband keeps the back panel all the way up, I lower it a bit to keep the shoulder straps at a more comfortable level for my shorter torso. I love that we can get a custom fit with the 2.0. The carrier is designed to be used for children 6 months and up. The Kelty carrier is designed to carry a child no more than 40 lbs with a total load limit including child and cargo of 50 lbs. For our children we have found that they are most comfortable when they can sit up confidently by themselves – and in our experience this has be give or take a few months from the allotted 6 months. Also, we have found that as the 50 pound weight limit is approached the pack became a little heavy for both myself and husband. When carrying a 4 year old I found that my center of gravity was challenged slightly. However, this was not as bad as I have experienced with other carriers. Personally, we think that the carrier is at its best for children between 8 months and 3 years. When sitting in the carrier your child will be cushioned in a padded suspension seat. The seat is easily adjusted to give your child a great view of your adventure. The seat is positioned so that your child peers out into the world from just above your shoulders. Our daughter loves this. She loves to sit and say “I am seeing what you are seeing – I can look through my papa’s eyes!” On several occasions we have found our child trying to climb into the carrier herself– and asking for an adventure. While we don’t suggest this as the way of loading the Kelty it is good to know that our children are as excited about the trip as we are. This is an excitement that we don’t find with stroller trips. We suggest the best way to load up is to employ the kickstand (which creates a stable base for your carrier) and place your child into the carrier adjusting the straps as necessary. Once your child is securely in, simply slip on the shoulder straps. Simply being the operative word. Now, this is where my husband and I have found an area of disagreement. While I think it is slightly difficult to use on my own safely (needing a hand while putting the pack on and off) – he does find it to be truly simple with no help. In fact, this is his favorite feature of the Kelty Carrier. A huge benefit (which we both agree on) is that once the carrier is on it is easy to adjust the straps for a perfect fit. We love this feature because when either of us needs a quick break it can be done without any disruptions and in just seconds. When you do decide it is time for a break you simply put up the kickstand and place it on the ground while removing the carrier from your shoulders. Again, simply is the operative word. I feel safer with the assistance of another adult but my husband has no problem with this on his own. Another great feature of the Kelty Carrier 2.0 is the zip-off diaper bag backpack on the back of the carrier. Complete with two pockets on the outside and divided compartments on the inside, this diaper bag is great for keeping baby’s essentials. We found it’s definitely bit enough for diapers, wipes, change of clothes and many snacks. Like the 1.0, the FC 2.0 is loaded with extra storage compartments as well. The carrier allows you to store snacks, diapers, toys, etc. under the seat as well as in a small pocket placed on the waist belt. We have found this the perfect placement for small items such as keys, phones, chap sticks, etc. Finally, there are several loops that can be used to attach other gear you would like to take along. We use this loops for easy access to our water bottles and hats. Kelty has also included a toy loop that can be used to attach your child’s favorite toys. While a small feature this has come in so handy with our little ones. It keeps them entertained and keeps the toy from falling out of their little fingers every two minutes. Overall, this is a great product. It definitely lives up to the acclaimed Kelty standard. The fabric is made of 600D polyester and brushed on nylon and can be easily hand washed. We love the Kelty for how comfortable and easy to use it is. If you are looking for even more bells and whistles, Kelty also makes the 3.0 that includes accessories such as a sun/rain hood, child view mirror, changing pad, and a removable, washable cockpit pad. We give this frame carrier our highest recommendation. | ||
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