Finding a backpack carrier that doesn't cause back strain seemed as likely as finding a cloth diaper in a snowdrift -- until we encountered The Baby Trekker.

With its wide, padded straps and back support designed to evenly distribute a baby or toddler's weight, this model is a great backpack carrier. The Baby Trekker can be used in five positions: inward- or outward-facing backpack carrier, inward- or outward-facing front carrier and nursing position front carrier.

Best of all, The Baby Trekker can be comfortably used with children from 8 to 40 pounds. Why? For a number of reasons, including shoulder straps that are wider than average and padded both over the shoulders and all the way down the wearer's back. Plus, there is a wide and padded waistband. The waistband attaches with a simple click and helps reduce pressure points that often occur in the shoulder and back areas, especially when using a backpack carrier with older children. There is a learning curve when it comes to using The Baby Trekker as a backpack carrier, so it will take some time to get used to it, but it is well worth it. This is a comfortable carrier that can used to carry a baby from infancy through toddlerhood.

The Baby Trekker is 100 percent cotton, which means the carrier is not only washable, but it also is a "breathable" fabric. This is one carrier that won't make you -- or your baby -- feel like you've spent an afternoon in a steam room. The Baby Trekker is padded for baby's comfort, too. It has padding on all edges of the carrier to cushion a baby's arms, legs, neck and head. Plus, the portion of The Baby Trekker into which a baby is placed is all cloth -- there isn't a hard plastic insert in the baby pouch -- which we believe makes a more comfortable ride for a baby.

The Baby Trekker is one of the most adjustable carriers we've tested. It can easily be re-adjusted from large to petite frames; although this does result in long straps that sometimes become a nuisance, we feel it is a small price to pay for a backpack carrier that can accommodate five different carrying positions while offering a premium level of comfort. The Baby Trekker gets high marks for sturdy construction, workhorse performance and a comfortable fit.


Pro: Five carrier positions, padded straps with back support, dual side entry
Con: Long straps, can initially be hard to use in backpack position

Warranty
1 year