The Tough Traveler Pal'Mino is designed for light hiking and walking. So from the start, we planned to use this backpack for a day trip rather than a weeklong trek through the wilderness. To begin our day, we tucked baby into the Tough Traveler Pal'Mino, and tackled the most extreme of circumstances: the grocery store during naptime. The experience couldn't have been more beautiful. Rather than having a fussy, uncomfortable baby reaching for items on store shelves -- or worse yet, falling asleep in a germ-ridden store cart -- we had a leisurely shopping trip with a snoozing baby cuddled into the Pal'Mino backpack. The backpack's five-point harness is easy to adjust, and seems comfortable for baby.

We then went for a mid-day walk through a local museum and found that the backpack keeps baby secure, but also gives her a vantage point she enjoys. We definitely keep her entertained much longer when she is happily viewing the world from the Pal'Mino backpack. Plus, we find the backpack fits the wearer as comfortably during hour three as it did on minute one. It has padded shoulder straps and a padded waist strap. A sternum strap helps keep everything in place. The frame includes a footrest for young children and stirrups can be added for toddlers. The Pal'Mino also has under-seat storage and a kickstand for solo baby loading.

The day of testing ended with a long stroll along a scenic walking path, and the pleasant absence of an aching back. We did, however, notice there is not a canopy to protect the child from weather conditions. Overall, we find the Tough Traveler Pal'Mino Backpack Carrier is lightweight, easy to adjust and comfortable for both wearer and baby.


Pros: Mid-price range, five-point harness, padded straps
Cons: Canopy not included

Warranty
1 year, zippers; lifetime