OWNER REVIEW- DEUTER KID COMFORT II PACK

Deuter Kid Comfort II Pack Name: Crystal RoxbyAge: 31Gender: FHeight: 5’3”Weight: 130 lbsEmail address: [email protected], State, Country: Windber, Pa, United StatesDate: May 14, 2016Backpacking Background:  I started backpacking in my teens and gave it up for day hikes for a short period while having children.  Now, we are backpacking as a family.  My husband and I take our three children for overnight and weekend backpacking trips in Pa.  Our hikes are usually in fair to good weather over all types of terrain.    Product Information Manufacturer:  DeuterYear of Manufacture: 2015URL: http://www.deuter.com/USListed  Weight:7 lbs 3 oz3250 gListed Volume:980 cubic inches16 litreListed Size:28 / 17 / 13 (H x W x D) Inch72 / 43 / 34 (H x W x D) cmListed Material:Deuter-Super-PolytexColor:Arctic DenimOptional Accessories:Rain coverHydration bladder The Kid Comfort II came delivered ready to be used out of the box  The straps were easy to adjust and didn’t need much adjusting for my height.  The carrier features a height adjustable seat and although the manufacturer does not supply an age or weight limit, I have carried my five year old when she fell ill on a hike.  The carrier features foot rests, a five  point harness, a chin rest which is removable and washable, a pull forward adjustable hip belt, adjustable shoulder straps, a light weight aluminum frame and kickstand, hydration pocket, multiple storage compartments and a teddy bear.  I purchased the Deuter Kid Comfort II in January and have used it dozens of times in various weather conditions over various terrain in Western and Central Pennsylvania.  First, it is easy to load as it is propped up on its own kickstand.  I purchased a hydration bladder separately and have included it on every hike.  The bladder slides into a pocket which is pressed against the hiker’s  back once the pack is positioned.  I have found that the line can kink due to the positioning of the hydration pocket. The line feeds up over the shoulder strap which has a strap to keep it in place.  The lower storage compartment is positioned underneath the child once loaded.  It is a large space and you can easily access while the pack is standing up.  There is a small hip storage compartment and pockets on either side of the child at the head.  An older child can easily load themselves into the carrier.  One side loading opens up and allows the child to climb in and out.  Once loaded, the child is safely buckled into a five point harness system.  Foot straps hang to either side and can be adjusted to the child’s height.  Also included is a foam chin pad that the child can rest their head on.  It is detachable and can be thrown in the washing machine.  The child can be drawn closer to or away from the hiker with adjustable straps.  Loading the pack onto the hiker can be done with another person picking it up by the two carrying handles placed in front of the child and behind the child, so there is no wobbling.  It can also be self loaded by simply bending down, placing the shoulder straps onto your back  and standing up.  Being relatively fit, I have never had trouble loading the pack solo.  Once the shoulder straps are on your back, the chest clip and hip belt can be secured and adjusted. The shoulder straps and hip belt are very easy to adjust with the Deuter pull forward design.  Lastly, add the teddy bear that’s included for a happy little camper!I  backpack carrying my three year old, 30 pound child.  I haven’t had the opportunity to test it on smaller children as we purchased the Kid Comfort II as an upgrade to a former pack that couldn’t hold up to carrying a toddler.  I have found the pack to be incredibly comfortable while carrying a preschooler on day hikes and overnight trips.  I can easily attach my sleeping bag and keep a needed amount of necessities within the storage compartments.  The side pockets near the child’s head allow them to fetch their own snacks throughout the trips.  The child is also easily able to pull the hydration line (sold separately) up allowing for less frequent stops.  I carry my phone for photos in the hip pocket, which is a bit smaller than it could be.  Also, I feel that they could have placed another pocket on the adjacent side.   Summary:The Deuter Kid Comfort II is an excellent backpacking choice for those with children.  It’s lightweight aluminum frame, storage options and comfort all make help to make a pleasurable experience.   The child is able to stay as comfortable as the adult with features like foot rests, a comfortable seat and easy access to “their” things.   Pros:LightweightComfortableOptional accessoriesCons:Hydration pocket placementLacking an added hip pocket