Child Carriers

“Just looking for some gear advice on child carriers. I have a 2 year old that weighs approx 30 lbs. He hikes with me quite a bit but I still like to carry him in a carrier on my back, especially when we go on long hikes. He has outgrown his carrier and needs a new one. Anyone out there have any suggestions as to where I could get a relatively inexpensive, descent quality child carrier that isn't going to cost me an arm and a leg. I figure he will probably use it for no more than 1 year. Thanks!”

“good luck mountainchick. I have been looking for the same thing for several years. By the time I find one, my kids will be too big for it. All the ones that look like they could support that kind of weight, cost WAY too much. Let me know what you find.

BTW, sorry for not helping.”

“I would think the best place to start looking is at some of the resale shops. I dropped $200 on a Tough Traveler Stallion 6 years ago and it held up great through 2 childen and is now still going strong for some friends. I guess that's also an idea check with any other parents you think might have one not in uses right now.

Even though the price was hard to get past it was a great investment.

One other thing that may work for you is to look for a small wheeled jogger stroller. I still use our 12" wheeled jogger with my 4 year old. It has a narrow enough wheel spread that it easily fits on most trails and it gives me the chance to get those extra miles I need.”

“Ebay.

They have a bunch of child carriers at auction. Here is a stout looking one LL Bean Carrier”

“Saw one at Target the other day...if the current $149 price is too much, it will probably be marked down gradually over the next few months.

Eddie Bauer Child Carrier”

“hmmm...link doesn't work...copy & paste???

http://www.target.com/common/catalog/product.jhtml?prodid=65329&catnav=82013&navAction=push&navCount=3”

“You guys rock! Thanks for the input. I'll let you know what I get.”

“They're pretty expensive for some. Try used gear sites or yardsells.

Don't you just love when the 2 yr old lunges for a flower and knocks you off balance.”

“Problem is, even the expensive ones generally won't allow you to carry more than 40lbs in them. We found a great deal on the kelty kids expedition through sierra trading post ($120 off list) a few monthes ago. It's the best/biggest kelty makes. Forty pounds comes alot faster than I expected! An abnormally big kid plus diapers and it's full. Our kid's only 5 mo. I don't see us getting to use it for trips much longer! Look for a higher weight limit!!!!”

“My friend bought a Madden Caravan and is happy with it. I think they're pretty expensive new, but maybe you can find a used one somwhere. It looks like a nice pack.”