Enter This Bad Boy: The Deuter Kid Comfort 2

If you've read any of my blog, you'll understand that we like to spend some time outdoors, doing "things." Having two smallish kids—one who has some mild mobility issues—has forced us into using a broad range of kid-moving equipment. Of all the different pieces of gear that I've come across, the Deuter Kid Carrier 2 (officially the Kid Comfort II) stands at the forefront. Enter this bad boy!

I took terrible pictures to reinforce the fact that we are using this in the real world. My youngest keeps walking in and out of frame, trying to get in. I also don't have the full, embroidered name in the picture, so you have to read to figure out what it is. Not helpful, but that's marketing!

This is not Deuter's (pronounced DOY-ter, or DOO-ter if you like to have fun) first nor latest iteration of this pack, but from what I can see online, every variant is about the same in structure, design elements, and functionality.

BLUF (Bottom Line Up Front)

This backpack will comfortably tote your child through the wilderness or from point A to B without making you curse at your children and significant other in frustration—even though you may do that anyway. Its design is on par with most other premium backpacks on the market and still has enough additional storage for a complete day's hike. I approve of this product.

What is it?

It's a backpack to haul a kid and "stuff" over terrain no stroller may go.

What does it do?

It safely holds up to 48.5 lbs of total weight (roughly 40 lbs of kid and a few pounds of gear) and a small amount of additional necessities that you can backpack through the world like an explorer discovering Atlantis. Just keep in mind that it will eventually get wet even though I would categorize it as water-resistant. Also, it's nearly impossible to swim with a child strapped to your back unless you roll over and use them as a flotation device (CAUTION: this action is probably illegal). You may be able to fit one small rescue tank of oxygen in the storage compartment, but I think you would have to choose between your back luggage or yourself for its use. Not very egalitarian.

One of my favorite parts of this pack is that it secures your child throughout every plane in space. Your kid won't fall out no matter how you orient them. This introduces the ability to have fun in new and creative ways, such as pack tosses and wearing this pack upside down. Your kids will love it! (DO NOT TRY, as this is also probably illegal.)

This thing is really fantastic; it has shoulder straps, side straps with ample cushioning, and waist straps. Your child sits into a comfortable and expandable crevice, contouring perfectly to their size. You will see them light up with the only joy that they'll have that day considering you're going hiking. All of these straps are adjustable to accommodate even the most robust of children.

Let's Talk Storage

This pack has two open side mesh pockets, one large zippable storage compartment situated below your child, and a buckling front pocket. The storage really is great, but once packed with a child, the availability of usable space inside these pockets decreases with the displacement of your kid. The only compartment unaffected by this phenomenon is the bottom zippable storage. We find ourselves using that compartment the most and ignoring all others.

This particular model also comes equipped with a detachable rain/sun hood, giving your bundle of joy much-needed shelter from the pelting rain and merciless sun.

The Kickstand

My favorite part of the aluminum frame is the collapsible kickstand. This means that you can manually extend an aluminum bar on the bottom and set this pack with your child upright on the ground. It's a built-in babysitter (yet another CAUTION not to do this).

The Price

Retail ranges from $280–$330 in its current iteration, but you can find them for significantly less on the secondary market. This also comes in a "women's fit" for all the moms not reading this. The price is steep like the hiking you'll be doing, but how can you put a price on comfort? This particular iteration you can generally find used in the low to mid-$100 range.

Conclusion

This backpack works exactly as advertised, probably even better. I've worn numerous packs in my day, and I would put this one towards the top of my list for comfort, versatility, and ease of use. The only major drawback is the price. It's steep, but with that, you'll get a quality product that will last for years.

Delicious. Four and a half beards.