Swiss Army Backpacks: Kelty TC 2.1 Transit Child Carrier Review

Average Reviews:
4.8 out of 5 stars

(More customer reviews)Since this is the first review, I might as well make it a comprehensive one...

To start with, this is a _knapsack_ baby carrier, not a _backpack_ baby carrier. Those backpack carriers are a lot more adaptable between different body sizes (like, mom's size and dad's size). Those backpack carriers all seem to have swing-out legs that really stabilize the pack - you can set the pack down and get the baby in and out while standing beside the pack.

We are traveling for several months with a seven-month old baby, lots of planes and buses, so a big backpack style is not what we were looking for. I looked carefully at two knapsack style carriers - the Transit 2.1 and Deuter Kangakid. (By the way, the Transit 3.0 seems to be exactly the same as the 2.1, except that the 3.0 includes the rain/sun cover and a changing pad, for a bit less than the 2.1 plus cover would be. I say 'seems to' because the Kelty site does not make this clear, I compared the features one-by-one and they are identical otherwise.)

We chose the 2.1 over the Kangakid. The rest of this review compares the two.

The 2.1 has an internal frame that provides a base which stabilizes the pack when getting the baby in and out. Since these are not as tall as a backpack style, you'll either need to put the pack on the ground and kneel down, or put the pack on a table or rock. This base is not as stable as a backpack style frame, but it is stable enough to take your hands off for a few seconds while you mess with something. The Kangakid doesn't have that stability so the load/unload operation is a lot more difficult.

The 2.1 has quite a bit more space inside - this is important as we plan to take a lot of long day hikes. It may even have more interior space than the backpack style ones I looked at. (I just don't get why those backpacks style packs have so little carrying space.)

The 2.1 also adjusts very easily - a second or two - between two body lengths. Otherwise the frames are similar in shape/size. Neither work well for a taller body. I am 6', but my body is more like someone 6'2". Neither pack is long enough for me - the waist belt is not putting the weight on my hips. They both work better for my wife who is quite a bit shorter. This is where the backpack styles are the clear winner since some (but not all) are better for taller bodies.

The baby seat portion of the Kangakid completely zips up into the pack - with that portion zipped up, you could not tell that the Kangakid carries a baby, and you could use that section like a normal pack section. The 2.1 just has a strap that partially closes up that section - you could only put clothing in there. But I think the 2.1 gives kiddo a bit more leg kicking room than the Kangakid.

The build quality, padding, zipping, and all that doodaddy stuff seems comparable on the two models. I did not examine the sun/rain cover for the Kangakid. We bought one for the 2.1. It is more of a sun/mist cover than a true rain cover - any wind at all and kiddo will be soaked since it is open to the sides. Also, it doesn't fold away very well, which almost killed the deal for us, but it turns but that the main compartment of the 2.1 is (by design?) exactly the right size and shape to hold the cover inside - I just wish they had built in some strappage or something to hold it in place - I may end up having to sew something in.

To summarize, if I was getting only one pack, and if space was not an issue, I would go with a backpack style. Since we hike a lot, we wanted both - for the longer trips, we take the backpack. For shorter, or for quick trips to the park or store, I would pick up the knapsack before the backpack. For the long trip abroad, the knapsack will be much more convenient.

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Product Description:
Need an easy way to carry your child while shopping, traveling, or hiking? Look no further than the Kelty TC 2.1 transit child carrier. The T 2.1 fits comfortably on your torso, with a ventilated back panel that wicks moisture away from the body, along with padded shoulder straps that adjust to fit all shapes and sizes. As a result, you'll feel fit and fresh even after a couple of hours on the trail. At the same time, the carrier works to keep your child secure, with a five-point adjustable safety harness and an auto-deploy kickstand. And Kelty knows that a cranky child makes for a cranky parent, which is why the company made the TC 2.1 every bit as comfortable for your toddler, with a fully padded frame, custom-fit leg straps, and an adjustable seat covered with breathable fabric.

The TC 2.1 is comfortable for both you and your child.The TC 2.1 is also outfitted with a few handy extras that help you deal with parent-specific dilemmas, including a zip-off diaper bag with shoulder straps, an organizer pocket for Binkys and other accessories, and toy loops for toting your child's favorite playthings. Other features include a padded hip belt that contours to your shape, a waist-belt storage pocket, load-lifter straps, carry/lift handles, and mesh water bottle pockets.
Specifications:

About Kelty
Kelty has been building affordable, reliable outdoor gear since 1952, helping everyone--from the first-time camper to the experienced mountaineer--embrace the outdoor experience with confidence. Dick Kelty launched the company after years of making backpacks in his home or garage for friends, hand forming and welding each of the frames while his wife sewed the pack bags. The original Kelty packs included aircraft-aluminum contoured frames, padded shoulder straps, waist belts, clevis-pin attachments, nylon pack cloth, zippered pockets, and hold-open frames. Dick Kelty quit his carpentry business in 1956 to focus full time on Kelty Packs, and turned an old Glendale, California, barbershop into his first retail store and factory. In the ensuing years, Kelty expanded its product line to include daypacks, luggage, waterproof clothing, child carriers, jogging strollers, and more.