Highlandcoo, think you've e-mailed me privately already so I'll just cut and paste my replies to you for all to see.
I went for that one as I believed in was the only carrier based on a quality
rucksack that is designed to carry heavy loads. Okay I'm sure others will
argue they're more specific to carrying a child but none of the others have
Macpac's reputation.
As for other varieties of Macpac? Well the Vamoose is the only one (when I
got it) that had 2 sizes and was fully adjustable within those sizes. Also
the Vamoose has a different and superior belt system even compared with the
Possum (only the honest guys in Field & Trek told me that, I checked and
they're correct).
My youngest is now 20 months and I can still carry him for a long walk, and
I've got a long term bad back anyway!
Another bonus, though I can't comment on other carriers, is that with
minimal practice I can get the lad in the carrier and on (and off) my back
without any help. My old Karrimor needed the help of my wife or it was a
total nightmare.
Forgot to mention the zip off pack. In my opinion that's a gimick! My eldest (aged 4) used it, as have my wife now and then, but to be fair it's not that great and there's plenty of storeage in the basic unit.
Also do note the Vamoose comes with the sun shade and rain cover as standard, they're about £35 extra with other models! The sun shade is a nice addition but the rain cover is excellent, it covers the whole child so no wet legs. The only thing is, my boy likes to see the world around so does grumble with the cover on as he only really gets to see the back of my head! Still they're worth having if you walk in rain or have a child that will occasionally throw a sunhat off (nothing worse than retracing your steps for a hat!).
Happy shopping, and remember big places like Cotswold will always knock some cash off. I played the YHA member card and had a result, though if you work for the emergency services or have a Trail Credit Card etc etc you will also get a discount.
