We're intending buying a child carrier, and currently the front running brands for us are Macpac and Littlelife. Both of these do a 'Rolls Royce' version with a zip-off daysack, but we're not sure if it's really worth the extra - anyone with one find it useful? At the same time, has anyone got any comments on Macpac versus Littlelife? They both seem pretty similar to us... Thanks!
We've got the littlelife Explorer (one down from the 'rolls royce') & quite frankly I can't fault it.
It has about a 20ltr capacity to carry everything you'll need for baby & you for a long day out. It's extremely comfortable to carry for hours at a time & the little one loves it up there - especially good for slapping dad on the back of the head!
Combine it with a normal day sack for your partner to carry heavy stuff in like flasks etc. I really don't see the point of an extra zip-off sack. I can fit all the little ones nappies, spare clothes, food, changing mat, drink, my waterproofs, water bottle, first aid kit, map etc in it with ease. All my partner carries is her own waterproofs & our lunch.
We've got the macpac vamoose (with the zip-off daysack)
I run the risk of repeating what Jason has said, but if you're planning full days out on the hill with the little blighter on your back, the day sack is perfect for nappies, bottles, clothes and all the other stuff you end up having to take out with you.
I can't fault the macpac - it's extremely comfortable and the rainbow (waterproof cover) is really effective - and we've tested it in some really wet conditions.
My only advice would be don't tilt your head back quickly on a steep descent - 18 month olds get really angry if they head-butt you involuntarily. Plus it hurts.
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.
Thanks very much folks - some great advice there, which should be useful to others as well. I'm really grateful to you for taking the time to respond. Driven partly by lower cost, but also considering the thoughts above, we've just ordered the Littlelife Explorer so we'll see how we get on with it! Cheers again, and happy trekking.
