A great way to get work done when you have a baby

I bought this pack in 1990. It turned out to be one of the best investments in baby items that I have made! I had tried to use a Snuglie soft front baby carrier and couldn't even get my son into it by myself. The Tough Traveler was easy and safe to use, as long as the baby has good head control. My husband even fell in the snow with our son (then seven months old) in the Tough Traveler and he was completely unharmed. I liked the harness system that holds the baby securely by the shoulders and waist. The one thing that I did not like about the model I had was that the harness went over the head and sometimes was difficult to get over when the baby was older and bigger. I do believe that that design was modified for later models. This pack was used for my children until they were around 35 pounds. While they still enjoyed the ride, I didn't enjoy that much weight!

There are many great features of this baby backpack. I loved the large zippered storage compartment under the seat, the fold-out stand that allowed the pack to stand freely, and the easy-adjusting straps. My husband is 6'2" and I am 5'7" and we could hand over the pack in the middle of a trail with a few quick adjustments in the straps while it was on our backs. The chest strap really made a big difference as the child being carried got heavier and heavier. The hip belt was nicely padded too. For the rain, there is a poncho that is available for the baby wo wear while they are in the backpack to keep them warm and dry (although I often just used my umbrella to cover both of us).

Having this carrier was a lifesaver as both of my children loved to be carried and carried and carried... It gave them a comfortable view of their world while I was able to get on with my life. There was no restriction on my movements because I had both arms free. You do have to keep an eye out when in stores because babies have an amazing reach and can - and do - grab things off of shelves while on your back.

The Tough Traveler really has lived up to it's name. I used it constantly for my two children and it has been lent out three times so far and it is still in good condition. I find that amazing considering how often it is used. There has been no structural deterioration and the nylon fabric has held up well.