Deuter Comfort III Carrier

I own a previous version of the Deuter Kid Comfort III (2009 model), and with the arrival of another baby girl we decided it was time to buy a second pack, so we researched the options.

I LOVE the 2009 KCIII - the manner in which the child sits leaves our daughter comfortable for hours. We took a few smaller hikes to dial ourselves in, and had a remarkable experience each time. The KCIII could be adjusted easily to fit both my wife (5'1", 110 lbs) and myself (5'11", 210 lbs) - I'm a big fan of the Vari-quick harness. The cockpit seemed to drown our child when she was ~6 months, but she has since grown into it - it took us a while to realize that the child's chest-strap could be adjusted to sit higher on the shoulder-straps: once we discovered this secret, our child fit much better. The yellow buckles make it easy to figure out where to make adjustments, and the waistbelt shifts most of the weight to your hips (I have heard others complain that the backpack is top-heavy when occupied - I haven't found this to be the case).

I love the hydration bladder option, and use a 2L Camelbak rather than Deuter's bladder - it works great, but there isn't a loop to hook onto inside of the h2o compartment (something I've come to expect in Camelbaks, but really isn't necessary).

Our daughter loves being able to see what's going on - after our initial short hikes, we put this pack through its paces over a solid week of hiking at Arches, Canyonlands, and Mesa Verde National Parks. Our daughter didn't complain once, sleeping peacefully and cooing/laughing excitedly as we hiked in the back-country for hours at a time (our longest uninterrupted hike went for 8 miles over primitive trails). We would get her out to stretch/change her diaper occasionally, but she was always happy to get back in.

The kickstand takes a little flexibility to pull in yourself, but can be managed - I prefer it to the automatically retracted sort, since you are able to fully control whether or not it is extended.

Carrying capacity is great - we were able to pack emergency items, diapers, extra water, food, and had plenty of room to spare.

Most importantly to me, my back felt amazing after hours and days and a full week on the trail - with other carriers, my neck and shoulders bore the brunt of my efforts. After using the KCIII, my feet were the only thing to feel the pain, which testifies to the pack's ability to shift weight to your hips/legs (I would recommend trekking poles or a staff to share the weight if your feet aren't used to carrying your child for protracted periods). The pack was very breathable on my back. Our daughter would sleep for hours in the pack - she would get a little bit of skin irritation from contact with the canvas material in the cockpit, but it wasn't a major concern.

We originally opted for the KCIII over the KCII for the sun/rain cover. The KCIII has a built-in rain cover, which adds length to the pack: this was annoying at first, but the more we thought about it the safer it seemed. If mom or dad take a spill while hiking, I feel much better knowing that my child has a built-in roll bar (the KCI and KCII don't offer this protection). This means that I wouldn't be as likely to travel with the KCIII, but I still prefer the additional protection - it's a no-brainer (and a brain-saver).

SO - we loved the 2009 KCIII, and ended up buying the 2011 model after comparing similar products. Deuter won again, and we now own both the 2009 and the 2011 model. In fact, Deuter has improved the KCIII for 2011, with the following differences:

The Good:
1) Color
2) texture of chin-pad is soft (like fleece rather than canvas texture in 2009 model)
3) Kick-stand locks in place, and requires a push-button to collapse
4) stitching is different - square patterns rather than round, and different designs. Same basic parts, just slightly different stitching and branding locations.
5) The waist-belt seems to pivot more allowing for freer range-of-motion - I was a huge fan of the 2009 model, and this looks to be even better.
6) Chin-pad improved - now fleece material, very soft (should cut down the skin irritation)
7) Zipper is easier to use (2009 model is very stiff due to a flap covering it - this probably means that the 2011 model is less rain-proof, but access is easier)

The bad
1) velcro loop for hydration on chest straps has been replaced with a sewn loop - I prefer the velcro
2) The push button makes it more difficult to pull in the kickstand (but I still like the additional security)
3) The waistband seems slightly less-padded, but that could just be the stitching
4) some of the straps are thinner than the previous model - they are just adjustment straps, and admittedly the previous straps were probably an over-build, but I still like the look of the thicker straps.

I love the new 2011 KCIII, and think it's the best child carrier pack out there - we compared to all of the major brands, but for safety comfort adjustability and built-in protection, Deuter KCIII wins hands-down. I am very impressed with the high-quality of their product, and with a twenty percent off coupon, the price isn't half bad. :)

I had once seen a couple hiking with their child in a "Kelty" carrier and thought I need to get one of these. But, when I started researching about kids backpack carriers, I pretty much had made up my mind about getting a Deuter. I am the type that rather pay more but have a great product.
I bought the Deuter II at first and brought it home and tried it and it was fine. However, I still had my heart on the Deuter III. So I got that as well and had them at home side-by-side to compare the features. The reason I personally liked Deuter III
- It was just bigger with better support
- I like the shade feature b/c our little one does NOT like to wear anything on her head.
- It had better cushioning around the chin area.

My husband and I used it on 4 different hikes in Sedona and our daughter LOVED it. She's 15 months, weighs 21 lbs and 30 inches tall. It was easily adjustable to fit my husband who is 5'11" and myself 4'11". I will admit that it took a while for me to get used to it. It did seem too tight around my hips and seemed to have been putting pressure on the outside hip area, but I think it needed getting used to. I was pretty comfortable throught the hike.

Disappointment:
- It supposedly comes with a mirror so you can see your child. Well, it a LITTLE compact size mirror that you pull out of the pocket and use to look behind you. (And I thought there was going to be an attachment that the mirror was hung from).

Overall, I am very pleased with it. I will not hesitate buying another one for a 2nd child. I can't believe I didn't buy it earlier and was instead using Baby Bjorn during the hikes. I can't believe how uncomfortable our daughter must've been - not to mention the uneven weight it was putting on our backs.

P.S. In pictures it might look like our daughter is uncomfortable leaning to the side but that was not the case. Her vision was blocked so she'd prefer to lean to the side to look ahead of her.

The first thing I thought when I saw this carrier in person is that it looks insane. It's got sharp contrasts between the gray, black, and rescue yellow. This pack looks really great. I'm a gear junkie, and it's a consideration for me. It fits as well as Gregory Shasta and has all the same adjustments. The waste belt pivots in the center of the back to add stability to the pack as your hips shift up and down. This pack is very well constructed and it was surprising how fast I could move my 1yr in and out. He was very excited to get in it after his first time of being in it for about 6 minutes total. He sat still while I buckled the straps and he was elated the entire time. Between [@] and REI I read about 40 reviews between the II and III. The most commonly shared report was how much their kid loved being in the pack. And I was afraid, ah, he'll be the 1%. Wrong. He LOVES it. A couple things that caught my attention was the zipper for the sun shade. It was a little difficult to get back into its pouch. The chin guard was very easy for my 1yo to detach and push into my head (the whole time). The other thing was the zippers were a little more light duty than I expected.Overall this pack is amazing. I had to try hard to find anything wrong. I did watch a review on YouTube indicating that anyone 6' or over will not be able to fit the pack. I'm close to 6'1" and think I could probably be 3" taller. Of course, as in the video review, this is subjective. One last thing I would say is to not exceed the manufacturer's rating for weight load. If you want the pack to last as long as it's designed, it would not only be more comfortable to do so, but it will give you the best experience from the pack.

This backback is the best. It is the first one that my husband can use without killing his back. It is adjustable in so many ways, it is easy to distribute the weight properly. My husband is 6'3" and I am 5'3". It is easily adjustable to fit both of us. We also have a Kelty model meant for city and travel. I was the only one who could carry him. It was fine when he was a baby, but now that my son is 2, he is just to heavy for it. He technically still fits, but it is to much weight to distribute. Switching to the Deuter III was something that I wish we had done long ago. I also love the water feature. We are able to use our camelbak bladder without having to carry a second backpack. Not only is it perfect for us, but for my son as well. He is very comfortable and fell asleep. In this one, he sits up higher and can see over my head. This is nice because in his old one, he was always leaning to one side to see around me. The shift in weight made for some tricky walks. I also love the built in sun/rain shade. Super handy. My one issue is that he fell asleep with the sun shade up and his head fell over and got trapped outside the pack on the other side of the strap. It woke him up and he was freaking out because his head was stuck (not in an actual threat of stangulation way, just uncomfotable). Over all, it is well worth the cash. We use it for the farmer's market and for hikes. Or even just shopping. We use it now instead of his stroller. Everyone should have one!!! Especially those with back issues. It takes a few minutes to find the sweet spot of comfort, but once you find it, it is great.

So this is a great carrier. Comfortable, relatively lightweight, pretty easy to use (Though getting it setup to my body took awhile, I think I got that dialed)The baby likes it and it carries a ton of extra stuff. I only gave it a 4 out of 5 because 5 would mean PERFECT and there are a couple of very very minor issues. If I could have given it a 4.5 I would have. The hooks that attach the sunshade onto the loops are tiny and difficult to use, as are the hooks on the accessory rain cover. There are no stirrups or supports for babies feet so they just sort of float in the breeze. They may not mind this, but I think it would be a nice bonus feature or even an add on accessory that I would purchase. The "Mirror" it comes with is very cheap. It is simply a piece of poorly cut mirrored plastic with some Velcro on it. Yes, it allows you to view your child in a pinch but I think they could make it out of a bit better material since it is one of the features they point out.

Again, all in all this is a great Carrier and I highly recommend it over the competitors as I tried them all on. But this one just seemed to fit better for me. I also went with the Kid Comfort III over the II because of the built in shade and high back. I feel that the high back would provide at lest some support for the child in the event of a trip or fall on my part.

I have only put about 15-20 miles in with this carrier and I have loved every minute of it (After I got it dialed in that is!). Buy it, you wont be sorry!

I would give a 5 if this was not a small crack on the supporting frame. I don't think it would affect the stability (or it might we will see) so did not bother to ask REI for return or excahnge, but still was a little bit suprised to see this defect given Deuter's name.
I ordered this kid carrier since the reviews online were so soo good. However, on the first day I got it, I almost returned it since it was hurting my neck and shoulders so badly with my 20lb daugher in it. It turned out I just needed to make adjustment and to try. There are so many adjustments you could do with this carrier, which is a pro also a con. The trick is to tighten the hip belt and leave the should straps a little bit loose. This way, the majority of the weight is on my hip. Also adjust the VaryQick properly. I am 6'3" and it is two steps to the top.
By the third day, I was able to carry my daughter walking during an outlet mall shopping for about 1 hoor and half. It was comfortable and the baby slept in it for a while and never complained. It would be good for being on a trail but it is also great if you could free your hands to take a icecream or something else when walking in a shopping mall. The kid liked it better than the stroller, maybe because she was sitting high.
Anyway, it is a good product, but expect to do the adjust&try before you like it.

The KCIII is a great pack that will make it easy and comfortable for you and your child to get outside. We've had our daughter in one since about 6 mo. and she's almost 2 now.
Most importantly the KCIII is comfortable for the child. Everything is padded, including a big pillowy chin rest and padded side that offers neck support when baby konks out. Our daughter loves getting in the KCIII.
For the sherpa, the KCIII is super easy to adjust with one velcro strap, so parents can trade off with ease. It's got a lot of storage so if one parent takes it they have room for all of baby's needs and enough extra space for mom or dad's items. The pack has an oversized kickstand that is really solid and stable, big front and back straps for lifting the pack onto your back, and is really, really comfortable to carry. It's large, which is a draw back in tight spaces or crowded busses, but the full shade keeps the sun, rain, tree branches, etc. off your child and seems like would help if we ever took a spill. The pack cleans up easily- soap and water - and still looks great after 1.5 years of abuse.
The best thing I can say is that it's so comfortable and easy to use, that'll it will get you and baby outside! If you're in a more urban environment or likely to go on shorter walks and hikes, the KCI might be a better option due to it's smaller size, length and weight.

The KCIII is a great pack that will make it easy and comfortable for you and your child to get outside. We've had our daughter in sincce about 6 mo. and she's almost 2 now. Most importantly the KCIII is comfortable for the child. Everything is padded, including a big pillowy chin rest and padded side that offers neck support when baby konks out. Our daughter loves getting in the KCIII.
For the sherpa, the KCIII is super easy to adjust with one velcro strap, so parents can trade off with ease. It's got a lot of storage so if one parent takes it they have room for all of baby's need and enough extra space for mom or dad's items. The pack has an oversized kickstand that is really solid and stable, big front and back straps for lifting the pack onto your back, and is really, really comfortable to carry. It's large, which is a draw back in tight spaces or crowded busses, but the full shade keeps the sun, rain, tree branches, etc. off your child and seems like would help if we ever took a spill. The pack cleans up easily- soap and water - and still looks great after 1.5 years of abuse.
The best thing I can say is that it's so comfortable and easy to use, that'll it will get you and baby outside! If you're in a more urban environment or likely to go on shorter walks and hikes, the KCI might be a better option due to it's smaller size, length and weight.

I purchased this in 2007 for hiking with our oldest child and now use it with our youngest who was born in 2010.

I first put them in the pack at about 4 months. It seemed a little big for them at that size but they seemed to enjoy the ride.

I now pack the youngest at 1y.o. and 25ish lbs. and it is comfortable. I have even given it a test run with my 4y.o. at about 40+ lbs. Doable, but we just did it for kicks.

The bottom pouch is a good size. Large enough for diaper changing goodies along with maybe a day hike worth of food and a change of clother for the little one.

The last outing I packed a fly rod and a couple fly boxes and misc goodies in the other pouches.

The stowable shade is nice to have in the rainy NW and it is also a nice feature to keep the sun out of juniors eyes.

The only reason I give it 4 is because it is a little pricey and at 6'3" it is a tad short for me. That said, it is easily adjustable to fit my wife too.

It's built like a tank (at least the model year we have). My kids will outgrow it long before it wears out. It still looks new and I will pass it along to a friend for much more use.

Overall, a good pack.