Customer Reviews

Deuter Kid Comfort II (Titan/Anthracite)

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

We got this when we had a problem with an old Kelty Pathfinder. That was an AWESOME pack - but the straps rotted, it was a known issue (and affected a limited number of them), and Kelty offered to replace it with a new FC 3.0. We looked at the 3.0 and the Deuter KC2 at REI and decided we liked the Deuter better. Since we'd bought the Kelty at REI, REI did the exchange.

It is a really comfy pack, from the adult perspective. I was 20 weeks pregnant at the time and it still felt good on me, with a 2 1/2 yo. Lots of storage, loved the side opening so my girls could get in and out in their own. (Getting them in and out of a Kelty wasn't hard, they just got a kick out of the side opening) Adjustable for various sized adults, although not as quick and easy as a Kelty. Overall, it just felt great. The only thing I didn't like was how the kick stand didn't auto-deploy but I figured we'd get used to that.

The problem is, since we were using our then 2 1/2yo twins as test subjects, we didn't realize how ridiculously deep the cockpit of the Deuter is. Now that baby is here, I'd like to put him in it. At 7 months, he looks like he is sitting in a hole. He can barely peek out. The adjustment is a joke - it's fiddly and even when I make the seat as high as it can go it doesn't change much. It's part of the under seat storage so it really doesn't seem to rise up much. Kelty's adjustment is more straightforward and you really see a difference with it.

Another issue with the pack is the zipper for the under seat storage is sticky and hard to open. Some reviews of the newer model (ours was purchased in 2010) say this has been corrected. It's one of those little things that bugs you every time so if buying new make sure it's the newest model.

Overall you can't beat it for adult comfort, but it's definitely better for 15 months and up in my opinion, which is a bit of a drawback. But I can put my 34 pound 3 1/2 yo in this and it seriously feels great, and a pack that is super comfy with even a big kid is better than a pack that is medium comfy with a small kid.

Editing to add the newest version claims to have more adjustability to the seat - but I looked at it in the store and could not see any appreciable difference.

I chose this pack primarily bc I am short (5'2") and short-waisted and read dozens of reviews of REI, Kelty and Deuter packs before choosing this for how well it adjusts to both my frame and my much taller husband's. Also, the weight rating is broader than some and we anticipated years of use. We absolutely love this pack (bought in 2010) and both find it very comfortable with either a baby or toddler in it, and I was comfortably able to adjust the belt strap to use the pack until I was pushing 25 weeks pregnant during my last pregnancy. I am by no means a serious hiker or extremely fit or strong, but I have no problem wearing 30+ lbs on my back with this pack.

PROS: There's PLENTY of storage for whatever you might need on the trail, though realistically you cannot put things in the side pockets and reach them with the pack on, so I either carry my water bottle in my hands or have to have someone reach it for me if it's on the pack. The pack is plenty stable enough to rely on the kickstand for taking it on/off, and even when I can't readily lean back to sit it onto a higher surface like a table/back of the car, the kids are so well strapped in that I can swing it off my one shoulder and set it down on the ground without worry that they'll fall (or even wiggle lol). Plus, it breathes well - you will absolutely sweat under it when you hike in hot weather, but not uncomfortably, and your child will remain cool and comfortable (in case anyone wonders why to pick a pack like this over, say, an Ergo back carrier.)

CONS: My flaws with the Deuter Kid Comfort II are similar to those listed by "PghYinzer" who also reviewed it here. The zipper is sticky, but it's not a kids' coat I put on and off three times a day, so no big deal. The straps for the child are too long/seat too deep even at the smallest/tightest setting when you use it for a baby, but there are so many adjustments all around that I feel my children have been secure regardless and they haven't complained one bit about lack of a better view. Also, this pack has a lower starting rating for weight than others, so even if my baby sits low, I like that it's useable from early on (both of my kids are very petite, so we used a front carrier at first and this pack from 7 months on). Only real gripe is that there is no removable pad where the kids mouths/faces rub (mainly just an issue with an infant, though my toddler has occasionally fallen asleep on longer hikes), so that part can't easily be cleaned; we often drape a small blanket or soft cloth in between when we know our baby will be sleeping during the hike.

All in all, a great back pack. We've used it around town and in the mountains, and we recommend it to friends. I can confidently say "I'd buy it again!" because we're planning our first extended hiking trip this summer with both kids in tow and I'm about to buy a second pack to take along!

I'm 6'5" and my wife is 5'6" so we needed a pack that would be comfortable for both of us. We saw a few reviews around that said that it was good for a range of heights so we thought that we would give it a try. We were not disappointed. Within just a minute or two, we can easily adjust the pack to fit either of us and both find it really comfortable. Our little guy is only 19 lbs currently, but to be honest, I couldn't really feel his weight once I had him on my back in this pack. The weight was so well distributed and the straps so well padded that it wasn't a problem at all to carry him around. I'm sure that as he gets bigger, I will notice his weight more and more, but I am impressed by the thought and design that went into this backpack. We can't wait to make many more family memories as we get out and enjoy the outdoors together while carrying out little guy with us!

This bag is pretty comfortable. It is well built. I love the feature that you can open the side to take your kid out. It also makes great use of space with the location of the two pouches on the back. The bag adjusts very well. I'm 6'4" and my wife is 5'9" and it adjusts to the both of us nicely. I would recommend this bag.

It's simple....my 9 month old son loved it and my back loved it. That says it all. And it's very easy to use.

We bought this carrier for our 4 month old and so far it has been great. Easy to get him in and out of it. Lots of storage in the backpack. Comfortable. Highly recommend it.

We purchased this pack a summer or 2 ago. We lived in Alaska at the time and we love to hike and camp every weekend we can. We have taken this pack on several hikes into the Alaskan wilderness, mountains and glacier hikes. Both my husband and I enjoy wearing it and our son (3.5 years old now) LOVE it! We now tried it out in a Georgia state park on a 7 mile hike with our son who is now 36 pounds and it was a breeze. It's a super comfortable pack that is light weight and easy to manuver with only one person. Now that my son is 3.5 years old I need help getting it on my back if it's on the ground but I can carry it for several miles at a time w/out problems. The storage room is great, it carried a sweater for me, my sons spring coat, dog food bowl w/ food, 3 water bottles, snacks, camera, 2 cell phones, leash and a park map today.