Customer Reviews

Evenflo Snugli Cross Country Carrier, Light Brown Nightspots

5 star:		(18)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(7)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(4)

 

 

We love our backpack, and so does our 11 month old(24 lbs) son. I did a lot of research before choosing the Cross Country and I am very pleased with the results. We originally wanted a Kelty one, but we are on a budget so I started looking into used ones. I found some good deals on Ebay, but still could not afford the top of the line ones, even being used.
I agree with the other post that there is not enough padding on the carrier for long hikings, but we went hiking for 2 hours he other day and my husband did not complained. He is 6'4'', a little taller than the recommended max of 6'2'' fot he carrier. I love that it comes with a sun shade(just the sun shade for the Kelty is almost 30 bucks), but by far my favorite feature is the HUGE compartment for diapers, sippy cups, bottles, etc. It's really a good size, comparable to a medium diaper bag! I managed to even put the sun shade in there half way through our hiking trip. There is also a mesh pocket on the back, not to mention a little pouch on the left side, great for cell phone, wallet, keys and chap stick!
I do recommend this carrier, is a great value for the money. I have not yet seen the upgraded one(Cross Terrain), but it might have some more padding, so it's worth looking into.

My baby loves this carrier. As soon as you strap it on and head off she is happy and looks around and coos at things. The backpack is designed to be easily adjustable to that the straps that hold her in (the nice PADDED ones at the baby's shoulders) are never too tight or across her face. Some backpacks look like they might be to tight around the babies legs, but my baby is very comfortable in this and has room to move her feet around. It is also easy to adjust so that it fits me comfortably. The best part is the way the weight is not just on your back, but on your hips as well. This makes it so much easier to go on long hikes. It's very sturdy, has a HUGE storage compartment. I like the fact that it is a light brown color which doesn't attrack the heat as much. A nice feature for something you'll want to use on sunny days. This backpack really provides you with a good value for your money. Others might be fancier, but I doubt that the difference makes the price tag worth it. So if you want a nice backpack for your baby and want to stay in a budget this is really the backpack I'd recommend.

I happen to have both mainstream carriers: kelty and this cross country (or snugli cross country as other websites call it if you are checking for reviews/prices). If you want a quick, compact, light backpack for short trips (ie. grocery store, mall, playground...) and for use with babies and small toddlers, this might be the backpack for you. if you want to do hikes, are tall or short, want to use it with your three year old, then get the kelty, its worth the extra dollars.
a more detailed comparision:
*i'm 5'8" with a long torso and it just barely fits me. it does not fit my 6'2" husband
*the hip belt works but is skimpy, so on long hikes its not taking enough of the weight...so, our 2 year is in the kelty with my husband and our 6 month old is in the snugli with me....kelty is fully adjustable and ours has a quick change ladder to reset between him and me and has better padding on adult straps and a full/standard hip belt
*if you have a squirmy baby, the baby's straps are easier to clip than the kelty but they rest on the baby's shoulders (easy fix - get 2 scraps of fleece and sew around and thru existing shoulder pads and leave a flap to cover clips). kelty straps are lower but have a large padded area protecting the baby
*no removable drool area on this - our kelty has it and is wonderful!
*leg holes adequate size and easy to adjust leg holes/shoulder straps and seat height. same with kelty.
*our [...] does fit in it, but he looks like he's too big for it and its not as comfortable to wear as him in the kelty.
*sun shade is a joke! reason the kelty one is so much is that it helps against sun, wind and rain. this one barely helps with sun. again, if you want this for fair weather or indoor use, then not a problem.
*kelty has great pockets/clips/etc set up for hiking or sightseeing, this one has one big pocket (good) and flimsy mesh and hip pockets (not so good)
*kickstand is compact,light and works for in/out but not as sturdy as kelty and you can't leave the kid in there when you take a break. kickstand also needs to be manually opened before putting the pack down (its hard to reach when its on unless you have long arms, but can be opened while you hold the pack on your thigh - if you are used to handling a regular backpack.

overall, I like the pack: my baby is comfortable and secure in it. For long walks/trips, longevity (use with toddlers) and comfort, i prefer the kelty even with the added expense. I do keep the snugli in the car since its compact and use that frequently and its wonderful for keeping my hands free (to handle my [...] or to shop or both...).

I've used this backpack for my son, now 16 months, since he was about 8 months. I think it's wonderful. My husband finds it a bit uncomfortable after carrying the baby for an hour or so, but I find it very comfortable (I'm 5'3"). I've used it several times for traveling by plane with just myself and the baby. It's much easier to manage than a stroller because your hands are free for toting luggage. When you've got to take the baby out to go through the airport security station, the kickstand is very handy. It is a little harder to get it off and on without assistance once your child hits about 25 pounds, but I still wouldn't say the process was difficult. My son is very happy to ride in it. He fusses after being in the stroller for extended periods, but never in the backpack. He seems to enjoy seeing the world from backpack height.

This backpack is fine for a walk in the park but if you intend to do any serious hiking for an afternoon I wouldn't recommend it. First problem that we found with it is that it was difficult to put on once our 1 yr old was in it, (he weighs 25 lbs). The next problem was that after hiking for about an hour the straps cut into our shoulders. There is NOT enough padding if you will be wearing it for an afternoon of hiking. My husband also had a problem with pain in the middle uppper part of his back after wearing this backpack.

I would have to say that if you are planning on doing more than an occaional walk in the park, spend the money and get a Kelty or a Tough Traveler. I recently bought a Kelty Ridgeline and it is worth the extra money. A friend of mine has the tough Traveller Stallion and she loves it.

On the plus side this backpack has great storage with the fanny pack (good for sippy cups or camera) and a great storage area in the back.

I bought this due to the fab reviews found here. I was very disappointed with the product. I took it on a difficult hike with lots of inclines. My son is 25 pounds& 32". I am 5'6" & 110 pounds. I consider myself in very good shape. I have carried heavy packs on my back many times.

My son loved riding in the thing. He never fussed. However, I had to stop several times & take him off me! I had terrible pain in my shoulders & neck. (pain that lasted days after the hike) I felt no support from the waist belt at all. I tried various adjustments without help. (there are 3 waist height adjustments yet the shoulder belts just did not sit right on my small frame)

I suppose if you were taking a gentle stroll through an airport or shopping mall- this may work, but for the serious hiker & those that are small like myself- I do not recommend it. I also found it difficult to put on/ take off as a solo hiker.
I gave it 3 stars due to the fact my 6 foot tall husky hubby found it very comfortable.

I will be selling this on EBay & buying a Kelty.

I bought this backpack for my 6 month old daughter so that I could keep up with my two year old son at the park and other places. The amazing thing is that not only does my infant love the pack but so does my toddler. I am 5'2" and around 120lbs. and I have no problem carry either one of my children for extended periods of time. The frame stand pulls in once you get the pack on making all those tight squeezes in specialty stores maneuverable again. I'll still use my double stroller when I need to, but I'll be using my backpack every chance I can!

We recently bought this baby carrier for our 6-month-old son. We read a bad review about it, but bought it anyway. We are glad we did, because it's the best back pack for the best price. The belt straps are adjustable, making it comfortable for any user. The baby seat and straps are well padded, making it comfortable for him, as well. We love how much storage space is in the back. It makes it easy to go on picnics, and for long periods of time. We love it!

We bought last years model that did not have the sunshade. We have went on several short hiking trips and our daughter who is only 4 months old loves it (note manufacturer recommends 6 month old but she is tall for her age and has good head/upper body control) We liked this carrier so much that when we saw the new model had a sunshade, I sold my old one and am currently waiting for the new one to arrive. The only complaint I have is that it needs stirrups or a place for the baby to rest her feet. We normally go on long hikes and are concerned that her legs and feet will swell from the inactivity. We had this happen in a different carrier on a 40 minute walk. Other than that one complaint, I think this carrier is a great value.

My wife and I tried on a lot of baby backpacks and chose this one because of the combination of lightness and compactness and comfort. The first time we put our son in it, at 11 months/22 pounds, he giggled, kicked and just loved it. We hiked a mile and a half up to the top of a mountain. He was comfortable the whole time. The way down, he fell asleep, with his sweet face on the back of my neck. Nothing cut or injured him. The backpack supports, the two main shoulder holders and the hip pad, combine to make the backpack very comfortable with lots of support. The storage space is large. My wife and I both love it and recommend it highly, over the Kelty (too bulky and expensive) or the flimsier models.