The word from Hemmings blog guru--and DT's man in the backcountry--David Travers Adolphus on the Tough Traveler Stallion backpack carrier: "Finally." The white thing seen dangling below, the all-weather hood, is a must--for a city kid.
The word on the Columbia Little Matterhorn snowsuit: "Toasty."
THE STALLION: A SUPER DELUXE, EXTRA-PADDED BACKPACK FOR MEDIUM TO TALL ADULTS FOR AVID HIKERS & COMFORT LOVERS!, Made in USA, $198.50 [toughtraveler.com]
Columbia LIttle Matterhorn Snowsuit, $54 [amazon]
I have TWO of the Tough Traveller packs - my daughter outgrew the first, and is on her way to outgrowing mommy's back on the second (60lbs? There is NO way im gonna carry her at that point!) They're great, and the folks that make and sell them are fantastic to deal with. And I totally agree with the all-weather hood thingee.
We had an Tough Traveller for Monster. It was really comfortable, but I never could get the hang of getting it on/off by myself. Handed it down, and while my Sister-In-Law said it was ok, she preferred the MEC packs.
We all bow at the feet of the MEC Gods up here in Canada, though.
We've used the BabyBjorn Front carrier & went with the Deuter KidComfortIII when we needed something for the larger size... Very pleased with the Function & Quality of both. Besides for the money I can't see why anyone would pay the same or more for this?!?
The "why pay more" question is a good one. I like the fact that the store front where I got it backs onto the shop where they're made; the fact that they're genuinely built for hiking and other activities where stability and long-term comfort matters; and their unconditional lifetime guarantee. They'll also custom make one for you. I was really tempted by their high-visibility EMT/paramedic orange fabric, but the snow was calling.
A front/soft carrier just totally won't cut it for larger kids/hard use.