Gerry Baby Hiking Backpack is useful for more than just hiking.  I really like the backpack because it has a leg that can swing out and so the back pack carrier is held upright.  This is a great feature so you can get the baby on and off without requireing assistance from others.  The backpack carrier is also sturdy enough that the weight of the baby is evenly dispersed (so you don't feel like they are hanging onto your back and dragging you down).  This back pack has been helpful around the house to just put the baby in to sit and watch what is going on around them (and then they can not crawl or toddle away and get into anything they should not).  It is not for little infants, but for children that can sit up by themselves.  The pack itself is very lightweight, so it is not heavy to carry around.  I like the support around the waist to hold the back pack on -- it is cushioned.  Gerry Baby Hiking Backpack is useful for more than just hiking. 

kvalebear

Chattanooga, TN

With our kids, the baby backpack was an indispensible piece of equipment. We used it for everyday child transport-- certainly not just on the trail. My kids rode in the backpack from the time they were older infants until they demanded their freedom, and from their lofty perch, they watched everything from the Falls at Yosemite to the mundane daily routines in my kitchen. This Gerry backpack was the first backpack we owned-- a cheap garage sale find. It served its purpose of introducing us to the wonders of the baby backpack, but ultimately didn't stand up to the rigors of daily use, especially with rapidly growing children. Although the nylon fabric is very easy to clean, much more so than the rugged canvas-type fabric used on more expensive backpacks, it is also prone to rips, and provides very little cushioning against the hard metal frame underneath. The frame, while very lightweight, became bent over time, as we used it with heavier babies. Eventually, it became so warped that the 'kickstand' wouldn't support the pack when loading or unloading, which did make it very difficult to use. This might be a fine option if you only intend on using your backpack on a limited basis. But for true backpack enthusiasts, you will need a sturdier, more comfortable (and probably much more expensive) model.

secondact

Livermore, CA