For parents looking for the ideal child carrier for hiking and other outdoor activities, picking the right one is important. The Deuter brand offers a range of choices. For me it eventually became a choice between the Deuter Kid Comfort vs Kid Comfort Pro vs Kid Comfort Active battle!
After much deliberation, I picked the Deuter Kid Comfort.
My Top Picks
- Best Overall – Deuter Kid Comfort
- Best for Storage Space – Deuter Kid Comfort Pro
- Best Lightweight Option – Deuter Kid Active
My family as avid hikers
As an avid hiker, living an hour drive away from the mountains, I am aware of the pitfalls of the wrong gear when hiking. When searching for the right child carrier for our family’s hiking needs, I knew that comfort, safety, and easy use were all vital for a successful hike. See this shot of me below with my daughter when I’m having my weekend exercise…with our Deuter carrier.
Deuter Kid – Comfort vs Comfort Pro vs Comfort Active
When the hunt was on for a child carrier before going hiking into the wilderness, I was inundated with the different products available on the market. As I sifted through the choices, I was drawn back to the Deuter brand, over and over again. Today I am sharing my opinions on three of their child carriers. This guide is intended to make your search easier and to help you make the right decision.
A Bit About the Deuter Brand
The Deuter brand ranges from trekking backpacks to day packs to child carriers. Their products are of high quality and they don’t only offer backpacks. If you are in the market for sleeping bags and other accessories for hiking and camping, have a look at this brand. In another article I compared Deuter vs Thule vs Osprey brands and I found Deuter to be my favorite.
As they focus on specific requirements, you’re guaranteed a product that will match all your hiking needs. Pioneers in the field of child carriers, Deuter’s range is sophisticated, long-lasting, and certified for safety standards.
Picking the Right Deuter Product for Your Needs
To ensure that I was comfortable with the right Deuter product for my own personal needs (and that of my partner and my daughter), I took into consideration the following points:
- Safety: All three products boast a safety harness system ensuring the safe loading of your child into the seat. As all parents will agree, safety comes first and everything else thereafter.
- Weight: Carrying a child on your back can get heavy-going. The Kid Comfort Active with its lightweight design was the perfect option compared to the Kid Comfort and the Kid Comfort Pro for this purpose.
- Comfort: While all three child carriers ensured comfort, the Kid Comfort and Kid Comfort Pro include the Deuter Aircomfort feature which aids with ventilation, keeping both hiker and child cool.
- Adjustable Seat and Foot Rests: All three choices offer adjustable seating and footrests, giving your child the best viewing while hiking.
- Torso Fit for Both Parents: As my partner and I were sharing the load, we took turns carrying our daughter. Both the Kid Comfort and Kid Comfort Pro have the VariSlide precise back length adjustment feature. This allowed for quick and easy transition between parents. The Kid Comfort Active has the VariQuick back length adjustment which catered for tailoring the backpack to fit your body.
- Storage: Again, all three child carriers had ample storage for all those nitty-gritty baby gear items you end up carting around with you! But the Kid Comfort Pro detachable daypack was a plus for quick trips to the change rooms without taking the whole child carrier. The Kid Comfort and Kid Comfort Pro have 2 zippered compartments while the Comfort Active has 1 zippered compartment.
Accessories to Add to Your Perfect Deuter Product
When hiking, we are at the mercy of the weather. Most times we hope for sunny days but there are days when the rain may come.
Luckily, both the Kid Comfort and Kid Comfort Pro have integrated sunroofs. For the Kid Comfort Active, you can purchase the Deuter KC Sun Roof. Offering UV protection for your child, the sunroof can be easily attached to the child carrier, giving your child shade from the sun. When not needed, it can be stored away in the carrier’s back pocket.
The Deuter KC Raincover Deluxe is easy to install on all three child carriers. With windows for clear vision, your child will be kept warm, dry, and comfortable during a rainy outburst. It’s windproof and waterproof: the rain cover is versatile as it gives your child extra UV sun protection.
That was a wow moment for me.
Best Overall – Deuter Kid Comfort
This product proved itself on a recent hike to Klontalersee Lake. Both my partner and I loved the ventilation feature – a back system designed to free airflow between our backs and the child carrier. No more sweaty backpacks or shirts for us! Our daughter was comfortable throughout the hike and the adjustable seat gave her views to see for miles! The locking kickstand and side-step entry are great for the bigger kids who can climb in themselves. And, if your child insists on taking his or her pencils with them, the zippered compartments are ideal for keeping the pencils safe!
Who It’s For
This is a great option for parents to share the load. The adjustment features allow for easy and quick transition between parents.
Why You Should Consider It
If you’re looking for all-around comfort for both yourself and your child, you can’t go wrong with this product. It ticks all the boxes for hiking: precision fit for the wearer, ventilation, comfy ride for the passenger, and ample storage for all those necessities. See the picture of another one I got to test.
Product Information
- Pack Weight: 7 lbs 1 oz
- Storage: Yes/2 x zippered compartments
- Ages: Torso length 15 – 21”
- Weight range: Maximum 48 lbs (including gear)
- Integrated Sun Roof: Yes
- Adjustable Seat and Foot Rests: Yes
- Backsystem: Deuter Aircomfort
Pros
- Easy transition between parents
- Free airflow between wearer and child carrier
- Integrated sunroof (see picture below)
Cons
- Raincover not included
- Heavier frame than that of the Deuter Comfort Active
- Does not have a hydration sleeve
Best for Storage Space – Deuter Kid Comfort Pro
As with the Kid Comfort, the backsystem airflow keeps both the hiker and passenger cool while the adjustable seat and footrest added to the hiking experience for your child. The bonus detachable daypack allows (see image below) for extra storage space. So, if you’re looking for space to store your eco-friendly diapers while hiking, this product is the one for you.
Who It’s For
It’s the ideal option for families needing extra storage for the baby still in diapers or additional storage for picnic food and drinks.
Why You Should Consider It
The best feature of this product is the detachable daypack. This is ideal for those times when you need to take your child to the change rooms but don’t want to haul the whole child carrier in with you. Or, for those impromptu picnics where you can store extra-special goodies.
Product Information
- Pack Weight: 8 lbs 4 oz
- Storage: Yes plus integrated daypack/2 x zippered compartments
- Ages: Torso length 15 – 21”
- Weight range: Minimum 16 lbs/Maximum 48 lbs (including gear)
- Integrated Sun Roof: Yes
- Adjustable Seat and Foot Rests: Yes
- Backsystem: Deuter Aircomfort
Pros
- Detachable integrated 10-liter daypack
- External pockets and 2 zippered compartments
- Integrated sunroof
Cons
- No rain cover included
- Heavier than the Deuter Kid Comfort and Deuter Kid Active
- No hydration sleeves
Best Lightweight Option – Deuter Kid Comfort Active
The lightweight frame of this product is the selling point if you’re looking for a lighter load to carry. It does not compromise on any of the other safety and comfort features of the Deuter Kid Comfort brand. The Lite Aircontact backsystem gives the ventilation without the added weight. All safety requirements are in place, ensuring load transfer and control between the parents while hiking. If you’re into ultralight backpacking, this product is the right pick for you.
Who It’s For
It’s ideal for those looking for a minimalistic, athletic build in a child carrier.
Why You Should Consider It
As with the other products in the Deuter Kid Comfort range, this product offers safety and comfort. Both the hiker and the child will enjoy a great trail experience with the adjustable fittings to mold to the hiker’s body and adjustable seat and footrests for the child.
Product Information
- Pack Weight: 5 lbs 10 oz
- Storage: Yes/1 x zippered compartment
- Ages: Torso length 15 – 21”
- Weight range: Minimum 16 lbs/Maximum 48 lbs (including gear)
- Integrated Sun Roof: No
- Adjustable Seat and Foot Rests: Yes
- Backsystem: Deuter Lite
Pros
- Lightweight
- Ideal for women or the smaller hiker
- Ventilation features for a sweat-free hike
Cons
- No rain cover included
- Does not have an integrated sunroof
- Only has 1 zippered compartment
FAQ
Is the Deuter Kid Comfort range of child carriers easy to transport?
Yes. All Deuter Kid Comfort child carriers are easily folded for transport and storage purposes. They’ve been designed this way so you never need to worry about lugging around bulky equipment.
Can I check in my child carrier as a carry-on when flying?
It is always best to check with the airline you’re flying with as each airline has its own specific requirements for carry-on luggage but generally speaking yes you can.
What is the maximum weight for these child carriers?
Deuter recommends a maximum weight of 40 lbs for the child and 8 lbs for extra gear.
Conclusion
Hiking has to be one of the most enjoyable ways of spending time with your family outdoors. If you have a young child and you think your hiking days have come to an end, think again. Child carriers have changed the way we view hiking with children.
The Deuter Kid Comfort works for my family. Its features turn every hiking trip into a comfortable and enjoyable experience. Now that you know the different child carriers the Deuter brand has to offer hikers, what would your choice be between the Deuter Kid Comfort vs Kid Comfort Pro vs Kid Comfort Active?
Last update on 2024-12-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Thank you so much for your detailed review! I am torn between the Active (lightweight) and Kid Comfort, but I think i will go with Kid Comfort. We are planning a hike in Colorado (and we are not hikers) so want to make sure we are able to carry her.
Hi Rina,
Very good, I’m glad my article is useful. Kid Comfort is a great choice as you can see also my example. I’m curious about your upcoming adventure in Colorado. For sure you need a good childcarrier for such a trip!
Thanks for the article. I am trying to decide between these three packs now. Do you have thoughts for the best pack to use in hot conditions? I live in Florida and we like to take the baby on walks every day but it can be very hot, so I’d love something that will keep her (and us) cool!
That’s a great question. I’ve recently been on a hike this summer under hot and humid conditions, probably similar to the conditions you have in Florida. I used the Kid Comfort and I think it’s a great choice. So if I were you I’d go for that one or the Pro if you need storage space. You might want to get an additional sunroof to protect her against the sun. My daughter fell asleep in the backpack within 10 mins after departure so it’s also comfortable for her. 🙂