Stonz Boot Review

Stonz Rain Boots
Stonz is probably most known for their outdoor baby booties, but they are branching out into rain bootz as well as winter bootz as their clientele grows. They sent us a pair of their Rain Bootz to try out. Here's what we thought...

Overall Rating: Perfect boot for Southeast Alaskan kids!

Features:

• 100% Natural Rubber
• Durable and tear resistant, yet flexible and comfortable
• Quick dry 100% cotton liner
• PVC-free
• Phthalate-free
• Lead-free
• Formaldehyde-free
• You can purchase a pair linerz for these bootz to boost their insulation = warmth
• Come in sizes for kids 4 years to 10 years of age or 4t to youth 4
•  Come in a wide array of colors that range from gender neutral to more gender specific if you like.

Here's a great video from the company's website : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cU5rExuYiho

While we haven't tried the boots with the liners, we think the combo makes the perfect boot, giving kids options for every season in our rainforest climate. Pull on wool socks and add a foot warmer and you have a solution for even the coldest of winter days in Southeast Alaska!

From the Stonz Website

Favorite Baby Carrier Cover - Hands Down!

We've had the Kowalli Cover in our lending library for a while now. When it first arrived, my oldest was starting to become an independent little Trekker and I didn't get much use out of it personally. Now with the addition of our newest son, I've had the chance to really use it and totally fall in love with it. It is hands down my favorite baby carrier cover. Here's why:

• Most of the other carriers have a small hole or slit through which baby has to put their head. Besides the fact that babies don't tend to like putting their heads through small holes, it makes it that much more difficult when wearing them on your back. Still other benefits of the wide opening is that you can easily adjust the baby and use the sleep hood (like on an Ergo). This too can not be said for some of the other covers.
• My other pet peeve with some of these carriers is that your own jacket must remain open. With the Kowalli, My own jacket can be zipped up. (I also recently found the best baby wearing, no bulk, super warm jacket... we'll save that for another review). 
• The fleece is super soft.
• A pocket!
• The design is no frills, simple & smart.
• Not only is the Kowalli constructed in the USA, the fabric is made here too! Usually clothing and gear may be constructed here, but the material is outsourced. Not in this case. I also happen to love that the company is out of Providence, RI. I grew up in Lil Rhody and my family still resides there, most of them in Providence.
• Alizah, the owner of the company is accessible and so generous! She sent Taiga Trekkers the cover, free of charge to keep in our lending library. Just drop me an email to let me know if you want me to bring it along for you to use! It is also available for use during other Anchorage Outdoor Family Network events too. Again just shoot me an email.

Upper Huffman to Hemlock Knob

Today was a first in Taiga Trekkers history, as one dad pointed out... The dads outnumbered the moms 2:1. That's because there were 2 dads and me, along with 3 kiddos. It was a gorgeous morning for a post Christmas madness hike indeed! We hit the trail from the Upper Huffman parking lot and headed toward the Gas Line trail and did part of the Hemlock Knob Trail. We toted kids in Ergos and sleds while Denali & Foraker glowed pink in their sunrise alpenglow dresses. It is always wise, on winter hike in particular, to bring a backup mode of transportation for your little one. In today's case one of the dads brought both a sled and an Ergo. He used both for his little girl.

Our Little Bear broke out the snowshoes for the first time this season. Thanks to a generous donation by Tubbs Snowshoes, we have 6 pairs in various kid sizes, for families to try out on hikes. I usually bring them to all winter hikes, but if you're interested in using a pair shoot me an email and I'll make sure I have them with me. I wore the Kowalli Cover to help keep our Cub warm in the Ergo. It is truly one of my favorite pieces of winter gear. Like the snowshoes, this cover was donated to our lending library by Kowalli. Again shoot me an email if this is something you'd like to use on a hike!

It was great to be back on the trails in the Anchorage Bowl again today! I can't thank Amanda enough for keeping Taiga Trekkers going in my absence! I hope to see you all out on the trail again soon. We hike every Thursday in almost all weather. Please join us!

Ways to Utilize Hand Warmers to Maximize Comfort

***Like most of the things we write about for getting your kids outdoors, these are things that have worked for us in the past, but it is up to you to determine what is appropriate for your family's needs. We are not responsible for how you to choose to prepare yourself of your children for the outdoors***

A question from my last post was "Can you tell me more about how you use handwarmers and other warming devices in stroller? I've received burns from handwarmers used in my pockets so I'm nervous about figuring out how to use them best in a stroller or chariot. I was meaning to write it to ask you so I was glad to see this post to spur me on!"

Safety and sanity are always our top priority. Personally I have a love hate relationship with hand warmers. I despise how wasteful they are, yet I haven't personally found reusable ones that work quite as well, or even half as well. I have Raynaud's which is described well on www.nlm.nih.gov as "a disorder of the blood vessels, usually in the fingers and toes. People with this disorder have attacks that cause the blood vessels to narrow. When this happens, blood can't get to the surface of the skin and the affected areas turn white and blue. When the blood flow returns, the skin turns red and throbs or tingles. Cold weather and stress can trigger attacks. Often the cause of Raynaud's is not known. People in colder climates are more likely to develop Raynaud's than people in warmer areas." For me these little beasts are absolutely necessary. They are also very handy when keeping kids warm and comfortable outside in the winter.

***The warning on the label says not to allow the hand warmers to be "applied directly to your skin for an extended period of time." ***

1. Mittens & Boots

• Put in mittens - NEVER put one directly on a child's skin. I always have my little kids' hands in a pair of their own wool socks (or mine - which provides a nice arm gaitor). This provides a liner. Then I put a hand warmer inside their mitt and check on them frequently. Some manufacturers make mittens & boots with pockets specifically for hand & foot warmers. I have an old pair of REI mittens that have this feature. I'll have to see if they still do that. 
• Boots are the same. They make foot warmers that stick to the top of the sock and are less bulky. Always a sock in between the skin and the warmer.

2. Strollers, Chariots & Pulks

• This only works with buggies that have a footmuff, weather shield or rain cover to keep the warmth in.
• You can either use a couple of hand warmers or a larger body warmer. I place them either in the foot well of my Chariot or the bottom of the footmuff. Since my kiddos are already dressed from head to toe I don't need to worry about their skin making contact. While they're still in stage when they put everything in the mouth  I make sure they are secured in so they can not get a hold of the warmer.
• Warmers do a pretty good job of keeping the babes toasty on frigid days in that little enclose space while being pushed or pulled by their parent.
• Always make sure when you are bundling up a babe in stroller, chariot or pulk,  not to compromise the venting and fresh air exchange avenues.

Please add to the discussion below in the comment section for ways you use hand warmers or if you have found a great reusable one! 

Weather Shield & Footmuff

Trekking in the Cold - Wearing Your Little One & Knowing Your Own Limits

In the past we've debated about whether or not we should set a temperature at which we will not hike past. The general consensus from the feedback I've received has always been... keep Trekking, even when I was the one wimping out. All parents in the group are responsible for dressing themselves and their kids appropriately for the conditions and knowing what their own personal limits are. You'll notice in the winter that the group that starts off on the trail tapers off rapidly as families turn back when they know they've gotten what they needed. We all have had those days where we've lasted only 10 minutes because of a gear malfunction or we just know it isn't what our kiddo wants. We've agreed that those 10 minutes were so worth it, if just for getting us out of the house in the depths of winter, when it is soooo easy to stay in and work ourselves into the winter blues or hibernation.

Having been in Kodiak for what winter we've had so far, I haven't seen single or even the teens yet this season. When thinking about gearing up my now two kiddos for Treks when we get back seems daunting, but exciting. The one thing I wish to improve on this year is keeping my non-mobile hiker sufficiently warm. Knowing all I do about keeping comfortable in the cold, I still have a few things to learn. I looked back at some of my pictures of previous year's cold hikes, and my oldest looks cold. He didn't complain, but he looked it.


Here's the deal... unlike Skedaddle where kids are moving on their own and generating their own heat while running around the playground, kids that are worn, in strollers, sleds, pulks or chariots do no create their own heat. Strollers and chariots are easy fixes, as you can throw in handwarmers and layers of cozy blankets. Carriers are my concern. While their cores are kept warm from being close to you, the arms and legs of worn children dangle and because they do, they can get cold much, much faster as their circulation is compromised, even in the best carrier. So do we keep those kids in? Absolutely not. The remedy. Make sure you get them out and moving periodically through out your hike. Check on them frequently. Layers only go so far. Most importantly, turn back when you know either you or your little one have had enough. Sometimes it is tempting to keep pushing when it took so long just to get out the door... but just let getting out the door be the accomplishment and everything else a bonus. There isn't anything better you can role model for your child than knowing when to push your  limits and when not to. The deep cold is not a time to test our your max threshold. It makes for a nasty car ride home. Talk about with your children why you are putting the layers you are putting on them. Debrief with them after a hike and talk about what worked and what didn't to get your own tailored system down.

Gskirts Review

It's rainy season! How are you keeping dry? My new favorite way is with a rain skirt! George the maker of Gskirts was kind enough to send both an adult and kids version my way. Here are my thoughts on the adult version (kid's review coming soon):

• The adjustable wrap around style of this skirt allows you to wear it over anything from simple base layers to to suit pants
• Allows for free range of motion
• Sweet button detail
• The material is so light weight, yet very durable
• Comes in a range of great colors
• Much better price than comparable rain skirts like Skhoop 
• Quick and easy to put on
• Keeps you dry!
• Perfect for going to the grocery store, soccer games, hiking, walking the dog, playing in the rain...
• Perfectly simple
• Clean lines
• Handmade in Vancouver, BC! 

This is the perfect outer layer for any outdoor activity, especially in Kodiak, Alaska! My favorite way to wear this skirt is with Smartwool leggings and my trusty Xtra Tuf boots (an Alaskan staple). I would have killed to have this when on recess or bus duty as an elementary school teacher! It is a great way to keep your professional clothes dry too.

Photo credits go to my 3 year old Little Bear.

Salmonberries - Field Notes from Kodiak

My family and I have been thoroughly enjoying our extended stay in Kodiak this summer while Amanda has graciously been holding down the fort and running hikes for me this summer. (Make sure to give her a big THANK YOU when you see her out on the trails!)

My favorite part of the year is always berry picking season! It's in my blood, literally. My father is half Finnish, making me a quarter and the Finns are avid berry pickers as their climate is very similar to Alaska. Even those who immigrated to the US, kept up this tradition. My great grandmother owned a blueberry farm in southern New Hampshire. My grandfather made sure to have a bounty of blueberry bushes on his own property. My dad grew up picking berries at my Great Grandma Liimatainen's farm.

Alaska is a land where people take the utmost pride in their ability to subsist of the land. So be careful when you ask someone where their favorite blueberry spot is... they may lead you astray. Like favorite hunting grounds and fishing holes, we guard our berry picking spots with great secrecy, only to be shared with family or close friends.

My little forager.

This year was a new first for me in my long line of years picking the wild fruit... Salmonberries! What is a salmonberry you might ask. Well it is a beefed up close relative to the raspberry. The leaves and stems are very reminiscent of the raspberry, but the flower is big and bright pink. You can take the flower off the stem and suck the sweet fragrant nectar from it, much like you would with honeysuckle. The berries themselves are again much like the raspberry, with the same fruit structure, but much larger. They change in color from green, to orange to a deep blood red when ripe and are called salmonberries because they look strikingly like salmon roe (eggs). Not quite as sweet as their cousins, they make for the best pie I've ever had! They are great for making jam, sauces, wine and ice cream too.

Due to the cold, very snowy winter, they were a little later in their ripening this year. While my family was on one of our almost nightly walks on the docks, checking out the fishing boats and more importantly the new sailboats in from all over the world, I overheard a funny conversation between two burly fishermen getting their nets ready for their next run. They were cursing up a storm, when one stops and says "Hey what's up with the salmonberries this year? But this f*&%$ing time last year I was f#%^@ing making jam!" It seemed so comical to me that such a rough and tumble guy would be swearing and talking about one of the most historically domestic tasks. Even cussing, giant, weathered men have a soft side.

While the fisherman like salmonberries, so too do many of the birds. It is amusing to watch them after they've gorged themselves on the fruit, then try to take off and fly, markedly larger than when they had first landed. Flying much lower to the ground they take a while to gain altitude.

While at storytime at the local library, the children's librarian read a great story about berries, harnessing the many connections and experiences the children have with them this time of year. The craft to go along with the story was to make a berry bucket, complete with bells, so you can easily locate your child and in Kodiak hopefully warn the bears of your presence, as they love berries too. If only Sal in Blueberries for Sal had a berry bucket with bells... ah but then there wouldn't have been a good story to tell.

Here are the materials needed for the bucket:

• a yogurt container with lid
• hole puncher
• yarn
• pipecleaners
• bells
• stickers to decorate

Here's a link to my berry season post last year with a variety of lesson ideas, activities and books that focus on berry picking: Blueberry Buddies and Lessons from the Land.

Laying First Tracks

Alyeska, a ski resort, about a 45 minute drive from Anchorage is home to some of the worlds best groomed alpine ski trails. While many adults like to go there to test their limits, it is a great place for the littlest of skiers. Rentals for toddlers are just $10 and the magic carpet, a glorified conveyor belt/ski lift is FREE. For the older kids they offer a wide range of lessons for different ability levels and host many clinics, camps and a racing program. The only beef I have with them is it is really difficult to reach the ski school by phone or email. They do have some info listed on their website, but it seems best to just go there and ask them questions in person.

Our Little Bear took his first runs on real skis at Alyeska this winter. It was a great success, if success is measured by the fact that he had fun, wanted to go down over and over and wants to do it again. His Bop (my husband) focused on it being fun, relaxed & they took warm up breaks for cocoa & cookies. There were some crazy over zelous parents there with toddlers screaming "No" as they went down and their parents giving them directions they couldn't yet understand. Having too high of expectations and not taking ample breaks is no way to instill a love for the sport. If he wasn't into it we were not going to push it. We were prepared to only last 15 minutes for the first time but were there for an hour and a half and just as long the subsequent times.  He now knows the routine is pizza at Chair 5 after.

A safety tip - if parents wear their helmets kids will too. Start right away. Our little guy has seen us wear helmets while biking, skiing, and playing hockey from day one. He thinks they are just part of the equation and actually believes they are pretty awesome. He was as excited about getting a new helmet for Christmas as he was his hockey skates, maybe even more.

Now is the perfect time to get a little one started skiing. With the longer days and the temps so much warmer then they have been, you don't need to suffocate them with tons of gear just to stay warm.

Traction

With this freezing rain comes the absolute need for parents to wear shoes with proper traction. Your child is only as safe as you are. Ice grippers, cleats, crampons or studs are all ways to keep yourself and your little ones out of harm's way. Weather your on the trail, walking your neighborhood or simply carrying you child out to the car they are a necessity. If you fall, so does your kid. It is also important if you are pregnant.

Many stores around town offer reasonably priced gripper/cleats that you can attach right to your shoes or boots. While other shoes you can buy locally or online, such as Icebugs, already have built in studs. Skinny Raven will put studs in the shoes of your choice for free if you purchase a pair from them or they will charge you a reasonable $10 (at least that was the fee last year) to put studs in a pair you bring from home. If you know a senior citizen, they will do their's for free.

I love my Icebugs. I just wore them on super slick sidewalks walking or should I say being walked by my big lab who pulls like heck and I felt totally secure. The only downside is the cleats are permanent. I need to be totally prepared to leave the house when I put them on or otherwise they would do some damage to my wood floors if I walked around the house with them on. They do have rubber around the studs though so that if you were to go into a grocery store with them you won't slip and fall once you hit the tile floor which is the downside of cleats/grippers.

Kowalli Baby Carrier Cover

A huge thank you to the folks at Kowallie for providing Taiga Trekkers and the Anchorage Outdoor Family Network with a brandnew Kowalli Baby Carrier Cover for parents to try out at a hike or Skedaddle! They also make fantastic hats and booties for keeping you little one warm. If you'd like to give it a whirl email me and I'll make sure I have it with me.  One of the many things we love about this product is that it is made right here in the USA!

Check them out and send a little business their way - http://kowalli.com/

 

My Review of Skhoop Original Skirt

Originally submitted at REI

The Skhoop Original skirt offers a long length for coverage and warmth.

Skhoop Original Skirt

Life will never be the same!

By Arctic Lupine from Anchorage, AK on 11/16/2011

 

5out of 5

Fit: Feels true to size

Waist: Feels true to size

Length: Feels true to length

Pros: Easy Care, Washes Well

Best Uses: After run or ski, Walking the dog, Wear to School, Wear To Work, Skiing, all winter, Over work clothes outside, Playing outside w kids, Walking across campus, After Yoga

Describe Yourself: Trendy/Stylish Dresser

Was this a gift?: Yes

I've had one for a couple of years now and still think of all the times in my life before that I could have really used one! Bus duty at the school I work at, walking across freezing campuses, hikes with the dogs... They really do make life in cold climates more comfortable! So easy to throw over work clothes! The size zippers make it easily adjustable for the cold and range of motion.

(legalese)

Toasty Tootsies

Choosing the right boot to keep your kiddos feet warm and toasty on hikes or while playing in the winter has been a hot topic lately. It can be maddening to find the right boot in the right size. We have two major requirements we look for in boots, well actually three.

1. Buy Used & Local - Like most winter gear, boots can be expensive and will only last a single season, if that. We buy our boots second hand. Even if you have more then one kid they will surely last. Since this is an important piece of gear we also want to make sure that they've been tried on. If you don't feel comfortable buying boots used, try buying them locally. We've attempted ordering online for footwear in the past, only to have to make more then one return to get the right fit.  We live in the ultimate winter wonderland. Stores here, especially locally owned ones ought to carry the tried and true gear that has proven to work for families before.
2. Light Weight - Brand doesn't matter to us, what does is the weight of the boot. While it seems a heavy boot would provide more insulation this isn't entirely the case. Heavy boots are tiring to wear. They drag the feet down and make life very frustrating, especially for the early walker who's already wearing a lot of restricting gear. Light weight boots can be deceiving. Looking at my own Mukluks made of moose hide, canvas and wool I would never have suspected them to keep my feet warmer then a pair of bulky Sorels, but they do and down to temperatures well below what most other boots are rated to.
3. Extra Room - A boot that is too tight will restrict circulation and increase the chances for frostbite. Buying a boot a little larger accommodates many needs: allows for growth over our long winter season, allows for some air which actually helps insulate, provides room for extra socks and foot warmers. 

How will the boots be used outside? 

There are also a couple of other things you need to take into account when dressing your child's tootsies for the cold. What will they be doing outside? If they are playing then they will be generating heat that will help to keep their feet warm. If they are being pulled in a sled, pushed in a stroller or worn in a back pack they won't be generating as much heat. Foot warmers are a good idea when they aren't doing the work, especially when worn in a back pack. Dangling feet tend to loose circulation more quickly.

Moisture Wicking Socks!

As mentioned in many of our gear posts before - all the outdoor experts say "Cotton kills." Cotton takes a long time to dry out making the fabric stick to the skin, which in the cold freezes directly to the skin. Socks are your foot's baselayer and like a good baselayer you want a moisture wicking fabric like wool. There are also many synthetic fibers out there if you find yourself sensitive to wool. These materials not only dry faster but they also pull the moisture away from the skin to the outside so that should the sweat start to freeze it isn't directly on the skin.

Prepping for Winter - Part 2

Termination dust is in the mountains, signifying that it's time to go down to the basement and break out the winter clothes. We spend a lot of time talking about what our little ones should wear outside for a successful family outing, but we often neglect to talk about what we, the parents, should wear. An expedition lasts only as long as EVERYONE is happy and comfortable. I've seen parents, and some long-time Alaskans, skating at Westchester Lagoon, sledding at a local hill or hiking on trails in the winter, their kids are perfectly bundled up in the appropriate layers, but the adult is wearing jeans and their lips are blue.

As mentioned in the first part of Prepping for Winter, all outdoor experts whether talking about infants or adults, say "Cotton Kills." Cotton unlike polyester & wool fabrics does not wick moisture away from the body, nor does it dry fast. Having a cotton layer, especially up against your skin is an invitation to hypothermia and frostbite when you are active. Sweat saturates the layer and clings to your skin, subsequently freezing from the arctic air.

Loose layers are key to feeling comfortable and allow you to regulate you body's temperature. Tight fitting clothing can decrease circulation, inviting frostbite to spread more quickly.

Footing - trails, sidewalks and even parking lots are a dangerous place, especially in the freezing/thawing months of early winter (fall for people in the Lower 48) and spring. When ever you are carrying or wearing a child it is important to consider wearing ice grippers. You go down, so does your kiddo. Some sneakers like Ice Bugs come with studs built into the treads of the shoe, others fit over the sole of your shoe & there are services provided by local stores, such as Skinny Raven, to put studs in an old pair of running shoes or boots.

Gloves & Mitts - Like baselayers, you don't want cotton or any material that is slow to dry. Mittens are the most effective tool to keep you hands warm and provide the best space for hand warmers. Gloves separate the fingers which looses heat. Mits are the ultimate example of power in numbers, however you do loose some dexterity.

Extra hand and foot warmers are always a great thing to have stashed in the car along with extra layers of clothing. Cosco sells them by the case. I'm on a mission to try to find an effective reusable brand.

While it is true you pay for what you get, there are reasonably priced layer options at any department store and at lots of second hand stores. Good gear is an investment that should last you years.

Prepping for the Winter Ahead

Anxious about taking your new little one out in the cold this year, or is this your family's first winter in Alaska? Dressing your little one for success in the outdoors is important. Fortunately there are some amazing resources available here in Anchorage. Local author of Babes in the Woods, Jen Aist will be teaching her annual Babes in the Snow class at Providence Hospital  Saturday 10/1/10 from 12-2 in the Entrance 5: Maternity Center Education Room at Providence. Scholarships  available or register at The Childrens Hospital or call 212-8474. Her book can also be found at any of the local bookstores.

 

Basically you want to think about dressing your baby as you would for the current weather conditions. Keep in mind that your child is not exercising while being worn or pushed in a stroller, so they may need even more clothing than you. If you are wearing your child in a carrier such as an ERGO or a Beco carrier, you will transfer body heat back and forth to one another, however this does not occur in most frame packs and strollers.

Base layers are key. You want your child's core to maintain it's normal temperature. Moisture wicking base layers such as wool and polypro are important as they keep your child dry, even if they sweat or have snow get in between their layers. Cotton as the outdoor experts say, kills. You don't want moisture to get trapped and freeze on their skin. Your outer layers will be typical fleece, buntings or snowsuits. Hats, wool socks (or other wicking material) & mittens are also important to always have with you, just in case. I often put my adult size socks on my child's feet over his base layer so that when he is in a carrier his skin is not exposed when his pants inevitably ride up. Wool socks make great mitts too.

While most of the gear you need can be purchased at REI, many parents in the group have found items for cheaper at the local consignment shops, craigslist, ebay, and the REI outlet online. Why pay full price if you don't need to.

I also always have extra gear on hand. If you have any questions or would like  try or see some of the gear in person feel free to email me and I can make sure to bring it to the next Trek.

Sherpani Wahoo Fusion Child Carrier

Sherpani Wahoo Fusion Child Carrier 

Thanks to Lia from Skedaddle for doing this review!

 

(Ergo on first with little guy and then Sherpani on back with big brother)

Here are the specs from the REI site

• Fully padded bucket seat and sides; seat is fully adjustable to raise or lower child for your comfort and to give them views
• 5-point chest plate is a soft foam harness that supports child securely with 5 fasteners, 3 that unbuckle for loading/unloading
• Foot stirrups let child balance himself in the pack or right himself if slouched over to one side; foot stirrups are removable
• Attached bag on front features a large main compartment and a mesh pocket on the front
• Fixed back length accommodates parents with a torso range between 17 - 20 in.
• Manufacturer recommends child weight should not exceed 50 lbs., with total load (child + gear) not to exceed 55 lbs.
• Sherpani Topper sun shade is removable; attaches and adjusts easily with nylon webbing and buckles
• Sun shade keeps your little one from getting too much sun or splashed by sprinkles

My two cents!

In the years B.C. (before child), I didn't think I would have to change my lifestyle when I had kids.  I somehow thought I could just zip out the door at a moments notice for a cross country ski or hike.  It just isn't possible to be out the door within ten minutes (or an hour sometimes), but this pack can cut your prep-time and let you continue your wild and adventurous lifestyle (with style!). 

I keep this pack ready and fully stocked.  I have my hiking kit (diapers, wipers and the like), first aid kit, safety supplies (garbage sacks and hand warmers) and snack packs in the lower compartment.  I then can use the little backpack for whatever the day might need.  I have crammed this sucker full of food, hats, a shovel and camera.  I can slip a camel back into the mesh pocket between this little pack and the child's seat.

The kids are comfortable (and often fall asleep) while hiking on steep terrain, walking on paths and even while fishing.  It is light and cool on my back.  I can adjust the straps with the load (two year old or one year old) and adjust the seat height for the kids quite easily.

There are places to clip other gear (such as a mirror to check on the passenger) or bear spray.  I also use a lanyard to clip a snack cup so they can't toss it overboard during our journey.

The provided rain hood / sun shade is fantastic to keep the little one a bit more dry and comfortable.  It also acts as a wind shield when the weather is unruly.  Additionally, it can keep sticks and branches away from their faces.

Negatives.  I wish the rain hood could be stored easily in the pack so I don't have to remember to stick it in the car.  I do wish it could squish down a bit more, but the construction that lets you stand it up on the ground would be compromised (and is so nice!).  I would also like some sort of shield that could cover the passenger totally - it would go over their legs as well.  None of these would dissuade me from  purchasing this again. 

All in all, I love this thing.  I can continue getting outdoors comfortably and stylishly (I love the color).

Ergo, Ten Toes Click, Nana's Jet Pack, Moby, Scootababy & Baby Hawk Baby Carrier Reviews

Ergo, Ten Toes Click, Nana's Jet Pack, Moby, Scootababy & Baby Hawk Baby Carrier Reviews

Thanks to Diana from Raising them Green for all of these wonderful reviews!

Since I have tried several carriers through the years with my kids and have sewed my own I thought I would do reviews. I don't have the best pictures of the carriers since I am usually behind the camera. Doing these reviews makes me realize I should of taken better pictures of them. I usually like to stick to one of something and not buy more then I need. I am not a big shopper and try to buy used whenever possible. I barely ever buy things for myself. I embarrassingly have tried many carriers in my almost 5 years of parenting for someone who thinks through purchases and always thinks about the impact and if I can find it used or go without. Most of these carriers were actually used carriers. I have been through a lot but they all been put to good use or have gone on to new homes. I had to go through several carrier to finally determine that I liked the mei tais I made the best. I also use different carriers for different purposes and different ages.

Ergo

The ergo is a soft structured carrier. A soft structured carrier is an asian style carrier that has buckles for the waste and shoulders and has a structure. The ergo can be used as a front carrier, a back carrier or a hip carrier. The ergo is made of heavy duty canvas and is heavily padded through the shoulders and the hips. It has a chest clip and a hood for sleeping babies. It has a darted seat that helps position the baby and helps with weight distribution. The good things about the ergo are that it is made of really good materials and has adequate padding for weight distribution. The padding in the shoulders is a little stiff compared to other brands. It is good to have padding but I feel there are other options for that area that can hold the weight without the stiffness. The ergo makes a really good back carrier but I don't particularly care for it as a front carrier since the shoulders don't cross for a front carry. It also can be used as a hip carrier but it does a poor job as a hip carrier. You can buy infant padding for tiny babies that don't fit in the leg holes but I think there are much more comfortable carrier options out there for newborns. I think the ergo is a great workhorse carrier made of good materials that will work for many people but it did not work for me. Even with the chest clip I felt as if the carrier would slip of my narrow shoulders and I did not like the fit on me.

Ten Toes Click

Pouch for newborns

The ten toes click is a buckle tie. A buckle tie is a mei tai that has buckles instead of ties. It is like a soft structured carrier but doesn't have the structure. This carrier is made of twill and does not have padding. I got the ten toes click since I heard it was a good carrier for petite women. I did really like the fit of this carrier for a variety of shapes and sizes. I also liked it for a front carrier since you can unsnap the shoulder clips and criss cross them for the front. It is the only soft structured carrier I like for newborns since it has a sewn in pouch that you can put a newborn in before you put the carrier on. The pouch only works for small babies that wouldn't otherwise fit without special padding to make it work.  I liked all the options for strap colors and design and how the carrier looks. I really like this carrier for smaller babies that don't weigh a lot but since it is made of twill and lacks adequate padding I don't think it makes a good carrier for bigger babies and toddlers for weight distribution. I really feel it when I am carrying a bigger baby in this carrier after not much time. It does not come with a sleeping hood.

Nana's Jet Pack

Jetpack on the back 1 day post postpartum

I got the Jetpack because I heard it fit petite women good in the shoulder area and I found a good deal on a used one. I wanted a soft structured carrier I could use for my toddler once my second child was born. Nana's Jet Pack is a soft structured carrier made of twill that is lightly padded. I did really love how this carrier fit me and loved the shape and fit of it. I thought the carrier was a perfect size for my toddler. What I didn't like about the carrier was the light padding and twill fell short for weight distribution for toddlers. I would love a carrier like this made with more padding and made of heavy canvas. This also did not come with a sleeping hood.

Moby

The moby wrap is a stretchy wrap made of cotton jersey. Stretchy wraps are a great way to learn how to use wraps and are they are very comfy and soft for small babies. The moby is my favorite carrier for a newborn. They say that the moby is good for up to 30 pounds and it shows a back carry in the booklet. I don't think the  moby is good for much past 12-15 pounds or that they are good for back carries because of the stretchiness of the fabric.

The moby has a bit of a learning curve for tying it. It really intimidated me with my first so that I didn't use it much with her and by the time I did learn it it had outlived its usefulness. I recommend watching youtube videos on how to tie it. You can also ask a friend to help you or look up if your area has a baby wearing group if you are having trouble with it. I am glad I kept the moby because it became my favorite carrier when my second and third were newborns. Once you learn how to tie it becomes second nature. You can pre tie the moby if you are going in the car so you don't have to tie it outside if the weather is bad. A lot of people do not tie the moby tight enough. You have to tie it tighter than you think and really get the shoulder sections really tight. I love the closeness and comfiness of a wrap and I like the softness of a stretchy wrap for a newborn. I found that once my babies got somewhere between 12-15 pounds that it became a little too stretchy and it would sag a little even when I made sure to tie it nice and tight.

Scootababy

The scootababy is a structured hip carrier. The scootababy is a carrier I have been borrowing from a friend. The scootababy is made of heavy duty canvas, has a gathered fleece shoulder and a padded buckle for the hip. It has seat darts to help with weight distribution and for positioning the baby. I have tried other hip or side carriers but I always feel it on the shoulder that is holding the weight after not much time. I can wear the scootababy for a long time without feeling the weight.

 I first tried the scootababy because when my son was a baby he only liked back carries when I was moving which was good for hikes and walks but not for errands where I wasn't moving as much. He liked to be held and was pretty fussy at times so the scootababy was great for certain occasions. I really found this to be the perfect hip carrier for me. I found it very comfortable and well made with good materials. My babies like it because they are up front by me and can see really well out of a hip carrier. A hip carry puts them in a better position than a front carry facing out but it keeps a baby happy if they want to see better. I also used this for my youngest who had torticollis a neck condition where her muscles were stronger on one side and it kept her head pulled to the right and she favored looking left. Her head preference was so strong that in other carriers her head would always end up towards her favored side even if I tried to position her otherwise. The scootababy helped keep her head facing the other direction while her torticollis was at its worse.

Tettitet

The tettitet is a mei tai an asian style carrier that you tie around the waist and shoulders. Tying it allows you to get a custom fit but takes a little practice to learn for back carries. It allows you to tie it a few different ways and can cross to make front carries more comfortable. I mostly use mei tais now so I find them easy to use now. There was a time where I wasn't comfortable tying back carries by myself. I recommend watching youtube videos and looking online if you are having trouble figuring out a back carry with a mei tai. The tettitet is a scandanavian mei tai. I heard they got really good reviews so I decided to try one. I was very impressed with it. It is made of heavy canvas and is lightly padded. This is the only carrier that is lightly padded and doesn't have padding in the waist that I actually like for weight distribution. It is sewn very good and is made with good materials that work for transferring the weight. This carrier inspired me to try making my own with a friend who was crazy enough to try it for our first sewing project. I thought about selling it since I now have mei tais that I made that I love but I still have this carrier and do like using it. It is my husband's favorite carrier right now since his custom Ramones soft sturctured carriere I made him is in need of repair.

Baby Hawk

The baby hawk is a mei tai made of twill with light padding. This was the first baby carrier I owned and I liked it at the time. I had a hard time doing back carries and switched to a soft structured carrier when I wanted a back carrier for hikes. I now have no problem using mei tais for back carries but I sold the baby hawk a while ago. It was a decent carrier and has lots of colors and designs to choose from but I found the light padding and twill was better for smaller babies. I felt the weight when carrying bigger babies. 

I don't own one but my favorite soft structure carrier is a kinderpack. I have tried on a friend's and it is really well made with good materials and great sewing. The waist is well made and the hood can button into the carrier. There are a lot of brands out there and some good carriers and some not so good ones. I think it is important if you are getting a mei tai or a soft structured carrier to get a brand that has a good reputation and good reviews but also to pay attention to materials. Get a carrier with adequate padding that is made of heavy canvas rather than twill. 

Another type of carrier I like are woven wraps but I never really learned how to tie a back carry right. I also like mei tais and soft structured carriers. I use mei tais since I know they will fit me. I use them for  both long and short hikes and for errands. I like them better then frame packs and find them more comfortable for me and more practical for around the house.