Hockey Club

Great Carrier (2008-07-31)
First the positive...
I've never backpacked before; but I do carry my 9mos old daughter everywhere I go. The standard back and chest carriers that rest on the shoulders just hurt too much. This framed carrier is great and very comfortable. The back padding to excellent and waist belt can pulled extremely tight and also very comfortable with plenty of padding. I've hiked several trips now carrying my 20lb daughter, camera, 1/2gal water, and snacks (sum = ~30lbs) for appox. 1-2hrs at a time. The pack/carrier stayed in place and secure the entire time. The frame does a good job transferring all that weight to the hips.
The kickstand is great to temporarily relieve the weight. My baby can sleep comfortably while we hike for hours without straining her neck. The under seat space is more than plenty for mom, dad and the babies supplies for a day hike. Very light weight carrier.

Then the criticism...
The buckles are too difficult to tighten and too easy to loosen. But they stay where they put during a trip.
The under seat storage compartment has a partition that is annoying, it just makes it easier to lose small cell phones etc behind the partition flap.

A must have for parents on the go! (2008-06-28)
My husband and I both love our Kelty FC 1.0. We use it all the time to go for walks through cities, on the beach, hiking, etc. It is lightweight and comfortable to wear if you adjust it properly. My son (10 months) is also a huge fan. He loves being high up and involved in what is going on. We always get a lot of comments and questions about it, which gives me the impression that these carriers are a best kept secret. I encourage all parents of an infant (I would recommend 6 months or older) or toddler to invest in one of these for your days out. I still use my stroller for shopping, but this is much better for days out with family.

This carrier will fit a three year old (2008-04-03)
I have been trying to find a carrier that would fit a three year old as my daughter still loves to ride in one, and we enjoy the freedom to go hiking. I have a Sherpani Superlite which I absolutely love except that my daughter would not fit in it anymore at two. The straps are too short, otherwise that one is great. I also tried an older kelty model which would not fit a three year old. The FC 1.0 is not quite as comfortable as the sherpani, but for the reason I stated I would recommend this carrier. It is also very roomy, easy to put a child into and quite comfortable for them.