Deuter Kid Comfort II Carrier – Review

After returning from an amazing 2-week trip hiking Utah’s Big 5 National Parks with my Dad and kids, I was convinced that it was time for us to find a better solution than my Lillebaby carrier for our youngest kiddo to ride in if we were going to continue to explore and hike as frequently as we wanted. Although he was only 19 months old and fit in the Lillebaby Complete carrier totally fine, I didn’t enjoy carrying him in it because of the pain and pressure it put on my body in all the wrong places. I could feel every pound of my sweet boy which meant that any exploring we did would be shortened by my discomfort.

Internet research led me to the Deuter Kid Comfort II or a similar hiking carrier by Osprey. Being able to try out the carrier in person was of huge importance to me, as my body is picky about what is comfortable to carry a kiddo in for lots of miles. I finally convinced my husband and we headed off to our local REI.

Upon arrival, we quickly found the hiking carrier section and glanced at several other carriers. None of them appealed to me as much as the Deuter Kid Comfort II did so we got a pack down, adjusted it to fit me and I did a lap around the store without the kiddo in it. I immediately liked how it felt. While it was obviously bulkier than my other carriers, it didn’t feel overwhelming to me and had plenty of padding while still offering lots of ventilation. The real test would be if it was comfortable while Archer was riding in it and IF he would actually ride in it!

Not only did he climb right in with a little guidance from us, but he settled in happily for a nap as I did a couple of laps around the store! I loved how weightless he felt! I think it’s important to note that a 25+lb toddler is still 25+lbs of weight, but compared to how he felt in my other carriers it was a huge relief. I immediately felt the difference in how his weight was distributed across my body and that I didn’t have any pressure points that were causing pain on my back or shoulders. SOLD!!

We have hiked many miles with our Deuter Kid Comfort II and I can honestly say it is the very best carrier that we have ever owned! Here are just a FEW of our favorite things about it:

Completely and Easily Adjustable
I am generally the one that carries our kiddos on hikes, however, there have been times where Daddy has been the one to wear them. We find it to be a huge benefit that not only is this carrier completely adjustable to fit either one of us but it’s not complicated to do so. I love that this swap can be done quickly and easily, even mid-trail if we wanted to switch off!

Solo-Hiking Approved!
Although we prioritize hiking and exploring as a family, it was important to us that whatever carrier we get be something that I am comfortable getting on and off by myself. If I waited for my husband to be available the kids and I would miss out on exploring SO MANY new and interesting places.

The Deuter Kid Comfort II features an integrated collapsible kickstand that allows me to secure my child into the carrier while on a stable surface. I can then put the carrier on like a backpack. Once on, I can push the kickstand in and head out to explore. Similarly, if I want to take the carrier off I can pop the kickstand out while still wearing it, lower the carrier to a stable surface (the ground, a picnic table, the back of my car), and slip the straps off my back while my child and carrier stay upright.

Not only is the Deuter Kid Comfort II possible for me to wear when I’m on my own with the kids, but it has given me more confidence to explore when it is just me and the kids. I don’t feel like I have to worry as much about not having enough hands to help everyone, or if Archer will get tired on the trail and refuse to go any further. With the age gap between our older kids and our littles, I don’t even have to worry about planning around his nap time because I know that he is comfortable enough in the carrier to catch a nap in it if he needs one.

Hydration Compatible
Having the ability to carry a large (3 liter) water bladder easily is a huge bonus for me! I love knowing that there is enough water for me and the kid I am carrying to make it through a hike. The carrier even features a magnetic catch for the drinking spout which helps to keep it from bouncing all over or getting dirty and keeps it in easy reach. Additionally, my kiddo finds it fun to drink from the straw attached to the carrier so he is less likely to get dehydrated while we are out exploring for an extended time. The Deuter Kid Comfort II does not come with a water bladder, but they have a list of compatible and recommended bladders and we found them easy to find. We appreciated being able to choose one on our own so we had some say in the quality and brand. It also makes it easy to replace as necessary because almost anything will work.

Although I could sing the praises of the Deuter Kid Comfort II night and day, there are just a few things I wish were different.

1. We wish there were loops to use to attach more gear to the pack for longer backpacking trips with kids. Longer trips equal more stuff and we struggle a bit with figuring out how to carry it all with 2 littles in carriers and 2 other kids who shouldn’t carry more than a certain amount of their own body weight.

2. There is a sunshade available for purchase separately, but we wish it were integrated. Minimally, we wish there was a better place to store it or attach it to the carrier when not in use. This is pretty minor, but nonetheless, a feature we wish were included!

3. At four years old, and 38 lbs, Archer can still comfortably fit into and enjoy the Deuter Kid Comfort II but he has complained that the stirrups no longer fit him. They are adjustable but only to an extent and while this is a totally minor thing to dislike we do wish that they were longer. That said, some of our kids tend to be taller than average so maybe the stirrups work fine for most kids his age that still enjoy hitching a ride on longer trails.

The Bottom Line
I have absolutely no regrets about purchasing our Deuter Kid Comfort II carrier. Admittedly, it was an investment with quite a steep price tag. However, there are so many adventures that we’ve taken while having it that I know we would not have taken had we not had it. Knowing what precious memories we made on those adventures I would have been so sad to miss them!

I love our Deuter Kid Comfort II so much and it is still in such excellent condition that I don’t know that I even see the need to purchase another carrier to use with our newest little! I’m a firm believer that having the right gear for exploring with kids makes a huge impact on the quality of the adventure. If you’re looking to take the difficulty of carrying a kiddo on a long trail off your plate I would not hesitate to recommend the Deuter Kid Comfort II.

Deuter Kid Comfort II Stats
Price: $250
7 Exterior Pockets + Main Compartment
Weight: 7lbs 3oz
Max Weight: 48.5lbs (Child + Gear + Pack)
Adjustable Torso Length
Aluminum Frame
5 Point, Adjustable Child Safety Harness
Rigorous JPMA (Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association) testing exceeds ASTM,
federal and state standards to help ensure quality, safety, performance, and functionality