Kelty Trek

After thirteen years and five kids we passed it to friends in 80-90% condition.

I carried all five of my clones in a Kelty kid carrier.  It came with a rain cover which I may have used a total of two times (Eastern WA).  I carried them on day hikes, pheasant hunting (makes shooting harder but doable), and all over the state over a thirteen year period.

It is rated and will fit kids up to 45# but I usually kick them out and make them walk by age 3-4.  I just passed it on to a buddy and it is still 80-95%.  I tripped a$$ over teakettle once and my daughter was still secure in back, unfazed. 

I loved the kick stand for taking breaks. I saw the stirrups for sale but declined them. I did get the bag attachment that fits below the seat; it made a great diaper bag and came with a changing pad. 

My only issue with it was that their pant legs liked to crawl up and then they got cold, so my wife would pull them down occasionally. The kids loved the thing and often slept on my back while I walked.

If you can find one of these, buy it.

It fit me and my wife with a simple adjustment (I am 5-10 my wife is 5-5).

The pack has been very handy in transporting our child both within the city and on canoe portages. The comments that I have concern a few problems that my husband and I have experienced with the pack.

The soft covering on the child shoulder straps has unraveled a number of times.

As well, we find that we have both experienced lower back pains when carrying our daughter for any distance. The pack is adjustable, which is good, except that our daughter seems to ride very high on my tall husband's back, while fairly low on my own back.

The child in the pack pitches to one side at all times. This may be the cause of some of the discomfort experienced by the carrier.

The pocket on the back is fairly useless, especially because even if I were to store something in it, I would not be able to reach it myself.

The removable daypack needs to be slightly larger. We cannot even fit one diaper, travel wipes, and a tube of cream in it let alone anything like a sweater or jacket. These again, would be inaccessible to the adult.

The rainhood is a good idea but the water runs down off of the shield right down the back of the adult's neck. As well, I find that I have to bend my head forward because the rain hood is so close to my head.

I would prefer correspondance by mail, as my e-mail is unreliable at best.

Shannon and Peter Martin

34 Consiglia Drive

St. Catharines, ON

L2S 3L2

Canada

p.s- We have enjoyed having the pack, however with the present design I don't think that it is reasonable to advertise such a high load range. The present design would not allow for carrying a child over 35 lbs. at best.

My son loves it. He will not go in his stroller now because he loves the comfort and being up high in the pack, and being eye level with Mom and Dad. I notice that less expensive packs do not allow for the secure fit when a child sleeps and children hang right over the side.

Negatives: The little backpack that attaches is great for my wallet and keys and I use it as a purse when I am not carying the Trek, but it is not large enough for a lot of gear that is needed ie: a change pad and diapers and etc.....I think I am going to have to purchase an additional Kelty KIDS bag to attach to the Trek - more $.

Also I love the hood but I find that you have to take it right off to remove you child - it would be nice if it folded down - kinda like a convertible, but it doesn't so it's a bit of a pain.

In conclusion, the positives far outweigh the negatives - good product Kelty!