Clevrplus urban explorer child carrier Review
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ClevrPlus Urban Explorer Child Carrier Review
Updated: January 10, 2021
ClevrPlus is fairly new to the child carrier backpack scene, and offers four different backpack models, with the Urban Explorer being their top of the line product.
Overall, our ClevrPlus Urban Explorer review found that you really get great value with this pack along with plenty of storage! If you are in the market for a quality baby backpack carrier for around town or for hiking trips, and don’t feel like shelling out top dollar for the more well known brands (Osprey, Kelty, Deuter, Thule), then the ClevrPlus Urban Explorer might be the perfect option for you and your child!
ClevrPlus Urban Explorer Child Carrier Scoring Summary
ClevrPlus Urban Explorer Pros and Cons
Awesome Value
At ~$150, this child carrier backpack is the best value you can find
Removable Day Pack
Comes with a removable day pack for extra storage
Great Extra Features
Foot stirrups, built in sunshade, hydration bladder pocket all a plus
Lower Quality Material
Clasps and buckles are more difficult to adjust than high end backpacks
No Side Panels on Sunshade
Exposes child when sun is low on the horizon
No Hipbelt Extensions
Limits the range of waist sizes this pack can accommodate
ClevrPlus Urban Explorer Adult Comfort: 6/10
During our ClevrPlus Urban Explorer review, we came away fairly impressed by the adult comfort features of this backpack.
The waist belt, shoulder straps, and back panel are all fully padded. The padding is not as plush as the Deuter Kid Comfort Pro, but it is more than adequate.
The pack also includes load lifters just above the shoulders. These are critical to help ensure you get a proper backpack fit. Load lifters pull the backpack closer to your body, and helps “lift” the weight off your shoulders. When your child is older and weighs a bit more, a proper pack fit is really important to help ensure the weight is transferred to your lower body vs. resting on your shoulders, and good load lifters really help ensure a proper pack fit.
One area for improvement is that the backpack tends to sit a tad low on the adult carrier. We prefer our backpacks to rest a little higher on our backs, which helps minimize strain on the lower back. This isn’t a big deal when the child is small, but as the child grows, this backpack will be less comfortable by the time they are 40 lbs.
ClevrPlus Urban Explorer Fit Adjustability: 7/10
The Fit adjustability rating for the ClevrPlus Urban Explorer is a 7/10. This baby backpack carrier can be easily adjusted with the waist belt and should straps to fit extra large to small body types.
There is also a torso adjustment to help ensure a proper fit on tall to short frames. Simply undo the clasp on the back panel and slide the shoulder apparatus up or down as needed. This adjustment is pretty seamless and is pretty quick if you are in a hurry. The torso adjustment really helps ensure that a wide variety of body types can wear the backpack.
One thing missing on ClevrPlus’ top end model is waist belt extenders. These are offered on a the Osprey Poco Plus and Thule Sapling Elite. These extends help ensure that the padded waist belt fits around the hip bones of larger wearers. While not a critical features, this extra versatility helps ensure a wide range of people can wear the backpack. We find that everyone wants to take a turn wearing the child carrier backpack as it provide a unique experience with your child.
To learn a bit more about how to properly fit a backpack, check out this helpful article from REI.
Although this backpack should fit small to extra large frames fairly well, petite frames might have a difficult time finding a good fit. For a pack specifically designed for women and that is sure to fit more petite body types, have a look at the Deuter Kid Comfort Active SL.
ClevrPlus Urban Explorer Child Comfort: 7/10
Through our ClevrPlus Urban Explorer review, we were again surprised when it came to the next category, child comfort. Receiving a Kid Packer rating of 7/10, your child will certainly be comfortable in the Urban Explorer.
Let’s start with the child seat. It is fully adjustable. When your child is young, you can move the seat higher to ensure your little one has a great view and can really enjoy the ride. As your child gets older, you can move the seat down to provide more room for them.
The child cockpit area is fully padded. Behind their head there is an extra section of padding sewn in. This helps with bumps along the way if you are on a rocky trail or just in stop and go traffic in a crowd at the store. To the left and right of the child is wrap around padded side panels. These panels can be cinched in when your child is small, and can be expanded as the grow, another nice feature.
Foot stirrups come standard on the CleverPlus Urban Explorer, which is great. Foot stirrups help ensure you child finds a natural sitting position and helps circulation. On longer trips in the pack, foot stirrups are a must.
In front of the child is a soft drool pad, perfect in case they are leaning forward and you hit a bump.
Chicco SmartSupport Child Safety: 7/10
The ClevrPlus Urban Explorer earns a 7/10 rating for child safety.
As mentioned above, the entire child cockpit area is fully padded: behind the head, side panels, front drool pad. Whether your child is sleeping or looking around enjoying the view, they will be safely tucked away in their seat.
ClevrPlus also utilizes a five point hardness that snaps into place to secure your child in the pack. The adjustments are quick and easy, and the clips snap securely into place.
The Urban Explorer also comes with a sunshade included. When it comes to child safety, sun protection is critical, and the included sunshade is greatly appreciated!
Maximum child weight for the ClverPlus Urban Explorer is 42 lbs. and is best suited for children 9 months to 4 years old.
ClevrPlus Urban Explorer Sun Protection: 7/10
First off, great news, the folks at ClevrPlus included a child sunshade as a standard on the Urban Explorer.
For us, a child sunshade is a must. Children have very sensitive skin, and are prone to burn easily. We strongly encourage you utilize the sunshade whenever possible to help protect your child.
The sunshade on the Urban Explorer is easy to set up. Simply pop it up, pull it forward, and secure two clips onto the front of the pack near your shoulders. Done! Like most child hiking carriers, you will likely need to take the pack off to put up the sunshade.
One area that could use improvement is the side panels and lack of height above the child’s head. Although the Urban Explorer has a bit of side coverage, when the sun is low in the sky your child will likely have more sun exposure. Also, as the child grows, the sunshade is a bit short, and starts to encroach on their head space.
For the backpack with the best sunshade, have a look at the Osprey Poco Plus.
Sunshade Comes Standard
Nice that it is included with the pack
Easy to Use
Sunshade is easy to setup and take down
Limited Side Coverage
Leaves your child exposed during certain parts of the day
ClevrPlus Urban Explorer Nap Effectiveness: 7/10
During our ClevrPlus Urban Explorer review we were pleased with the nap effectiveness. Let’s face it, nap time with a child carrier backpack is what it is all about. Your child gets a great nap on the go and you get a few hours of quiet to yourself!
A good nap in the Urban Explorer starts with the built in sunshade. Children get hot fairly quickly in the sun, and when they get hot, they wake up. The built in sunshade helps ensure your child will stay cool during their nap.
Next, the cinch straps on the side panels are a great feature. When your child is younger, you can cinch the child cockpit area to ensure they don’t have too much room to wiggle around. This will help them fall asleep faster. As your child grows, you can give them more space as needed for a comfortable nap.
The foot stirrups are a must for nap time. Foot stirrups help your child find a natural sitting position and help circulation, which allows for longer naps…a must.
Lastly, there are small mesh stuff pockets on both sides of the backpack. These storage areas are perfect for a phone with a white noise app. It is our go to. In town or on the trail, a phone with a white noise app is a must during nap time. It helps drown out groups of loud hikers or random noises in the grocery store. Give it a try!
Great Drool Pad
Provides a good spot to rest their head
Sunshade Included
Keeps your child cool while napping
Foot Stirups
Allows for a natural, comfortable sitting position and longer naps
Limited Side Panels on Sunshade
Exposures your child to more sun and limits where they can rest their head during nap time
ClevrPlus Urban Explorer Gear Storage: 10/10
Gear storage is where the ClevrPlus Urban Explorer really shines. Through our CleverPlus Urban Explorer review, we found every storage option you could ask for. Removable day pack, zippered hipbelt pockets, rear lower storage, upper mesh stuff pockets!
This pack has close to 30 L of gear storage! Let’s start with the removable day pack. We really LOVE this feature. For longer day trips, you can pack snacks and lunch, jackets, toys, diapers and changing gear. For short trips to the store or around town, you can leave the day pack at home. This provides a great deal of versatility that we really appreciate. The Deuter Kid Comfort Pro and the Thule Sapling Elite are the only two child carrier backpacks on the market that offer removable day packs.
Next you have the lower, rear zippered storage. Plenty of extra room here for a change of clothes for your child, or a full sized DSLR camera, if desired.
We also really appreciate the zippered hipbelt pockets. 1) They are large enough to fit a phone and 2) They are zippered vs mesh stuff pockets. When it comes to waist belt pockets, zippers are a must to make sure you don’t lose anything.
Lastly, there are mesh stuff pockets on both sides of the child cockpit area. These are great for child toys, pacifier, or a phone with a white noise app, as mentioned above. Overall, the Urban Explorer get a perfect 10/10 for gear storage from the Kid Packer.
ClevrPlus Urban Explorer Extra Features: 10/10
We love all the features that ClevrPlus has included on the Urban Explorer. It has everything you could ask for.
Removable day pack, sunshade included, hydration bladder compartment, zippered hip belt pockets, upper stuff pockets, foot stirrups, etc. Only thing extra you could ask for is a rain cover, but, we won’t be picky.
To top it all off, the Urban Explorer is available in three different colors. The hip Heather Gray shown above, Olive Green shown below and, Blue.
ClevrPlus Urban Explorer Durability: 6/10
Won’t beat around the bush. This is an economical child carrier hiking backpack made with more wallet friendly materials. The clips, clasps, and straps are not as plush or smooth as the top backpack brands. Materials are prone to wear more quickly than other packs like Osprey or Kelty. However, I would have no concern about the backpack lasting long enough for you to get your use out of it. Also, for peace of mind, ClevrPlus offers a 1 year warranty.
ClevrPlus Urban Explorer Value: 10/10
The best part about the ClevrPlus Urban Explorer? The value you get. It simply can not be beat. Coming in around $155, you get a top child carrier backpack loaded with extra features and storage, for about half the price as other well known brands.
It might not be as plush or fancy, and it might be made with slightly more economic material, but that shouldn’t worry you. At this price point for what you get, you can’t go wrong! We would buy this pack all day.
ClevrPlus Urban Explorer Child Carrier Summary
After our ClevrPlus Urban Explorer review, we came away thoroughly impressed. This top rated child carrier backpack has it all: storage, safety, child comfort, all at a can’t-be-beat value!
Although this backpack is named the “Urban Explorer,” don’t be fooled. This pack is plenty rugged and designed to be used on trails hiking and around town, alike. If you are looking for an exceptionally versatile backpack at roughly half the cost of the other top brands, the Urban Explorer is a great option for you.
If you are looking for a more the most versatile, and our highest rated backpack, have a look at the Osprey Poco Plus. If you are looking for a more economical option, the Luvdbaby Premium or Kelty Journey PerfectFIT would be great options to look into.
About The Kid Packer
Here at The Kid Packer, we want to help you live your best life. A great baby backpack child carrier can help you do just that! After having used a child carrier backpack for over 1,500 miles of adventuring and exploring, we have a passion for them and know what makes a great pack that both you and your child will love. We hope our comprehensive research allows you to confidently find the right backpack for your needs!
