Kelty Journey perfectfit signature Child Carrier Review
Thekidpacker.com may receive commissions for purchases made through links in this post.
Kelty Journey PerfectFIT Signature Child Carrier Kidpacker Rating: 79/100
Updated: November 30, 2020
Kelty Journey PerfectFIT Signature Child Carrier Summary
The Kelty Journey PerfectFIT Signature Child Carrier is a high quality child carrier backpack that is made to last. It is one of three models offered by Kelty and is most similar to the Kelty Journey PerfectFIT Elite, but lacks some features. The most economic option offered by Kelty is the Journey PerfectFIT.
The Kelty Journey PerfectFIT Signature model generally sells for $30-$40 less than the Elite model, with fewer storage options such as mesh pockets, hydration bladder storage, and has fewer zippered storage pockets. Despite having less storage options, the Signature model still has the ability to carry 26 L worth of toys, snacks, and gear.
Kelty Journey PerfectFIT Signature Child Carrier Scoring Summary
Kelty Journey PerfectFIT Signature Child Carrier Pros and Cons
Sturdy/Well Built
PerfectFIT Suspension System
Allows for quick fit adjustments
Built in Sunshade
Although the design could use improvements
Well Designed Child Cockpit
No Rain Cover Available
Big challenge with bad weather!
No Mesh Stuff Pockets
These are available on the Elite model
Not Hydration Bladder Compatible
Kelty Journey PerfectFIT Signature Adult Comfort: 8/10
The PerfectFIT Signature is a comfortable pack for the wearer and is similar to the PerfectFIT Elite in that is utilizes the same materials, load lifting mechanism and unique suspension system.
As with most of Kelty’s backpacks, this child carrier backpack is very comfortable to wear even when fully loaded with a child and gear. Soft, padded mesh on the hipbelt, shoulder straps, and back lumbar make this a comfortable pack to wear for extended hikes.
The Kelty child carrier backpack load lifters are located just above the shoulders and are easily adjustable while wearing the pack. Load lifters are essential on any heavy pack and if they work well, help distribute the pack weight from your shoulders to your hips and lower body. Good quality load lifters can make a good hike a great one by making it much more comfortable.
The Kelty PerfectFIT suspension system utilized on the Signature and Elite models is unique to Kelty. While wearing the pack, there are two straps that hang down by your waist. As you pull down on both straps simultaneously, the torso section is adjusted. The shoulder straps begin to move down and allows for on the fly adjustments. This feature works best when the backpack is being transferred from a taller person to a shorter person. This is a particularly useful feature to help ensure that the pack can be finely tuned to fit nearly any body type.
Kelty Journey PerfectFIT Signature Fit Adjustability: 7/10
The PerfectFIT suspension system mentioned above is the primary adjustment option on the Kelty Journey PerfectFIT Signature. With this adjustment feature, the pack can fit a torso ranging from 15.5 inches to 21 inches, which should fit most body types.
Additional adjustments built into this pack are high quality clasps and buckles for seamlessly adjusting the waist and shoulders. If you have ever tried to adjust a pack with lower quality materials, you know that it can be a struggle to adjust. For more on how to appropriately fit a backpack, this article from REI is a great resource.
The main adjustment option missing from Kelty’s design is a hipbelt extender to accommodate larger waistlines. The Thule Sapling Elite and Osprey Poco Plus both include well padded hipbelt extensions. If your needs include accommodating people with varying body types, you may consider the Thule or Osprey options.
Kelty Journey PerfectFIT Signature Child Comfort: 9/10
The Kelty Journey PerfectFIT Signature provides a comfortable ride for your little passenger! This pack includes soft materials, an extra wide seat, removable drool pad and foot stirrups that help keep the passenger a happy little camper.
The child cockpit utilizes a soft, felt-like padding surrounding the child seating area. The seat is extra wide with extra comfortable flaps for the legs and made of the same soft material. A comfortable seat allows for a longer day on the trail and a happy little hiking companion!
A removable drool pad may not be at the top of your must have list but, once you have given a child a snack on the trail you will realize that it is a necessity. The removable drool pad included on the Kelty Journey PerfectFIT Signature is a good design that is easy to keep clean.
Adjustable foot stirrups may be an after thought when considering a baby backpack carrier for your baby. As your little hiking companion grows, foot stirrups become a necessity for them to be fully supported in the pack and prevent them from continually kicking the person wearing the pack.
Kelty Journey PerfectFIT Signature Child Safety:10/10
Kelty receives Kid Packer’s top rating when it comes to child safety for the Journey Perfectfit Signature and their other two models: Kelty Journey PerfectFIT Elite and the Kelty Journey PerfectFIT. Kelty receives top marks for their lightweight yet sturdy frame, five point harness and child waist belt.
The Kelty design starts with a lightweight aluminum frame that is both sturdy and rigid and is a great base to build off of.
Kelty goes above and beyond other child carrier brands with their child cockpit design. The child is not only strapped in with a five point harness but an additional waist belt that really locks them in place which provides a more secure ride for the passenger and a more stable hike for the pack wear
Kelty Journey PerfectFIT Signature Sun Protection: 7/10
A built in sunshade is included with the Kelty Journey PerfectFIT Signature. A sunshade is a must for any child carrier backpack, and thankfully Kelty includes one built in on this model.
To access the sunshade, you unzip the top rear zipper and simply pull the sunshade up. Once fully extended, you pull the flexible shade forward and clip it securely to the front of the pack. With the shade locked in place, your child still has plenty of head room and great visibility.
The shade provides adequate coverage when the sun is high in the sky. But in the afternoon or early morning, the shade lacks side panels and the child is left exposed.
Overall, the sunshade is adequate, but could use a few improvements.
For the backpack with the best sunshade, have a look at the Osprey Poco Plus.
Kelty Journey PerfectFIT Signature Nap Effectiveness: 8/10
The child cockpit has a good design where the soft, padded drool pad wraps around the front of the pack. This provides the child with a nice place to rest their head when they are ready for a nap. When the child is younger, this is likely how they will nap, leaning forward.
As the child gets bigger, napping leaning forward can be a bit more challenging because there just is not enough space in a child backpack carrier. This is not unique to Kelty, but common among most child carrier backpakcs.
However, one area for nap improvement for this pack is the sunshade. As mentioned above, the sunshade lacks side panels. On packs that have side panels on the sunshade (Osprey Poco Plus and Osprey Poco), children can use the side panels as a hammock for their head, and lean to the side when they nap. Without a good place to put their head, they can sometimes have a hard time falling asleep, and tend to not nap quite as long. Not good!
Kelty Journey PerfectFIT Signature Gear Storage: 7/10
With 26 L of gear storage included on the Kelty Journey PerfectFIT Signature there is room for everything you need for a full day hike or a day exploring a travel destination.
The PerfectFIT Signature model comes with two rear zippered storage compartments. One large top compartment and one smaller lower zippered compartment. The upper zipper compartment has interior mesh pockets to help keep things organized. The upper zipper pocket is a great place for quick access items like sunscreen, wipes, toys, etc.
The lower zippered pocket is covered by a flap and can also hold plenty of gear like extra layers and a packed lunch.
The hipbelt on this model includes two zippered hipbelt pockets with one being expandable to hold a full sized water bottle! The expandable water bottle holder is a neat feature but, does get in the way of your stride. The zippered hipbelt pockets are great for small quick access items like chapstick, keys or a phone.
The biggest difference between the Kelty Journey PerfectFIT Elite and the PerfectFIT Signature is storage. What storage is missing? The Signature model does not include a place for a hydration bladder or mesh upper pockets on both sides. The PerfectFIT Elite models offers both of these. With no mesh stuff pockets on the sides of the pack, the Signature model really doesn’t have a great place to store a full-sized Nalgene style water bottle. In our opinion, this is a pretty big drawback.
Kelty Journey PerfectFIT Signature Extra Features: 6/10
This child carrier backpack does not include a lot of frills or extras. This pack has what you need for a full day of hiking but, doesn’t come with all the bells and whistles that its big brother, the Journey PerfectFIT Elite has.
The most useful extra feature on this pack are the extra grab handles on the sides of the child carrier. Most child carrier backpacks only have grab handles on the top of the pack to assist with putting the pack on and tacking it off. Kelty has thoughtfully added extra grab handles on the sides, which are a nice touch.
The lack of an optional rain cover really limits the functionality of this child carrier. We would love to see Kelty offer a rain cover to purchase separately with their packs. A rain cover, or lack thereof, can make or break an excursion if the weather goes south. Rain covers provide protection not only from rain but, cold and windy conditions as well.
Kelty Journey PerfectFIT Signature Durability: 9/10
Anyone familiar with outdoor gear knows that Kelty is a highly respected brand known for making top notch gear that lasts, and that is no different with the Journey PerfectFIT Signature. As soon as you pick up this pack, you know if was built to last, and if you take care of it, will have good resale value.
The pack is constructed using highly durable materials such as 75D Poly and 140D Nylon blend.
Kelty Journey PerfectFIT Signature Value: 8/10
The Journey PerfectFIT Signature typically sells for $30-$40 less than the Elite model, and lacks a few key storage options that, in our opinion, provides an overall lower value proposition than the Elite model.
Kelty Journey PerfectFIT Signature Child Carrier Summary
With a total score of 79/100, the Kelty Journey PerfectFIT Signature is a solid child carrier backpack. Whether you are heading around town or hitting the trail for an entire day, the Signature has everything you need. With 26L of storage and top ratings in child safety, you can rest easy knowing you and your little passenger will have a great experience!
A strong competitor for this pack with similar features is the Osprey Poco (Kid Packer Review) If you are looking for packs with more features than found here, but come in at a higher price point, take a look at the Osprey Poco Plus (Kid Packer Review) and Thule Sapling Elite(Kid Packer Review)
If looking for a highly versatile pack built in more of an economical fashion, have a look CleverPlus Urban Explorer.
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!