Deuter Kid Comfort Active Child Carrier Review
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Deuter Kid Comfort Active Child Carrier Kidpacker Rating: 74/100
Updated: November 30, 2020
Deuter Kid Comfort Active Child Carrier Summary
The Deuter Kid Comfort Active is one of four child carrier backpack models offered by Deuter. The Active series is designed to be a bare bones and lightweight child carrier backpack. It still has plenty of great features, but lacks a bit of the extra plush comfort offered by the Kid Comfort and Kid Comfort Pro models.
Deuter Kid Comfort Active Child Carrier Scoring Summary
Deuter Kid Comfort Active Child Carrier Pros and Cons
Soft Padding
Especially around the child cockpit
Rain Cover Available
Allows for use in adverse conditions
Sunshade Available
Adjustable Torso
Ensures a great fit on a variety of body types
Sunshade Design
Could use improvements
Limited Gear Storage
Less storage than most competitors only 12L and limited on hipbelt and pack sides
No Zipper On Hipbelt Pockets
Limits the utility of the pockets
Price
High for the features included
Deuter Kid Comfort Active Adult Comfort: 7/10
The Deuter Kid Comfort Active is a bit different than its more premium siblings, the Kid Comfort and Kid Comfort Pro.
Whereas the two higher end models utilize a fully tensioned mesh backpanel, the Kid Comfort Active utilizes lightweight foam in the lower lumbar and mid-back sections. Akin to a traditional foam sleep pad, this material is ultra lightweight and provides plenty of support. The trade off in slightly less comfort, vs. the extra plush options on other Deuter models, the Deuter Kid Comfrot Active is one of the lightest weight child carrier backpacks we have reviewed at 5 lbs 14 ounces.
The shoulder straps and hipbelt spare no luxury, and are fully padded and covered with perforated mesh designed to keep you cool.
Deuter also includes built in load lifters just above the shoulders. After the pack is on and situated properly, you can pull the load lifter straps to ensure that the weight of the pack is appropriately transferred to the hips and lower body. Without well designed load lifters, the weight of the pack largely rests on the shoulders, and becomes uncomfortable very quickly.
Deuter Kid Comfort Active Fit Adjustability: 8/10
This Deuter child carrier model utilizes a slightly different suspension system than the two higher end Deuter models. Instead of sliding the back length adjustment up and down with an unbuckled clasp, the Active model utilizes a more traditional velcro mechanism.
However, this system appears to work just as well. You simply open the velcro, slide the straps higher, feed the velcro through a sturdy loop, and re-attach it. There are numerous loops to allow for ¾ inch adjustments, which ensure a good fit for both taller and shorter body frames. A great resource for sizing a backpack is from REI and can be found here.
The pack, being fairly bare bones, does not include a hipbelt extender like other models such as the Osprey Poco Plus (Review) and the Thule Sapling Elite (Review). This isn’t a critical feature, but it is nice to help ensure that the pack can comfortably fit anyone who wants to wear it.
Deuter Kid Comfort Active Child Comfort: 9/10
This pack comes equipped with a fully ergonomic child seat. The seat easily moves up and down to accommodate the child as they grow. When the child is smaller, the seat can be raised to ensure they get a great view of the world passing by. After a few months, the seat can be lowered to account for the child’s growth.
The child cockpit area is very plush, and similar to other Deuter models. The perforated mesh utilized will no doubt help ensure your child will remain comfortable on long hot days on the trail.
The Deuter Kid Comfort Active also includes a removable, washable drool pad that is covered with a soft, mesh like material that provides a great spot for children to rest their head at nap time.
Lastly, this pack comes with built in adjustable foot stirrups. Stirrups aren’t critical when you child is younger, but as they grow, they become increasingly useful. They help provide a more natural sitting position and help ensure good circulation during hours in the backpack.
Deuter Kid Comfort Active Child Safety: 9/10
Deuter did a great job of designing this backpack with child safety in mind. The Deuter Kid Comfort Active receives the same top marks as the higher end Deuter models.
From the plush, well padded interior child cockpit, to the extra upper thigh straps, your child will be extremely secure in this child carrier backpack model.
This pack utilizes a five point harness. Three buckles securely fasten the harness into place. The great news is that the harness is easy to adjust, and locks into place without a ton of adult frustration. Every parent has utilized child products that require extra effort to attach the harness. Thankfully, Deuter ensured that this wont be a problem by utilizing high quality buckles and straps that snap into place easily.
Lastly, the removable, washable drool pad spans the entirety of the pack. This helps protect your child from the bumps and jostles that are inevitable on the trail.
Deuter Kid Comfort Active Sun Protection: 4/10
Sunshades are a critical part when looking for a top rated child carrier backpack. Although we appreciate that Deuter has a sunshade available for purchase for the Kid Comfort Child Carrier Series, we see several places for them to improve their design.
Once purchased, the sunshade is not built in, but instead free floating in the rear storage compartment. Upon removal, you place two pegs in the rear of the pack, fully extend it, then fasten two straps into the front of the pack to secure it in place. The process isn’t overly cumbersome, but we do greatly prefer the sunshades that are built into the pack that Kelty, Osprey, and Thule offer.
The other point we don’t love about the Deuter Kid Comfort Active sunshade design is the lack of side panels. The shade provides plenty of protection when the sun is high in the sky, in the morning and afternoon, when the sun is at a lower angle, the shade doesn’t offer your child much protection.
Lastly, the sunshade feels less secure than other designs.
Deuter Kid Comfort Active Nap Effectiveness: 6/10
Your child will most likely lean forward to take a nap in the Deuter Kid Comfort Active. With an expansive, fully padded drool pad, there is ample room for them to lean forward and take a great nap.
However, as your child grows, they will likely want to lean to the side to take a nap. Although, with a shorter rear headrest than the Kid Comfort Pro model, and no side panels on the sunshade, it may be more difficult for your child to take that long, recuperative nap that everyone craves. The side panels of a sunshade act like a hammock for your child’s head and provide a support spot for them to rest without their head wobbling around as they try to sleep. Unfortunately, this sunshade design does not provide this support.
For the pack that offers the best sunshade and gets the top scores for nap effectiveness, have a look at the Osprey Poco Plus and Osprey Poco child carrier backpacks.
Deuter Kid Comfort Active Gear Storage: 6/10
The Deuter Kid Comfort Active prioritizes a lightweight backpack over gear storage capacity. With only 12 L of total gear storage, you really don’t have enough space to pack everything for a full day trip. However, if you have someone with you, they can pack some of the gear, but if you plan to travel solo or want to avoid carrying an extra backpack, you might want to look at other models such as the Osprey Poco Plus, Kelty Journey PerfectFIT Elite or the Thule Sapling Elite.
However, this child carrier backpack model does come with some storage. Below the child you’ll find a decent sized storage compartment sealed by a drawstring cinch. We don’t love a drawstring closure as it provides an opportunity for items to fall out. And when a child is involved, you’ll always have extra small items that are prone to falling out of a pack.
On the upper rear portion of the pack, there is a large mesh stuff compartment. This spot is plenty large enough for extra clothing layers, jackets, or toys.
The main complaint when it comes to storage really isn’t the overall lower capacity, but that there isn’t even a spot for a full sized water bottle. The only spot for a water bottle is in the lower compartment, which means you will need to take the pack off to get a drink, or have a partner grab it for you. Deuter does include a hydration bladder storage spot which does help but, we like to have the option for extra water bottles. Also lacking are hipbelt pockets for small items such as chaptsick, keys, or sunscreen.
Deuter Kid Comfort Active Extra Features: 9/10
The Deuter Kid Comfort Active offers a rain cover that is sold separately. Despite not being included with the pack, we still consider this to be a significant extra feature.
We found that a rain cover is critical when storms pop up. However, we found it even more useful during the winter months to help keep our child warm. It also works great during windy days. Everyone knows that children are quick to complain when they aren’t comfortable, and the rain cover is just one more item to help ensure both you and your child have the best experience possible.
This child carrier backpack model has a side entry feature for the child. This is a great feature, and mostly appreciated after a long day on the trail. Instead of trying to lift and wrangle your child out the pack, you simply un-clip the side panel and your child can walk out on their own! Great feature, and one we believe should come standard on all child carrier backpacks.
Deuter Kid Comfort Active Durability: 9/10
Deuter has been designing and manufacturing high quality backpacks for many years, and their child carrier backpacks are no different. This pack is constructed with a tight weave and is tear and abrasion resistant, and is fairly water resistant up to 1500mm.
The Deuter Kid Comfort Active child carrier backpack comes with a 2 year warranty, which helps give you peace of mind.
Deuter Kid Comfort Active Value: 7/10
The Deuter Kid Comfort Active comes in more than $100 less than Deuter’s top end model, but does so with quite a few less features. Despite this, we believe this pack provides a good value opportunity.
Deuter Kid Comfort Active Child Carrier Summary
The Deuter Kid Comfort Active is a lightweight child carrier backpack that is fairly bare bones. It offers great adult and child comfort, and was definitely designed with child safety in mind. However, it lacks storage capacity, and the sunshade has some design flaws that limit sun protection and may hinder nap effectiveness.
However, despite these shortcomings, depending on how you plan to utilize your child carrier backpack, the Deuter Kid Comfort Active may be a great pack for you and your child. If you primarily plan to use the pack around town where gear storage and sun protection are not on your mind, this pack will work great for you. However, if you are looking for something to take on full day trips, you might look at other options like the Osprey Poco Plus (Review) or Thule Sapling Elite (Review).
The Kelty Journey PerfectFIT Signature (Review)and Elite (Review) models also provide great options at a reasonable cost.
If looking for a highly versatile pack built in a bit more 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!