Deuter Kid Comfort Child Carrier Review
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Deuter Kid Comfort Child Carrier Kidpacker Rating: 81/100
Updated: January 18, 2022
Deuter Kid Comfort Child Carrier Summary
Deuter has been designing child carrier backpacks for nearly 30 years and know what they are doing! The Deuter Kid Comfort is one of four child carrier backpacks offered by Deuter. This model includes a sunshade and a plush well padded child cockpit, and is designed to provide excellent comfort for the adult wearer. Despite having a smaller gear storage capacity (14L) relative to competitors, this pack is extremely comfortable and certainly will be great for both you and your child. With an overall rating of 81/100 from The Kid Packer, this pack is an excellent competitor compared to other child carrier backpacks on the market today.
Deuter Kid Comfort Child Carrier Scoring Summary
Deuter Kid Comfort Child Carrier Pros and Cons
Well Padded
Both for the adult straps and child cockpit
Rain Cover Available
Allows for use in adverse conditions or cold weather
Adjustable Torso
To accommodate various body types and a well ventilated back panel
Side entry
On the child cockpit
Sunshade
Is included but, not built in / needs improvements
Limited Gear Storage
Only 14L, less than most competitors
No Hipbelt Extenders
To accommodate a variety of waist sizes
Deuter Kid Comfort Adult Comfort: 9/10
The Deuter line of child carrier backpacks is among the most comfortable of any on the market today!
For starters, Deuter utilizes well padded, perforated mesh for both the shoulder straps and hipbelts. The straps are operated by smooth and easy to adjust straps and buckles. This may seems trivial, but if you have used lesser quality packs before, you know how difficult it can be to adjust straps.
The biggest differentiation for Deuter from other brands is the back panel. With an extra plush lower lumber, you can be assured that this pack will rest securely and comfortably on your back. The center of the back panel all the way through the primary shoulder region is designed with fully tensioned mesh. This provides great airflow for long hikes, a full day exploring a new travel destination or even a quick trip to the grocery store.
The Deuter Kid Comfort child carrier also utilizes great quality load lifters, positioned just above the shoulders on each side. By pulling on these straps, you can appropriately position the weight of the pack to your hips and lower body instead of uncomfortably resting on your shoulders.
Deuter Kid Comfort Fit Adjustability: 8/10
The Deuter Kid Comfort utilizes the same suspension system as the Deuter Kid Comfort Pro which Deuter refers to as their Vari Slide System.
The Vari Slide System is the primary adjustment for the torso section which allows for adjustments for adults of different heights. This pack is capable of fitting someone up to about 6’- 4’’ tall.
To utilize this feature, the wearer reaches behind the mesh back panel, “unclasps” the main stabilizer and slides the shoulder strap apparatus up and down to fit as desired. After adjusting the shoulder straps to fit properly, adjust the sternum strap and load lifters to ensure the weight of the pack is properly transitioned to your hips and lower body. The last thing you want is the weight of the pack resting on your shoulders, and the adjustments provided by Deuter help ensure a proper fit. A great resource for sizing a backpack is from REI and can be found here.
The one thing missing is a hipbelt “extender”. Some brands include these to help ensure a fully padded waistbelt wraps around the hip bones of larger bodied individuals. The Osprey and Thule models, both of which have hipbelt extenders, can accommodate a 36 inch waist using the extenders to find a much better overall fit.
This feature isn’t critical, but is definitely appreciated on long days on the trail.
Deuter Kid Comfort Child Comfort: 9/10
In general, this pack is built very similarly to the premium product offered by Deuter, the Kid Comfort Pro.
The child cockpit area is exceptionally plush and lined with the same perforated mesh utilized for the adult shoulder straps and hipbelt. This keeps your child cool during a full day in the pack.
The headrest in particular is the best of any child carrier backpack currently on the market. It provides a very comfortable experience for your child, and provides a great spot for a child to rest their head for nap time.
The child’s seat is also ergonomically designed to help ensure a natural sitting position which is critical for long rides in the child carrier. A properly set child seat plus foot stirrups help ensure good circulation and a smooth ride for your little passenger.
Deuter includes a machine washable drool pad covered with a padded, soft, felt like material which helps cushion and stabilize your child on bumpy trails.
Deuter Kid Comfort Child Safety: 9/10
The Deuter Kid Comfort receives excellent safety ratings primarily because of two specific features.
The five point safety harness is the first step in helping ensure your child stays safe. The ergonomic design of the child seat, how it moves up and down depending how large your child is, helps ensure a perfect fit as they grow. The buckles and clasps of the harness attach easily and without frustration. All parents have encountered products where the harness requires extra work to secure properly. This isn’t one of those products.
In addition to the safety harness and well padded child cockpit mentioned above, we really like the extra straps that run across the child’s thigh. After your child is in the pack and fully locked in, extra straps run across the upper thigh of the child. Although it is highly unlikely that your child would ever manage to squirm out of any child carrier backpack, these upper thigh straps provide a bit more peace of mind. Thule is another brand that utilizes upper thigh straps, and we like that design as well.
Deuter Kid Comfort Sun Protection: 6/10
We are appreciative that Deuter has included a sunshade with this pack, however, we believe it could use a few design enhancements.
First off, the good. A sunshade is included, and it provides good height above your child’s head. Some sunshades rest low and can be annoying for the child. Not this one. This one rests nice and high, helping ensure they have plenty of visibility, while also providing plenty of overhead protection.
Now, for the things we are less fond of. This sunshade has extremely limited side sun protection. The sun is rarely high in the sky. Much of the time, the sun is coming in at lower angles, and Deuter’s design provides very little production during that time. Side panels would be greatly appreciated. The Deuter Pro model has a bit more of a side panel, but Osprey has the best designed sunshade on the market with great side panels.
The other thing we don’t love about this sunshade is that it is not permanently attached to the pack. You have to insert two pegs into holes in the back, fully extend the shade, pull it forward and clasp it into place near the shoulder area. Although this isn’t a huge hassle, other brands such as Osprey, Thule, and Kelty have built in sunshades that are easier to put up and more secure.
For a look at the best design sunshade on the market, have a look at Osprey’s child carrier backpacks.
Deuter Kid Comfort Nap Effectiveness: 7/10
The Deuter Kid Comfort model will certainly allow your child to take a quality nap however, other brands, even other Deuter models (Pro version) allows for more nap time comfort. The Deuter Kid Comfort Pro model has a higher child headrest, by a few inches. This extra height allows the child to nap a bit easier. That is really the only difference between these two models when it comes nap effectiveness.
As mentioned above, the sunshade doesn’t have functional side panels. This limits the child’s ability to nap with their head leaning to the side. For some kids, this might not matter, but we found that kids, as they get older, prefer to lean to the side and rest their head on the sunshade. Since the Deuter doesn’t have a side panel on the sunshade, this might hinder their napping ability.
Deuter Kid Comfort Gear Storage: 8/10
With only 14 L of total gear storage, the Deuter Kid Comfort has less overall gear storage than most competitors. However, the Deuter Kid Comfort is rated higher for gear storage than the Deuter Kid Comfort Pro.
For starters, the lower rear storage compartment is zippered vs. being governed by a drawstring. We like the security of having a zippered compartment. With only a cinch and drawstring, it is too easy for something to fall out and get lost.
On the sides of the pack next to the child are two large mesh stuff pockets. These are great for toys, snacks, full size Nalgene water bottles, or phones with a white noise app. That’s right. If you want your child to nap well, a phone with a white noise app is a must. Going in and out of stores and markets with varying sounds and voices can easily wake up a child. Having a large group talking loudly on a trail passing by can easily wake your child. Having a phone with a white noise app really helps your child nap well when they need it most. These large mesh side pockets are perfect for this.
On the hipbelt are two zippered pockets, perfect for small items such as chapstick, sunscreen, toys or keys. This child carrier backpack model also includes a hydration bladder sleeve for easy access. Lastly, on the upper rear of the back is a larger mesh stuff compartment. This is a great spot to place extra clothing layers or rain jackets. These items are larger enough that you likely wont need to worry about them falling out.
Deuter Kid Comfort Extra Features: 9/10
The Deuter Kid Comfort has a fairly unique feature in that it offers your child side entry access. By un-clipping the upper side panel of the pack, your child can easily walk into or out of the pack. Although this isn’t a critical feature, after a long day on the trail, it’s quite nice. After you put down the pack, instead of struggling to get your child out of the pack, they can simply walk out by themselves.
A feature we do find to be critical is a rain cover! Deuter has a rain cover that be purchased separately here. Not only can this feature be used for rain but, we have used it for warmth and wind protection!
The pack also includes two very sturdy grab handles. These are crucial for putting the pack on, and taking it off safely.
Deuter Kid Comfort Durability: 9/10
Deuter is well known for making high quality backpacks, and their Kid Comfort series is no exception. This pack is built to last. To that point, as long as it is taken care of, this child carrier backpack should have excellent resale value even a few years down the line.
The Deuter Kid Comfort child carrier backpack comes with a limited lifetime warranty, which provides peace of mind.
Deuter Kid Comfort Value: 7/10
The Deuter Kid Comfort provides a good value despite being at the high end of the price range and having a few less features than some of its competitors. This child carrier backpack typically sells for ~$40 less than the top end Deuter product, the Kid Comfort Pro.
Deuter Kid Comfort Child Carrier Summary
The Deuter Kid Comfort is a high quality product that really focuses on both child and adult comfort. Deuter has the most plush, padded packs on the market, for both the adult and child, and really makes a full day on the trail more enjoyable.
However, the pack is low on storage with only 14L of capacity, and the sunshade design could definitely use a bit of improvement.
If you plan to use your child carrier backpack frequently and for full day trips, you might want to consider other packs with more storage options, such as the Osprey Poco Plus (Review) or the Kelty Journey PerfectFIT Elite (Review). If you plan to primarily use the pack around town where storage and sun protection is less of a concern, this might be the pack for you! This pack earns an 81/100 overall rating and is definitely a high quality product, and among the best child carrier backpacks on the market today.
For other strong competitors that offer premium features, have a look at the Osprey Poco (Review) and the Thule Sapling Elite (Review).
If looking for a highly versatile pack built in a bit more of an economical fashion have a look CleverPlus Urban Explorer (Review).
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!
