Kelty Journey PerfectFIT Elite vs.
Kelty Journey PerfectFIT
Kelty Journey PerfectFIT Elite or Kelty Journey PerfectFIT?
Updated: December 13, 2020
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Comparison Summary
Which child carrier backpack is better, Kelty Journey PerfectFIT Elite or Journey PerfectFIT?
Kelty offers three different child carrier backpacks. The top end model is the PerfectFIT Elite, followed by the PerfectFIT Signature. The base model, the PerfectFIT, is the barebones child carrier.
So what is the difference between the PerfectFIT Elite and the PerfectFIT? Quite a bit. First, the Elite model typically sells for $50-$70 more. The PerfectFIT model is your basic child carrier backpack, built exceptionally well. The PerfectFIT Elite is a premium product that comes with all the bells and whistles, including significantly more storage, a hydration bladder compartment, and a build in sunshade.
Both the Journey PerfectFIT Elite and Journey PerfectFIT models are great options for someone looking to purchase a child carrier backpack. Below we break down the differences between the two.
If you are looking for a full comprehensive, detailed review of each backpack, give these a quick read:
Comparison Summary
Which child carrier backpack is better, Kelty Journey PerfectFIT Elite or Journey PerfectFIT?
Kelty offers three different child carrier backpacks. The top end model is the PerfectFIT Elite, followed by the PerfectFIT Signature. The base model, the PerfectFIT, is a barebones child carrier.
So what is the difference between the PerfectFIT Elite and the PerfectFIT? Quite a bit. First, the Elite model typically sells for $50-$70 more. The PerfectFIT model is your basic child carrier backpack, built exceptionally well. The PerfectFIT Elite is a premium product that comes with all the bells and whistles, including significantly more storage, a hydration bladder compartment, and a build in sunshade.
Both the Journey PerfectFIT Elite and Journey PerfectFIT models are great options for someone looking to purchase a child carrier backpack. Below we break down the differences between the two.
If you are looking for a full comprehensive, detailed review of each backpack, give these a quick read:
Kelty Journey PerfectFIT Elite
Kelty Journey PerfectFIT
Kelty Journey PerfectFIT Elite or Kelty Journey PerfectFIT? - Key Differences
Kelty Journey PerfectFIT Elite
Kelty Journey PerfectFIT
- The Elite has extra mesh stuff pockets on the sides of the pack
- Kelty Elite has a dedicated storage compartment for a hydration bladder
- Only the Elite has a rear lower storage compartment. This is great for storing lunch or extra clothing layers.
- The Elite has an extra rear zippered compartment to help with gear organization in the back.
- The biggest different in our opinion is that the Elite model comes with a built in sunshade. On the base PerfectFIT model, you will need to buy the sunshade separately.
- The PerfectFIT Elite typically sells for $50-$70 more than the PerfectFIT.
Kelty Journey PerfectFIT Elite or Kelty Journey PerfectFIT - Feature Comparison
Kelty Journey PerfectFIT Elite or Kelty Journey PerfectFIT? - Rating Comparison
Kelty Journey PerfectFIT Elite
Kelty Journey PerfectFIT
Kelty Journey PerfectFIT Elite or Kelty Journey PerfectFIT? - Comfort
Overall Comfort Winner: Kelty Journey PerfectFIT Elite
Although both backpacks rate very high for the comfort section, the Elite model comes out a few points ahead.
The Kelty Journey PerfectFIT Elite has a more thoroughly padded backpanel.
Adult Comfort Winner: Kelty Journey PerfectFIT Elite
Although Kelty is known for making high quality backpacks, and both of these child carrier backpacks fall into that category, the Elite model wins in adult comfort.
The PerfectFIT base model comes with a single lower padded lumbar, while the Elite model has perforated, padded mesh that runs continuously across the entire back panel section. This helps keep you cool and ensures a comfortable experience for long days on the trail or exploring around town.
Kelty Journey PerfectFIT Elite
Kelty Journey PerfectFIT
Fit Adjustability Winner: Tie
Both the PerfectFIT Elite and PerfectFIT models are constructed utilizing the Kelty PerfectFIT suspension system. This system allows you to adjust the pack to fit a wide range of torso sizes, ranging from 15.5 inches to 21 inches. For more info on how to properly fit a backpack, have a look at this helpful REI article.
Once you have the pack on your back, you simply pull down on the two straps by your hips. This pulls the entire should strap apparatus downward, ensuring you get a perfect fit every time. We like this feature, as it allows you to make quick, on the fly adjustments. This specifically comes in handy when you hand off the pack from one person to another with a different body size.
For a more detailed review of the PerfectFIT suspension system, have a look at this review.
Child Comfort Winner: Kelty Journey PerfectFIT Elite
Both PerfectFIT Elite and PerfectFIT models are built with pretty much the same child comfort features.
We love Kelty’s extra wide child seat. It has a unique design that allows your child to find a natural sitting position, keeping them comfortable for quick trips around town, or long day hikes.
The child cockpit on both packs is well padded, and utilizes a soft felt like material. This makes for a comfortable experience when it comes to napping.
Lastly, both packs include adjustable foot stirrups. These are critical when the child is young, but it is a must when they get 18 months plus. Having a spot for the child to securely place their feet helps maintain good circulation and also ensures they comfortable for hours on end.
The only real difference in child comfort is the sunshade that is included with the Elite model. More on this later.
Kelty Journey PerfectFIT Elite
Kelty Journey PerfectFIT
Kelty Journey PerfectFIT Elite or Kelty Journey PerfecFIt? - Safety
Overall Safety Winner: Kelty Journey PerfectFIT Elite
Better safety features, Kelty Journey Elite or Kelty Journey?
Although both packs get a perfect 10/10 for child safety, the Elite model scores higher in the overall safety category due to the included sunshade. A sunshade is critical on a baby backpack carrier.
Child Safety Winner: Tie
Both of these packs get tops marks for child safety.
Along with the well padded child cockpit mentioned above, the lightweight aluminum frame provides a sturdy base from which the rest of the pack is built. Upon picking up the packs, you can tell that the entire structure is very rigid, providing a secure base to build from.
However, the best child safety feature on these Kelty child carrier backpacks is the five point harness and the extra wide child waistbelt. Whereas most child waistbelts are fairly thin and just clip the child in place, the Kelty designed wasitbelt is much wider and wraps around the upper torso of the child, securely locking them in place.
We love this design as it really limits how much your child can squirm around. This is a really good thing, as it keeps them more centralized in the pack, and minimizes how much the weight shifts around, which can make it difficult for the adult carrying the heavy load.
Overall, it is clear that Kelty had child safety in mind when they designed these two child carrier backpacks.
Sun Protection Winner: Kelty Journey PerfectFIT Elite
This one isn’t even close.
The PerfectFIT Elite model comes with a built in sunshade. The PerfectFIT base model does not come with a sunshade. However, you can buy the sunshade separately for ~$35.
A sunshade is a critical component for any child carrier backpack, therefore, the Elite model clearly wins in the section.
However, despite the built in shade on the Elite model, we still believe some sunshade improvements could be made to provide better sun protection for the child.
Have a look at the Osprey Poco or Osprey Poco Plus for the best designed sunshade on the market.
Kelty Journey PerfectFIT Elite
Kelty Journey PerfectFIT
Nap Effectiveness Winner: Kelty Journey PerfectFIT Elite
Similar to the sunshade section above, this one is also easy.
Although your child can lean forward and easily nap in either backpack, the built in sunshade on the Elite model makes for a much better experience. Children naturally get warm when napping, and without a shade, they get downright hot. When they get hot they wake up or don’t get the recuperative rest everyone is hoping for.
If you decide to go with the PerfectFIT, we definitely recommend going ahead and purchasing the separate sunshade. And in that case, if you are spending the extra money on the sun shade, you might as well just buy the Kelty Journey PerfectFIT Signature (the third Kelty option), which typically sells for $30-$40 more than the base PerfectFIT model but comes with a built in sunshade AND has significantly better storage options.
Kelty Journey PerfectFIT Elite
Kelty Journey PerfectFIT
Kelty Journey PerfectFIT Elite or Kelty Journey PerfectFIT? - Other
Overall Other Winner: Kelty Journey PerfectFIT Elite
The Elite model once again comes out on top in our final rating section.
Gear Storage Winner: Kelty Journey PerfectFIT Elite
When evaluating the Kelty Journey PerfectFIT Elite vs. Kelty Journey PerfectFIT, the main thing to consider is gear storage. The PerfectFIT Elite is loaded with storage options, while the PerfectFIT has only a single, large zippered storage pocket.
Although Kelty states that both packs have 26 L of gear storage capacity, we find that hard to believe. The base PerfectFIT lacks a larger rear lower storage compartment.
Below we outline the differences in storage between the two models.
- The PerfectFIT Elite has an internal storage compartment for a hydration bladder, the PerfectFIT does not.
- The Elite model has two medium sized mesh stuff pockets built into the side of the pack, the PerfectFIT does not.
- The Elite has two rear upper zippered storage compartments while the PerfectFIT has a single large upper rear storage compartment.
- The Kelty Elite model has a rear lower storage compartment, the PerfectFIT has no lower storage at all.
- The Elite model has zippered hipbelt pockets on both sides while the PerfectFIT has small mesh stuff pockets on both sides of the hipbelt.
If you are looking for a pack to take around town for shopping, the PerfectFIT base model will work great. However, if you are looking for a pack to take out on the trail or exploring a new city while traveling, the extra storage on the Elite model is a must.
Kelty Journey PerfectFIT Elite
Kelty Journey PerfectFIT
Extra Features Winner: Kelty Journey PerfectFIT Elite
Other than the significantly better storage options on the Elite model, the Elite model also has six sturdy grab handles vs only two on the base PerfectFIT. These extra grab handles are quite nice when putting on a heavy pack by yourself, and even more critical when taking the pack off.
The extra compartment for a hydration bladder is also critical when deciding between these two models. The base PerfectFIT model doesn’t really have a good spot for a full sized water bottle. I suppose you could put a water bottle in the larger rear compartment, but you would need to take the pack off every time you wanted a drink.
Kelty doesn’t offer a rain cover for either model, which is a bit of a bummer, as it can really come in handy during storms, windy or cold conditions.
Both Osprey and Thule child carrier backpacks have a rain covers that are sold separately. This isn’t a must have, but close to it. (Opsrey Rain Cover and Thule Rain Cover)
Durability Winner: Tie
As expected with Kelty products, they are built to last. Both packs are constructed utilizing 70D Poly and 140D Nylon blend. When you pick up this product, you know durability won’t be an issue. Both packs come with Kelty’s limited lifetime warranty.
Value Winner: Kelty Journey PerfectFIT Elite
Although the Kelty Journey PerfectFIT Elite typically sells for $50-$70 more, we believe the Elite model provides a much better value, given all of the extra features that come along with it. The built-in sunshade alone provides roughly $35 of value. Combine that the with extra comfort features and significantly better gear storage options, the Elite model wins in the value category.
Overall Winner: Kelty Journey PerfectFIT Elite
Kelty Journey PerfectFIT Elite
Kelty Journey PerfectFIT
In our opinion, the PerfectFIT Elite model wins by a landslide. Extra storage, built in sunshade, a more comfortable adult back panel, and a hydration bladder compartment all make the Elite the best option.
However, if you are in the market for a bare bones child carrier backpack, the PerfectFIT base model might be right for you. If you primarily plan to use the pack around town or for quick shopping trips, the PerfectFIT might be the better option. However, if you plan to take longer day trips or spend longer periods of time hiking trails, the Elite model with more storage and a sunshade would be the best choice.
If you are looking for a pack with even more storage and all the adjustability of the Kelty Journey Elite, have a look at the Thule Sapling Elite. If you are looking for a pack with all the features, but at a slightly lower cost, check out our overall top rated pack, the Osprey Poco Plus.
Lastly, if you are looking for a solid choice with features, but more economical overall, think about the CleverPlus Urban Explorer.
Kelty Journey Elite
Kelty Journey
Thule Sapling Elite
Osprey Poco
Deuter Kid Comfort Pro
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! To learn more, check out our About Us page!