Kelty Journey perfect fit elite vs.
kelty journey perfectfit Signature
Kelty Journey PerfectFIT Elite vs. Kelty Journey PerfectFIT Signature Comparison
Updated: December 4, 2020
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Comparison Summary
Which child carrier backpack is better, the Kelty Journey PerfectFIT Elite or the Journey PerfectFIT Signature?
Kelty offers three different child carrier backpacks. The top end model is the Journey PerfectFIT Elite, followed by the PerfectFIT Signature. The base model, the PerfectFIT, is the barebones child carrier.
So what’s the difference between the Elite and the Signature? Well, not much. The Elite sells for $30-$40 more, has more pockets and compartments for storage and organization, has a spot for an internal bladder, and a few extra grab handles.
Both the Elite and Signature models are great options for someone looking to purchase a child carrier backpacks.
If you are looking for the detailed review of each backpack, give these a quick read:
Kelty Journey PerfectFIT Elite Review
Kelty Journey PerfectFIT Signature Review
Comparison Summary
Which child carrier backpack is better, the Kelty Journey PerfectFIT Elite or the Journey PerfectFIT Signature?
Kelty offers three different child carrier backpacks. The top end model is the Journey PerfectFIT Elite, followed by the Kelty PerfectFIT Signature. The Kelty base model, the PerfectFIT, is their version of a barebones child carrier.
So what’s the difference between the Elite and the Signature? Well, not much. The Elite sells for $30-$40 more, has more pockets and compartments for storage and organization, has a spot for an internal hydration bladder, and a few extra grab handles.
Both the Elite and Signature models are great options for someone looking to purchase a child carrier backpack.
If you are looking for a detailed review of each backpack, give these a quick read:
Kelty Journey PerfectFIT Elite Review
Kelty Journey PerfectFIT Signature Revie
Kelty PerfectFIT Elite
Kelty PerfectFIT Signature
Kelty Journey PerfectFIT Elite vs. Kelty Journey PerfectFIT Signature Key Differences
Kelty PerfectFIT Elite
Kelty PerfectFIT Signature
- The Elite has extra mesh stuff pockets on the sides of the pack
- The Elite has a dedicated storage compartment for a hydration bladder
- Both have rear lower storage compartments, but the Elite rear lower storage compartment utilizes a rubber, wipeable liner for drink or snack spills
- The Elite has an extra rear zippered compartment to help with gear organization
- The Journey PerfectFIT Elite typically sells for $30-$40 more than the PerfectFIT Signature
Kelty Journey PerfectFIT Elite vs. Kelty Journey PerfectFIT Signature Feature Comparison
Kelty Journey PerfectFIT Elite vs. Kelty Journey PerfectFIT Signature: Comfort
Overall Comfort Winner: Tie
When it comes to overall comfort, it is a tie between the Kelty Journey PerfectFIT Elite and Kelty Journey PerfectFIT Signature.
Adult Comfort Winner: Tie
Both packs are built with the same comfort features. Fully padded, perforated mesh shoulder straps and hipbelt are included on both packs. Both packs are also constructed with great lower back lumbars that make for a comfortable experience on short or long excursions.
Fit Adjustability Winner: Tie
Both the Elite and Signature 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.
After you have the pack on, you pull down on the two straps dangling by your hips to snug the shoulder straps downward to ensure a perfect fit every time. This feature is great for on the fly adjustments if you transfer the pack from one person to another.
Child Comfort Winner: Tie
Both Kelty Journey Elite and Kelty Journey Signature models are built with the same child comfort features.
Adjustable foot stirrups provide a natural sitting position and help aid in good lower body circulation.
The unique, Kelty designed extra wide seat is utilized for both models. This ensures your child has a comfortable place to sit for a quick trip to the store, or a full day on the trail. Kelty has one of the best child seat designs of all the child carrier backpack brands.
Lastly, both models have a well-padded child cockpit area utilizing a soft, felt-like material. This includes the removeable drool pad, which wraps around the front of the pack. This provides a comfortable spot for your child to rest their head while they take a nap.
Kelty PerfectFIT Elite
Kelty PerfectFIT Signature
Kelty Journey PerfectFIT Elite vs. Kelty Journey PerfectFIT Signature: Safety
Overall Safety Winner: Tie
When it comes to safety between these two child carrier backpacks, it is another tie.
Child Safety Winner: Tie
Kelty gets a top score from The Kid Packer, a 10/10, when it comes to child safety. Both packs have the same safety features. Aside from the well-padded child cockpit mentioned above, we really like the five point harness and unique waistbelt for the child.
While many child wasitbelts are thin, the Kelty design is quite a bit wider. It wraps around the child more so than just clipping them in place. This helps ensure your child is centered in the pack, and minimizes their ability to squirm around. This really helps get the pack stable and provides a better experience for both adult and child.
Sun Protection Winner: Tie
When determining the ideal child carrier backpack for your needs, the sunshade is a critical item that is often overlooked. Luckily for you, both the Kelty Elite and Kelty Signature models include a fully built in sunshade.
The shade is accessed through a rear zippered pouch. You simply pull it up and out, fully extend it, then pull it forward and securely clip it in place just behind your shoulders. Although a built in sunshade is greatly appreciated, we do think a few improvements in the design could be made.
It would be nice if the shade had side panels to help provide a bit more sun protection in the morning and afternoon, when the sun is lower in the sky. Also, the side panels are great to help your child take a longer nap.
Have a look at the Osprey Poco or Osprey Poco Plus or the best designed sunshade on the market.
Kelty PerfectFIT Elite
Kelty PerfectFIT Signature
Nap Effectiveness Winner: Tie
No difference between either pack. Both the Kelty Journey Elite and Kelty Journey Signature get the same nap effectiveness scores.
We really like the soft felt drool pad that extends the full length of the pack, and wraps around the front a bit, as it provides a great spot for your child to lean forward and rest their head when they are feeling tired.
However, as mentioned above, it would be great if the sunshade had side panels. The side mesh panels provide great support for your child’s head if they wish to lean to the side while they nap. Without the side panels in place, their head can bob around a bit, making it more difficult from them to take that long nap that everyone is looking forward to.
Kelty PerfectFIT Elite
Kelty PerfectFIT Signature
Kelty Journey PerfectFIT Elite vs. Kelty Journey PerfectFIT Signature: Other
Overall Other Winner: Elite
Kelty Journey PerfectFIT Elite wins in this category due to the Elite having superior storage options and more convenient grab handles.
Gear Storage Winner: Kelty PerfectFIT Elite
When evaluting the Kelty Journey PerfectFIT Elite vs. Kelty Journey PerfectFIT Signature, one of the things to really consider is the gear storage.
Although both backpacks have 26 L of gear storage, the Elite model has far superior storage options.
There are four main storage differences:
- The Elite has an internal storage compartment for a hydration bladder.
- The Elite has two medium sized mesh stuff pockets built into the side of the pack. This area is great for small child toys, sunscreen, or an extra layer for your child.
- The Signature model has a single large upper rear zippered compartment, the Elite model has two. This comes in handy to help keep all your gear organized. Instead of stuffing everything into a single compartment, you can organize your gear a little better and won’t have to dig around for that small item that falls to the bottom of a larger compartment.
- Both the PerfectFIT Elite and the PerfectFIT Signature have a large rear lower zippered compartment. The Elite model has it lined this compartment with a wipeable plastic material. This is a nice feature if you happen to spill food or a drink…or other items. It just wipes clean vs. potentially staining the fabric.
While both models offer better than average gear storage, the Elite model takes it to the next level.
Kelty PerfectFIT Elite
Kelty PerfectFIT Signature
Extra Features Winner: Kelty Journey PerfectFIT Elite
Similar extra features on both packs, but the Elite models gets the nod.
The Elite model has six grab handles. These are essentially heavy duty, reinforced handles that you can utilize to help put on the pack, or take it off safely. The Signature model only has four grab handles.
The Kelty Elite model also has an extra side compartment for a hydration bladder. This a nice bonus, and can really come in handy on longer day trips.
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 offer rain covers sold separately for their packs.
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.
As a side note, given the high quality construction, both of these packs should have good resale value.
Value Winner: Kelty Journey PerfectFIT Elite
Although the Elite model typically sells for $30-$40 more than the signature model, we believe the Elite model offers a better value, given the extra features for only an extra $30-$40. The extra zippered storage, mesh stuff pockets, hydration bladder compartment, and the wipeable lower storage compartment provide a better value, in our opinion.
Overall Winner: Kelty Journey PerfectFIT Elite
Kelty PerfectFIT Elite
Kelty PerfectFIT Signature
Despite being very similar, when considering the Kelty Journey PerfectFIT Elite vs. Kelty Journey PerfectFIT Signature, we would go with the Elite model.
The Elite models comes with a $30-$40 higher price tag, but the extra features are worth it. With six grab handles, superior storage options and a hydration bladder area, the Elite model gets an 84/100 overall score from The Kid Packer.
If you are looking for backpacks with similar features, check out the Osprey Poco, Deuter Kid Comfort, or Deuter Kid Comfort Pro. All great options.
Kelty Journey Elite
Kelty Journey Signature
Osprey Poco
Deuter Kid Comfort
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!