By John Manning

May 01 2010

Rating

We’re not looking for something sporty, sleek and sexy; we’re looking for something sensible, safe and stable. In car terms that’s a Volvo; in carrier terms that’s a Deuter. Like a Volvo, the Kiddie Comfort III is solid; ugly but solid.

It might be the least aesthetically pleasing carrier but the KCIII is also the hardest to fault. The cockpit is spacious and well-padded, with a high headrest that provides plenty of protection and support. Concealed in its rim is a sun/shower cover, which can be unzipped and pulled into position in seconds far more easily than any of the others which tend to come tucked away in one of the pockets and must be excavated from beneath other gear stored there.

The KCIII features what I believe is the most stable fold-out stand of the lot. While I’m not going to recommend that you leave your youngster in the chair while it’s stood on the ground, the fact is that plenty of parents do so (just like plenty of us use stoves in tent porches, against recommendations) and some use carriers as high chairs for feeding tots during hill breaks. If you’re going to risk that, you want a wider, more stable stand like this one.

Ian and Anna Rowan, parents of four-month-old William, agreed that the KCIII is well-designed, with plenty of cargo space to store rain covers and other gear; they also praised its robust fabrics. When they’re not at Settle’s Friday Toy Library, Ruth Craig and husband Steve run Settle’s Castleberg Sports outdoor shop. Their son Sam has travelled in carriers since he was first able to support his head at four months; now described by Ruth as a “hefty seven-month-old”, he found the KCIII very comfortable, and Ruth remarked that its size and robustness would make it suitable for much larger children. Despite her short, 5’ 3.5” frame, the Deuter pack easily and comfortably adjusted to Ruth’s back.

Using the carrier in the weeks before her first birthday, Sierra enjoyed plenty of cockpit space and, as she sat high and had a view over my head, was able to see everything around her. Despite bouncing excitedly when the pack was stood on the ground, she failed to make it fall over. Of all the carriers, the KCIII seems the most spacious and most stable. Though smaller kids seemed to have an inordinate amount of space in the cockpit, it also seemed suitable for larger kids than the other carriers would support.

Tweet

Technical Spec

Max. load bearing: 22kg
Stated child suitablility: not stated
Pack capacity: 20 litres
Accessories included: mirror, integrated sun hood, detachable pillow, teddy bear
Weight: 3.48kg
Sizes: single size, adjustable
Likes: stable stand, head protection, weight capacity, haul handles
Dislikes: mirror has no lanyard, scratches easily and distorts slightly

Mountain Boot Company
0191 296 0212
www.deutergb.co.uk