What is the Kid Comfort Active SL?The Women's Kid Comfort Active SL is the lightest child carrier in Deuter's range, weighing just 2.65kg and is designed specifically for the female frame. Despite this, it doesn't scrimp on features and includes an adjustable seat, aluminium frame, comfortable inner materials, a folding design and much more.
What is it made of?The Kid Comfort is made entirely from a super tough yet lightweight 210D polyester. This fabric is more than tough enough for daily use, yet weighs very little and is easy to clean thanks to a DWR (durable water repellent) coating.
Which backsystem does it use?Deuter use their Compact Lite Aircontact backsystem to reduce the overall weight of the bag without sacrificing on comfort and breathability. This backsystem in the 'SL' variant is Women's-specific, meaning the back length is shorter and the shoulder straps are narrower, along with a few other subtle changes. Lightweight foam with cut-outs is used in the centre of the backpanel to allow air to circulate, therefore increasing breathability, while a thick, comfortable foam with mesh layered over the top is used on the contact points such as the hipbelt, shoulder straps and outer of the backpanel. The hipbelt features a slit in the centre of each fin to allow the belt to mould over your hips comfortably and securely. Possibly the most useful feature of this backsystem, however, is its ability to adapt to different back lengths. It features Deuter's VariQuick length-adjustment system, allowing different users to wear the pack comfortably.
What are its features?The seating area itself is lined with a mix of fabrics; a soft and airy fabric in the top and a robust and easily washable fabric in the foot area. The seat is height adjustable and has various cushion widths depending on age/size. The footrests are also height and width adjustable for extra security. Moving down, a zipped pocket on the hipbelt stores items that you need quick to hand and a large mesh front pocket stores bulkier items such as spare clothing. Underneath the child seat, there's a massive compartment with a drawcord closure for all the other bits and bobs you need to carry along.
Other useful safety features include an aluminium frame with a broad base to reduce the chance of the carrier tipping over and a lock function on the base to prevent it accidentally folding when setting it down. When not in use, the carrier can be folded down for easy transportation.
- Women's-specific
- Height-adjustable child seat with varying cushion width according to age for a healthy sitting position
- Height-adjustable footrests with adjustment to fit the child's feet
- Detachable, washable chin pad with removable cover
- Ventilating panels in child seat area
- Setting the child carrier down is easy with its base that has a noticeable lock function
- Different cover materials in child's seating area: airy and soft in the comfort zone and robust and washable in the foot areas
- The sturdy aluminium frame with broad platform is tip-over resistant
- Two grab handles
- Folds for transportation
- Adjustable chest strap
- Height-adjustable backsystem
- Hipbelt pocket and large front mesh pocket
- Storage underneath child seating area
Getting the correct fit for your rucksack is as important as getting the fit right for your boots. A badly fitting pack can inflict misery and discomfort and completely ruin your adventure. This guide is designed to help you get the best fit and comfort from your chosen pack so that carrying all your kit becomes a pleasure and not a chore.
ADJUSTING THE BACK LENGTH
If the pack has an adjustable back length, adjust this to your correct level. Your back length is not related to your height but your torso length. Many packs, and specifically the bigger and more technical packs are available in different back lengths or feature adjustable back systems. Contrary to popular belief, your torso length and not your overall height is the key to getting a well fitted pack. Tall people don’t necessarily have long torsos, just as shorter people don’t always have a short torso length.
Your torso length can be found by measuring from your C7 vertebra (the bony protrusion at the back of your neck when looking down) to the height of your iliac crest (top of your hip bones, where you put your hands on your hips). This measurement will give you an idea of which pack back length to choose.
Once you've got the back length sorted, either by selecting the correct size pack or adjusting the back system, you can begin to follow these simple steps to help achieve a comfortable carry.
LOOSEN OFF ALL STRAPS
Before you start fitting the pack, loosen off all the straps as this will make it easier to get the correct tension later.
TIGHTENING THE HIPBELT
Fasten the backpack hipbelt, the general position is the same as where you’d put your ‘hands on hips’ This area is called the pelvic girdle, and what you can feel when you rest your hand on the area is the bony protuberance, the iliac crest. The iliac crest can support the weight from a pack comfortably, and for sustained periods. The padded section of the hipbelt should encompass this and fit securely.
Tighten the straps so the hipbelt feels secure and held firmly around your body. Ensure that the lumbar pad is centered to your lower back to give you maximum support. Remember that your hips carry most of the weight of the pack, so this should be firm but comfortable.
ADJUSTING THE SHOULDER STRAPS
Next, adjust the shoulder straps, pull them until they start to become snug, but ensure that they are not too tight as to lift the pack off your hips. Remember tightening them will stabilise the pack but will increase pressure over the shoulders. If the back length of the pack is correct the shoulder straps will be flush to your shoulders whilst the hipbelt sits in place comfortably. The point where the shoulder straps attach to the main body of the pack should be roughly half way down your shoulder blades; this ensures that the shoulder straps rolls evenly over the top of your shoulders to distribute the weight correctly.
FASTENING THE CHEST STRAP
Fasten the chest strap and pull until taut but not tight, the elastic section should not be extended. This helps keep the shoulder straps from catching in your shoulder joints and keeps the stability of the pack when moving over rough ground.
ADJUSTING THE TOP TENSIONERS
Top tensioner straps link the shoulder straps to the top of the pack. When tightened, their main function is to stabilise the top part of the pack. The optimum angle for these straps in 45º, but they will stabilise the load even when horizontal or at a more obtuse angle. Tighten them until you feel the top part of the pack rest against your pack, over tightening them will create excessive pressure on the front of your shoulders.
ADJUSTING THE SIDE TENSIONERS
Side tension straps are linked to the hipbelt. By tightening these straps you can stabilise the load but reduce the hipbelt flexibility. Where balance is critical tightening them can help you feel more secure. However, if you are striding out over easy terrain it’s better to loosen these straps to allow full hip flexibility.
ADJUSTING THE SIDE COMPRESSION STRAPS
Side compression straps come next, pulling these tight does two things: firstly, it stabilises the load, secondly it can lift the lower part of the pack, repositioning the load closer to your back.
ADJUSTMENTS ON THE GO
Following these steps should give you a comfortable but secure fit on your pack. Sometimes adjustments will need to be made on the go depending on the terrain or the load you are carrying. The perfect fit is very much a personal preference so experiment with different tensions on the pack to find what suits you best.