THE GEAR:
The SmartSupport is a freestanding, lightweight child backpack carrier. The backpack holds children up to 40 lbs, and features a 3 position adjustable seat to accommodate growth.
The carrier is equipped with a sun canopy that comes with a Pacific Northwest-friendly ventilated rain cover. The SmartSupport provides storage for child and parent with a detachable carry bag and a mobile phone/gasses holder. The back support is ventilated and padded for parental comfort, and the whole unit folds flat for easy transport.
THE TEST:
Over the past three months, we have had numerous baby-wielding, outdoor loving guests stay with us here in Portland. During that time, we had ample opportunity to put the SmartSupport through its paces. We visited family friendly jewels such as Wahclella Falls and the Hoyt Arboretum, to name a few.
Everybody was impressed with the weight of the unit. At a scant 6.5 lbs, the SmartSupport is one of the lightest framed backpacks on the market. The rain cover came in handy more than once, and zipped easily onto the sun canopy.
The shoulder straps aren't heavily padded, but proper adjustment prevented the unit from ever becoming uncomfortable. The lumbar support and waist belt were found to be quite comfy by the group.
THE BOTTOM LINE:
At about $90, the Chicco SmartSupport is among the most inexpensive child backpack carriers out there. The unit provides very little in the way of extra bells and whistles, but delivers a well built basic means of carrying your child.
There are certainly more luxurious carriers out there, with all sorts of extras and the price tag to match. The SmartSupport however, manages to be extremely lightweight, durable, and affordable, without sacrificing comfort.
Chicco SmartSupport features and specs:
- - Three-position, height-adjustable seat to support your child as they grow
- - Lightweight, aluminum frame
- - Padded straps and energy-absorbing lumbar padding to keep you cool and comfortable
- - Zip-quick weather shield to protect your baby from the weather
- - Freestanding and stable to make loading and unloading virtually effortless
- - Flat-fold to make storing and transporting easy
- - For use up to 40 lbs
Price: $80-$90
Weight: 6.5 lbs
For more of Adam's writing, reviews, and photography, visit AdamSawyer.com
Comments
excellent new product line. I used to carry em on shoulder?
I like the sound of this carrier. Nice report.
this looks fantastic! I haven't seen too many backpack carriers.
These have certainly come a long way since I had the need for one.
Great Review, Adam! I have been looking into these different packs for a little while now. I was a little worried just how much less expensive this one was vs. the competition but you may have made up my mind with this review. Thanks!
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