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Kelty (May 2004-July 2013)
I really like my Kelty kid carrier. My fellow teachers gave
it to me as a baby shower gift before Justin was born. It was perfect for hikes
with him, and did a whole lot of overtime on our yearlong road trip. We’ve even
used it with Zaner, even though it wasn’t ideal for him.
Several years back, we went to one of my most favorite hiking
places: Lizard Head Pass near Telluride. I was really looking forward to the
whole adventure: the meadows, being in the trees, the fresh mountain air. We
had taken Justin there when he was a toddler. I envisioned the same outcome
with Zane. We had situated him in the Kelty, and Justin hiked on his own.
There were already complaints from Zane during the loading process. Then, ten
minutes into the hike, Zaner cried. And cried some more. Wailed is probably a
better word. He definitely interrupted the Zen on the trail; the peace within
myself. And he didn’t stop. I loaded him on my back and headed back to the
trailhead while Jeff and Justin continued onward. Zane was too upright. Too
uncomfortable. He immediately quieted down when he was back in the car (the boy
CAN communicate). But despite those setbacks with the Kelty, we often made it
work.
Now, however, Zane is too tall for the thing. His ankles get caught in the metal bars at the bottom (see picture above). He is also
reaching the maximum weight allowance for it. So what to do about hiking? Give
it up? Go without him? And, if so, who will watch him? And what about rock
climbing? Heading out to the crag? I’d really like for him to go.
I’ve researched other carriers. I even tried one out that a
friend loaned to me. It was an ErgoBaby. It didn’t work.
There has to be something out there. Right? There has to be
a way to tote a non-ambulatory child on a hike. Right? If ANYONE has
suggestions, I would LOVE to hear them. I don’t want to give up hiking. Or rock
climbing. I want to include Zane in any adventure he wants to be a part of. But
the Kelty has done its time with us. In fact, it’s going to be sold during the
next garage sale. And yes…there will be tears from sentimental me.
If you have ideas or suggestions, feel free to contact me via email, comments below, or through FB. I seriously need some help with this one. Thanks!
