I spend a considerable amount of time exploring the kit I buy. Your kit will be the difference from an ok day to a great day or at worst could cause it to be a disaster of a day. I'll check reviews, go on past experience with brands, try before I buy. These days most online retailers also have really good returns policies so there is no harm in ordering a few different versions of what your looking for and returning what you dont want.
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I'll give you open and honest feedback on the kit I use but this is by no means me telling you to go and buy it and I dont get paid by any brands I use so you can trust it. Theres lots of different factors which can make the experience different. For instancewe all have different body sizes so a jacket I find extremley comfortable you may not.
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It would be great if you have had great experiences with your kit to drop me a line and let me know as were always learning off of each others experiences.
Osprey Pico Plus with Rain Cover RRP £400 but shop around as there are discounts down to £299
This is by the far the greatest purchase that has help us get out on adventures. We have had this bag now for 3 years and its been used for climbing, travelling abroad, shopping, walking and day to day activities. Its never let us down and is very versatile. I have had Faye at over 3000m in this bag and yet its just as robust for a trip to the shops.
I purchased the Osprey Pico Plus after having tried a few different brands and types of carrier. I wanted a full frame as I knew I was going to be taking it to its limits. Osprey have been well known over the years for producing quality backpacks and it’s a trusted brand amongst many hill walkers, so it was time to test the brand with their baby carrier.
Firstly, its fully adjustable so after a few outings I have it just perfect, it feels as one with my body. When I’m scrambling or turning it doesn’t feel like the back is pulling me in a different direction which is very important especially for some of the scrambles we do together.
Theres lots of storage. I have used this in full winter conditions which means I need to take more safety gear and extra clothing. Theres a big compartment at the bottom and multiple pockets including a zip off backpack. The waist strap also has zipped pockets for snacks etc.
From a kid’s comfort point of view first up the harness is super comfy and Faye and Cameron never find it irritating. I’ve tested it with them in it dropping to the side to see what their bodies would do in the event of a slip, and it holds them in place securely. It has a retractable sunshade and rain cover. I have altered the rain cover for winter use which I will explain further down. There is also a removable drool pad which is a stroke of genius. If Faye or Cameron fall asleep this usually gets drool on it, so I just pop it into the washing machine. The stirrups can be adjusted easily, and the height of the seat can be adjusted easily with one hand. Toys can be attached as well to keep the kids amused when needed.
I found in cold conditions that the rain cover being open around the face area can sometimes make it uncomfortable for Faye and Cameron, so I purchased a rain cover for a different brand and gave it to my Mum who is a great at sewing and any type of craft really. My Mum cut the enclosed hood off it and attached heavy duty Velcro. This means I can put the enclosed hood on the original rain cover, and it becomes fully covered. Having tested this on the Munros in full winter conditions it works and ensures the kids are warm in the exposed facial area. See the photos and it will make more sense.
Small adjustments I’ve also made is to create 3 pouches to put hand warmers in so when its cold the kids don’t feel the full brunt of it, these are placed in terry towling material to ensure it doesn’t burn the wee ones. I also carry 2 digital/Bluetooth thermometers. One goes in their clothing and the other stays on the outside so I can monitor the temperature internally and externally. If it gets too cold, I know to put more layers on them and keep them active or head back down to a warmer altitude.
All in all, a great bag and although more expensive I strongly feel it’s worth the investment. I feel safe and I know the kids are safe in the bag as well.
ORIA Digital Thermometers
Our outdoor adventures can sometimes involve us venturing out into varying temperatures. I remember Mount Snowden where we left at 6 degrees and by the time we were at the summit it was minus 4 degrees.
Its hard to tell how the kids are getting on when they are in the bag as although they are layered up they arent moving so monitoring there temperature is very important. I have been playing around with fifferent set ups and then came across these. A simple digital thermomitor small enough to put in Fayes layering system close to her body and also one on the external of the bag. This allowed me to keep an eye on the temperature of Faye and Cammi and also what the outside air temperature was doing.
When I'm walking, I'm keeping quite warm so I need to be able to have accurate and live data on the kids temps. I connect these to the mobile phone and every 20 to 30 minutes I'll do a check if it's getting cold the kids can get out and have a walk just walk and a play play. I can also check the outside temperature and if that gets too low we just turn around and head back down the hill. I would say that it's super important from a saftey perspective to bear this in mind.
Ive been using these now for 2 years and you can pick them up on amazon for £14.99 for a pack of 2 . They have never let me down and last for around 7 months of constant use.
Rab 2 Person Shelter
This bit of kit is a game changer when your out with little ones. It packs very small and allows you to take breaks out of the elements. I use it for nappy changes or snack stops including giving Cameron bottles of milk when he was younger. This shelter has a section that your walking pole fits into so it gives you a roof and keeps the fabric out of your face. It also has a window and a vent to stop condensation building up. It also doubles for its original use which is an emergency shelter so if something does go wrong you have a piece of kit that will keep the wind, rain and snow off of you and your kids. On reflection if I was to purchase again I would purchase the 4-6 person shelter as the 2 person is snug with myself and Cameron. This for me is a priority purchase when out on the mountains. You can currently get it for £58.50 in the sale online.