Carry Your Kids With The Colt

Forget putting your child on your shoulders. Carry them with Tough Traveler's Colt.

Many Family Travel Forum experts agree that Tough Traveler (800/GO-TOUGH) takes the day when it comes to child carrying gear. Their backpack components are the most comfortable and the easiest to adjust. They are designed to slip on effortlessly with your child inside. (If there is no elevated flat surface, this can be a tricky task.) Their child compartment also offers the best ride and child protection. The Tough Traveler carriers fold into a fairly flat profile for travel and have an ample storage area beneath the seat. There are seven models ranging in price from $107 to $199. They are available at some camping stores, some kid-stuff stores, and direct from the manufacturer.

But the champion of these seven models is the Colt, one of the prettiest and most compact of the newer breed.

Whether you're visiting the animals at the Dublin Zoo, checking out "David" at the Accademia del'Arte, or maneuvering your way through the O'Hare Airport, you'll be thankful for this traveler's helper. The Colt ($130) is designed so your child can see the sights, but the worst thing curious little hands can explore is their sherpa's hair and earlobes. The carrier does take its toll, but having your young one snuggled safely on your back frees up a hand for your older child to hold. This is a nice feature if your children are too far apart in age for a double stroller.

A nice-size, detachable pouch under the child seat is perfect for a couple of diapers and some travel wipes and there are loops attached to the carrier for clipping on your child's favorite toy. At 28" x 15" x 5" it's compact enough when folded to fit in an overhead bin, even with the new carry-on restrictions. Style always seems to have its price: the Colt's suede-like finish is washable but not as easy to clean as the old nylon models. One parent found the optional umbrella - sunshade attachment frustrating to assemble and a bit claustrophobic.

Writes Steve Ramkissoon, "In New York City, where every shopping isle is narrow and strolling is as strenuous as exercising, we found the backpack brought relief. We were constantly concerned about cigarettes and sharp items being at eye-level with our daughter, Dylan, as we strolled down crowded streets, so now we enjoy family outings more due to her high vantage point. She too, enjoys riding on daddy's back to enjoy an unblocked view. And since strollers are not made for men or anyone taller than 5'7'','I take the Tough Traveler with us even on vacation.

 Writes Daphne Gil D'Agostino, "A great product. My only real complaint is a difficult customer service department, but enough improvements have been added for you not to have to deal with them."

 Tough Traveler also produces the fully adjustable Filly and Stallion models. According to Tough Traveler spokesperson Nancy Gold, "We are known for being able to fit the tiniest adults (under 5') up to the biggest (6'6").