Gear Review - Kelty K.I.D.S. FC 3.0 Frame Child Carrier

The FC 3.0 Frame Child Carrier is Kelty's top of the line child carrier. Having kids is no longer an excuse for not hiking because the Kelty FC 3.0 provides comfort for both you and your child. Mounting and adusting the FC 3.0 takes some practice and getting used to. However, it will not be long before you can easily and quickly load your child into the carrier. In addition, carrying a child in a child carrier provides your child an opportunity to sleep while you focus on enjoying an outdoor adventure. On level ground, it does not add much stress to your hike. However, hiking up and down inclines and declines with a child in a carrier is certainly a full body workout that requires mental focus. Thus, I recommend that you reduce stress on your knees and ankles and improve your balance by using LEKI Nordic Walking Poles. My daughter and I have hiked over 150 miles using our Kelty FC 3.0, including hikes over seven miles long and climbs in elevation over 11,000 feet. In this time, it has remained strong and has not shown any signs of undesirable wear and tear.

Key features of the Kelty FC 3.0:

• Can carry a child up to 50 lbs
• Removable rain/sun shield
• Removable diaper bag that includes a diaper changing pad and space for diapers, wipes, baby sunscreen, maps, and other items
• Kickstand that prevents the child carrier from falling over when loading and unloading your child
• Adjustable straps and harnesses to fit people of varying body types
  
• Secondary storage compartment big enough to hold rain jackets and food
• A hand mirror for viewing your child
• External storage for two steel water bottles

Tips for using the Kelty FC 3.0:

• Keep a water bottle handy since the FC 3.0 water bottle storage straps are unreachable when it is mounted or put a CamelBak sack in the back storage compartment leaving the mouth piece reachable
  
• Make sure that the chest strap that links the two shoulder harnesses is kept in an up position because the strap brackets may slide off at the bottom
• Carefully use a spotter and/or elevated surface when loading and unloading your child
• Attach your child's favorite toy or blanket using one of the two loop straps located on top of the carrier