The Kelty JOURNEY PERFECTFIT™ is our pick of the three main models Kelty has to offer.
Adjustable - The suspension system allowed me to adjust the torso length and the hipbelt to get the correct fit. The child “cockpit” was also adjustable, with a five-point harness and stirrups that I could easily adjust.
Comfort - The straps and back panel are well-padded and the weight distribution is good, which means you can carry your child without feeling like you’re carrying an extra load.
Lightweight - Lightweight while still being durable and comfortable. The Kelty JOURNEY PERFECTFIT™ weighs in at only 6 lbs 6oz while not sacrificing on quality or function.
JOURNEY PERFECTFIT™- $269.95
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Kelty’s PerfectFIT™ Suspension System easily adjusts to fit both mom and dad so you can both comfortably share the load
5-point safety harness and padded aluminum roll cage for no-worries trekking on any terrain
Wide seat base and adjustable foot stirrups mirror your kiddo’s natural rest state
Large zippered pocket to store snacks, toys and anything else you may need
Mesh hipbelt pocket for easy access to snacks while on the go
Sunshade sold separately, and if you choose not to get it, please don’t forget the hat and sunscreen
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Volume: 1037 in3 / 17 L
Weight: 6 lbs 6 oz / 2.99 kg
Torso Fit Range: 15.5 - 21 in / 39 - 53 cm
Dimensions: 28 x 15.5 x 22 in / 71 x 39 x 56 cm
Maximum Weight Load (Child + Gear + Pack): 48.5 lbs / 22 kg
Child Weight: Minimum: 16 lbs / 7.25 kg Maximum: 40 lbs / 18 kg
Hydration Compatible: No
Sunshade Included: No
Exterior Pockets: 2
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75D Poly x 140D Nylon Blend
Frame Material:
Aluminum
Source: Imported
JOURNEY PERFECTFIT™ SIGNATURE- $319.95
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Kelty’s PerfectFIT™ Suspension System easily adjusts to fit both mom and dad so you can both comfortably share the load
5-point safety harness and padded aluminum roll cage for no-worries trekking on any terrain
Wide seat base and adjustable foot stirrups mirror your kiddo’s natural rest state
Large zippered pocket with internal stretch pockets that store extra layers, toys and anything else you may need
Zippered hipbelt pockets keep water, snacks and phone readily accessible
Integrated sunshade to keep the little one cool and protected
Multiple grab handles to carefully lift, shift, and set down the child carrier
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Volume: 1587 in3 / 26 L
Weight: 6 lbs 6 oz / 2.99 kg
Torso Fit Range: 15.5 - 21 in / 39 - 53 cm
Dimensions: 28 x 15.5 x 22 in / 71 x 39 x 56 cm
Maximum Weight Load (Child + Gear + Pack): 48.5 lbs / 22 kg
Child Weight: Minimum: 16 lbs / 7.25 kg Maximum: 40 lbs / 18 kg
Hydration Compatible: No
Sunshade Included: Yes
Exterior Pockets: 4
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75D Poly x 140D Nylon Blend
Frame Material:
Aluminum
Source: Imported
JOURNEY PERFECTFIT™ ELITE - $349.95
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Kelty’s PerfectFIT™ Suspension System easily adjusts to fit both mom and dad so you can both comfortably share the load
5-point safety harness and padded aluminum roll cage for no-worries trekking on any terrain
Wide seat base and adjustable foot stirrups mirror your kiddos natural rest state
Large zippered pocket with internal stretch pockets that store extra layers, toys and anything else you may need
Zippered dirty compartment that wipes clean for life's inevitable messes
Integrated sunshade, just in case you forget the sunscreen
Multiple grab handles to carefully lift, shift, and set down the child carrier
Reservoir sleeve to keep both parent and child hydrated along the way
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Volume: 1587 in3 / 26 L
Weight: 7 lbs 4 oz / 3.36 kg
Torso Fit Range: 15.5 - 21 in / 39 - 53 cm
Dimensions: 28 x 15.5 x 22 in / 71 x 39 x 56 cm
Maximum Weight Load (Child + Gear + Pack): 48.5 lbs / 22 kg
Child Weight: Minimum: 16 lbs / 7.25 kg Maximum: 40 lbs / 18 kg
Hydration Compatible: Yes
Sunshade Included: Yes
Exterior Pockets: 7
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75D Poly x 140D Nylon Blend
Frame Material:
Aluminum
Source: Imported
Kelty JOURNEY PERFECTFIT™:
As a hiking enthusiast, soon after we had our little boy I began researching child carrier backpacks. Once he was big enough and we had our first chance to go hiking, I bought the Kelty JOURNEY PERFECTFIT™ child carrier.
The Kelty JOURNEY PERFECTFIT™ child carrier is a backpack-style carrier that’s perfect for parents who love spending time outdoors with their children just like us. As a dad who wants his family to enjoy hiking as much as he does, I was excited to give this carrier a try and to see how it performed.
Vetted Review: The Kelty JOURNEY PERFECTFIT™ is comfortable to wear, the straps and back panel are well-padded and the weight distribution is good, which means you can carry your child without feeling like you’re carrying an extra load - that is until they start flailing around since, well you know, their children. I’ve been thrown off balance one or twice from a wiggling toddler but it’s something you certainly get used to and would happen with any carrier in my opinion.
The Details: A big feature that stood out to me was the adjustability of the JOURNEY PERFECTFIT™. The suspension system allowed me to adjust the torso length and the hipbelt to get the correct fit. The child “cockpit” was also adjustable, with a five-point harness and stirrups that I could easily adjust.
It has a large main compartment for all the essentials, as well as several smaller pockets for snack, water, diapers and other gear. I’ve never used it but there is also a hydration-sleeve.
The Kelty JOURNEY PERFECTFIT™ feels like it’s built to last, and so far as survived 2.5 years for us with zero issues. The aluminum frame is sturdy and the nylon fabric is tough enough to withstand the wear and tear of outdoor adventures. The kickstand also provides stability when I was loading or unloading my son, just don’t forget to stow it once the carrier is on your back.
The Specs & Comparisons: The JOURNEY PERFECTFIT™ and JOURNEY PERFECTFIT™ SIGNATURE are both very comparable models. Both are the same weight (6lbs 6oz.) and can carry the same size child (up to 40 lbs max child weight). The two big points of difference is the SIGNATURE model comes with an integrated sunshade and two extra pockets. Neither of those additional features were important to us which is why we ended up with the entry level JOURNEY PERFECTFIT™.
The third level up is the JOURNEY PERFECTFIT™ ELITE whose big difference from the SIGNATURE model is the hydration component and the extra storage with a total of 7 pockets. I would imagine the ELITE model is ideal for parents with younger children (they even have a zippered dirt compartment for diapers or other messy items) or longer adventures where more supplies will be needed.