In Depth Baby Product Reviews Led by a Pediatrician

Kelty Journey PerfectFit Review

Economical pack that is comfortable for everyone but lacks a canopy and storage
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kelty journey perfectfit baby backpack review
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Price:  $220 List
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Manufacturer:   Kelty
By Juliet Spurrier, MD and Wendy Schmitz  ⋅  Jun 20, 2018
81
OVERALL
SCORE
  • Parent Comfort - 30% 9.0
  • Storage - 20% 7.0
  • Child Comfort - 25% 9.0
  • Ease of Use - 25% 7.0

The Skinny

The Kelty Journey PerfectFit is the base model Kelty kids carrier. This economical pack has most of the features you need for a great day of adventures with a design built with comfort in mind. The PerfectFit has nicely padded shoulder straps and a thick waistband with additional structure. It offers load lifters and easy to operate adjustability including a torso adjustment strap you can use on-the-go. This Kelty has a cozy cockpit with a broad padded seat, 5 point harness with covered clips, and stirrups to prevent dangling legs. What the PerfectFit doesn't have is multiple storage options, an included canopy, or anyplace to stow hydration necessities. The lack of features makes it less desirable to dedicated hikers who may lean toward the Kelty Journey PerfectFit Elite which offers more. However, for casual hikers or those who frequent indoor adventures, this wallet-friendly PerfectFit may be just what the doctor ordered for hitting the open trail while saving money.
REASONS TO BUY
Comfortable for parents and kids
Easy to use
REASONS TO AVOID
Limited storage and no organizer
No canopy or hydration option

Our Analysis and Test Results

In 1952, Dick Kelty began making backpacks in his garage for friends. He made welded frames while his wife sewed. Kelty backpacks were utilized by the First American ascent on Mount Everest West Ridge in 1963. By the late 70s, Kelty was making Gore-Tex clothing and six new daypacks. In the early 90s, Kelty began creating child carriers. By 1999, Kelty expanded the kid carrier line to 6 designs.

Performance Comparison



kelty journey perfectfit baby backpack review - the perfectfit lives up to its name with exceptional all-day comfort...
The PerfectFit lives up to its name with exceptional all-day comfort while hiking.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Parent Comfort


The PerfectFit is significantly more comfortable to wear than the previous Kelty base pack.


This pack is a comfy fit with nicely padded straps and a thick waistband (below left) with enough adjustment to sit on your hips. Both straps have a stiff structure to help support the baby's weight but it isn't as substantial as other Keltys.

The waistband and low back portion of the PerfectFit are adequately...
The waistband and low back portion of the PerfectFit are adequately padded and somewhat stiff for additional comfort.
The shoulder strap load lifters on this PerfectFit work well for...
The shoulder strap load lifters on this PerfectFit work well for users with average length torsos.

The shoulder straps aren't as adjustable as some of the competition, but they do have the load lifter adjustment (above right) that allows some of the weight of the pack to rest more on your hips than shoulders.

kelty journey perfectfit baby backpack review - the back of this kelty doesn't have as many padded area division for...
The back of this Kelty doesn't have as many padded area division for airflow as the more expensive Elite which could result in back sweat.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

The back of the PerfectFit is padded and covered in breathable material, but the design isn't as breathable as the competition that offers channels for airflow. The lack of flow could lead to a sweaty back.

kelty journey perfectfit baby backpack review - the torso adjustment on the kelty perfectfit can be moved while you...
The torso adjustment on the Kelty PerfectFit can be moved while you wear the pack for additional comfort as you go.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

The torso adjustment is easy to manage and has a range of 4.5 inches, which should be enough for those of average height. Despite the range and the ability to adjust on-the-go, shorter users might end up with the bottom of the carrier resting on the top part of the rear end, while taller users can feel like the torso isn't long enough for all-day comfort.

kelty journey perfectfit baby backpack review - the angled drool pad on this perfectfit works well for cozy napping.
The angled drool pad on this PerfectFit works well for cozy napping.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Child Comfort


The PerfectFit is equally comfortable for little passengers.


Child comfort is critical to keeping little ones content and preventing discomfort related to crying and shifting. All of the cockpit and harness adjustments on the PerfectFit operate smoothly, even with the baby in the seat.

kelty journey perfectfit baby backpack review - the child restraint and seat adjustments can be done with children...
The child restraint and seat adjustments can be done with children in the pack though major adjustments of the seat height are easier to accomplish before putting little ones in.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

The cockpit has padded shoulders in the 5-point harness, and the adjustment doesn't impede comfort and it has covered hard clips. The cockpit is roomy enough for movement but not so roomy that the passenger is floppy or feels like they will fall out. The seat is well-padded and substantial with a structure that doesn't fold under the baby's weight. It has padding where the legs come out making it more comfortable for hanging legs. The seat is easier to raise up than lower, so it may be easiest to make large adjustments before you put your baby in the pack.

kelty journey perfectfit baby backpack review - the drool pad on the kelty is removable for easy cleaning.
The drool pad on the Kelty is removable for easy cleaning.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

The face pad is cushioned and covered in soft fabric. It is somewhat angled for a more ergonomic napping position when little ones fall asleep and fall forward. The pad is removable for easy cleaning which it will regularly need after napping or eating. You can feel the frame under the pad, but it isn't as significant as some of the competition.

kelty journey perfectfit baby backpack review - this perfectfit has adjustable stirrups to prevent dangling legs...
This PerfectFit has adjustable stirrups to prevent dangling legs that can cause discomfort for some children.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

The PerfectFit has stirrups unlike its predecessor, and while not all children use them, it is nice to have the option to prevent dangling legs.

kelty journey perfectfit baby backpack review - because this kelty does not come with a canopy, you should outfit...
Because this Kelty does not come with a canopy, you should outfit passengers with sunscreen and sun hat, or purchase the canopy accessory to be used in conjunction with sunscreen.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

This pack does not come with a canopy, so we urge parents to consider purchasing the canopy listed in accessories below or ensure that little ones are wearing sunhats to prevent sun exposure.

kelty journey perfectfit baby backpack review - the straps on the perfectfit can all be easily adjusted while you...
The straps on the PerfectFit can all be easily adjusted while you are wearing the pack. The waistband is thoughtfully designed with a forward pull mechanism.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Ease of Use


The PerfectFit is also easier to use than the pack it replaces and much of the competition.


Adjustment of the shoulder straps move smoothly, and the buckles work well with on-the-go adjustability. The torso strap is adjustable when the pack is on, and the waistband is also smooth with a clasp you can operate with one hand in a forward pull motion that requires less effort than back pul designs.

The chest clip on this Kelty works well and can be adjusted while...
The chest clip on this Kelty works well and can be adjusted while wearing the pack.
The waistband buckle of the PerfectFit is easy to operate, even...
The waistband buckle of the PerfectFit is easy to operate, even one-handed.

Both the chest clip (above left) and waistbelt (above right) can be adjusted on the go. They have smooth moving belts, and the buckles work well on both.

Tightening the shoulder straps for the child harness on the Kelty...
Tightening the shoulder straps for the child harness on the Kelty use the same buckle.
Adjusting the height of the Kelty seat is easier to raise than it is...
Adjusting the height of the Kelty seat is easier to raise than it is to lower with a child in the seat. If you need to lower the seat it is easier to manage with an empty pack.

To adjust the child harness, you use the single internal buckle adjustment (above left) to tighten and loosen. This process is easy to do even with a baby in the cockpit. Moving the seat up and down is done with the adjustment slide on the back of the pack in a pocket behind the seat back (above right). It is easier to raise the seat than to lower it.

This Kelty is lightweight and easy to carry with dual carry handles...
This Kelty is lightweight and easy to carry with dual carry handles located on the top of the pack.
The Kelty kickstand hasn't changed much over the years and remains...
The Kelty kickstand hasn't changed much over the years and remains an easy to use, functional feature.

This pack has double carry handles on the front and back of the carrier. It is lightweight and the handles work well. The leg brace pops out from the back and creates a stable base.

kelty journey perfectfit baby backpack review - storage access for the back pocket on the perfectfit requires...
Storage access for the back pocket on the PerfectFit requires assistance or removal of the pack.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Storage


The PerfectFit has more pockets than the previous base model but not as many as some competitors.


Multiple and versatile storage options can be the difference between a short jaunt and a more extended hike. If you don't have enough space for your supplies, you'll be taking a shorter trip or carrying an extra pack. This pack does not have water bottle storage or a place for a hydration bladder.

kelty journey perfectfit baby backpack review - the perfectfit's waistband pocket is large enough for the average...
The PerfectFit's waistband pocket is large enough for the average smartphone, but the lack of zipper could result in any contents hitting the trail harder than you do.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

The main storage option on this pack is located on the back with only one waistband pocket within reach of the wearer. The waistband pocket is small with an elastic top and no zipper. It is large enough to fit the average size smartphone, but without a zipper, it could potentially fall out while hiking.

kelty journey perfectfit baby backpack review - the storage compartment on this kelty is large, but the lack of...
The storage compartment on this Kelty is large, but the lack of division or pockets means you may be searching for desired items for longer.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

The PerfectFit has one large compartment that is similar in size to the combination of the two compartments found on the PerfectFit Elite. It is large enough to hold most of the supplies you'll need for hiking. However, with a lack of internal dividers or pockets, it can be an organizational nightmare that requires significant searching to find what you are looking for. You'll need help accessing the contents, or you'll have to remove it to reach your supplies.

Manufacturer Video



Juliet Spurrier, MD and Wendy Schmitz
 

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