For those of you new to fatherhood who may be thinking becoming a dad means giving up an active lifestyle, nothing could be further from the truth. The secret to staying active after kids is finding gear that can withstand the rigors of whatever it is you want to do, all while keeping your child comfortable and protected while you do it. For the avid backpacker/hiker, the new Kelty FC 3.0 child carrier exemplifies this ideal perfectly.
As Kelty’s top of the line child carrier, the FC 3.0 takes comfort during long hikes to an entirely new level. And trust me, as anyone that’s used a child carrier knows, comfort is the key consideration when you have an extra 30+ pounds strapped to your back. Making the FC 3.0 so comfortable, Kelty has introduced a new waistbelt torso length adjustment geared towards a variety of users. The result is a drastically more comfortable, contoured fit, regardless of body type, and one that’s exceptionally comfortable to use on long hikes. The new torso length adjustment also allows your child to ride lower – this serves to create a lower center of gravity, increasing balance while further aiding in your comfort (remember, comfort is key… your back and shoulders will thank you). Another highly welcomed feature of the FC 3.0: the patented auto-deploy kickstand. By engaging as soon as the pack is taken off, the auto kickstand makes loading and unloading a far less arduous task, as you can simply slide it off your shoulders and onto the ground (and vice versa). Storage wise, the Kelty FC 3.0 boasts a total of 1150 cubic inches of storage space divided between under the seat and rear compartments – an ample amount for whatever adventures you undertake.
Of course, it doesn’t matter how comfortable you are if you child isn’t enjoying his or her self, as there’s nothing worse than an unhappy son/daughter five miles into the woods. To ensure your kids comfortable transport, Kelty FC 3.0 boasts a fully padded, ventilated cockpit and five-point adjustable harness, designed to keep your child comfortable and secure. In addition, the FC 3.0 also features a removable sun/rain hood along with a changing pad, offering even more protection and convenience during long treks, regardless of the weather conditions.
Spending some time with the Kelty FC 3.0, I can attest that it is supremely comfortable on longer hikes. I can easily venture out comfortably 2-3 hours into the woods with my wife and son – an impressive feat considering my son’s typical attention span registers right around the 30 second mark. There’s just something about getting outside that mesmerizes him – every time we go for a hike it’s like it’s his first time seeing the outdoors. He’s captivated by everything. And that’s the beauty of the Kelty FC 3.0. You can take your child outside and show them things that without it, it would be impossible for them see. It’s the perfect way to blend your love of the outdoors with family time, which makes it one of our top picks for Father’s Day.
The Kelty FC 3.0 child carrier is priced at $249.95. For more info, you can check out the full details of the Kelty FC 3.0 at the Kelty website.
