Admittedly, she hated the initial first half hour and was screaming to escape and walk herself. In hindsight, we should have trialled it in the park at home beforehand so she was used to it. But an hour in, after plenty of snacks to distract her from her hiking fate, she was golden.
The views surely helped. Our first hike included a cable car ride up to the largest alpine plateau in Europe, Alpe di Sius, followed by a 5km hike through sprawling meadows sprinkled with wildflowers and wooden huts owned by local farmers. We then headed over a small mountain peak and ended at an alpine cabin for fresh pasta and elderflower cordial.
Despite the size of the carrier – a roomy 75 x 39 x 45cm – the actual carrier only weighs 3.78kg. It was surprisingly comfy, with a lower adjustable strap that tightens around the waist, just above your bum, and a thinner top strap that acts as a support for the shoulders. The harness you strap onto yourself is fully adjustable so my partner and I took it in turns carrying her, changing and adapting the straps with ease. There’s also a breathable back panel so the carrier doesn’t sit directly on your back, allowing for airflow. Carrying her was much lighter and more comfortable than I imagined.
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By the end of the first hike, my daughter had decided she loved being up high, taking in all the sights and being passed snacks from the many accessible pockets. When the midday sun came out we pulled out the UV50 protective hood with mesh windows either side to protect her. This made for a very cosy apartment and even sent her to sleep – the padded front panel where her head faces made for a comfy pillow.
Other features we loved were the foot straps, the little pocket mirror that helps you check what baby is up to, and the dual handles on top of the device that allow you to twist and navigate the carrier onto your back while baby is in tow. The whole cockpit compartment is also washable, so you can keep the carrier clean from inevitable mess.