REI.com
  • Online: www.REI.com
  • URL for this product:
  • From the U.S. and Canada — Call 1-800-426-4840
  • Mon. through Sun., 4 a.m. through 11 p.m. PT.
  • International — Call 1-253-891-2500
  • Mon. through Sun., 4 a.m. through 11 p.m. PT. English language only.

Print This Page Print This Page

REI Piggyback Child Carrier

REI Piggyback Child Carrier

Item # 705789
!
This item is currently sold out or unavailable online.

For your reference, this page contains historical product information.

The REI Piggyback child carrier is all about parent's and baby's comfort. Our deluxe child carrier offers a secure, smooth ride on- and off-trail with a comfortable suspension system.

  • Adult and child suspension systems feature curved, padded shoulder straps and hipbelts, lined with brushed polyester for moisture-wicking comfort
  • Pack features a padded back panel with breathable mesh lining for increased air circulation
  • Child's padded back panel features a breathable mesh cover with soft brushed polyester lining on the seat, sides, head and lumbar pads
  • Adult suspension system has a quick torso-adjust with embroidered letters for easy-to-remember slots when switching between tall and short parents
  • Child's seat and harness have multiple adjustments to fit a variety of sizes and to accommodate child's growth
  • Fold-out kick stand aids in loading and won't pinch if little fingers get in the way
  • Zip-off daypack for parent or older sibling features an insulated baby bottle pocket along with pockets for toys, snacks and extra clothes
  • A rearview mirror is tethered to shoulder strap letting Mom or Dad see baby without removing the pack
  • Generous reflective trim for visibility in low light and night time
  • Carrier features a hydration sleeve holding up to a 70 oz. reservoir (sold separately) to keep adults hydrated when on the go
  • Material is removable for easy cleaning
  • REI Rain Bonnet (sold separately) attaches atop carrier to shield child from rain, sun and wind
  • For more storage capacity attach the REI Diaper Bag (sold separately) which holds enough bottles, diapers, toys and clothes for a day's outing

    Age and weight requirements for your child:
  • Your child must be capable of holding their head upright and sitting up by themselves. Usually a child older than 6 months is able to do this. It is a good idea to ask your pediatrician if they think your child is ready to ride in a child carrier.
  • Do not carry any child who is over 45 lbs. or who is too large for the child harness system.
  • Maximum total load capacity for child and gear is 60 lbs.

Imported.

Item 705789

REI Piggyback Child Carrier Specs

Specification

Description

GenderUnisex
Frame typeChild carrier
Approximate volume2,000 cubic inches
Approximate volume - metric32.8 liters
Average weight7 lbs. 2 oz.
Average weight - metric3.23 kilograms
Dimensions29.5 x 21 x 11.5 inches
Adjustable torsoYes
Fits torso15 - 23 inches
Fits waist/hips28 - 56 inches
MaterialNylon/polyester
Frame materialAluminum
Number of pockets3 + main compartment
Max. weight (child+gear+pack)60 pounds

REI Piggyback Child Carrier Customer Reviews

REVIEW SNAPSHOT®

by PowerReviews
REI Piggyback Child Carrier
 
4.3

(based on 28 reviews)

86%

of respondents would recommend this to a friend.

Pros

  • Comfortable (24)
  • Strong construction (24)
  • Easy use (23)
  • Easily accessible (16)
  • Easy setup (14)

Cons

  • Uncomfortable (3)

Best Uses

  • Toddler (22)
  • Travel (17)
  • Daily use (8)
  • Infants (8)
  • Out & about (5)
  • Reviewer Profile:
  • First time parent (19), Parent of two or more children (8), Medical professional (6)

Reviewed by 28 customers

Sort by

Displaying reviews 1-10

Back to top

Previous | Next »

Sep

22

2007

(4 of 4 customers found this review helpful)

 
3.0

Didn't work for 28lbr with tall parents

By DebHibb

from slc, ut

About Me Parent of Two or More Children

Site Member

Pros

  • Easily Accessible
  • Easy Use
  • Strong Construction

Cons

  • Uncomfortable
  • Waist belt folded down

Best Uses

  • Newborn

Comments about REI Piggyback Child Carrier:

Even with the spine extended to the tallest setting (5'10" & 6'0"), fiddling with the adjustments endlessly, this pack was extremely uncomfortable after about 30 mins of wearing. Perhaps with a lighter baby, but with my 28 lbr, the weight caused the waist belt to fold down, and thus the spine shrink, causing too much weight to shift to my shoulders, and the bottom of the waist belt to dig into my low back/waist. DH had the same problem. The REI salesman mentioned this has been a chronic problem that REI has tried to fix with ea year's model, but so far, they have failed. I bought this pack in May 2007, and returned it after about 4 or 5 hikes with the same complaint. A definite design flaw.

Bottom Line No, I would not recommend this to a friend

(4 of 4 customers found this review helpful)

Was this review helpful? Yes / No

 - You may also flag this review

Please let us know what kind of issue this is:

Mar

29

2008

(3 of 4 customers found this review helpful)

 
5.0

very comfortable

By smill

from New Mexico

About Me First Time Parent

Pros

  • Comfortable
  • Easily Accessible
  • Easy Setup
  • Easy Use
  • Strong Construction

Cons

    Best Uses

    • Daily Use
    • Infants

    Comments about REI Piggyback Child Carrier:

    I've had this pack for about three months now. My 8 month old, who's about 20 lbs, loves going for rides in it. It's comfortable enough for her to fall asleep in, and the padding up front makes a perfect pillow for her.
    I'm 6'2 and it fits me great. I was also pleasantly surprised with how stable the pack feels when we're hiking.
    I do recommend the rain/sun shield.

    Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

    (3 of 4 customers found this review helpful)

    Was this review helpful? Yes / No

     - You may also flag this review

    Please let us know what kind of issue this is:

    Jun

    27

    2009

    (2 of 2 customers found this review helpful)

     
    5.0

    Solid!

    By rufnek

    from Northern VA

    About Me Parent of Two or More Children

    Site Member

    Pros

    • Comfortable
    • Easy Use
    • Strong Construction

    Cons

      Best Uses

      • Infants
      • Newborn
      • Out & About
      • Toddlers

      Comments about REI Piggyback Child Carrier:

      I use this pack to carry my 2yr old daughter who weighs approx 28#. We hike every weekend from 3 to 10 miles on trails in Shenandoah National Park and throughout Northern VA. I have loaded upto 55# so far and have had no troubles.
      My daughter loves the seat and even gets her afternoon nap in it, while we are on the trails. She is able to stand up on the foot bar, which is very convenient on longs trips.
      There are numerous adjustments straps to fit any body style. Make sure you know how to properly wear a large pack. It is tall and sticks out a bit from your back. You will be top heavy, but if adjusted right you can complete almost anything. I would however recommend you be in decent shape before trying to haul a child around. It is completely different than humping "dead weight".
      The water resevoir holder is conveniently located along your back and doesn't interfere with my daughter in anyway. There is a side pocket for easy storage of a water bottle for her as well. I recommend purchasing the sun/rain visor as well. The price together is still cheaper than the other similiar constructed carriers, plus the REI is rated to carry more weight.
      Overall the investment has been well worth it and I would recommend this child carrier over any other. And just to let you know we did try out the other packs that REI carried and this was the one that my daughter and I prefered while walking thru the store.

      • Gift:
      • No

      Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

      Images shared by rufnek

      Image Thumbnail

      Tags: Picture of Product, Using Product

      (2 of 2 customers found this review helpful)

      Was this review helpful? Yes / No

       - You may also flag this review

      Please let us know what kind of issue this is:

      May

      2

      2008

      (2 of 7 customers found this review helpful)

       
      4.0

      Great Pack Bad Instruction

      By Captoe

      from Heber, Utah

      About Me Parent of Two or More Children

      Pros

      • Comfortable
      • Easily Accessible
      • Easy Use
      • Strong Construction

      Cons

        Best Uses

          Comments about REI Piggyback Child Carrier:

          Great pack...horrible, pathetic instructions.

          Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

          (2 of 7 customers found this review helpful)

          Was this review helpful? Yes / No

           - You may also flag this review

          Please let us know what kind of issue this is:

          Sep

          12

          2007

          (2 of 2 customers found this review helpful)

           
          5.0

          2+ years' use, and still going strong.

          By Allison

          from Santa Fe, NM

          About Me First Time Parent

          Pros

          • Comfortable
          • Easily Accessible
          • Easy Setup
          • Easy Use
          • Strong Construction

          Cons

            Best Uses

            • Newborn
            • Toddlers

            Comments about REI Piggyback Child Carrier:

            I bought this pack in June 2005, when my daughter was 9 months old -- and after we'd just sweated our way through a long hike with a mei tai on my front, camelbak on my back. No way were we doing that again, but no way was I giving up hiking.

            After reviewing several options, I chose the REI Piggyback for one main reason: water. No other frame backpack I checked out had space for water, and living in the Southwest, I need water! It didn't hurt that my baby fell out-cold asleep while we tried on the pack in REI.

            Now, two years later, I still can use the pack (did today, in fact) with my near-3-year-old, who happens to be a bit of a lightweight. She's a bit too tall for falling asleep in the pack, but otherwise, it's fantastic. Also, I'm expecting my second, and the generous hip belt made holding the pack below my belly not a problem at all. After much abuse, I anticipate at least one -- maybe two -- more kids' use of this carrier.

            Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

            (2 of 2 customers found this review helpful)

            Was this review helpful? Yes / No

             - You may also flag this review

            Please let us know what kind of issue this is:

            Sep

            12

            2007

            (2 of 3 customers found this review helpful)

             
            5.0

            Sweet Pack

            By Griz Jr.

            from Dallas, TX

            About Me First Time Parent

            Pros

            • Comfortable
            • Easily Accessible
            • Easy Setup
            • Easy Use
            • Strong Construction

            Cons

            • None that I can find.

            Best Uses

            • Toddlers
            • Travel

            Comments about REI Piggyback Child Carrier:

            I bought this pack for a trip that I took with the family to Eugene, OR. We decided to ditch the stroller for this trip and only travel with the pack. The pack performed awsome, we used it in the airport, on multiple hikes, and shopping. I recommend this pack to anyone looking for a child carrier. One tip advice for this pack is to have an employee at [...]size the pack to your body type. This is extreamly helpfull if you and your spouse both will be carying the pack.

            Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

            (2 of 3 customers found this review helpful)

            Was this review helpful? Yes / No

             - You may also flag this review

            Please let us know what kind of issue this is:

            Apr

            7

            2009

            (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

             
            5.0

            Makes hiking with children a blast!

            By Barsness

            from North Bend, WA

            About Me First Time Parent

            Site Member

            Pros

            • Comfortable
            • Easy Use
            • Lightweight
            • Strong Construction
            • Stylish

            Cons

            • Not Enough Pockets

            Best Uses

            • Daily Use
            • Infants
            • Out & About
            • Toddlers
            • Travel

            Comments about REI Piggyback Child Carrier:

            The piggyback child carrier is an excellent choice for any activity. Its main use for me is mountain hiking. Let me tell you, there is not much more they can do to make it more comfortable. Having a child on your back, pulling 3500 ft. gains over a few miles, it feels like you are carrying a feather after a while. It is adjustable for all body types. The only thing I can say I wish there were more of is pockets/cargo space. Overall A in all categories and the price is very reasonable.

            • Gift:
            • No

            Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

            (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

            Was this review helpful? Yes / No

             - You may also flag this review

            Please let us know what kind of issue this is:

            Mar

            18

            2009

            (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

             
            5.0

            got kid, want to hike, buy it!

            By bigal

            from pittsburgh, pa

            About Me First Time Parent, Medical Professional

            Pros

            • Comfortable
            • Easy Use
            • Lightweight

            Cons

              Best Uses

              • Daily Use
              • Infants
              • Out & About
              • Toddlers

              Comments about REI Piggyback Child Carrier:

              Good bang for the buck. My child is comfortable for hour long walks. And it fits great for me too, 6" tall. I was nursing a recurrent back injury when I first starting taking her for walks in it, and it did not aggravate the injury at all. And once set up it stays firm and stable on your back. WE LOVE IT!

              • Gift:
              • No

              Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

              (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

              Was this review helpful? Yes / No

               - You may also flag this review

              Please let us know what kind of issue this is:

              Oct

              8

              2008

              (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

               
              5.0

              love it

              By rose_straight[@]

              from Puyallup, Wa

              About Me Parent of Two or More Children

              Pros

              • Comfortable
              • Easily Accessible
              • Easy Setup
              • Easy Use
              • Strong Construction

              Cons

                Best Uses

                • Daily Use
                • Toddlers
                • Travel

                Comments about REI Piggyback Child Carrier:

                My husband and i love this. we have three kids and have used it for all three. The kids thought it was great to be up that high and to see everything. Loved how easy it was to use even on my own. great for people over 5'7. you have to read the inst. through a few times to make sure you get it on just right or will feel to heavy. have to have a balance between sholders and back.

                • Gift:
                • No

                Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

                (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

                Was this review helpful? Yes / No

                 - You may also flag this review

                Please let us know what kind of issue this is:

                Oct

                5

                2008

                (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

                 
                4.0

                Comfortable but...

                By Mad Dog Ducati

                from Japan

                About Me First Time Parent

                Site Member

                Pros

                • Comfortable
                • Easy Setup
                • Easy Use

                Cons

                  Best Uses

                  • Infants
                  • Toddlers
                  • Travel

                  Comments about REI Piggyback Child Carrier:

                  Really like the carrier as it is versatile and comfortable. THe rest support is a bit bulky and makes it difficult to take on as carry on when flying. Big problem just occured with zipper. Metal clip for the packback side of the zipper first got stuck in the bottom, then pulled off of the zipper itself. The metal clip is not a quality metal and broke when we attempted to press it back, leaving us with a zipper that did not remain secure and a backpack that would start to disengage after a number of steps with any kind of a load in it. Luckily it happened at the end of our trip, but would have been very inconvenient if it was at the beginning. Otherwise, it has been great for X/C skiing, hiking, walking, etc., and our 1 year old loves it.

                  • Gift:
                  • No

                  Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

                  (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

                  Was this review helpful? Yes / No

                   - You may also flag this review

                  Please let us know what kind of issue this is:

                  Displaying reviews 1-10

                  Back to top

                  Previous | Next »

                  REI Piggyback Child Carrier Related Items

                  Things you might need for this item:

                  You might also like:

                  Join REI and Enjoy the Benefits

                  Members are eligible for an annual refund on qualifying purchases. Plus, they enjoy many more benefits. Get a lifetime membership for $20.

                  Add an REI membership to my order.

                  How are we doing? Give us feedback on this page.

                  • Shopping Cart 
                  • |
                  •  
                  • Buy REI Gift Cards
                  • REI Gift Cards
                  • Fast, easy and one size fits all.
                  • Buy now!
                  • Join REI today!
                  • REI Membership
                  • REI member benefits include an annual refund (typically 10% on eligible purchases).
                  • Join REI today!
                  • Sign up for REI Gearmail®
                  • and get 15% off selected items!
                  • Store Locator
                  • Locate an REI store near you.