Our Kiwi friends down under from New Zealand are experts when it comes to hiking (or as they would say, “trekking”), backpacking and generally all things outdoors. In a country where the majority of the population is spending their free time outdoors, they should know a thing or two when it comes to gear. The Macpac Possum child carrier is an excellent example of quality gear and thoughtful design making it easier to get outside with your little ones.

We recently put the Possum through the paces of New Hampshire outdoor life with a little Kiwi of our own.

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Macpac Possum Backpack Child Carrier
Model Year: 2007/2008
Maufacturer: Macpac New Zealand
MSRP: $219.00

Specifications:
Carrier Dimensions(LxWxH in): 26×16x12
Weight: 5lb 1oz
Volume (cu. in.): 2135
Max. Weight Limit (lb.): 40
Torso Fit Range (in): 13 - 18

Features:
Adjustable adult harness slides up and down to accommodate different torso lengths, internal frame, lumbar pad, hinged kickstand, adjustable child seat and harness, removable and washable child harness straps, front and rear footloops for safe loading, front stability sternum strap, 25 litre base pocket, front pocket, internal bottle loops, removable child face cushion, mesh external pocket, coin/key/credit card pocket on hipbelt, flexible/safe mirror in pocket on hipbelt, Sombrero & Rainbow sunshade/rain sheild also available

Testers:
Six month old (approx 17 lbs) carried by both Mom (5′4″) and Dad (5′11″) over the course of three months. We used this pack in the winter months for snowshoeing, walks, and at our local ski resort going in and out of the lodge and walking around the base area.

Assembly:
None to really speak of other than deploying the kickstand so the carrier will stand on its own on the ground. The kickstand has a clever folding system found inside the base storage compartment. We keep the kickstand in the open or out position for day to day use, however, when it is collapsed or folded back in, it makes the carrier very compact for easy travel and storage.

Ease of Use:
One of the most unique things about the Possum compared to other backpack carrier models is its overall compact size and weight. As a result, the Possum is very easy to move about with and is very easy to wear. Even in crowded places (we often wore ours moving in and out of a local ski lodge brimming with skiers, tables, chairs, and ski bags). It was easy to maneuver and you didn’t feel like you had an elephant on your back. This pack would be equally great at outdoor festivals, on busy sidewalks, while shopping in stores or while traveling.

Loading our daughter into the carrier was also relatively easy. Since we did the majority of our testing during the winter, our daughter was a bit like a pig in a blanket in her bulky fleece bunting that also needed to fit inside the child cockpit. Since the cockpit seat extended open fairly wide, this made getting her in and out relatively smooth. The only thing we didn’t like about the loading process was that the carrier itself while standing on the floor, was not at stable as some other models. And although you should never leave a child unattended while sitting in a carrier, the smaller base on the Possum kickstand makes you feel like to have to keep a hand on it at all times.

Once loaded up, the Possum is easy to get on, even by yourself, and it is easy to adjust and micro-fit with different straps and belts.

Comfort:
Since the Possum is so light to begin with, it is pretty comfortable from the get go. The Possum has a sliding harness system which allows you to lengthen or shorten the back torso length depending on your height. Both of us (mom and dad) were able to wear the pack comfortably even though we are different heights (5′4″ and 5′11″). The Possum also has a very nice lumbar pad at the base of the back which provides some extra support and cushioning. The waistbelt is very padded and comfortable as are the shoulder straps.

On average, we have found that the Possum fits “shorter” people better than “taller” people based on our own use and what we hear from other parents. Comparatively, the Possum does not have the same range of torso adjustment found on other carrier models so it is difficult to wear for people over 6 ft (or so and also depending on whether you are long or short-waisted).

As far as comfort for your passenger goes, the extra padded child cockpit is very nice and the seat positioning within the frame provides a nice high view but not so high you feel like your child will fall out when you lean over. We love the removable face cushion since it provides a nice soft, padded place for little heads when they fall asleep (Macpac also makes the Sleepyhead Carrier Pillow accessory for even more comfort while sleeping). Our only gripe is that the sternum strap between the child shoulder straps (clips across child’s chest), rides too high and ends up just below their chin. Overall our passenger has had no complaints.

Storage:
Lots and easy to access. The base compartment is HUGE and can easily fit extra clothes, food, camera, etc. This compartment also has an exterior mesh pocket for quick access items (tissues, etc). The top compartment is very handy although more flat and works well for smaller items (cell phone, books/maps, etc).

Cleaning:
Sponges clean. Removable child face cushion makes it easy to clean up after baby spit up or drooling.

Pros:
Our favorite things about the Possum are its light weight and compact design that make it super easy to toss in the back of the car and use anywhere. We also love the rear-view safety mirror that is stored in the hip belt as a way to check and see “what’s going on back there”. Comfortable and easy to adjust for both parent and child. This pack works well for women since it fits smaller bodies well and is very light and easy to carry.

Cons:
May not fit taller sizes well. If there is a big difference between the heights of those who will be wearing it, you may want to try this pack on before you buy it. The sun roof/rain hood accessory (Macpac Sombrero and Rainbow) is rather awkward, difficult to put on, and does not store well inside the pack when you aren’t using it. Once attached, it is very effective and has excellent coverage including a mosquito net, but is a bit of a pain to work with.

How does this compare to other models?
The Macpac Possum is best compared to the following carrier models in terms of performance range and available features - Deuter Kid Comfort II, Sherpani Rumba, Kelty FC 2.0.

Macpac also makes the Vamoose, a model that is one step up from the Possum. The biggest differences between the Possum and the Vamoose are: Vamoose comes in 2 frame sizes in order to fit taller sizes, Vamoose has more storage capacity and a slightly more sophisticated harness system, the Vamoose also comes standard with the Macpac Sombrero and Rainbow sun/rain covers.

Model update:
As of Februrary 2008, Macpac was sold to Moulton Noir in New Zealand. Word is that the Possum will still be available under the Macpac name for the time being and new design changes are in the works for 2009.

Categories: Backpack Carriers, Travel with Kids
Tags: backpack carrier, child carrier, macpac