The
Pathfinder is Kelty's best-selling model - not
quite as feature-rich as the Adventure, but still a
fully-featured, well-engineered, and comfortable pack
that is as at home on the trails as it is in the aisles.
The top-notch harness system includes an adjustable
sternum strap, curved and molded shoulder straps, and a
triple-padded waistbelt. The Pathfinder
employs Kelty's handy auto-deploying kickstand, which
allows you to simply set the pack down with your child
in it - great for when you need to get in and out of the
pack by yourself. The Pathfinder comes with a removable
sun and rain hood, a removable day pack and a "burp cloth" that can be
taken out for washing. The cockpit itself features a
5-point harness, plenty of padding, and fleece-lined leg
holes to prevent chafing. The seat height can be
adjusted to suit your child's height, and even reclines
slightly.
Pathfinder compared
to other Kelty carriers:
The Pathfinder is a step up
from the
Kelty Journey, which is pretty
similar, but doesn't come with the sun/rain hood, and
isn't quite as well-padded in the harness. A sun shield
is a pretty key accessory for a kid carrier if you'll be
using yours outdoors, and the extra padding does make a
difference in comfort - for most parents, the
Pathfinder will probably be the better choice.
On the other hand, if you're a hardcore hiker, or you'd
like to carry a lot of extra gear, be sure to check out
the top-of-the-line
Kelty Adventure.