Feels like a "real" pack; great for smaller women

After trying and returning a Deuter Kids II and a Sherpani Rhumba, I was thrilled to find the Macpac Possum.

All three have adjustable frames to fit a wide range of heights. I am 5'4", about 125-130 pounds - a normal sized woman, maybe slightly on the small side, but hardly tiny. The Deuter and the Sherpani seemed to be designed with a 6' foot man as the default setting. The Deuter is clearly a quality product, and if I had been an inch or two taller, I might have loved it. But I had the choice of having either the waistband or the shoulder straps in the right spot. It was terribly uncomfortable. I was able to adjust the Sherpani to fit - but sliding the frame to the smallest setting meant raising the back of the pack well above my head - I couldn't move my head back, and the child seat was at my shoulders, much too high.

On to the MacPac: It fits beautifully , and it isn't even at the smallest setting, so this should work for you truly petite women. I tried it first on a 20 minute walk and had some upper back pain. However, I spent some time perfecting the straps while my daughter napped (make sure the waist belt is over your hip bones and snug in order to shift the weight down). We then hiked for an hour around the neighborhood, and I didn't feel a thing. This feels as good as the Gregory internal frame backpack that I take on long, multi-day hikes.

Excellent details: two pockets on the waistband, in reach even when the pack is on. One will fit cash, keys, and a small cell phone. The other holds a mirror which you can remove and use to check on your baby. I love that feature.

For context: My daughter is 11 mos old, and about 20 pounds, maybe a bit heavier. She fit well in the seat at the highest adjustment. I wish the seat had a five-point harness, instead of just the shoulder straps and chest buckle. However, it also tightens on the sides, and I was confident my daughter wasn't going anywhere.

She loved this - she is used to back carries, though, as I have been carrying her around in a mei tai. This is bulkier, but in some ways more convenient because you can load the baby in while it rests on its stand, then put the pack on. I have trouble getting my daughter into a mei tai unless there is a couch handy, which makes it less useful for taking her to the park or the coffee shop because I have trouble getting her tied back on) The Possum, on the other hand, is a snap - I strap her in securely, then swing it onto my back. I could easily do it from the floor if necessary, although a chair or bench makes it easier.

There is plenty of room in the bottom for diapers, snacks, and a change of clothes.

Finally, this is by far the best-looking child backpack I've seen. A nice restrained slate (almost black) on the exterior, with a terra cotta fabric lining the child's area. It is a streamlined design, with the kickstand is contained within the lower pocket. It is much more appropriate for urban use than something like a Kelty or Deuter, and much better looking than the awkward Sherpani, which seems to be trying to hard to be trendy.

I LOVE this product. I am thrilled that I found it after much trial and error.