Sherpani Rumba Kid Carrier

I can provide many hours of field testing review for the Russi/Sherpani Rumba Kid Carrier. We purchased this when our son was just 6 months old and was just sitting up. We use it almost everday. (We purchased one of the earliest shipments of the this product -- prior to the time Sherpani switched to an overseas manufacturer.)

First, let me say that this is a high-quality pack. Having tried out at least 3 different types of child carriers, this won as the most comfortable for all (baby and adult). There is rarely a peep out of our son from the moment he goes into the Rumba. He enjoys the ride and seeing things from high up.

This pack shines in a number of areas which may be considered "quirky" if misunderstood. The first is the seat for the baby. It is adjustable up and down; this is an unusual feature for packs. (In the other packs, the seat height is usually fixed and the adult user must be careful to remember, if the height of the baby's head ends up higher than the adult's, to not accidentally hit the baby's head against a tree branch if the adult ducks only enough to clear the adult's head).

The adjustable seat and foot harnesses also encourage good blood circulation for the baby, and hopefully, his little legs do not fall asleep if you're out hiking for awhile. The reason is that because the seat is adjustable, you can fit a small baby in (low) and tuck his feet into the pack. As the baby grows, you can raise the seat and either continue to tuck his feet in, or leave the seat low and use the foot harnesses to support leg weight. In otehr packs, the baby's legs dangle.

The seat is connected to 4-point chestplate which necessarily moves up/down as you adjust the seat height. This combination ensures that the baby will always be securely fastened in. The baby may slump over a bit when sleeping, but this is easily remedied by raising the seat up more the next time you use it. (unfortunately, it is very difficult to raise/lower the seat while the baby is already in without totally irking the baby)

Another nice feature is the adjustable recline which helps control the angle at which the baby sits. There are two webbing slides on the outside which control the angle. This design is also airy so that the baby does not get hot or sweaty inside - as if sitting in a big nylon bucket.

The kickstand is streamlined with the pack so that there are no metal parts extending out from the pack and ready to snag something if you turn around. This feature is important. Also, the kickstand is made from a continuous piece of aluminum and not welded bits (like Kelty). Finally, the kickstand is not meant to retract. This means the wearer can set the pack down without fiddling with anything. It is always safe and stable to set down, and handy if you just want to lean back against a table or something. One note: it is never safe to leave a baby sitting alone in these types of packs - no matter how stable it may appear.

My favorite part of this pack, however, has more to do with adult fit. This pack really helps get the weight onto your hips and legs and off your back. The load-lifters at the shoulders are great, and the OTF makes the pack fit your individual torso. I am 5'5" and my husband 6'1" with a long torso. We have no problem switching users.

The storage compartment of the Rumba is, importantly, below waist level. The Kelty and REI packs have storage at the adult's back level. That makes them top heavy. Top heavy equals shifting more weight onto the wearer's back and not to the hips and legs.

Ok, now the downsides. There is no place to stash a drink! (sippy cup or Coke can) I was stunned I might really have to wear a bum pack in front on top of all this!

The Topper shade is sort of lame. It does not come all the way down behind the baby's neck so your little one could conceivably come away with neckburn. But it is sturdy enough and also, adds to the considerable airiness of the ride for the baby while offering reasonable protection.

To lift the entire pack up to load onto a surface and subsequently, onto your back, there are two loops of nylon webbing at the top. It would've been nice had these been made of rope material but it is not a big deal.

I like the Rumba. I have had no issues with webbing slippage anywhere. The vinyl rain windows took several phone calls & emails to Sherpani before they materialized. The instructions are okay but would be much better with a photograph identifying the names of all the adjustments.