American Recreation Products, Inc. offers camping goods, such as sleeping bags, tents, backpacks, and related outdoor articles. The company is based in St. Louis, Missouri. American Recreation Products, Inc. operates as a subsidiary of Kellwood Co. For those who trek into the great outdoors and commune with wildlife, American Recreation Products (ARP) might be behind the items on their packing list. ARP makes and markets outdoor gear including tents, backpacks, sleeping bags, outdoor clothing, outdoor furniture, and related camping accessories. Brand names include Kelty, Royal Robbins, Sierra Designs, Slumberjack, and Wenzel. Its products are sold through sporting goods stores and outdoor specialty stores, as well as through mail order via brand Web sites. ARP is owned by the private equity firm Sun Capital Partners (SCP), which acquired its former parent company, women's apparel marketer Kellwood, in 2008. Kellwood purchased ARP in in 1989.
Good STURDY Backpack/Carrier
02/03/2010 by BBRUS Customer, Oregon,
Comments about Kelty FC 3.0 Backpack Child Carrier Blueberry:
I was in the military for several years, had to carry a ruck sack around a bunch. This backpack is more comfortable than a ruck sack, but still feels very supported much like one. Weight is distributed in upper back rather than lower back which helps retain mobility and reduce back problems. I also like that it has several adjustment points and clips to the body in 2 separate places. This backpack is balanced, tough, and will even hold heavy toddlers comfortably. I tried on several other packs and carriers, this was the only one that fit my build due to it's adjust ability. Grade A++
great
11/01/2009 by long island mom, ny,
Comments about Kelty FC 3.0 Backpack Child Carrier Blueberry:
we have only used the product once so far, but we liked it a lot. It seems sturdy and well made. My 18 month old son loved being carried in it and even fell asleep which is miraculous since he isn't really a napper. I personally found it a bit heavy and hard to get into without help, but my husband had no problem on either front.
Great design!
07/12/2009 by JCB, Olathe,KS
Comments about Kelty FC 3.0 Backpack Child Carrier Blueberry:
Bought this carrier after reading lots of positive reviews and viewing a video about its features. It's very easy to use and my 13-month old son (about 21 lbs) loves it. I especially like the sun shield/rain cover. We used it a lot on our trip to Seattle, and it was much easier than pushing him around in a cheap little stroller (and you can't do stairs with a stroller!).
Great Pack [...]
04/15/2009 by Model T's Mom, Albany NY,
Comments about Kelty FC 3.0 Backpack Child Carrier Blueberry:
We love this pack. We've already used it a bit around the house getting ready for the summer weather. All of our family and friends who have had one of these packs loves them and swears by them. The pack fits both myself (5'4") with a large chest, and my husband, (5'10") with a very average frame. We both feel comfortable and the pack hits us both at the right place which was not the case with the Chicco pack that we tried in the store. [...]
Cadillac of baby carriers!
03/29/2009 by J n As Mom, Colorado,
Comments about Kelty FC 3.0 Backpack Child Carrier Blueberry:
Best price on the internet for this product! Easily adjusted for my 6'1" husband and me at 5'5". We packed our 8 month old daughter all around Carlsbad Caverns and vicinity in this backpack. Seemed comfortable for her and my husband with back problems. Had lots of extra storage space for baby, us, and our older child. Has a higher weight rating than many other child carriers we looked at. LOVE the diaper bag/child size backpack that zips off. We ditched our old diaper bag in favor of this one. Only negative we have found with the child carrier is that it was a bit on the big side for packing in the back of our minivan with the rest of our camping gear. The most it breaks down is that the kickstand folds in. A bit of an issue for storing at home as well since we don't want to leave it in the garage to get dirty.
Wow!
03/16/2009 by SJ, NEK,Vermont
Comments about Kelty FC 3.0 Backpack Child Carrier Blueberry:
This is a great product! It is simple to use & my baby loves it! It is comfortable and safe for the baby.
Worth the $$$
03/11/2009 by Grunt Wife, Fort Rucker,AL
Comments about Kelty FC 3.0 Backpack Child Carrier Blueberry:
My husband and I are very active people. With this pack, nothing can slow us down. I am 5'5" and on the thicker side. I am actually the one who uses it so that my husband can run with the dogs when we go hiking. For the people that have pain, you need to remember to only use either the chest straps or the hip straps for support. The purpose of a pack having those straps is so that you can shift the weight back and forth. Our 5 month old daughter, at the time, would just lay her head on the "pillow," i call it, right in front of her. But honestly, my favorite thing about it is the sun/rain cover. My daughter is a hair puller... not anymore! ;-P
life saver
02/28/2009 by a mother, camden,mich.
Comments about Kelty FC 3.0 Backpack Child Carrier Blueberry:
Used this while older daughter went to hospital for surgery.My 4mo old was happy and comfortable enough to even sleep during the hospital visit. Plenty of room for all baby needs. Easy to take off and put back on. Took up less room than a stroller and was even able to sit in chairs with it on. Was extremely benefitial for small rooms and when I needed my hands free to take care of my older daughter.
A great Kelty pack in my pack collection
02/21/2009 by hikingdad, Chicago,Illinois
Comments about Kelty FC 3.0 Backpack Child Carrier Blueberry:
I received this pack as I am an avid hiker for a Christmas present. The pack seems real secure, the canopy(rain shield) is a great addition for this pack. It also helps reduce a lot of wind, which this state is known for. I have taken my 7mnth outside for light winter hikes and its been real great. The fit is a good for myself (5'8" 160lbs) which I bet is designed for us average guys, but might seem a little narrow for a larger person. The features like the mirror, cell phone pocket's are well thought out. Plus that included changing pad is great. Seeing how I received this as a gift I might consider a little cheaper one for the price but this is a well built and really reliable pack from Kelty. Now I just wish Osprey (my fav) would create a child carrier pack ;)
So far my daughter loves the ability to look over my head and see the world. The harness for the child is well thought out. It has many variations for adjusting to your childs unique size.
I have also used this as a traveling carrier, it was great in the airport over the holidays, and of course allows you to free up some hands and not deal with a stroller, which sometimes can be a pain.
What I did like about this pack versus others is the ability to adjust to the wearer's size, my wife can wear this without a problem (5'2") and it fits us both comfortably.
I did wish the waist belt was a little larger or gave you the ability to remove and place your own belt from say another pack. Maybe that is just me being used to other hiking packs.
If you enjoy being outside, this is a great pack.
too big
08/20/2008 by mom of 2, boston,ma
Comments about Kelty FC 3.0 Backpack Child Carrier Blueberry:
After much research, I purchased this carrier. No matter how much I try, I cannot adjust the carrier to be comfortable, the bar pushes in on my lower back and my 11 month old just feels too high up and throws my balance off.The baby was unable to sleep in it as well. We just returned from a long weekend of hiking and I can't say it easy to use at all. Although I will say that the pockets and packing space was nice and the canopy too. I think that I will be trying the smaller version.