A normal winter in our neck of the woods typically includes 2-3 feet of snow and temperatures in the negatives. This winter has been downright balmy.

We had been psyching ourselves up for snow shoeing and cross country skiing with the Kid Comfort III, but without snow, there’s no skiing.

So we turned to Plan B: a hike up Menan Butte, a dormant volcano. The hike is roughly three miles round trip, with more than 700 feet of elevation gain. We hurriedly threw things in the Kid Comfort III, dressed the kid, and ran out of the house. Parenting outdoor fun Rule #1: Don’t rush. Four blocks from home, we realized we had forgotten Ky’s mittens—kind of an essential when it is 23 degrees outside. Rule #2: consider naptime. Actually, I don’t know what the rule is on this one. Five minutes before pulling into the trailhead, Ky’s eyes closed, and we debated whether to head home to allow him to sleep.

What kind of adventure would that be? On we went, and as soon as we turned off the car, he woke up. Ky began the hike in the Kid Comfort, and halfway up insisted that he walk on his own with Mom’s trekking poles. After about 15 minutes, Ky was done with his independent streak and wanted Mom to carry him in the pack.

Here’s why the Kid Comfort III works so well for us: the Variquick adjustment system makes transitions like these quick and simple.

Once we reached the rim of the volcano the wind picked up initiating our retreat back to the car. Minus his cold hands (Rule #3: go home and get the gloves you forgot) Ky was not too affected by the wind and even dozed off on the way back down.

The snow gods must have been pleased. A few days later, we traveled to Harriman State Park to do some Nordic skiing. We bundled Ky up in layers—long underwear, fleece and a shell—and threw in the instant hand warmers. (We attach them to the car vents, and then crank up the air to warm them up before arriving at the trailhead). Slip them into junior’s mittens, and he won’t get cold fingers.

Another tip: wrap the kid and the Kid Comfort in a down coat—snuggly and warm! It is fun to ski with your kid on your back. Ky was up and in the action (as opposed to sitting back in a trailer alone and closed off). We could keep close tabs on his comfort and needs.

In all, we LOVE our Kid Comfort III for all of our family backcountry adventures. This pack is the Cadillac of all kid carriers with ample storage and extreme comfort. As with all gear, there is room for improvement. Namely, how about the addition of stirrups (currently Ky uses the hip belt to rest his feet)? We also found the mesh pockets are too small to hold a standard 32oz water bottle. Good thing there’s the hydration bladder pouch, but sometimes a water bottle works best for families.

–Corey King (Family Ambassador). Follow the King’s adventures at Backcountry Parenting.

Enjoy family adventures, gloves not included.

• Learn all about the Kid Comfort III at Deuter.com
• Pick one up from EMS
• Grab your own at Summit Hut
• Buy one at Backcountry.com