Kelty Journey PerfectFIT Signature Baby Backpack Carrier Review

Bottom line

The Kelty Journey PerfectFIT Signature is the mid-range option in Kelty’s PerfectFIT lineup, positioned between the minimalistic and premium models. It’s not the simplest pack, but it’s also not the most feature-rich one.

Our gear analysts (both adult and child) were impressed by the Journey PerfectFIT Signature. Its standout feature is the PerfectFIT torso adjustment system, which simplifies achieving a customizable fit for caregivers of all sizes—a big plus for families sharing carrying duties. During testing, the padded shoulder straps and hip belt provided excellent comfort for moderate hikes. For kids, the spacious and well-padded cockpit ensured a cozy, enjoyable ride. The pack also includes thoughtful features like ample storage space, an integrated sunshade, and foot stirrups.

If you’re searching for a well-designed, reliable child carrier that provides excellent value, the PerfectFIT Signature is an outstanding choice. Explore our guide to the best baby backpack carriers for additional comparisons.

And for more info, check out some of our other popular gear guides:

How We Tested

We tested the Kelty Journey PerfectFIT Signature over several months on trails in the Colorado foothills, during neighborhood walks, and even while running grocery store errands. Our testing team included two young “gear analysts” (a toddler and an infant) to evaluate comfort, functionality, and durability across different terrains and activities.

Comfort

The Kelty Journey PerfectFIT Signature delivers excellent comfort for both caregivers and kids. Its PerfectFIT torso adjustment system is a standout feature, making it quick and easy to dial in the fit. If you’re like us, you sometimes fall victim to saying, “that’s close enough” when it comes to fit and torso adjustment—only to realize it’s a problem once your wiggly child and all their gear are loaded into the pack. This adjustability ensures a tailored carry for users of varying sizes, making it a significant advantage for families who share carrying duties.

The hip belt and shoulder straps are well-padded and distribute weight effectively, providing stability even when approaching the pack’s maximum capacity. While the back panel is adequately padded and provides decent support, its ventilation system doesn’t perform as well as others we’ve tested. On warmer days or during strenuous hikes, caregivers might notice a bit more back sweat than with more advanced ventilation designs.

For little adventurers, the spacious and well-padded cockpit provides a cozy ride. Our toddler testers loved the plush comfort, happily napping or enjoying the view. Overall, it is an excellent choice for families prioritizing comfort on moderate hikes and day outings.

Features

A major advantage of the Kelty PerfectFIT line of child carriers is that they are all quite feature-rich. As noted several times in this review, the PerfectFIT torso adjustment system is the standout feature of this pack, but there are many other elements that make it a solid choice. 

The PerfectFIT Signature comes standard with an integrated sunshade that features mesh sidewalls. We appreciate the mesh design as it provides extra sun protection and gives little ones a place to rest their heads during nap time. However, we wish the sunshade offered a bit more headroom, as it obstructed the view for our older riders.

The pack also includes large, adjustable stirrups for kids to rest their feet comfortably. One feature that truly stands out is the abundance of large, conveniently placed handles, which make it much easier to put the pack on and take it off while keeping your child upright and comfortable.

Durability

This pack feels remarkably durable, designed to endure the demands of countless hikes and multiple kids over the years. Made from resilient 420D polyester, the pack’s material is tough and abrasion-resistant, prepared to handle the inevitable scrapes and bumps that come with outdoor adventures.

The stitching throughout is precise and confidence-inspiring, adding an extra layer of reliability to the pack. Even after extended testing on rough trails and through repeated loading and unloading, we didn’t notice any fraying or signs of wear in high-stress areas such as the straps or hip belt.

The frame feels solid and well-crafted, providing reliable support without being overly rigid. While this pack doesn’t scream “indestructible,” it certainly creates the impression that it was designed with longevity in mind.

Storage & Organization

We really appreciate the storage and organization of this pack, which features a well-thought-out design that makes staying organized on the trail easy. With multiple compartments, there is ample space to store everything you need for an outing with your little one, including snacks, diapers, extra layers, and water.

The large zippered compartment at the base of the pack easily accommodates bulkier items such as jackets or blankets. Above this, there are two smaller compartments that are perfect for quick-access essentials like sunscreen or a first-aid kit. Inside one of the upper zippered pockets, stretchy mesh sleeves aid in keeping smaller items organized and easy to find.

One of the most interesting features of this pack is the zippered hip belt pockets. While one serves as a standard hip pocket, the other can be transformed into a hip belt water bottle holder by unzipping a bottom zipper. Although it cannot accommodate large water bottles, it remains a clever and handy feature for quick hydration.

Weight

At 6 lbs. 6 oz., the Kelty Journey PerfectFIT Signature, while not the lightest pack we tested, is one of the lightest that doesn’t sacrifice features for weight savings. What surprised us most is how sturdy the pack looks—it gives the impression of being a much heavier, overbuilt piece of gear, but it’s surprisingly manageable.

On the trail, the weight feels well-distributed due to the PerfectFIT torso adjustment system, padded hip belt, and shoulder straps. These features provide comfort during longer outings, even when loaded with a full day’s worth of snacks, gear, and essentials.

For those seeking ultralight options, lighter, stripped-down packs are available. However, the Journey PerfectFIT Signature offers an excellent middle ground, providing plenty of comfort and functionality without crossing into the “overly bulky” category.

Should You Buy the Kelty Journey PerfectFIT Signature?

The Kelty Journey PerfectFIT Signature is an excellent choice for families seeking a comfortable, reliable, and well-designed child carrier without overspending. It’s ideal for moderate hikes, everyday adventures, or simply strolling around the park. The standout PerfectFIT torso adjustment system makes it incredibly easy to achieve the right fit, which is a significant advantage for families who alternate carrying duties.

We appreciate the amount of thought that went into the design of this pack. It features plenty of storage, an integrated sunshade, and adjustable foot stirrups to keep both you and your kiddo happy on the trail. While it’s not the lightest pack on the market, it doesn’t feel overly bulky, and the additional features make it worth the trade-off. If you’re searching for a versatile and reasonably priced carrier for your outdoor adventures, this pack is certainly worth considering.

What Other Baby Backpack Carriers Should You Consider?

If you’re considering the Kelty Journey PerfectFIT Signature, you may also want to check out these other top-performing baby backpack carriers from our guide to the best baby backpack carriers.

Kelty Journey PerfectFIT Elite Review: If you love the PerfectFIT Signature but desire more premium features, the Elite is worth considering. It offers the same excellent fit adjustment system while adding extra storage and being hydration pack compatible.  It’s ideal for families planning longer outings or those who simply want the most feature-rich option in the Kelty lineup.

Osprey Poco Premium Review: For those who prioritize storage, the Osprey Poco Premium boasts an impressive 36-liter carrying capacity. Its anti-gravity suspension system provides exceptional comfort, and the integrated sunshade, along with abundant storage, make it highly practical. Although slightly heavier, its premium build and user-friendly features establish it as a top choice for all-day adventures.

Deuter Kid Comfort Review: If comfort is your main concern, the Deuter Kid Comfort stands out. It features excellent back ventilation, an ergonomic fit, and high-quality materials. While it is heavier than the Kelty, it is designed for maximum comfort and durability, making it an excellent choice for long hikes and frequent use.