Mtn Papa is one of the JoePro Ambassadors for Piggyback Rider. We are in the middle of that weird “kid too small to keep up/to big to ride” stage and so we are always looking for gear that helps us continue to adventure and not have to slow down TOO much over the next few years. A couple weeks ago, we showed off the Weehoo (an safe alternative to a “Trail-A-Bike” that allows older kids to actively ride behind the adult bike.) The Piggyback Rider is a great way to keep bigger kids actively engaged in hiking/walking/exploring without putting them in a backpack, carrying them on your shoulders or dealing with the massive amounts of complaining that comes with a kid that can’t keep up!
The Piggyback Rider is NOT intended, however, to be something worn for miles and miles. Instead, the purpose is to allow kids to have a break from walking, be able to see all they are missing “down below” and easily be able to get on and off. Because the weight is distributed across the carrier’s shoulders, wearing a 40-50 pound kid for long periods would not be comfortable. However, the gear is small enough to pack along and pull out when needed. Additionally, what the kids don’t know is that they are actually working just as hard (or harder) holding on and balancing – they are just distracted by what they are doing and seeing and they generally don’t think anything of it!
While at 2.5, J was certainly apprehensive, he quickly got the hang of it and now loves being with Daddy and exploring in a more comfortable position (than what the backpack allows him anymore…) He naturally clings tighter to Mtn Papa’s back when he needs to hang on better (which makes it easier for the carrier too as he navigates his trail!)
Look who else is curious about the Piggyback Rider!
Hiking along the Yellowstone River
Piggyback Rider Stats:
- Appropriate for ages 2.5 – 7
- Max weight load – 60 pounds
- Size of gear: “Beach towel” and ~2.5 pounds
- Cost: $89.99 – $150 (depending on the model you choose)
- Available: online and at many outdoor stores including Sportsman’s Warehouse
Win a Discount + A set of T-shirts!
Piggyback Rider has stepped in and offered the chance for one of you to win a 50% discount off the NOMIS Basic, plus a set of their T-shirts. Winner will pay $45 + shipping. To enter, simply comment on this post saying where you would use your Piggyback Rider.
A winner will be chosen randomly after 8pm MST on Sunday, September 30th. Winners will be announced on this blog post and on Facebook. Make SURE to leave your email address in your comment so I can find you! Winners will have 72 hours to claim their prize before another winner is chosen. Good luck!
Congratulations to Kelly Brogden! Please email me at mountainmamatales(at)gmail.com to claim your discount code and T-shirts!
As a part of the JoePro Ambassador program, Mtn Papa receives complementary gear from Piggyback Rider to facilitate reviews and to show off! However, as always, the opinions expressed here are completely and honestly our own.
© 2012, Tales of a Mountain Mama. All rights reserved. Republication, in part or entirety, requires a link back to this original post and permission from the author.
that is cool and wish I had when my son was small like that. Now at 7 he thinks we can still get a ride
Looks cool! Wonder if my 2 year old would try it. We might get use of it walking the dogs or at the mall.
Into the mountains we go. While M is a terrific hiker and continuously surprises us with his ability and endurance, sometimes near the end, he’s tired and needs a lift – this would be perfect!
My little one is now 14 months old and I’m ready to take him on some adventures! I’ve been looking at different carriers for C and think he would really enjoy the Piggyback Rider. This weekend we visited a nature museum/wildlife sanctuary, but coudln’t make full use of the trails with our jogging stroller. This would be perfect!
This looks so cool! We love to go geo-caching but our three year old gets tired sometimes. This would be great to give him a break and let us all stay together!
Looks like fun! I’d use it everywhere!
Nice review!!! Were you also able to test out the NILOC basic model & compare it with the NOMIS basic models? We’re planning to use it also on one of our overseas trip on January. We might post it online, “Piggyback Rider at the Great Wall of China” hopefully. Thank you.