Kelty Transit & Junction Kid Carrier Review
Desperate to find a kid carrier that worked for me, I decided to look into an older less popular piece of gear - the Kelty Transit 3. The difference was night and day on my first test hike with it. So, I decided to give a similar model, the Junction 2, a try as well. A couple months later, I lent my Junction carrier to a friend on a hike with our kids. And she loved it so much I let her keep it! After hiking with these carriers for a little over a year now, I think it's about time for a gear review.
Before we jump in: Kelty no longer makes the Transit or Junction. Despite being discontinued, these carriers are still well worth talking about for a few reasons. First, discontinued does not mean extinct! You can still find them (and previous iterations) on resale sites like eBay, Poshmark, and Mercari. Second, I had such a difficult time finding a kid carrier that properly fit me. So, hopefully this review will help someone experiencing similar frustrations decide if they want to seek out either model and give it a try. And third, the design is unlike anything currently on the market. While other carriers are tall and heavy, the Transit / Junction is compact and lightweight. It's highly unlikely, but it would be so cool to see this product make a comeback. Whether that's by Kelty refreshing and re-releasing it, or another company coming out with something that mimics its unique style.
Friendly Disclaimer: Every family is different. While this kid carrier meets our hiking needs, that doesn't necessarily mean it will be a good fit for everyone. Everything shared here is my personal opinion from my experience using this product. Nothing is sponsored! Lastly, there are inherent risks to using old or discontinued gear items. Especially kid carriers. Do NOT use a gear item if it's in any way damaged or defective. DO use good judgement.
Why the Transit / Junction Carrier?
Is it just me or do kid carriers these days seem heavier, bulkier, and boxier than ever before? This common design trend has never worked for me and has made hiking with a little one a literal pain. What I needed, but couldn't find in products currently on the market, was a carrier that fit and moved with me like a backpack. Thankfully, that's exactly what I found in the Kelty Transit 3 / Junction 2. The compact design makes it so this carrier can sit closer to your body and center of gravity. I don't have trouble maintaining my balance or navigating obstacles along the trail while wearing it. Something I couldn't say about the others I tried. The Transit / Junction just feels more comfortable and stable overall.
From the wider hipbelt to the smaller torso adjustment range; it really feels like this carrier was designed with moms in mind. I like that I don’t have to set the torso to the shortest length or cinch the shoulder straps all the way down to get a proper fit. I also appreciate the integrated lumbar padding on the hipbelt. Not only does it serve as a buffer between the adjustment track, it also offers extra lower back support. Although fitting a shorter torso range is an advantage for someone like me, that may be a drawback or deal breaker for others. You aren’t going to get that universal fit like with other carriers. So, if you're someone that needs to be able to share gear with a 6 ft or taller partner, the Junction / Transit might not work for you. My husband is 5’10, and while he can wear this carrier on the second longest setting, the last on the track is a more ideal fit.
Another feature that stood out to me was the storage space. The main compartment is so spacious! I can fit everything we need for a full day on the trail. Like a gallon bag of snacks, a 1L water bottle, a diaper changing / potty training kit, and so much more. The mesh pocket at the top of this compartment is great for accessing smaller items like a first aid kit or water filter. There's also a handy clip inside for keys. A feature I really like on the Transit specifically is the exterior pocket. You can fit a number of gear items in it, but I primarily keep layers we'll be taking on and off throughout the day here.
The last detail I want to highlight is the toe kick bar. I've never been a fan of the kickstand style bar on most carriers. It's just another step to remember when getting the carrier on and off. It's also frustrating when it gets caught on or accidentally extended by obstacles on the trail. On the Transit / Junction that stabilization piece is built into the base. All you have to do when loading and unloading your child is step on the bar.
Specs & Features Comparison
With the exception of a few minor differences, the Kelty Junction 2.0 and Transit 3.0 are practically twins. Still, it helps to know what features one has that the other doesn't. Below are the specs and features for both carriers with the key differences highlighted in yellow. I also put a link to the manual for these carriers at the bottom of the chart. It includes diagrams and instructions on how the torso and seat / harness adjustments work. I found it extremely helpful when fitting my carrier for the first time.
| Transit 3.0 | Junction 2.0 |
Material | Polyester (420D) | Polyester (420D) |
Weight | 5lbs 4 oz (with accessories) 4lbs 15 oz (without) | 4lbs 13oz |
Suspension & Fit | Internal aluminum frame, adjustable torso length (located at hip-belt on sliding pin lock track), adjustable sternum strap, adjustable shoulder and hip-belt straps, foam molded back panel, foam padded shoulder straps. | Internal aluminum frame, adjustable torso length (located at hip-belt on sliding pin lock track), adjustable sternum strap, adjustable shoulder and hip-belt straps, perforated mesh molded back panel, perforated mesh padded shoulder straps. |
Seat & Harness | 5 point safety harness, leg straps with buckles, adjustable seat (3 tiered hook system), adjustable harness (strap and plastic slide), padded seat, cockpit adjustment straps. | 5 point safety harness, leg straps with buckles, adjustable seat (3 tiered hook system), adjustable harness (strap and plastic slide), padded seat, cockpit adjustment straps. |
Storage | Main compartment with mesh organizer pockets, secondary compartment (hydration compatible), 1 mesh hip-belt pocket, 1 velcro-close hip-belt pocket, 2 mesh side pockets, 1 exterior mesh pocket. | Main compartment with mesh organizer pockets, secondary compartment (hydration compatible), 1 mesh hip-belt pocket, 1 velcro-close hip-belt pocket, 2 mesh side pockets. |
Load Capability | 21L capacity. Kelty's max weight recommendation: 40 lbs (child + gear) | 21L capacity. Kelty's max weight recommendation: 40 lbs (child + gear) |
Additional Features | removable sunshade, changing pad, metal toe-kick bar, toy loops, velcro carry handle. | metal toe-kick bar, toy loops, velcro carry handle. |
Like I mentioned before, the storage on these carriers is pretty impressive. The main compartment is spacious enough to fit 1 - 2 liters of water, a gallon bag of snacks, a diaper changing / potty training kit, and any other odds and ends. The divided mesh organizer pocket is helpful for separating out smaller gear like a first aid kit or water filter. In the exterior pocket, you can fit hats, jackets, or any other layers you may need to access during a hike. Two tethered key clips are also included inside the carrier. Both the Transit and Junction do have a second narrower compartment intended for a water reservoir. However, I personally have never utilized this feature.
Kelty's max carry load for the Junction / Transit is 40lbs. This includes the weight of the child and gear. This limit is mostly accurate assuming your baby / toddler weighs between 16 and 30lbs and gear weighs between 8 and 10lbs. I definitely wouldn't recommend carrying a child heavier than 35lbs, even with minimal gear. One recommendation I couldn't find any mention of was max height. This is a pretty important factor since the cockpit of the carrier is only 14 inches deep (from leg openings to top of harness) at the lowest setting and rests close to the ground. While a child may not exceed the max weight limit, this carrier may not be comfortable for taller 2 1/2 - 3 year olds. Especially over any significant period of time. Based on our own personal experiences hiking with toddlers, my friend and I determined the height limit is around 34 to 36 inches tall.
*Side note: I did notice a discrepancy in the claimed weight for the Transit when pulling info for the specs & features chart. On retail sites, it's listed as 5lbs 4 oz while the Junction is listed as 4lbs 13oz. When weighing them on my pack scale at home, both came to 4lbs 14oz or 4.87 lbs. I think this is because the Transit originally came with accessories that the Junction did not like a removable sunshade and diaper changing mat. I only received the mat when I bought mine and didn't include it when weighing the carrier.
Trial Run, Durability, and Maintenance
With the exception of the Poco LT and Kid Comfort Active, the typical weight range for a kid carrier is 7 to 9lbs. The Transit / Junction comes in right under 5lbs, and unlike others in that lighter weight category you don't have to sacrifice comfort. As someone with frequent back pain, finding a carrier that could deliver on both weight and comfort was really important to me. In the last year and a half, I've taken my Transit on dozens of trails from the beach to the mountains. Had I found it sooner, I probably could have saved myself a lot of hikes cut short by pain and discomfort. Now I don't want to mislead you into thinking I've been taking this carrier out on 10+ mile treks loaded to max capacity. That's definitely not the case. However, I wasn't just taking it on short outings with minimal gear either.
To give a realistic idea of this carrier's capabilities, a good example would be taking it on John Rock Loop last Fall. At this point I'd been using the Transit around 9 months, so I was very familiar with all the features as well as how to make adjustments to get the right fit for myself and my daughter. At the time, she was 22 months old and around 25lbs. The route was about 6 miles and moderately challenging with several sections of steep incline and shallow creek crossings. I carried my daughter for 5 of those miles taking two long breaks. One at at the top overlook (halfway) and one at a campsite on the way down (three fourths of the way.) By the end of the hike my shoulders and hips were pretty achy and sore, but no different than if I had hiked it wearing a fully loaded 45 - 55L pack.
Compare this to a hike at Crowders Mountain earlier in the year with the Osprey Poco LT. I was carrying a much lighter child (about 18lbs) for a similar distance over rockier terrain. I had to stop repeatedly to adjust the shoulder straps and hipbelt because of painful spots in my low back and shoulders. In the last 2 miles the carrier became so uncomfortable I had to hand it off to my husband. I'm someone who enjoys the responsibility and added challenge of carrying our daughter on family hikes. So, for me to accept his offer to take over, it has to be pretty bad. This is when I knew I needed to find a carrier that was right for me and not what was currently trending.
Even for an older gently used product, my Transit carrier is still in great condition. I haven't experienced any holes, tears, or damage to the material with regular outdoor use. I haven't experienced any degradation or weakening of the straps / webbing either. Which I've seen some folks report is the case with older Kelty products. All the slides, clips, buckles, and zippers seem to be in perfect working order too. The same goes for my friend's Junction carrier. I guess that's a testament to how much life you can get out of a piece of gear when take good care of it?
As for maintenance, I recommend washing it in the bathtub every few months with a mild or free and clear detergent. You can also use gear wash meant for specifically for backpacks. If the shoulder padding and back panel holds onto persistent odors you can add a little Revivex Odor Eliminator to the water. To dry, hang it outside in the sun. Be sure to rotate it upside down and right side up every couple hours to prevent excess water from pooling in some of the deeper compartments. In between washes I also recommend spraying the back panel and cockpit / seat down with isopropyl alcohol. This helps kill bacteria and mitigate odors from built up sweat. The zippers on this carrier are on the bulkier side, so it's a good idea to apply zipper lube / wax every so often to keep things moving smoothly.
Anything I Dislike?
There's a lot of things I love about this carrier, but I do have a few critiques. For one, the side pockets and hipbelt pockets aren't great. The side pockets are very shallow, making it hard to carry a taller water bottle. Which is pretty inconvenient if you're using a Smart Water bottle and screw on filter setup. Meanwhile, the hipbelt pockets aren't compatible with smartphones. I can't fault Kelty too much for this since it was designed in a time when most people still had a Nokia Brick. The right pocket has a velcro flap closure with enough space for a granola bar, while the left pocket is mesh and has a slanted shape. Although my phone does fit in this pocket it isn't secure. I have to be careful of how I take the carrier on and off to keep it from falling out. I also have to avoid leaning too far forward on steep inclines.
In addition to better pockets, I really wish this carrier had a more breathable back panel. I personally prefer a trampoline style back. That's not to say the foam back panel on this carrier is uncomfortable. It's just not what I'm used to. I did try to remedy this with a product called VentiPak. It's a mesh panel you can clip onto a backpack (or carrier) to improve breathability and act like a trampoline style suspension system. I had really high hopes for it, but the wire frame kept digging into my upper back and shoulders. It also made getting my arms in and out of the shoulder straps a challenge. The discomfort was so bad I had to turn around less than a mile into trying it out.
My last criticism has to do with the Junction / Transit's limits. Kelty claims the max load is 40lbs. That includes child and gear. However, in my experience this limit is closer to 30lbs. While I can still carry my almost 3 year old, there's a noticeable difference in how the Transit supported the load just a year prior. I'm definitely not able to wear it for the majority of a 6+ mile hike anymore. Our hikes these days are more like 1 to 3 miles with periods where she walks in between. Which I understand is the natural progression of things. I'm also not saying a max carry weight of 30 to 35lbs is unreasonable. Especially for such a compact and lightweight product. I'm just disappointed to find it's outlived its usefulness so soon.
Again, Kelty does not mention a recommended height limit. Which if you've been a parent for any length of time you know babies and toddlers vary so much in size. A weight limit alone isn't always useful in determining whether something is going to be a good fit. Based off our own experiences and observations, my friend and I determined a max height recommendation for this carrier should be between 34 and 36 inches tall. Which, again, is just the opinion of two moms and not the manufacturers.
Final Thoughts...
There's nothing quite like the Transit / Junction currently on the market, which is unfortunate. It isn't going to be right for everyone, but for the folks that haven't had much luck with typical style carriers it might be exactly what they need. While I know the chances are slim, part of me hopes this review somehow gains Kelty's attention and convinces them to revive this product. With Kelty now producing temperature rated toddler sleeping bags. (An area Morrison Outdoors pretty much had the monopoly on.) I'm interested to see what other gear they come out with for little hikers. Even if it isn't a new and improved Transit / Junction carrier!
More Kid Carrier Related Content
Although the Osprey Poco LT is the primary example I use in this video, the tips shared here are applicable to other kid carriers too. Including the Kelty Transit and Junction!
I hope you found this review helpful. If you have any questions about this particular carrier or hiking with a baby/toddler in general, feel free to drop those in the comments.
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