has long life span from 6 months to approx 4 years
Disadvantages:
not machine washable
Recommend to potential buyers:
yes
Full review
We couldn't believe our eyes when we saw this rucksack. We'd been toying with the decision, reins or non-reins for our son. We found the rucksack at the Mountain Life Outdoor Adventure Shop located in Rheged Discovery Centre, Penrith whilst having a weekend break.
~~~LittleLife~~~ I must admit, I'd never heard of LittleLife before. After a bit of research, I have discovered that they design products especially for active families who enjoy outdoor activities and travelling. They introduced their first series of products only two years ago in 2003, initially focusing on child carriers and accessories, they now produce ultra-light travel cots (very trendy) as well as first aid kits. The designers boast enjoying spending a lot of time with their own children outdoors as well as being experienced designers for equipment for mountaineers and expeditions. Their equipment is manufactured to the same standard as their expedition equipment and claims to be safe and functional.
~~~Toddler Daysack~~~ The toddler daysack is produced for toddlers between 6 months to 4 years but realistically, it'll get most use once the child is walking. They come in two colours, blue or red although these colours are just the centre strip of the bag and the majority of it is black with some grey detailing. It retails around £8 to £10.
Within the coloured band is the LittleLife logo and to the left of this is a picture of an animal - elephant on the blue, not sure about the red one. Either side of the coloured band is some reflective grey piping and to the left is a half sized netted outside pocket. On the top of the bag is a bright yellow handle which is in cord but covered in a very sturdy, clear plastic coating which is easy to keep clean. The zip opening has a long (2 inch) tab to aid opening and it opens about 40%. Turning the rucksack over, it is just like looking at a mini, good quality rucksack: slightly padded shoulder straps with adjustable waistband that clips together. There is a reinforced strip of webbing down the middle of the back with a small metal loop attached at the top. Inside the bag you will find the reigns. This comes as a long 1 inch wide strip of sturdy webbing and is about a metre long. At one end is a clip to attach to the rucksack and at the other is a padded loop for the parent to hold.
~~~Caring for your Daysack~~~ The two ways to clean it is to either brush with a soft brush or use a damp cloth and mild liquid soap. It is not machine washable. LittleLife recommend that you do not store it away if damp.
~~~Where to Purchase~~~ LittleLife's website is quite informative - www.littlelife.co.uk - and you can search for local stockists (mainly outdoor equipment shops) although this doesn't always mean they'll stock what you want but it's a good start and you could always give the store a ring before you go to double check. Alternatively, we've found that www.foxsoutdoor.co.uk will sell them at £9.99 and do not charge delivery.
~~~What we think~~~ We bought this primarily for when my son is walking and we're out and about in places where we want him nearby for safety. Therefore, we plan to use the reins quite a bit. Before our son was walking, we encouraged him to play with and wear his daysack to get used to it, be happy with it and not to think of it purely as a restraining object. He absolutely loves it. He enjoys putting thing in it and taking them out again. He also tries to put it on his shoulders himself (unsuccessfully) but with a bit of help from a grown-up, he charges around excitedly with the rucksack on his back and fastened at the waist. Some people may think we were a been a bit premature in introducing it to him before he was walking but we're convinced that he enjoyed it. Our son is in 9-12 month clothes being short and very skinny - currently and the waist band is on quite a short setting with a long potential for growth. The bag is small enough for him now but will carry quite a lot. A water bottle, jumper and a few books at least.
