The Outdoor Family: ERGObaby Performance Carrier

ergo performance in action The Outdoor Family: ERGObaby Performance CarrierTim & I like to hike. When we began having babies, we had two options: (1) Stop hiking and wait until all of our kids were old enough to hike on their own (that might be a long time coming…) or (2) Carry the little ones. We decided on the latter.

For shorter hikes, our 4-year-old can hold her own. She’s quite an able hiker for being so young. For longer hikes, Tim carries her part way in our Kelty carrier.

When our baby was younger, I carried her in the ERGO on my chest. Now that she’s a toddler, I prefer to carry her on my back (The only downside of carrying her on my back is that it’s harder to get her situated without help from another adult. Once she’s in, though, she’s content.). She also likes to get out and do a little hiking herself when we are on flatter surfaces.

hiking with a toddler on my back The Outdoor Family: ERGObaby Performance CarrierERGO recently sent me their newest Performance Carrier ($120) in Spring Green to review. I was giddy when it arrived. You see, this is the “ERGO for outdoor people.” It has all of the same great features as the original ERGO, but it’s lighter in weight, has a more durable exterior, and is lined with mesh for better breath-ability.

I haven’t used it on any long hikes yet, but it’s proven itself to be awesome on shorter hikes.

ergo performance back carry The Outdoor Family: ERGObaby Performance CarrierSo. I bet you want to ask me, “If you had to choose between the organic carrier and the performance carrier, which would you choose?” That’s a tough one because they are VERY similar. I almost couldn’t tell the difference. If you intend to use the carrier at least semi-regularly in outdoor pursuits, I would say to get the performance.

Do you have any babywearing questions for me? Feel free to ask.

WIN IT! One winner will receive an ERGObaby Performance Carrier ($120). To enter, leave any topic-related comment on this post prior to Monday, October 11th at 11:59 p.m. All generic comments like “Enter me!,” “Love it,” and “Cool stuff!” will be disqualified. Winner must provide a US mailing address.

* ERGObaby sent me a sample for review purposes and is also providing 1 carrier for the giveaway.

*UPDATE* The winner is #28 Tiffany. Congratulations!

hike to bridal wreath falls

3 miles there. 3 miles back. 6 miles total. We see deer (three of them!), rabbits, squirrels, multicolored lizards, spiderwebs, and a bird’s nest.

When we get to the falls, there isn’t any water (but there IS plenty of shade). We munch on trail mix, Clif Bars, fruit roll-ups, and yogurt-covered raisins.

Then, Tim asks, “Should we pray together?” “YES!” our 3-year-old says. “What should we talk to God about?” he asks. “Thank him for all this beautiful stuff?!?” she answers enthusiastically, gesturing to the waving trees and the life around us. So we do.

As we descend the mountain, we all agree that this was an ideal way to spend a Saturday. Out in nature. Together.

On the drive home, our 3-year-old says, “That was the best ever!” Yes. Indeed.

bridal falls hike to bridal wreath falls douglas spring trail bridal wreath falls hike to bridal wreath falls family hiking to bridal falls hike to bridal wreath falls tim at bridal falls hike to bridal wreath falls

WHAT FREE/FUN ACTIVITIES HAVE YOU BEEN DOING WITH YOUR KIDS THIS SUMMER? (I’m taking suggestions)

IF YOU LIVE IN SOUTHERN AZ, WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE HIKING TRAILS?

Curious about the logistics of how we hike with our 1-year-old and 3-year-old? Read: 4 Tips for hiking with baby.

How we spent our Saturday: hiking 7 falls

This photo was taken at approximately 2:15pm today – after a 6-MILE hike with the girls. Note my flushed cheeks from the warm weather (the high was 86 degrees today).

seven falls tucson hike with baby How we spent our Saturday: hiking 7 falls

We hiked up Seven Falls in Bear Canyon in the Santa Catalina Mountains. And this is “real” hiking – with stream crossings, rock-hopping, and trekking uphill. At the end of the trail, there are waterfalls (hence the name) and pools for swimming (but fair warning – the water is c-c-cold).

7 falls tucson hike with family How we spent our Saturday: hiking 7 fallsThe hike was totally fun – and it was good to know that we COULD do it. Up-and-around, over-and-through…carrying the girls deep into the heart of nature.

When we pulled out of the parking lot, our 3-year-old suddenly said, “Can we come here EVERY Saturday?” Needless to say, I think the adventure was a huge hit with our whole family.

How did you spend your Saturday? If you live in or near Tucson, have you ever hiked 7 falls?