Child carrier Backpack

For the backpack carrier, as for front carriers, it's important to ensure that there's a wide seat platform for the child. Our kids are all grown up and I haven't looked at carriers in detail in a while but it used to be that the Baby Bjorn front carriers and Kelty backpack carriers were well-known to hold the child by the crotch, with legs dangling down and that's something to be avoided. For the front carry, Mei-Tais, most soft-structured carriers and many others provide that wide seat in the facing-in position. However, I've never seen a child carried at the front in the facing-out position who didn't have their legs dangling down (and to this day, I look at every child in that position that I come across, wondering if an OK facing-out option will ever become available). Of course, a good number of backpack carriers also offer a wide seat for the child. Back then, we used a Macpac Possum.

We also almost never used the stroller, opting for front-, then back-carrying until the kids could walk a bit, at which point we tried to have them walk on their own as much as possible, holding hands, praising, encouraging, taking little breaks and using the backpack carrier only when more serious rests and naps were necessary after good walking bouts. Once the kid hits that milestone of walking pretty reliably, the main thing is that, whether you're going to a crag, on a hike or just shopping, you should adjust your schedule, goals and speed expectations to allow for all those breaks and walking bouts at a toddler's pace. 

We went with the Deuter based on the rigorous "my kid just threw up all over this one in the store and the salesman looks really nervous about what I'm going to do next" decision making method. Highly recommended, lots of good miles/memories on that pack. 

To carry enough gear, I would choose soft front carrier like kinder pack so I can utilize a full pack in the back. If you don’t have a lot of gear, Deuter was nice because the weight is under the child instead of behind which makes the weight distraction nice.

You will need an extra adult to watch the kid at that age. Could be your partner or other climbing partners. Good luck! 

Get the comfiest hiking carrier, go climbing once. Realize it will never work or be a regular thing as your child literally changes personality weekly:)

You need a quiver. Poco plus, plus the slick and simple “Trail Magik” carrier gets us everywhere we wanna go with the toddler.

https://trailmagik.com/?gclid=Cj0KCQjw5f2lBhCkARIsAHeTvljlmHCgqeoUrPsJyzMx0pwukvATPKw-NCQQ7nVYmcnrSttlsJwBMQIaAnpHEALw_wcB

I have the Poco too and in your same boat. Little guy is about 2.5 and he’s getting pretty heavy in there. I’m thinking after the summer, he’s probably going to be to big for it. It does a good job with weight distribution but you can still feel it, given the fact you have a 30+ lb kid on your back, around the 4-5 mile mark, my shoulders are typically ready to call it quits 9apps.ooo/  .

Would recommend going to a store and trying as many as you can. Also check around and see if you can find a used one, seems pretty common to find as they’re literally useless once your kid outgrows them.