"As long as it makes me look like a DILF, I don't care what kind of backpack we get."

We have one of these - bought it used and in great condition. Lightweight, sturdy, and a fantastic piece of equipment once you figure out the myriad straps and complex re-adjustment that may be required per parent. We'd looked at other models - this one stood out.

And it's helpful when you take the brat-monkey to things like festivals or Octoberfest - where they would otherwise be at cigarette/beer-cup level in the crowd in the stroller. Also good for walks with the pets, if you have any, or medium length hikes - the weight settles evenly, and you won't feel like you are paralyzed after an hour or two of walking.

Backpack style carriers often require 2 adults to load the baby thus are rather frustrating if someone is just trying to slip out for a brisk walk and the other parent is at work.

Can't you just hang the baby on a hook and then shimmy up under it?

By all means register for the $240 Kelty, but unless you've become quite the hiker in recent years, I would suggest that a smaller and cheaper Kelty might actually be more suitable. Also, no backpack carrier is useful until the kidlet is 6 months old. Until then you need a BabyBjorn carrier and/or a sling.

Having lots of the little rodents, I'm full of wisdom on what you need to keep them and you healthy and happy.

My sister had one of those sling things, and when she wore it while doing yard work it looked like she belonged in a eighteenth century rice paddy. So we're not getting one of those.

You all are forgetting the most important rule of child rearing: Looking good!

Cardinal rule is looking good, huh? Lemme check you out at 2 am, then 3am and when you just stay up at 4

Justin wouldn't use a sling either. He uses the BabyBjorn when the kidlets are teeny. Strollers are, of course, good things. You can't use a backpack for the first six months. So it won't aid you in looking good for a long while.