THERE'S A LOT to mock Kiwis about: their vernacular (it's choice, bro), their weather (New Zealanders come here to get out of the wind) and Russell Crowe. But, as befits a nation of travellers, they make some of the best outdoor gear on the market.
The Macpac (www.mac pac.co.nz) range of backpacks is virtually indestructible, and the harnesses are adjustable, breathable and superior to anything else I've tried.
Most of the packs come in five sizes, for different genders and back lengths, and their child carrier, the Vamoose (in action above), is as comfortable for the rider as it is for the wearer. Four years on, my son begs to go in the backpack rather than the pram. It's rugged enough for mountain treks and better than anything on wheels for places with loads of stairs, like the NY subway. There's ample storage space in the removable daypack or the base of the main pack to stuff a day's worth of shopping.
There are plenty of cheaper packs from www.mountainchild.co.uk. At €227, the Vamoose is €130 dearer than the next most expensive model, but that sum seems insignificant compared with the cost of chiropractic work necessitated by use of a cheap baby carrier.
Front-loading baby slings such as Baby Bjorns (above) at www.babybjorn.com (€110 for the bells-and- whistles active version via Irish distributor www.little people.ie) are fine for the first six months, but your back will scream once your child gets much heavier than 10kg. Get a Macpac and you'll never laugh at New Zealanders again. Maybe.