Advice needed on buying a backpack carrier please.

[ilovemyoboe]

We want to buy a backpack style carrier for our baby who is nearly one (and extremely heavy!) but could do with some advice. Not really sure what to look for apart from comfort, obviously. What have mumsnetters found to be good and bad points to look out for in a backpack carrier?

Also, my husband and I are quite different heights and builds, so we would need to be able to adjust the carrier so we could both use it. Is this feasible? I'm 5foot 6inches, and husband is 6foot 1inch; would we be able to use the same sized frame, or is it like backpacks (for carrying stuff in not babies) where different heights need different frame sizes?

Last question - any specific feedback on Bush Baby backpacks, as we heard they were a good make.

Any info greatly appreciated.

[wastingaway]

We have the Macpac Koala. It's really nice, the build quality is fantastic. It's easy to adjust and is comfy. The only problem is that the height isn't adjustable. We should have paid for the next model up, and then it would have been comfier for DH. I'd definitely suggest getting one that can be adapted to different heights.

This is where we got ours. They've got a variety of brands to choose from too.

[Eaglebird]

We got a Macpac too. Can't remember the model name, but it's got the adjustable height thing. I'd recommend it.
The trick is to adjust it so that the weight is spread across your hips. You shouldn't feel the weight on your shoulder straps.
We got ours from a local independent outdoor shop. They had several different makes, and the assistant was very helpful. We took DS with us, and we tried him in each of the backpacks. DP & I tried each backpack, with DS in it, and we both found the Macpac one the most comfortable.