Last week, I put a Boba 2G vs Ergo to the test for 10 hrs at the olympics, with my 10 month twin girls who are approx 19-20lbs. They are 93th percentile in height at approx 30 inches , with approx 19 " back from bum to head. We have an Ergo original. I had to buy a 2nd carrier for my husband. We are both around 5ft 8. I got a boba 2G for the 2nd twin. They are very similar looking with good strong material. They both have hoods, although ergo also has a pocket.
I assumed the ergo would be superior, as it was fantastic for getting a fussy/crying baby off to sleep, or popping down to the shops. I hadnt used it for more than 4 hrs in the 5 months Ive had it. But to my surprise , after a 10 hr day , the Boba was in every respect better than the Ergo.
After 4hrs the Ergo lower back/ lumber support was uncomfortable & not as well padded as the Boba. The baby was arching her back & crying & leaning her head back. The hood couldnt help. Meanwhile the other twin in the Boba was happily snoozing under her hood (protected somewhat from the sun) or watching the events. The Boba twin was never uncomfortable. We may be selling our Ergo & replacing with a Boba 2G or 3G. The 3 G can be adjusted for newborns. Both Boba & Ergo carriers are fine for large babys , up to 45 lbs. I have tried the Ergo at the side & the hippy chick hip carrier. I think you may find that its not as hands free as you expect, to carry at the side.
Do see if you can try before you buy for back & hip fitting. Some places like slumberoo, sell a range of carriers & also hire some, so you can see what suits you.
Re clothing, Olympics had lots of rain then hot, then downpour. I found a clear poncho worked well. to keep all of baby covered incl. feet. We put layers on ie shorts , tshirt, then tracksuit. We had a waterproof romper mac, but I got the poncho out quicker then hubby putting the mac on. Socks also occasionally came off. The samsonite baby carrier cover, I found to be a bit small for the babies ie not enough to cover feet. I was looking at the ergo baby carrier but a £2 poncho was enough in the olympics & easy to carry (fit in my hand).
I had the ergobacksack on the opposite side of the baby ie if baby was at the front, id have it at the back. After 4 hrs with the ergo, my back was hurting & the baby was uncomfortable so in future , for long trips, i would bring a small roller carry on suitcase, + the baby carrier. Or a satchel type/changing bag. Hubby didnt have as much problem with the Boba. We had 3 x 500ml bottles of prepared milk, nappies, their rainmac, & some food pouches & wipes + our light macs. I got my Boba 2G from someone who hiked in Thailand, so I knew it was good for long distance. There are some good deals available on them at the moment & theyre cheaper than the ergo, but as with the ergo, be careful of fakes.
Our criteria for carriers, was good quality, lasts for a few years, (not just the 1st yr), so value for money, hood (helps sleep & with sun, as they can knock hats off). Pocket not so important as I have loads .