After testing the impressive Bushbaby Premier Back Carrier I was eager to try Bushbaby’s new top-of-the range carrier, the Pinnacle. This back carrier boasts a unique patented suspension system, which includes spring absorption in the frame to relieve stress on your spine and maximise comfort for your child.
The Pinnacle doesn’t have a metal stand but offers a safer option with its loading stabiliser, located on the base, on which you place your foot to help keep the carrier steady.
As with other Bushbaby carriers, the Pinnacle Back Carrier complies with BS EN 13209:2004, the safety requirement for child use and care products.
What we love
The Bushbaby Pinnacle Back Carrier is ideal for everyday use as well as for more adventurous outings – it’s when you’re heading over bumpy terrain and walking uphill that the suspension system really comes into its own. Once strapped in, Michela was safely contained - she didn’t sway or rock sideways even when I raced up the stairs to test its stability. She was so well strapped in that the foot loops weren’t even needed.
Both my partner and I agreed that the weight distribution of the Pinnacle was great. My partner was so impressed he dubbed it the Rolls Royce of carriers!
The Bigeye Max feature means you’ve got a fully adjustable child harness and seat height, so the carrier is suitable from 6 months to 4 years. The parent straps fit anyone from 5ft to 6ft 4in (perfect for me at 5ft 2in and my partner at 5ft 9in) and waist/chest of up to 50/52in.
Because the Bushbaby Pinnacle Back Carrier is a top-of-the range child carrier, padding is luxuriously plush – my partner and I both felt the difference on our shoulders and back.
Other features we loved are the mirror, which allowed us to check what our little monkey was up to; the toy loop for Michela’s favourite teddy; the deep storage pockets for valuables and baby necessities; and the generous raincover and excellent sunshade with UV protective mesh for all weather walking.
To top all this off, the Bushbaby Pinnacle Back Carrier can be packed almost flat when not needed.
I wish we’d heard about Bushbaby carriers when Michela outgrew her basic backpack carrier - negotiating a buggy through turnstiles, country gates and over bumpy terrain while dodging nettles and cowpats isn’t fun.
What to watch out for
Although Michela was safely and happily strapped in and the comfortable padding was easing the load, I felt with the sun canopy on, the carrier was quite tall and out of proportion to my small frame. That said, I didn’t have problems going through doors, which can be a hassle with certain carriers as parents don’t realise their child is higher than them, leading to nasty bumps.
The RRP price of £220 is on the steep side but is offset by years of use - the weight limit of this carrier is 20kg. I’d recommend regular use from as early as possible so you get adjusted to your child’s weight changes and can carry your child with ease for longer. As we haven’t used carriers since Michela outgrew her basic carrier at 18 months, adjusting to Michela’s 15kg weight 18 months on took some time and left us out of breath uphill.
Who is the Bushbaby Pinnacle Back Carrier best for?
Parents who enjoy walking and trekking with their child.
If you’re after a safe and comfortable back carrier with all bells and whistles, the Bushbaby Pinnacle Back Carrier is a good investment buy, as your child won’t outgrow it for years. Its suspension system really does work, and the carrier distributes your child’s weight well. Being able to pack it nearly flat adds to its list of user-friendly features. If you often like to head outdoors and off-road, the price tag is easily justified.
