Mark (my husband) and I span both ends of the height spectrum - he is nearly a foot taller than I a - but luckily for us all aspects of the Phil and Teds Escape are adjustable. The padded shoulder straps can be altered using the 'Slide Adjust System' to ensure a snug fit; the height of the harness can be lowered or raised with the use of webbing tabs inside the carrier; there are adjustable straps on the hip that can be tightened; and a strap across the chest can also be adjusted to stop the shoulder straps sliding off your shoulders. Added to this is the new 'Body-tech System' ensuring that your back remains comfortably dry with its use of breathable fabrics.
In the child's compartment, the seat level can be adjusted as well as the straps at the side and the padded shoulder harness. The child’s buckle can be adjusted for a secure fit.
The Phil and Teds Escape also has a bendable head support - the sides of the headrest bend inwards to support your child's head, allowing them to have a nap in comfort. No neck ache for Phil and Teds’ babies!
The Phil and Teds Escape also features child 'stirrups'. These are small shoe holders secured onto the carrier. Your child puts their feet into the 'stirrups' and this provides support for their legs (leaving legs dangling is not good for the circulation).
There’s a small hood for the carrier, attached using two small rods placed into holes on the top of the carrier frame, and a rain visor can be fastened to the hood to keep the worst of the weather off your child's face. The hood can be removed and stored in one of the carrier's zipped pockets behind your child's seat.
In addition to all the normal adjustable bits, this back carrier comes with a nappy pouch containing a change mat, a key pocket and small mirror for checking what’s going on back there. There’s also a zip-off day bag as well as webbed pockets on the outer sides of the frame for drink bottles and the usual storage under the child seat. All in all, lots of space to store all you need for a day out.
The Phil and Teds Escape will stand up on its own, using a fold-out, self-sprung, quick-fold base for stable set down.
What we love
The Phil and Teds Escape back carrier a very stylish looking backpack - we tried the orange colour way and definitely turned a few heads.
Once the adjustments are complete the Escape will adapt to fit almost any size of parent - or any other obliging sole you can find to carry your child on a long trek!
Freya stayed happy when she fell asleep in the Escape. There’s a pillow for her to rest her head on and the rear head support bends around to stop her wobbling about as we walk.
There are lots of pockets within this carrier - we managed to load up a day’s worth of nappies, wipes, baby food etc and our waterproofs without running out of space.
The kick-out stand makes the carrier stable enough for loading and unloading, which is great when you are trying to do this alone. I even used the carrier on the school-run - not something I’ve ever done with our other carrier but the Escape is so easy to put on when you’re on your own.
What to watch out for
This is a massively adjustable back carrier but not the quickest to make the changes. My husband had to fiddle with a lot of straps to make it comfy on him after I had been wearing it. However, once properly adjusted the Escape does spread the load well, but could perhaps do with a little more shoulder padding.
Although the Escape can be used with babies from 3 months, my friend’s little girl Margarite (a very small 5 months) did look a little lost and wobbly in it.
We had a couple of small niggles. Firstly, the mirror is in its own very tight fitting pocket and has a hole in it so it can be attached but I felt it should come ready-strung – we managed to lose it within minutes. Secondly, when adjusting it for the first time my husband pulled the chest strap too hard and it came off in his hand - it was a real fiddle to get it back on.
The rain visor and hood are easy to add but they only cover the top of your baby so look out for wet legs!
Who is the Phil and Teds Escape back carrier best for?
Mums and dads who walk loads, after versatility and good value.
The Phil and Teds Escape is a hugely adjustable back carrier that will comfortably fit a wide range of both child and adult sizes. It’s packed with features, can carrying lots of essentials and can be used without the help of another adult. Just be prepared to spend a bit of time adjusting it when your switch between adults.
