We recently took a family trip to the stunning Lake O’Hara in Yoho National Park, staying at the iconic Lake O’Hara Lodge. We planned our visit around the larch season, which, as any seasoned hiker knows, is unpredictable. 

What is Larch Season?

Larch season, which usually occurs in late September to early October, is when the larch trees in the Canadian Rockies turn a brilliant gold before shedding their needles for winter. It’s a fleeting and highly sought-after event, making the landscape especially beautiful during this transition.

Every year, at the end of September, we make our way to the Rockies, where it's either 25°C and sunny or full-blown blizzard—no in-between. This year was the latter. Despite the snow, the sight of golden larches against the white landscape was simply breathtaking, and we couldn’t wait to explore with our three-year-old daughter, Aspen.

Having hiked with Aspen since she was a baby, we've tried many child carriers over the years, and for this adventure, we brought along the Deuter Kid Comfort SL. It quickly became our favourite for several reasons.

What Set the Deuter Kid Comfort SL Apart

The most standout feature for us was the side entry. After years of navigating different packs, the ease of getting Aspen in and out—especially bundled up in snow gear—was a game-changer. She could even climb in herself, which made her more willing to go in the pack when needed.

Even with Aspen weighing over 30 pounds now, the pack felt incredibly stable and lightweight. The ventilated back panel prevented us from overheating, and the padded hip belt helped distribute weight evenly during longer hikes. The suspension system is a real lifesaver for parents concerned about comfort on the trail.

Moreover, the pack is PFAS-free and TÜV/GS certified for safety, making it both eco-friendly and reliable. Knowing that we’re using gear that’s safe for Aspen and the environment aligns with our family values.

That said, there were a couple of things we didn’t love. The sun roof isn’t integrated like some other packs, and we didn’t realize that until later. We’ll definitely be ordering the separate sun roof and rain cover for future trips. Navigating the hydration pack setup also took some trial and error, but it was simple enough once we figured it out.

Overall, this is a great pack, especially for older kids, and we’d recommend it if you’re on the hunt for a new child carrier!

Finding the Right Fit with Your Deuter Child Carrier

Here are a few tips we’ve learned while using the Deuter Kid Comfort SL:

• Adjust the Straps Properly: Ensure the shoulder, chest, and hip straps are correctly adjusted to prevent strain on your back.

• Child’s Comfort: Make sure your child is snug but has enough room to move.

• Try It with Gear On: Test the carrier with your child’s full winter gear beforehand to ensure comfort.

• Weight Distribution: Adjust the back panel to your torso length for balanced weight distribution.

• Storage Space: The pack’s roomy compartments allowed us to easily carry Aspen’s snacks, gloves, and extra layer—perfect for keeping her comfortable on the trail.

Note: We ordered the SL Women’s Fit as I will be the primary one using the pack although, my partner found it to be comfortable and had no complaints. 

Exploring Lake O’Hara with a Toddler

Lake O’Hara was magical, even with the snow. The trails were serene, and the Deuter Kid Comfort SL made navigating them with Aspen a breeze, allowing us to truly enjoy the area’s beauty. For families with toddlers or older kids looking for an outdoor adventure, this child carrier is an excellent choice!

Our favorite hikes included:

• Opabin Plateau & Opabin Prospect: This trail offers stunning panoramic views of Lake O’Hara and the surrounding peaks, with larch trees dotting the landscape.

• McArthur Lake: A rewarding hike that leads to a serene alpine lake, especially breathtaking when surrounded by snowy larches.

• Lake Oesa: A relatively easy trek with jaw-dropping views, perfect for winter exploration and ideal for families looking to enjoy nature without too much difficulty.

And as always, here’s a few reminders for recreating responsibly from the Parks Canada team and Leave No Trace Canada:

Rules for exploring our beautiful backyard:

Plan and prepare:

• Plan your travel route

• Get your Parks Canada pass

• Know the terrain and conditions - you can find detailed information about trail conditions, warnings and closures, fire updates and wildlife on the Parks Canada Website

• Check the weather

• Fill out a trip plan (check out AdventureSmart for more information)

Be considerate of wildlife and other visitors:

• On narrow trails, give way to uphill hikers.

• Take breaks on durable surfaces off the trail.

• Give freedom for the sounds of nature. Avoid excessive noise. 

• Pack out what you pack in, and help clean up the trails on your adventures.

• Keep dogs on a leash at all times, and properly dispose of their waste.

• Permits are required for fishing and watercraft.

• Feeding wildlife is illegal.

• Drones are prohibited in all Canadian national parks. 

• Always carry bear spray and know how to use it.

And most importantly, have fun! 

Parks Website(s): 

• Yoho National Park

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