In Depth Baby Product Reviews Led by a Pediatrician

Phil and Teds Escape Review

Disappointing functionality in an uncomfortable package
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phil and teds escape baby backpack review
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Price:  $250 List
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Manufacturer:   Phil & Teds
By Juliet Spurrier, MD & Wendy Schmitz  ⋅  Nov 20, 2017
39
OVERALL
SCORE


RANKED
#9 of 10
  • Parent Comfort - 30% 3.0
  • Storage - 20% 6.0
  • Child Comfort - 25% 3.0
  • Ease of Use - 25% 4.0

The Skinny

The Phil and Teds Escape is a more substantial pack than the other Phil and Teds pack we tested. It has an adjustable torso, stiffer waist strap, and thicker padding that make it slightly more comfortable. However, it still lacks a breathable back and straps that are easy to alter while wearing the carrier. The design of the cockpit doesn't consider how a baby will be sitting in the pack with an ample rear headrest and a thinly padded face rest covering a hard bar, making comfortable napping just a dream. This carrier also has limited storage that is less functional when out and about with your baby. While arguably a step up from other Phil and Teds options, it still fails to match the comfort and functionality of the competition of top-ranked baby backpack carriers, and its lower overall score reflects this.
REASONS TO BUY
Torso adjustment
Multiple storage pockets
REASONS TO AVOID
Hard to get baby close
Hard to adjust harness
Uncomfortable
Editor's Note: We updated the Phil and Teds Escape gear review on September 8th, 2022, to ensure the product is currently available on the market.

Compare to Similar Products

 
phil and teds escape baby backpack review
Awards  Editors' Choice Award Best Value Award Top Pick Award Best Value Award 
Price $250 List
$189.99 at Amazon
$340 List
$319.95 at Amazon
$280 List
$214.94 at Amazon
$300 List
$234.84 at Amazon
$200 List
$169.90 at Amazon
Overall Score Sort Icon
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Bottom Line Unimpressive features and adjustment in a hard to wear packEasy to use, comfortable pack with a canopy, hydration pocket, and ample storageDespite a lack of storage, this comfortable pack is good for those on a budget or narrower buildsWhile it has a lower price than some of the high-quality competition it is generally average in most testsLower quality backpack with a budget-friendly price and decent storage
Rating Categories Phil and Teds Escape Kelty Journey Perfe... Deuter Kid Comfort... Osprey Poco LT LuvdBaby Premium
Parent Comfort (30%)
3.0
8.0
9.0
7.0
6.0
Storage (20%)
6.0
10.0
6.0
7.0
7.0
Child Comfort (25%)
3.0
9.0
9.0
7.0
5.0
Ease of Use (25%)
4.0
7.0
7.0
7.0
6.0
Specs Phil and Teds Escape Kelty Journey Perfe... Deuter Kid Comfort... Osprey Poco LT LuvdBaby Premium
Usage Ranges Min-Max: 16 lbs - 40 lbs Min-Max: 16 lbs - 40 lbs Min-Max: When child can sit upright independently - 48 lbs Min-Max: 16 lbs - 40 lbs Min-Max: 16 lbs - 40 lbs
Max Pack Load 40 lbs 48.5 lbs 48 lbs 48.5 lbs N/A
Weight 6.6 lbs 7.4 lbs 6 lbs 5.3 lbs 6.4 lbs
BGL Folded/Flat Dimensions 12" W x 8.5" H x 30.5" L 16" W x 10" H x 31" L 16.5" W x 10" H x 31" L 13.5" W x 7" H x 30" L 14.7" W x 9.5" H x 28.5" L
Frame Aluminum Aluminum Aluminum Stainless steel Aluminum
Fabric 300d and 600d Fabric Body: Poly 420D Small Back Stafford
Interior: 75D Poly x 140D Nylon Blend
210 denier polyamide fabric. Tear and abrasion resistant, watertight to 1500 mm 210D Nylon Waterproof 600D & 300D Ripstop Polyester
Stirrups Yes, adjustable straps with a foot booties Yes, adjustable Yes No Yes
Canopy Yes Yes No Yes Yes
Hydration Bladder Compatible Yes Yes No Yes Yes
Included Accessories Changing Pad, Mirror Journey Sunshade Sunshade Changing Pad, Rain Cover
Care Instructions Spot Clean Spot Clean Hand Wash Hand Wash and Hang Dry Spot Clean

Our Analysis and Test Results

The international Phil and Teds is an award-winning company that creates juvenile products. Phil and Teds have been in the baby gear business for over 20 years, has won three Red Dot awards for design, and includes the Mountain Buggy and Mokopuna brand names. Phil and Teds offer backpack carriers, strollers, travel gear, car seats, and more.

Performance Comparison



phil and teds escape baby backpack review - we found the escape needed regular readjusting to keep it somewhat...
We found the Escape needed regular readjusting to keep it somewhat comfortable.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Parent Comfort


The Escape doesn't offer much for true parent comfort, though it was more comfortable than the other Phil and Teds option, the Phil and Teds Parade, in the best baby backpack carriers review.


phil and teds escape baby backpack review - despite two adjustment points on the escape, it still doesn't feel...
Despite two adjustment points on the Escape, it still doesn't feel like the shoulder straps fit properly and the weight of the baby pulls the straps loose.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

The shoulder straps adjust at the top and beneath the chest clip, but they do not tighten enough to keep the little passenger close, and the weight of the child pulls the straps down and loose as you walk.

phil and teds escape baby backpack review - the torso adjustment on the escape is easy to access and use.
The torso adjustment on the Escape is easy to access and use.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

This backpack carrier has an adjustable torso which helps it fit a little better but is still not as good as the competition. The torso adjustment is in a zippered pocket on the back, but despite its 4.5-inch range, some testers could feel the bottom of the pack rubbing on the top of their rear ends with every step. The back padding is pretty good for cushioning but isn't very breathable.

The waist belt is more substantial and comfortable than the Phil and Teds Parade but isn't as supportive as most of the competition. Testers feel it is saggy, and the back of the strap stretches under the baby's weight as you walk.

phil and teds escape baby backpack review - baby can stay somewhat cozier in the escape thanks to the included...
Baby can stay somewhat cozier in the Escape thanks to the included canopy.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Child Comfort


The Escape isn't very comfortable for little ones either, with a score near the bottom and only a few packs providing less comfort. Insufficient child comfort can mean your time while out and about with your baby may be short.


phil and teds escape baby backpack review - the escape has what looks like a cozy fleece collar but during use...
The Escape has what looks like a cozy fleece collar but during use, it seemed to make little ones hot and sweaty.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

The shoulder straps are a U-shaped fleece pad with a center buckle. The U goes over the baby's head and clips to the harness in front. It feels cozy, but a baby will likely be sweaty on a hot day.

phil and teds escape baby backpack review - the padded headrest on the escape is moldable but unfortunately...
The padded headrest on the Escape is moldable but unfortunately, with the way baby sits he is unlikely to ever use it.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

The headrest is well-padded and moldable inward to support the baby's head. Unfortunately, the way most babies sit in the cockpit means they always lean forward and never use the headrest.

phil and teds escape baby backpack review - the face pad for the escape is not as well padded as the headrest...
The face pad for the Escape is not as well padded as the headrest, and in our experience, most babies end up napping with their head forward on the pad.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

The baby's head usually rests on the front of the cockpit, which is not removable, making it difficult to clean the baby's drool. The pad has no slant for their face to rest on, and the padding is thin — so they can feel the frame underneath.

phil and teds escape baby backpack review - you can adjust many of the features on the escape with a baby in the...
You can adjust many of the features on the Escape with a baby in the pack.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

The seat pad adjusts for height and is relatively wide and well-padded. However, it is poorly structured and folds under the baby's weight. The front of the pad covers the buckles for comfort, and the width is suitable for preventing hip dysplasia if it doesn't fold in half.

phil and teds escape baby backpack review - the cockpit on the escape doesn't tighten enough and we felt it left...
The cockpit on the Escape doesn't tighten enough and we felt it left the passenger sort of flopping around and not secure to the wearer's back.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

The cockpit has a side adjustment flap, but no matter how we tightened it, we still didn't feel like the baby was pulled in close enough to the back of the parent. This design feels less secure and cozy with unwanted floppiness, but it isn't as bad as some of the competition.

The Escape canopy is not great, but at least it has one and it is...
The Escape canopy is not great, but at least it has one and it is relatively straightforward.
The vinyl front visor of the Escape's canopy has a convoluted...
The vinyl front visor of the Escape's canopy has a convoluted attachment that is easy but poorly designed. It protects little ones from the rain and wind.

The Escape has a canopy (above left) that you can store in the pack. It has a plastic vinyl flap (above right) that can be used to keep out wind and rain, but it is not breathable and has a faint plastic smell. The canopy doesn't cover much territory, but it is better than nothing and can keep baby sunburn free.

The rear "legs" of the Escape's canopy slide into the red slit in...
The rear "legs" of the Escape's canopy slide into the red slit in the side of the cockpit.
The canopy on the Escape clips in the front onto the front pad.
The canopy on the Escape clips in the front onto the front pad.

The canopy attaches to the pack by way of leg slots for the back (above left) and clips in the front (above right). It is easy to connect and improves the baby's overall comfort.

phil and teds escape baby backpack review - the stirrups on the escape are little booties with an elastic back...
The stirrups on the Escape are little booties with an elastic back strap.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

The stirrups are located on the back near the sides and are height adjustable. They are more like little toe booties and elastic heel straps. While not all children will use them, it is better to have them and not need them than need them and not have them.

phil and teds escape baby backpack review - the rear pockets on the escape cannot be accessed by the wearer, so...
The rear pockets on the Escape cannot be accessed by the wearer, so if you need supplies you'll need help, or you'll have to take the pack off.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Ease of Use


The Escape is more challenging to use than much of the competition, with an ease of use result that reflects our frustration.


The Escape has a stiff waist buckle that is difficult to squeeze...
The Escape has a stiff waist buckle that is difficult to squeeze than it should be and the straps are a struggle to pull unless it is positioned just right on your body.

Most things about this pack are harder to use than they should be, including the waist belt (above left) that we struggled to adjust while wearing and the chest (above right) and waist clips that are stiff and hard to squeeze.

phil and teds escape baby backpack review - the chest clip on the escape's harness is stiff but workable.
The chest clip on the Escape's harness is stiff but workable.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Fitting the child harness is convoluted with a hidden pocket and adjustment points. The design makes the fleece loop challenging to pull over a baby's head, and there is no visibility into the adjustment pocket, so you'll be making the changes by feel.

phil and teds escape baby backpack review - the escape has two carry handles.
The Escape has two carry handles.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

The Escape has a back and front carry handle and a location for a hydration bladder (sold separately). The pack is spot clean only and doesn't have a removable drool cloth on the headrest. The pack comes with a changing pad and mirror accessory to see your baby over your shoulder, but easier-to-use adjustments would have been preferable to accessories.

phil and teds escape baby backpack review - the escape only has two rear pockets and neither is that impressive...
The Escape only has two rear pockets and neither is that impressive or functional.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Storage


The Escape doesn't offer as many storage features as most of the higher-end competition in its price range.


The right-side waist pocket has a zipper, but it isn't big enough to...
The right-side waist pocket has a zipper, but it isn't big enough to hold most mobile phones which is what many parents would want to use it for.
The waistband of the Escape has a left-hand card pocket that isn't...
The waistband of the Escape has a left-hand card pocket that isn't good for much and we wouldn't advise putting an ID or credit card in there given its lack of closure.

The waistbelt of the Escape has a pocket on either side. One side has a zippered pocket (above left) that is relatively small and not big enough for larger mobile phones. The opposite side has an open top pocket that would fit an identification card or credit card but not much else. However, we aren't sure you'd want to put those items in it because they could fall out.

The Escape has a removable backpack with storage pocket...
The Escape has a removable backpack with storage pocket. Unfortunately, when attached to the Escape the pocket is upside down making it hard to use.
Because the carry bag attaches upside down to the Escape the pocket...
Because the carry bag attaches upside down to the Escape the pocket can't be fully opened and the ability to use it is seriously hampered.

The Escape has a small removable backpack (above left) that attaches to the back. This pack has an odd design that places the zipper on the side/bottom when used on the Escape (above right) and the top when you remove it.

phil and teds escape baby backpack review - the lower storage pocket on the escape isn't really useful for much...
The lower storage pocket on the Escape isn't really useful for much both because it is small and because it has holes in it where the leg brace comes through.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

The Escape has a lower pocket under the removable pack. This pouch has a zippered opening and holes in the bottom where the leg brace attaches to the frame. Smaller items may fall out of this pocket, so it is better suited to carrying things like a jacket or diapers.

Should You Buy the Phil and Teds Escape?


The Phil and Teds Escape is unimpressive and doesn't compete with higher-ranking contenders. Considering that a baby backpack can make or break your outing or hiking trip, we suggest passing on the Escape and selecting a backpack that offers more functionality and comfort.

What Other Baby Backpacks Should You Consider?


The Deuter Kid Comfort Active SL delivers a significant step up in overall performance, and for nearly the same cost. Those with a shorter torso or slimmer body type may find this backpack exceptionally comfortable. Otherwise, the Kelty Journey PerfectFIT Elite is a top-of-the-line option, if you're willing to spend extra.

Manufacturer Video



Juliet Spurrier, MD & Wendy Schmitz