My parents’ friends are fond of saying “baby gear has never been better”. I can’t count the number of times I heard “We never had these options”. On the other hand, I wish there was a vintage baby supply shop to visit and explore. The range of available baby backpacks is bafflingly “gearified” and feminized. I tried hunting online to find something less feminine and “gearified” for my husband to wear around Boston, and my efforts were futile.
They all either looked like bags meant to hike the Appalachian trail or trimmed with gingham and owl cartoons. Then, last month, while on Nantucket we visited the take-it-or-leave-it at the island’s dump, which is open to the public. By some unbelievable stroke of luck, I saw one of the classic Gerry backpacks there!
I guessed someone must have dug into the dregs of their attic, dropped it off, and there it sat in all its vintage glory. It was the spitting image of the dozens of photos from the ’80s taken of my dad carrying one around. It has fewer buckles than its modern counterparts and the safety strap is a less complicated operation. I knew my husband was going to be delighted to carry this backpack around and I was more excited.
What about you? Is there any vintage gear you treasure? Perhaps, something you spotted in an old photo and wished you hadn’t given it away? Do tell! And learn more on our blog!
POSTED IN: BABY ยท TAGGED: BABY BACKPACKS, BABY GEAR, PARENTING, STROLLERS