Navigating the world of travel with children can be a bit of a juggle, especially when it involves car safety. We’ve just got our hands on the Trunki BoostApak, and it’s quite the game-changer for families on the move. What stands out with this BoostApak is its dual nature – not only is it a reliable booster seat for car travel, but it also functions as a convenient backpack for your little one.
We already love the Trunki roll-on suitcase, so it´s no surprise we are big fans of this too. After all, it’s a nifty piece of kit for kids between the ages of 4 and 12, designed to switch from a travel bag to a car booster seat in just a matter of seconds. We found it particularly useful for those quick changes from taxi rides to sightseeing walks. The 8-litre capacity means your child can pack their favourite toys and activities to stay entertained during journeys. And with it being hand luggage approved, it eliminates the hassle and cost of car seat hire on those fly-drive holidays.
Though it’s a backpack that a child can wear, it doesn’t skimp on safety – the BoostApak is fully compliant with ECE R44.04 EU regulations. It’s robust, easy to clean, and legal to use within the required weight and height limits. However, it might not be the best option if you’re looking for ample storage space, as the compartment is somewhat limited once the seat structure is in place. Still, for the convenience and cost-saving it offers, these are small trade-offs.
Trunki BoostApak Review: The Bottom Line
The Trunki BoostApak is a stand-out choice for parents seeking a versatile, travel-friendly solution for their child’s car safety. It cleverly bridges the gap between a car booster seat and a child’s backpack, making it ideal for holidays, school trips, and everyday use.
Convenience aside, it’s reassuring to have a safe, certified car booster ready to go whenever you need it.
Keen to make travelling with kids a bit easier? Take a look at the Trunki BoostApak on Amazon and see how it could transform your family travels.
Trunki BoostApak: The Child Car Booster Seat That Travels with You
On our last family holiday, we were delighted to find a travel solution that eased one of our biggest stresses: transporting car booster seats. The Trunki BoostApak made our vacation significantly smoother by transforming from a kid’s backpack into a car booster seat within seconds.
As parents, we’re always looking for products that can multitask, and this one does it splendidly. The 8-litre capacity meant our little ones could pack their favourite toys and activities to keep them entertained, and the seat itself cost us nothing in car seat hire charges—a common gripe on previous fly-drive holidays.
One slight drawback is the limited space when the backpack is used as a booster seat, but the convenience it provides greatly outweighs this small issue. It’s also a relief to know that the BoostApak is still compliant with safety regulations, despite recent law changes.
We’ve already recommended it to friends for lift sharing and those frequent taxi trips. Made right here in the UK, the Trunki BoostApak has really been a game-changer for us—a robust, practical solution for safe travel with kids on the go.
Transformability: From Backpack to Booster Seat
Switching the BoostApak from a backpack to a booster seat is a matter of seconds – a quick adjustment and the backpack straps tuck away, unveiling a sturdy, comfortable seat. The transition is smooth enough for us to manage even with the children’s excited wiggling. This portable seat isn’t just for cars; we’ve used it as a makeshift dining chair.
However, don’t expect it to pack the kitchen sink – the storage capacity aligns well with the need for a compact, transportable design. While this limits what can be taken along, it cleverly fits under most airplane seats, avoiding the hassle and cost of hiring car seats on holiday. The seat’s robust design raises peace of mind, meeting the ECE R44.04 safety standard for Group 2 and 3.
The only drawback we noticed is that overloading it can make the backpack quite heavy for a child to carry comfortably for extended periods. But then again, it’s a trade-off for having a booster seat always at hand. And let´s be honest, more often that not it´s us parents carrying our children´s backpacks anyway!
Portability: On-the-Go Convenience for Families
When we’re out and about, the Trunki BoostApak makes life so much easier. It’s a clever little thing—for a start, it quickly transforms from a kids’ backpack into a portable car seat. We’ve found it invaluable when picking up friends’ children from school or heading to the local sports club. The convenience of always having a booster seat ready to go is a game-changer.
The 8-litre capacity is just right for packing the essential toys and snacks to keep our little ones entertained on long journeys or flights. As parents, we often worry about the extra cost and hassle of car seat hire on holiday. This backpack eliminates that concern altogether.
What’s great is it’s not just for car travel—the BoostApak can be used at the dinner table or at the cinema, providing that extra boost to help them sit comfortably with the rest of the family.
It’s reassuring that the seat meets the safety standards (ECE R44.04) for Groups 2 and 3. Even better, knowing it’s made in the UK, in the Trunki factory in Plymouth, gives that sense of supporting local business and sustainability.
The only niggle we’ve found is that, being a portable item, the seat isn’t as robust as a full-sized booster, but for the convenience it provides when we’re on the move, it’s a trade-off worth making.
Certification and Safety: Peace of Mind for Parents
When writing this Trunki BoostApak Review it was important to focus on safety standards. We’ve been reassured, though, as the Trunki BoostApak has met all the safety standards with its ECE R44.04 certification, fitting into group 2 and 3 categories. For us, that means whether we’re car-pooling or on holiday, we can trust that our kids, aged 4 to 12, are safely strapped in.
It’s true that the BoostApak has a rugged construction with a hard plastic shell, which not only provides robust protection but also serves as a solid booster seat base. It’s comforting to know that, despite the law changes, this product still ticks all the boxes for a safe car journey.
Pros and Cons
After recently having the opportunity to use the Trunki BoostApak on a trip with the kids, we’ve got quite a bit to say about this nifty travel accessory. It’s designed to cater to the tricky transition phase for children who are just outgrowing their high-back boosters but aren’t quite ready for an adult seat belt alone. Let’s weigh up what works in its favour and what doesn’t.
Pros
- Versatility: The BoostApak doubles as both a backpack and a car booster seat. This means one less thing to carry when you’re out and about with children.
- Convenience for Travel: The bag’s size complies with hand luggage requirements, enabling carry-on travel ease and avoiding extra hire charges.
- Ease of Use: The transformation from a backpack to a booster seat and vice versa is a breeze, which is a bonus when dealing with the unpredictable pace of kids.
- Fully Certified: Its adherence to ECE R44.04 standards offers a sense of security, knowing that your child is in a seat that’s both safe and recognised across the EU.
- Storage Capacity: With an 8-litre capacity, it has space for your child’s travel essentials, such as toys and snacks.
Cons
- Limited Space: Although it has been designed to be compact, some may find the inner storage space insufficient for longer trips or for children who like to pack a lot of toys or games.
- No High-Back Support: As a low back booster, it lacks some of the side and head support that high-back boosters provide, which may be a concern for some parents.
- Weight Bearing: Given it’s a booster seat, there’s a limitation to the weight it can accommodate which is between 15kg to 36kg, potentially limiting its usage depending on the child’s weight.
Our real-world experience with the Trunki BoostApak highlights it as an innovative solution for parents on the move. It comes with its limitations, but the pros definitely give it that edge that modern, travelling families could greatly benefit from.
Conclusion
After having some time with the BoostApak, we’ve found it to be an ingenious solution for families on the move. The flexibility of transforming from a backpack into a legally compliant car booster seat has made our lives a tad easier, especially during holidays and car-pooling scenarios. Its capacity to fit within hand luggage limits is a game-changer for flying, eliminating the need to rent a seat.
On the flip side, the space inside, while adequate for essentials, won’t replace a regular backpack for longer trips. Though not overly heavy, it’s worth considering the load your child can comfortably carry. In practice, the seat’s sturdiness and ease of use shine through, simplifying taxi rides and impromptu drives with friends. The seatbelt adjuster is a nice touch, ensuring the correct fit for safety.
Overall, we’ve been won over by its practicality and cost-saving potential. It’s not perfect – no product is – but for its dual purpose, the BoostApak has earned a solid place in our families’ travel gear. Despite some trade-offs, the benefits far outweigh the limitations, making it a reliable companion for children aged 4 to 12 years old on various adventures.
Frequently Asked Questions
When it comes to our little ones, we all want to make sure they’re as safe as can be, especially on the road. The BoostApak has sparked quite a few questions among parents and caregivers alike, and we’ve been right there with you, wanting to know all the ins and outs of this nifty travel essential.
At what age range is the BoostApak suitable for children?
Our experience with the BoostApak has shown that it’s tailored for children aged 4 to 12 years. It’s a real asset for growing kids who still require a boost but crave their little bit of independence. The manufacturer suggests it’s ideal for those in the weight bracket of 15-36 kilograms, striking a balance between a travel bag and a booster seat.
How does the BoostApak perform in crash tests?
Safety is a top priority, and from what we’ve seen, the BoostApak doesn’t skimp on it. While we haven’t conducted crash tests ourselves, it adheres to the ECE R44.04 regulations that assure it’s been rigorously tested for safety. This certification is a parental sigh of relief, knowing that its performance has met stringent standards.
Is the BoostApak considered safe for use as a booster seat?
Absolutely. The BoostApak isn’t just a backpack – it’s a legitimate booster seat that complies with the latest EU regulations for Group 2 and 3 car seats. Bearing in mind that nothing is a substitute for keeping a watchful eye on our children, this product gives us that extra peace of mind with its hard plastic shell and secure seatbelt adjuster.
Can I install the BoostApak easily by myself?
Yes, it’s designed for no-fuss installation. We’ve found it quite convenient to set up – just a few simple steps and it’s ready to go, converting from backpack to booster in mere seconds. It’s user-friendly, which is vital when you’re maneuvering between travel modes and need a swift changeover.
Is the Trunki BoostApak available for purchase in the USA?
Well, we’ve done our homework, and the good news is yes, it’s available for our friends across the pond as well. While its origins are proudly British, this clever product has made its way to the USA, allowing parents to enjoy the same practicality and safety wherever they happen to be.
What are the best booster seats available on the market?
The “best” can be subjective, but when it comes to balancing portability, safety, and convenience, the BoostApak is a contender we find hard to beat. However, we always advise doing a bit of digging and comparing to make sure you’re getting the right fit for your child’s needs. There are numerous options out there with different features that you might find more appropriate.
We’ve been right in the thick of it, just like you – needing that handy, safe transport solution that doesn’t compromise on our little ones’ comfort and security. From what we’ve gathered, for the urban jungle navigator, the holiday adventurer, or the family that’s always on the move, the BoostApak seems to strike a friendly balance, making the journey a tad easier for everyone involved.
