Ergo Performance vs BabyHawk

I am IN LOVE with the Ergo Performance. Because its green, and it seems perfect for all my needs - i am active and in the outdoors a lot - and i like that its not a crotch dangler.

However, whilst on the hunt for a place to buy the GREEN ergo in NZ, a friend suggest i check out the baby hawk, since they now have a Snap version (I'm not a tie things up sort of girl), and i went to the website and holy smoke, thousands of options! The fabrics! The colours! I can make my own! With a pouch if i wanted it!

It seems like the same kind of concept/fit/weight range etc but i fear i am just being sold on the plentiful design options!

Which is better, in your opinion?

Oh - and this is a first baby, i intend that he will be an only baby, so not worried about using during a second pregnancy. I walk alot, do a lot of hiking/tramping, i will probably be the only person to wear it, and i'm not so concerned about carrying a newborn (and i believe you need an insert for the ergo and you can't carry an infant in the Oh Snap) more looking for something to back carry a bigger baby.

Also - where can you buy these things in NZ/ What sort of price do you expect to pay?

That is about right, i'm doubting my ability to hike before then and thats my main goal in having a carrier - will be borrowing a friends wrap for newborn, just don't think a moby will hold up to the demands of a full days tramp. (Or, it will but i won't be as comfy)

BabyHawks are beautiful!

For hiking, I'd go with a semistructured carrier like an Ergo or Manduca. Have you looked at Manducas? I've tried both and the advantage of the Manduca is that you can lengthen it which is very very handy as the bub becomes a toddler. I had Dan in an Ergo at about 20 months, and he was fine, but I found he felt more secure in the Manduca b/c the back was higher.

I'd be interested to hear HippyMama's thoughts about using meitais for hiking. I know she loves her Kozy but is also quite keen on her Manduca so would probably be able to give you a much more informed perspective

You can hire Ergos from Belly Beyond and I'm pretty sure you can hire Manduca's as well - can be a good way to try before you buy when you aren't in one of the main cities.