Like the sustainability, but not very user friendly
September 24, 2020
This seat was purchased as our alternate car seat in my work truck, and to use during flights (this was just before Covid, ha!). I was drawn to it by the portability and use of sustainable materials. We have yet to test it on a plane (damn you Covid), but it seems like it would be great for that. As a seat, it's...fine. The website states that it meets all US standards regulated by the NHTSA and FAA, as well as FMVSS 213 and 302. I guess my heart rebels at the thought that the gossamer mesh head- and backrest on this seat are equivalent to the mega coccoon of plastic and styrofoam in our everyday britax seat.
But I think I crossed into irritation at this seat with the straps. In a nutshell, they do not slide easily and are a bear to adjust. The top tether was especially difficult, which may be compounded since the seat is installed in the back of a pickup cab. The strap WILL NOT slide through the pinch point metal loop where the tether hook is attached. And for some reason I find the other four strap adjusters (2 for the bottom LATCHes, and 1 on each side for the seatbelt harness) nearly impossible to adjust. It's like you have to pinch the buckle and push the strap through to make it slide. A 2-hand operation, and EACH SIDE of the harness needs to be adjusted. So every ride involves cursing and elbowing the child in the face as I adjust the strap on the far side of the seat.
I do like all the thought that went into making sure the straps and accoutrements would be tucked away when the seat is being toted. The bag the seat came with ripped immediately at the handles, so if we ever fly again, we'll have to come up with a new way to tote it around. This seat is alright, beautiful to look at, and I appreciate the sustainability angle, but still not a perfect product. I would recommend to a friend who likes to travel, but would let them know my hangups.