This back carrier’s minimalist design means that it weighs in at only 2.5kg. The Explorer S2 is suitable for children from around 6 months (once your child can sit unaided) to 3 years of age, with a maximum weight of 20kg.
The Explorer S2 meets safety standards to ensure your child is safe during their journey. An anatomically shaped seat, soft face protection with cute animal pictures, and toy loops for can’t-live-without comforters, aim to make the ride comfortable.
To load your child into the seat put your foot into the anchor point – a cut-out at the base of the carrier - and lower your child in, with one foot straddling each side of the seat pad and the seat and safety straps loosened.
Fasten the straps, lift the carrier onto your back using the top grab handle and a side grab handle and you’re off.
A padded, adjustable hip belt and adjustable chest strap keep the carrier snug and secure on your back. Adjustable shoulder straps raise or lower the height.
The Explorer S2’s USP is the adjustable back system – a padded back support that expands and contract to fit the size of the person carrying the carrier.
To clean the carrier use a damp cloth. The face protection pad can be machine washed at 40 degrees C.
What we love
I’ve had three back carriers in the time that I’ve had two children. One was an old-school affair with a huge metal frame. It did the job but was very heavy making our Lake District hike harder than it should have been. The other carrier was lighter but so big that it took up half the car boot. In comparison, the Explorer S2 fit neatly into the car and is so light that you hardly notice it’s there (until the small person on your back starts pulling your hair).
I love the simplicity of this carrier – the child seat is easy to adjust and the hip pad is so comfy. The storage pocket is big enough for substantial snacks, nappies, wipes and any other necessities.
We took it on a walk through country fields, to the beach and when an over-sized sheep and an aggressive goat chased us, it stood the test even when we were running at full pelt.
What to watch out for
Because the Explorer S2 is so compact and slim, especially at the base, it is top heavy when it’s on the ground. To steady the carrier I found I had to put my foot into the anchor point and hold it each side. Just using my foot isn’t enough.
Minnie, 3, is very small for her age and although she liked the novelty of being in the carrier she was too big to carry long distances, despite the recommended age being up to 3.
Poppy, 18 months, was perfectly suited to the Explorer S2, although I’d recommend a fresh nappy before you set off to make sure your child is as comfy as possible – we found out the hard way that sitting in a dirty nappy in the carrier isn’t great!
Who is the LittleLife Explorer S2 back carrier best for?
Parents who like the great outdoors.
The LittleLife Explorer S2 back carrier is light, comfortable and can be adjusted to fit every different user. It’s robust, but you may find it doesn’t take you right up to your child’s 3rd birthday when it comes to the long journeys.
