This document is an owner's manual for the Yakima Earliest Explorers™ child carrier packs, specifically the GrassHopper (#8251) and Cricket (#8250) models. It provides comprehensive instructions for assembly, safe usage, adjustments, and maintenance of the child carrier.
Function Description:
The Yakima Earliest Explorers™ child carrier is designed to safely transport a child on an adult's back while walking and hiking. It is not intended for use as a seat, highchair, swing, or automotive safety seat. The carrier allows outdoor enthusiasts to bring their child along on adventures, providing a secure and comfortable environment for the child and an adjustable, ergonomic fit for the adult.
Important Technical Specifications:
- Minimum Child Age: 6 months. The child must be able to sit upright and be strong enough to hold up their head.
- Maximum Child Weight: 45 lbs (20 kg).
- Maximum Entire Load (Child + Carrier + Gear): 60 lbs (27 kg). Exceeding this limit is unsafe and can lead to serious injury.
- Adjustability: Features an "On-the-fly™" height adjuster for the adult's belt position, allowing adjustment for users between 5'2" and 6'2" or more. The child seat height and harness tension are also adjustable.
- Safety Features: Includes a child harness with anchors, security "wings," and a frame-lock button for stability.
- Materials: Plastic and metal components, fabric. Specific material types are not detailed but are designed for outdoor use.
Usage Features:
Preparation:
- Read Manual: Users must read and understand the entire manual before use.
- Support Frame Extension: The support frame must be pulled out completely and locked into place with audible clicks, ensuring the silver frame-lock buttons pop into their holes.
- Pack Opening: The pack frame must be opened until it clicks and locks.
- Solid Ground: Always place the carrier on solid, level ground for loading and unloading. Never use a bed, sofa, table, or bench for assistance, as this can cause the pack to fall.
Adult Fit Adjustment (Without Child):
- Belt Position: Adjust the belt position using the "On-the-fly™" height adjusters. Open covers, rotate adjusters together, and close covers to lock. The belt can be moved up for heights of 5'2" or more and down for heights of 6'2" or less. The back of the user's head should clear the pack frame.
- Wearing the Pack: Buckle the hip belt and sternum strap, then fine-tune the "On-the-fly™" hub. Tighten all straps by pulling strap ends away from the buckle.
Child Loading and Adjustment:
- Set on Ground: Place the pack on flat, level ground.
- Loosen Straps: Loosen both side straps (on the security wings) and the child harness completely (at the seat, both sides).
- Anchor Harness: Anchor both shoulder harnesses to the harness anchors.
- Lift Child: Gently lift the child into the pack, ensuring their legs straddle the seat.
- Seat Height Adjustment: Adjust the primary seat height adjuster (under the seat) until the child can see above the pack. A secondary seat adjustment strap (accessed by turning the pack over with the child out) expands or compresses the cockpit space.
- Child Harness Adjustment: Adjust the child harness for height and tension equally on both sides.
- Secure Sides: Pull the side straps to tighten the security "wings."
- Final Inspection: Ensure the child cannot stand out of the seat and that all straps are snug against the body. Never leave the child unattended or unbuckled.
Carrying the Pack (With Child):
- Lift by Handles: Always lift the pack by the grab handles only. Do not swing the pack onto your back.
- Smooth Installation: Support the pack as you slide it along your legs, move one hand into a strap, then support the bottom of the frame while moving into the pack. Slip the other arm into the strap, then buckle and tighten.
- Load Lifter Straps (GrassHopper Models Only): Slide load lifter buckles to raise or lower the load, positioning them around the top of the shoulders. The pack should not touch the back of the user's head.
- Pre-Travel Check: Verify pack fit, ensure the child is securely buckled and comfortable, and close the pack stand before walking.
Unloading the Pack:
- Solid Ground: Find solid, flat ground.
- Open Pack Stand: Open the pack stand.
- Open Adjuster Covers: Open the "On-the-fly™" hub covers.
- Move Out of Strap: Grab the pack handle and move out of the shoulder strap while supporting the pack.
- Lower to Ground: Lower the pack to the ground. Do not swing the carrier off your back.
Lifting Child Out:
- Loosen Harness: Loosen the harness straps completely.
- Lift Child: Place a foot on the pack stand and lift the child out.
Folding for Storage:
- Press Buttons: Press both silver frame lock buttons (one on each side).
- Push Frame: Push the frame together.
Safety Guidelines:
- Adult Condition: Be in proper physical condition for walking with a child carrier. Never use under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
- Terrain: Choose solid terrain; avoid areas that compromise footing or stability.
- Sun Protection: Use the shade canopy (if optional), proper clothing, hats, and sunblock.
- Child Monitoring: Use the peek-a-boo mirror (if optional) to check on the child.
- Child Clothing: Dress the child in layers, bring extra clothing, a hat, and a blanket.
- Hydration: Bring plenty of water for both adult and child.
- Overhead Hazards: Watch for low-hanging branches, doorways, and other obstacles.
- Insects: Take precautions against insect bites and perform frequent body checks.
- Activities: Do not allow adolescents or children to use the carrier. Do not engage in recreational sports, run, or jump while carrying a child.
- Toys: Use caution when attaching toys; avoid long cords (strangulation hazard) and small toys (choking hazard).
Maintenance Features:
- Storage: Store carrier indoors, out of direct sunlight.
- Cleaning:
- Plastic and metal: Clean with a moist cloth and wipe dry.
- Fabric: Clean with cool water and mild detergent; dry completely.
- Do not use bleach or solvents. Do not machine wash.
- Periodic Inspections: Regularly check for worn parts, loose screws, or torn materials. Replace as needed.
- Damage: Discontinue use immediately if the unit is damaged or malfunctions. Never use if straps, buckles, seams, frame, or hinges are broken, worn, damaged, or deformed.
- Repairs: Never attempt to repair the unit yourself; consult an authorized Yakima dealer.
- Hardware: Check and tighten hardware as necessary before each use.
Warranty:
- Limited Warranty: Three years from the date of purchase, covering defects in materials and/or workmanship.
- Conditions: Applicable if Fit List and instructions are followed, and products are used properly.
- Process: Return defective products to an authorized Yakima dealer with proof of purchase. Yakima will repair or replace at its discretion.
- Exclusions: Normal wear and tear, damage from misuse, accidents, alterations, and damage to property from improper use are not covered. The warranty applies only to Yakima products, not other products used in conjunction with them.
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