Best Hiking Stroller: Recommended Hiking Strollers & How To Pick The Best One For You
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If you’re looking to escape the house with your little one and show them the big and wonderful world we live in, hiking with your toddler in tow is a fab idea. A hiking stroller can handle long-distance walking, navigating trails, and going off-road. Standard strollers are not equipped for these long adventures and often can’t handle the cross-country terrain.
Whether you’re looking to invest in a hiking stroller for new experiences or upgrade your old and hiked-out hiking stroller, you’ve come to the right place. I explore the must-have features, answer frequently asked questions, and review the best hiking strollers. Every family is different, as is every hike and budget. So, let’s explore your options.
Best Overall Hiking Stroller | Best Double Hiking Stroller | Best Extreme Hiking Stroller |
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Thule Urban Glide 3 | BOB Gear Revolution Flex Double | Veer Switch & Roll All Terrain |
View On Amazon | View On Amazon | View On Amazon |
Read Review | Read Review | Read Review |
7 Features To Look For In A Hiking Stroller
You need to look for specific features when searching for a hiking stroller. These components make a hiking stroller different from a standard one and make your adventures much easier and more enjoyable.
1) Large, Air-Filled Wheels
One saying that keeps popping up during my research is, “The larger the wheel, the smoother the ride.” Wheel size is one of the main differences between hiking and standard strollers. Look for a stroller with rear wheels around 16 inches in diameter and front wheels around 12 inches. Hiking strollers usually have air-filled tires rather than rigid rubber tires that assist in absorbing shock.
2) Suspension System
Hiking strollers need a quality suspension system for a smooth and enjoyable ride, and they often use mountain bike-style suspension. Although a good suspension system adds to the price tag, it is worth the additional cost. A suspension system absorbs shock, gives your toddler a smooth ride, and protects your wrists and arms from strain. Preventing strain injuries is particularly important if you plan tricky, bumpy hikes or adventuring for hours.
3) Adjustable Handlebar
An adjustable handlebar is an important feature for all strollers, as it takes the strain away from your back and wrists, which is even more essential on rugged terrain. I made the mistake of purchasing an umbrella stroller without adjustable handlebars, and I hate it so much I never use it. Although you might find the perfect height for yourself, your spouse or hiking partner is likely a different height. So, look for a stroller with an adjustable handlebar for a customizable fit.
4) Weight Capacity & Weight
Most strollers offer a weight capacity between 45 and 60 pounds per seat. Weight capacity is crucial if you’re looking to buy a stroller for larger or older kids. The weight of a hiking stroller is all about compromise. You need a sturdy and durable frame that can withstand uneven ground, but it needs to be lightweight enough to be comfortably pushed around. There is no such thing as a lightweight all-terrain stroller compared to traditionally lightweight ones. However, some all-terrain strollers are lighter than others.
5) Storage
Venturing out the house with a toddler means you need supplies, but hiking with a toddler requires even more. This means that, ideally, you need some storage for the essentials. However, the more supplies you take, the heavier the stroller becomes and the more difficult it is to push. Again, it’s all about compromise. Look for a stroller with a storage basket and a few pockets.
6) Safety Features
No matter what type of stroller you’re searching for, all strollers should have certain safety features. Firstly, they should have a five-point safety harness, with a strap over each shoulder, a strap over each hip, and one between their legs. Although some models feature a three-point safety harness, from experience, five-points are much safer and have saved my squirming toddler from toppling out on many occasions. With the additional obstacles and potential dangers hiking poses, I recommended only picking a stroller with a five-point harness. Wagon strollers usually have three points, which is acceptable for older kids.
All strollers should have a foot brake system so that the stroller can remain stationary when you need to let go. Some hiking strollers often come with an additional hand brake system, which allows you to control the stroller when going downhill. It also reduces the pressure on your body and assists with better posture. If you know you’re going to be climbing down hills, this is an important feature to consider.
Another safety feature in a hiking stroller is a wrist strap or tether, which attaches you to the stroller. A wrist strap means that if you fall and lose grip of the stroller, your little one won’t fly ahead. This is a great feature to look for as it takes care of your most precious cargo. But you can purchase safety wrist straps separately, so it’s not a deal-breaker.
7) Lockable Front Wheel
If you’re looking for a hiking stroller that you can also jog with, you need to find one with a lockable front wheel. Not only does a locked front wheel make the ride more stable for your little one, but it is also easier for you to run with. You can unlock the front wheel for better maneuverability when hiking on rough terrain.
Best Strollers For Disney
If you’re looking for a hiking stroller for Disneyland, visit our Disney-approved stroller guide. You’ll find the updated Disney stroller rules and my top recommendations there.
Hiking Stroller Quick Comparison
Thule Urban Glide 3 | BOB Gear Revolution Flex Double | Veer Switch & Roll All Terrain | Evenflo Shyft Rideshare All-Terrain Wagon | Jeep | |
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Price | $649.95 | Check Amazon for availability | $813.00 | $499.99 | $199.99 |
Dimensions | 48.8″L x 31.1″ W x 44.5″H | 48″L x 30.5″W x 45″H | 40.5″L x 25.5″W x 38″H | 45.5″L x 25″W x 39″H | 45″L x 24″W x 41″H |
Weight | 35.3 lbs | 33.1 lbs | 27.6 lbs | 45 lbs | 27 lbs |
Weight Capacity (per seat) | 49 lbs | 50 lbs | 50 lbs | 55 lbs | 45 lbs |
Hand Brake | |||||
Wrist Strap | |||||
Additional Storage | |||||
Frame Material | Aluminum | Aluminum | Aluminum | Metal | Alloy Steel |
Read Review | Read Review | Read Review | Read Review | Read Review |
Best Hiking Strollers
I have spent many hours scouring and researching the web for the best hiking strollers. All of my recommendations are suitable for all-terrain adventures, no matter what kind of hiking you’re about to enjoy. Plus, they are all high-quality, durable, comfortable to push, feature safety components, and are cozy for your little one or ones to sit in. Each pick has slightly different features to meet families’ differing needs, so which is best for you?
Best Overall All-Terrain Stroller For Hiking: Thule Urban Glide 3 Review
Thule’s Urban Glide 3 is my top pick for a hiking stroller. It is cleverly designed to meet almost all hiking needs. This is a premium-quality stroller, but it is not priced as high as other premium strollers, so it’s an excellent balance for parents looking for great value for money. The large wheels are air-filled, can handle all terrain, and can be removed for convenient storage. It also has a hand brake, giving you extra control.
The front swivel wheel is lockable, meaning you can use this as a jogging stroller, too. The adjustable handlebar has a twist hand brake for speed control. It’s easy to fold and maneuver with one hand. Customers state that the storage basket offers enough storage, and the fact that the basket is covered is great for keeping items safe during bumpy adventures. The lightweight frame is made of durable aluminum. The seat is padded with a five-point safety harness for your baby’s safety and comfort. It also has a safety wrist strap.
The full-coverage canopy has a peekaboo window and ventilation, and the stroller has a built-in leg rest. The only criticism of this stroller is that taller or older kids might need more room. You might want to explore other choices if you have a very long toddler. Thule’s Urban Glide 3 is slimmer and has more practical features than the Urban Glide 2, so this is a great product update. Plus, it has a limited lifetime warranty, which illustrates its craftsmanship.
Pros | Cons |
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Best pick for hiking | Relatively heavy |
Adjustable handlebar | Some users complain not enough room for tall kids |
Hand brake for more control | |
Wrist strap | |
Large, covered storage basket | |
Full canopy coverage | |
Built-in leg rest | |
Lockable swivel front wheel | |
Limited lifetime warranty |
Pricing
Best Double Stroller For Hiking: BOB Gear Revolution Flex Double Stroller Review
BOB Gear is a big name in the stroller world. They produce premium strollers that are carefully designed to consider the needs of children and adults, and they look stylish, too. BOB’s Revolution Flex double stroller allows families to take two kids along for the ride, with a 50-pound capacity per seat.
Double the kids means double the supplies, so this stroller features a large cargo basket and ten storage pockets. The canopies extend fully and are made with 50+ UPF protection, making this an excellent option for hiking in sunny climates. It’s also water-resistant with reflective accents for increased visibility.
The air-filled tires, suspension, and compression comfort seats make hiking very comfortable for your little ones. The handlebar is adjustable, and the front swivel wheel locks into place when you need it to. The main criticism of this stroller is that the folding down process takes a little bit of getting used to.
Pros | Cons |
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Double stroller | The fold-down process takes practice |
50 lbs per seat weight capacity | No hand brake |
Large basket storage & 10 pockets | |
Adjustable handlebar | |
Extra large canopy with 50+ UPF protection | |
Swivel locking front wheel | |
Wrist strap |
Pricing
Best Stroller For Extreme Hiking: Veer Switch & Roll All Terrain Stroller Review
This is my choice for the best trail stroller because it is great for all types of adventures. It’s also an excellent option for families looking for a traditional four-wheel stroller with the maneuverability of a three-wheel option. The wheels use mountain bike-style suspension to absorb the impact of rough ground and is adjustable to suit different terrains.
The detachable seat can be used as a bike seat or a camp chair with additional attachments (must be purchased separately,) which offers great variety for active families. It can also serve as a booster seat for restaurants. So, if you’re looking for an all-in-one adventure option, this could be the stroller for you. Plus, if you plan to grow your team and need a double stroller in the future, this frame offers multiple configurations. You can purchase an additional seat and adapters to attach your infant car seat.
The large storage basket has ample room and zippable pouches to prevent items from falling out on bumpy ground. Depending on your needs, you can clip the retractable canopy on or off. The only complaint that a few users describe is that when using it as a double stroller, the second child takes up most of the storage space. Check out this short video showcasing how versatile this off-road stroller is for hikes and adventures.
Pros | Cons |
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Premium stroller | Higher price tag |
Great for active families | Lose most of the storage basket when used as a double stroller |
Multiple configurations | Have to purchase accessories separately |
Four-wheels | |
Large storage with zippable pockets | |
Mountain bike-style, adjustable suspension | |
Detachable and retractable canopy |
Pricing
Best Wagon Stroller For Hiking: Evenflo Shyft Rideshare All-Terrain Stoller Wagon Review
Evenflo has many options if you’re looking for a stroller with wagon capabilities. This all-terrain performance stroller wagon is the best pick for hiking, thanks to the no-flat urethane wheels with rear suspension for a smooth ride. And the flip-handle means parents have a choice to push or pull it. It can seat two kids up to 55 pounds each and is suitable for toddlers who can sit upright without additional support.
The sides fold down, allowing your kids to climb in and out independently and with ease. Using a wagon means children can enjoy a 360-degree view for the full hiking experience, and they can face each other and share their adventures together. The wagon comes with a central snack tray, too, and has additional legroom so your children stay comfy.
The expandable canopy is made from 50+ UPF fabric to protect them against the sun’s rays. It can be moved 180 degrees to adjust to wherever the sun is. The three-point harness keeps them safely contained. The most common issue is that it is large and takes up significant room in the trunk. But its size and sturdiness have many benefits for a hiking wagon.
Pros | Cons |
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Wagon-style stroller | Heavy |
It can seat two kids | Takes up lots of room in your trunk |
Push or pull capabilities | |
50+ UPF sun protection canopy | |
360-degree view | |
A fun option for children | |
Comes with a snack tray |
Pricing
Best Budget Stroller For Hiking: Jeep Cross-Country Sport Stroller Review
When it comes to recommendations, I like to include a budget option. Whether you’ve got a tighter budget or want to see if hiking with the family is possible, you might not want to spend too much. Whatever the reason, this hiking stroller has a smaller price tag but is worthy of a spot in the good-quality hiking category.
Delta Children has designed this stroller with a durable steel frame, large air-filled rear wheels, and a front lockable swivel wheel. The basket is spacious, and the handlebar is adjustable for your comfort. It also has a safety tether to prevent your little one from rolling away if you have a fall.
I think it’s great that this option comes with a variety of accessories, which you have to purchase separately with most other strollers. The two cup holders, a parent organizer, and a push-away snack tray make hiking a smoother experience for all. This stroller also comes with car seat adapters that work with most popular car seats. The most common complaint about this option is that the quality isn’t as good as the other all-terrain strollers, but users say this is still a great quality option for the price.
Pros | Cons |
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Low price tag | No hand brake |
Lightest option | Users mention that it doesn’t feel as sturdy |
Comes with a variety of accessories | |
Durable steel frame | |
Covered basket storage |
Pricing
Frequently Asked Questions
We know some of our readers still have questions about hiking strollers and which is best for them. If you can’t see your question below, ask us in the comments, and we’ll find the answer for you.
Is It OK To Hike With A Baby In A Stroller?
It is recommended that only children older than six months or those who can hold their neck and head without any support sit in a hiking stroller. For younger infants, you can purchase additional bassinets for some of the options above or attach infant car seats for gentle hikes.
Is It Safe To Hike With A Stroller?
This depends on the hike you’re taking. If you’re taking a tricky hike full of obstacles or an off-road hike with no paths, a stroller might not be suitable. In this case, you might be better off with a baby carrier. However, using a baby carrier is not an option for all, so you must ensure the hike is suitable for all-terrain strollers.
What Is The Difference Between A Hiking Stroller And A Jogging Stroller?
The main difference between a hiking stroller and a jogging stroller is that a hiking stroller is usually designed for all terrains and offers a smooth ride over uneven surfaces. Hiking strollers are often called all-terrain strollers, too. The wheels are generally larger, the frames are sturdier, and they tend to be heavier. In comparison, a jogging stroller is usually designed for running on even surfaces or sidewalks, often with no problematic surfaces. Jogging strollers are as lightweight and streamlined as possible.
Are Hiking Strollers Worth The Money?
Investing in a dedicated hiking stroller is worth it if you’re an avid hiker and like exploring nature with your little ones. They have better suspension, larger wheels, more safety features, and are more durable. Standard strollers can’t handle tricky terrains and can make adventures troublesome and unenjoyable for children and adults. All of the above recommendations are the best all-terrain strollers for hiking, so to get the most bang for your buck, you just need to find the one that’s right for you.
Best Infant Car Seat Recommendations
If you’re looking to go further afield with your little one or travel more, you’ll want to ensure you have the best infant car seat for comfort and safety. You’ll also want to check out our car seat safety tips, where we pinpoint all the safety features you need to know when traveling with your little one.
Do you have one of these strollers? Or do you have another hiking stroller you think we should know about? Let us know in the comments below.
Why Trust We Rock Your Web?
Emma became a first-time mom in 2021. She lives on the coast of East England, and together, they enjoy exploring the beach, forests, and many other places. Emma knows that standard strollers can’t handle tricky adventures and knows what features to look for in a good-quality all-terrain stroller. When Emma’s not entertaining her toddler and her two rescue dogs, she creates content for her readers, sharing her knowledge and journey with other parents. She works with an experienced team to offer her readers the best, most accurate, and up-to-date information and reviews.