Are you sick of your stroller limiting where you can go with your baby? Standard strollers roll over pavement and gravel with ease, but if you’re planning to hit the trails with your baby, you need one of the best all-terrain strollers.
Until you became a parent, you probably had no idea that there were different kinds of strollers. Not all strollers are created equal, and if you like trail walking, you need an all-terrain stroller to handle the rocks, dirt, and other things you will encounter.
In this article, we will go through everything that you need to know about all-terrain strollers and give you some of the top picks on the market! Keep reading.
Why Do You Need An All-Terrain Stroller?
Don’t assume that all strollers are created the same or equal. Jogging and all-terrain strollers are designed for a reason. There is a significant demand for specialized strollers because parents want a stroller that they can take anywhere and everywhere they want to go.
If you like to hike or stroll on off-beat paths, you need this type of stroller. The larger wheel design makes it easy to go over bumps, rocks, twigs, and whatever else you might encounter.
All-terrain strollers often have a higher weight limit than standard strollers.
All-Terrain Strollers vs. Jogging Strollers
You’ll see on this list that many of these strollers are listed as jogging strollers rather than an all-terrain stroller. These two types of strollers do share characteristics, but there are some differences.
You can use all-terrain strollers on dirt roads, mulch, hills, gravel, and everywhere else. Typically, these aren’t recommended for jogging unless the manual states that you can. These strollers can have three or four wheels.
Jogging strollers have three wheels, and the front wheel locks in place for balance and stability. They’re not always ideal for mud, mulch, sand, or other terrains.
It’s important to remember that neither jogging strollers or all-terrain strollers can be used for babies under six months old. Some of them offer the option to attach a car seat for younger babies.
How to Pick An All-Terrain Stroller
When you decide that you need or want an all-terrain stroller, you need to know how to pick one for your child. There are several things you need to look for when making a purchase.
The Right Tires
Tires are one of the essential parts of an all-terrain stroller; they set them apart from regular strollers. You need to find a stroller that has air-filled tires, which are similar to bicycle tires. Air-filled tires handle bumps and uneven terrain easier than hard tires.
The size of the tires matter as well. Larger wheels handle bumps better than smaller wheels, and you don’t need to worry about larger wheels getting stuck in cracks.
You also want to make sure the front wheel can swivel and be lockable. Locking your front wheel often works better when you go over tough terrain to keep it stable and secure. Also, make sure there is tread on the stroller’s wheels, letting you go through mud or snow.
A Suspension System
Having a suspension system helps to absorb the shocks from all of the bumps and rocks you’ll encounter while on the trail. It’s necessary to have adequate front-wheel suspension because that’s where the impacts from rough terrain are felt the most.
A Large Canopy
You aren’t going to stay inside with your all-terrain stroller, so that’s why you need to find one with a large canopy that has a UPF 50+ sun visor. If you can, try to find a stroller that has an extendable canopy that covers your child entirely when the weather isn’t so lovely. Keep a rain cover and a wind guard on hand.
Comfortable Seat
Any stroller that you buy for your baby should be comfortable. Ideally, opt for one that has a reclining seat, so your little one can take a snooze while on the go. Also, a reclining seat means you can use the stroller for younger kids.
A 5-Point Harness
Don’t even think about purchasing a stroller without a 5-point harness. It’s the safest choice for your child, and all good strollers have them. Even though all-terrain strollers are designed to handle these rough conditions, you might tip over the stroller or lose control. A 5-point harness makes sure that your child doesn’t fall, securing your baby to the stroller seat.
Weight Limit
Always consider the weight limit of the stroller! If you have a bigger baby or want to be able to use the stroller well into your child’s toddler years, you want to look for a stroller with a higher weight limit. While the average is 50 to 55lbs, you can find some with a limit as high as 75lbs.
The 6 Best All-Terrain Stroller
1. Baby Trend Expedition Jogger Stroller
If you are looking for a budget-friendly all-terrain stroller, the Baby Trend Expedition Jogger is a great choice. The Expedition has a swivel wheel in the front that you can lock in place, making it easier to handle different terrain on the trail.
Baby Trend added plenty of features that you would love, such as a reclining seat that can be fixed into a variety of positions. The seat does need to be reclined to fold the stroller down, so make sure you remember that! It also has a tether strap and a 5-point harness that keeps your baby safe.
Here are a few additional features that you’ll enjoy from the Baby Trend Expedition.
- The stroller uses all-terrain, bicycle tires that glide over bumps and rocks.
- It has a 50-pound weight limit.
- Child and parent trays have two cup holders each.
- A trigger release makes it easy to fold compactly for traveling or storage.
- Underneath of the stroller, there is a large storage basket that is perfect for almost any diaper bag that you have.
| PROS |
|---|
| Affordable |
| Works With Any Baby Trend Car Seat |
| Folds Easily |
| CONS |
|---|
| Heavy |
| Not Roomy for a Toddler |
2. Baby Trend Expedition Double Jogger Stroller
If you have two children and like the look of the Baby Trend Expedition Stroller, try the Baby Trend Expedition Double Jogger. It’s a double stroller that features an aluminum frame that helps to decrease its overall weight.
Don’t forget the swiveling front wheel that also locks in place and offers improved stability. The front wheel is 12,” and then the two rear tires are 16″, and both are rubber pneumatic bicycle tires.
Baby Trend added many features that parents need and love to the Expedition Double. The parent and child trays come with two cup holders each, giving you plenty of space for your keys or cell phone. A covered storage compartment keeps smaller items safe to stop them from being tossed out from the uneven terrain.
Here are a few other features of the Baby Trend Expedition Double.
- Each seat has a 50lb weight limit.
- It offers two multi-position reclining seats, perfect for families that have two kids of different ages. You can recline each seat independently.
- The handle has a rubberized grip that makes it comfortable to push the stroller.
- Each seat has a 5-point safety harness for safety.
- There is a large storage basket underneath the seat for your diaper bag or other large items.
| PROS |
|---|
| Affordable |
| Adjustable Sunshade |
| Lightweight |
| Large Basket |
| CONS |
|---|
| Tires Lose Air Quickly |
| Heavy – 32lbs |
3. BOB Gear Revolution Flex 3.0 Stroller
For parents who have more money to spend and want a top of the line all-terrain stroller, the BOB Gear Revolution is hard to beat. You can use this stroller from birth to 75 pounds, but the first eight weeks require the use of an infant car seat adapter. We love the high weight limit!
If you’re worried about a smooth ride, BOB is known for its mountain bike-style suspension system. It features locking and swiveling front wheel and air-filled tires that lead to a smooth and stable ride. Then, the handlebar adjusts with nine available positions and a wrist strap to prevent runaway strollers.
Here are a few of the other impressive features.
- BOB added a no-rethread 5-point safety harness to secure your baby in place.
- It offers a near-flat recline for those babies who want to go along for the ride.
- An extra-large UPF 50+ canopy covers most of the seat, protecting your child from the weather.
- You have plenty of storage room with this stroller. There is a cell phone pocket, three seatback pockets, two in-seat snack pockets, and a large cargo basket underneath the seat.
- This stroller is compatible with BOB or Britax infant car seats if you have the BOB infant car seat adapter, which is sold separately. It also works with most major brands.
| PROS |
|---|
| Near-Flat Recline |
| 75 Pound Weight Limit |
| Suspension System |
| Large Canopy |
| Nine Positions for Handlebar |
| CONS |
|---|
| Expensive |
| No Tray Included |
| Heavy – 29lbs |
4. Baby Jogger Summit X3 Single Stroller
Baby Jogger Summit X3 is a fantastic stroller for any outdoor activities that you might want to try. It features a comfortably padded seat with venting at the top to keep your child cool. The adjustable canopy is large and provides plenty of coverage from sunlight or rain, along with a peek-a-boo window that lets you check on your baby.
Baby Jogger added a large front wheel that can lock and swivel with the flip of a switch on the handle. That’s convenient; you don’t have to stop to unlock the wheel. Speaking of the handle, Baby Jogger added a wide handle with gripping material.
A few other features of the Baby Jogger Summer include:
- It holds a child up to 75lbs.
- The stroller has three wheels – 12” front wheel and two 16” rear tires. All of them are air-filled tires.
- Baby Jogger added an all-wheel suspension system that handles the road bumps with ease.
- There is a large storage basket located underneath the seat, along with a large pocket on the back of the seat.
- You can fold the stroller down to a compact size with one hand.
- Baby Jogger sells this same stroller in a dual-mode.
| PROS |
|---|
| All-Wheel Suspension |
| One-Hand Fold System |
| Locking Front Wheel |
| CONS |
|---|
| Heavy – Weighs 34lbs |
| No Cup Holders |
5. Thule Urban Glide Jogging Stroller
If you have a larger budget, the Thule Urban is a luxury all-terrain stroller that is one of the lightest models on the market. This stroller weighs only 23lbs, which is very lightweight for a jogging stroller.
Thule Urban knew precisely what parents needed in an all-terrain stroller. They added a front swiveling and locking front wheel, along with a rear suspension system that makes it easy to stroll over bumpy surfaces.
Here are some other features of the Thule Urban Glide:
- They added a reclining seat with top ventilation and a large, adjustable sunshade that also has a magnetic peek-a-boo window.
- It features an adjustable, ergonomic handlebar that is great for taller parents. The handlebar pads are water repellant and removable for washing.
- You can turn the Thule Urban Glide into a travel system with a car seat adapter that is sold separately.
- There is a large, zippered compartment under the seat.
- You can fold the stroller down using only one hand.
| PROS |
|---|
| Lightweight |
| One-Hand Folding |
| Covered Storage Compartment |
| CONS |
|---|
| No Handbrake |
| No Cup Holders |
| No Snack Tray |
6. BOB Revolution Pro Stroller
BOB Revolution works on any terrain, including the beach. Most strollers don’t roll over sand well, but BOB Revolution does. The hand-activated rear drum brakes make it work better for rougher areas, including sand. Those brakes also make this stroller very safe for hills or uneven terrain.
BOB added a unique state-of-the-art adjustable suspension system that gives your baby a smooth ride, no matter where you take your baby. No matter how many bumps you hit, your baby will be relaxed and won’t be tossed all over the stroller. The versatility of the front wheel makes it even easy to maneuver anywhere.
Here are some of the other features of the BOB Revolution.
- This stroller fits from birth to 75lbs, and it can be used from 0 to 8 weeks with the use of the car seat adapter.
- BOB added a locking and swiveling front wheel, and all of the tires are air-filled in the mountain-bike style that offers a smooth ride.
- The handlebar is adjustable, so parents of any height can comfortably push this stroller since it has nine different positions.
- The seat can be reclined with one hand, and BOB added a no-rethread harness that makes adjusting to fit your child easy as pie!
- There is a large basket underneath the seat that lets you bring all of the necessities needed while on the go.
- BOB offers an infant car seat adapter that lets the stroller be used with infants.
- You can fold this stroller up in seconds.
| PROS |
|---|
| Sturdy |
| Suspension System |
| Adjustable Handlebar |
| Reclining Seat |
| CONS |
|---|
| Expensive |
| Bulky |
The Bottom Line
Before you pick the best all-terrain stroller, think about what you need in your stroller, as well as what you want to see. Think about your lifestyle and exercise routine. Do you jog regularly? Do you need a stroller that works for a newborn or an older baby?
Taking an honest look at what you need in a stroller helps you pick the one that works the best for you. All of the strollers listed here are great picks for the best all-terrain strollers.
