If you lead an active lifestyle and love the great outdoors, you definitely need an all terrain stroller for your baby.
Becoming a dad and having a new baby can feel like you have to give up all of your hobbies. But there's no reason why having children should stop your love of hiking or camping. All terrain strollers help you tackle the all the rough terrain your off road adventures have to offer, while also being functional for everyday use. If you want your instil your love of nature and adventure into your child from a young age, then an all terrain stroller is the best way to go about it.
We've put together this guide to bring you eight of our favourite all terrain strollers, as well as tell you everything you need to know about them.
All terrain strollers are effectively the same as jogging strollers. However, the reasons you need an all terrain stroller might be very different. Yes, jogging strollers and all terrain strollers are the same thing - but pushing a stroller over the uneven terrain of a woodland or mountain path is very different to running along comparatively smooth pavements and tarmacked paths.
Let's take a look at some of the features you need to be looking out for when buying an all terrain stroller (and why!). Of course, there are still some more 'everyday' things you need to think about like a comfortable seat or cup holders - so check out our guide on travel system strollers.
All terrain strollers usually have three wheels - two big wheels at the back and a single, smaller front wheel.
All terrain wheels are a vital component of what makes an off road stroller and off road stroller. Unlike a lot of strollers that have hard rubber tires, all terrain strollers need air filled rubber tyres to help achieve a nice ride, much like a bicycle. The grooves in the rubber provide grip, while being air filled help to absorb some of the bumpy terrain.
An all terrain stroller will usually have a lockable front wheel which helps to keep it stable when moving at higher speeds or over lumps and bumps.
Any decent all terrain stroller will have a suspension system, also known as shock absorbers. In fact, an stroller that doesn't have a suspension system will have a hard time functioning off road. Of course, it's not enough just to have suspension. It really does need to be a good suspension system in order to tackle rocky paths and woodland stretches.
The best all terrain strollers often have either adjustable suspension or all wheel suspension (or both!).
We all know that any stroller will have a standard foot brake - a mechanism that simply requires you to press down with your foot to lock with wheels in place.
However, a hand brake is a common feature on an all terrain stroller or jogging stroller. The idea being that travel at higher speeds or over uneven surfaces will make it tricky (and even dangerous) to try to apply the foot brake. And so a hand brake can be applied much, much faster.
They are usually incorporated into the handlebar itself and requires a twisting motion. Some will need you to twist in one direction slightly before twisting in the other to prevent accidental applications.
Speaking of handlebars, an adjustable handlebar is a must for an all terrain stroller. A common issue that dads - particularly taller dads - find with any stroller is that the handlebars just aren't high enough. It leaves you hunched over them for long periods and back pain soon follows.
There are two ways to adjust the handlebars, either by simply extending them or an adjustable handlebar height which changes the angle of the bar itself. This can be particularly useful on bumpy trails when you may need to walk closer or further away from the stroller at any time.
This is a common feature on all terrain strollers and jogging strollers. The wrist strap connects the handlebar and your (you guessed it...) wrist to prevent the stroller from getting away from you. That's particularly important when you're running or pushing it up and down steep paths.
Any all terrain stroller or jogging stroller needs a large canopy to protect your child from the elements. What's particularly important on off road strollers is that it's a waterproof canopy. Any hiker or outdoor adventurer will know that the weather can change dramatically in the blink of an eye. One minute you're hiking a trail in the beautiful sunshine, and the next you're trying to protect yourself from an unforecast downpour. It's best to have a waterproof canopy for exactly those occasions.
Now that we know what to look for, it's time to look at eight of our favourites.
Editor's Review
“Very smooth to push and no rattling or bumps, the large wheels are a match for most terrains. It's also great for walking in the woods and doesn't get stuck on branches, or tree roots, or in ruts. So glad we invested in this buggy."
Just like jogging strollers, the Baby Jogger Summit X3 gets our pick as the 'best overall' all terrain stroller. When you look for a balance between performance, affordability, and ease of use, the Baby Jogger really is a great stroller. Front and rear wheel suspension ensure a comfortable ride on tough terrain, while the fantastic one-handed folded mechanism makes it one of the best for setting up and folding down.
Suitable from - 6 months to 22kg (4-5 years), or from birth with the optional carrycot or car seat
Key features
Class leading one-handed folding mechanism
All wheel suspension
Large UV50+ sun canopy and peekaboo window
PROS
CONS
Editor's Review
“This stroller is AMAZING. I can't say enough good things about it. First the suspension is perfect for every terrain, from bumpy pothole covered streets to smooth biking trails and dirt hiking trails."
Our pick as the 'best for performance', there really are few that are able to match the off road capabilities of the BOB Gear Alterrain Pro. The SmoothShox Suspension System and the ultra padded seat will have your little one feeling like they're floating on a cloud as it absorbs every stone and every branch. It is on the more expensive end of the market, but cheaper than its closest rival, the Thule Glide 2 Performance.
Suitable from: 6 months* to 22kg (4-5 years), or from birth with the optional carrycot or car seat
Key features
SmoothShox Suspension System (sits on the bottom of the frame, rather than the wheels)
Deceleration handlebar brake
Ultra reflective materials (Lunar design option)
PROS
CONS
Editor's Review
“I bought this stroller to do easy, slow pace runs every now and then. It is SOOO easy to turn and manoeuvre, like I barely have to push with one hand while running. My daughter loves riding in it and has a great foot rest and large snack tray.”
The Baby Trend Expedition is our pick as the 'best budget' all terrain stroller. Despite stressing the importance of good suspension in this category, this stroller doesn't have any. However, costing less £80 ($100) it actually performs relatively well for casual use. It's not one for hardened outdoor adventurers, but more than does the job if you're looking something to cope with dog walk along gravel paths.
Suitable from: 6 months* to 22kg (4-5 years), or from birth with the optional carrycot or car seat
Key features
Extra large storage space
Lightweight frame
Narrow wheelbase
PROS
CONS
Editor's Review
"I use it mostly in a neighbourhood where it effortlessly glides over curbs, grass, and gravel.”
The Thule Urban Glide 2 is the brand's halfway house between a stroller for the outdoor lifestyle and the urban streets. The Urban Glide 2 doesn't match the outdoor performance of the Thule Glide 2 Performance, but it is much easier to use on a daily basis thanks to the unlockable front wheel. The pneumatic suspension sits on the 16" rear wheels and offers a brilliant ride for the little passenger.
Suitable from: 6 months* to 15kg (3 years), or from birth with the optional carrycot
Key features
PROS
CONS
Editor's Review
“Incredible, don't know how we coped without it. Brilliant for off-road walks and super comfy for our five month old."
Out 'n' About has a great reputation for strollers that perform well on rough terrain, and the Nipper Sport V4 is no different. It's a mid-range stroller that offers brilliant value to money when it comes to all terrain performance. The hard-wearing pneumatic wheels and long wheel base give it excellent durability and stability over the bumpiest of trails. It perhaps isn't best suited to everyday use, however, due to that long wheel base and the lack of storage.
Suitable from: Birth to 15kg (3 years old)
Key features
PROS
CONS
Editor's Review
“This is our second Bumbleride stroller (recently switched from Indie to Speed) and they are simple the best strollers for the adventurous family."
Bumbleride is a brand quickly growing in popularity among active parents who want a fine balance between off road performance and day-to-day usability. The Speed is its active stroller providing all-wheel suspension, large air filled rubber tyres, and a 'Speed3' steering system, which allows you to keep the front wheel locked for running, partially moveable for bumpy trails, and 360-degree swivel for daily use.
Suitable from: Six months to 29.5kg (10 years), or from birth with optional carrycot
Key features
PROS
CONS
Editor's Review
“We've got a half paved driveway with mostly gravel. Rough gravel. Around almost the whole property. Then it's all mowed woody areas with creek beds and wildlife and dirt and mud and you name it. And this stroller rides over it all like a champ."
A second instalment on this list from BOB Gear, the Revolution Flex 3.0 is a great choice if you want much of the Alterrain Pro's performance without the price tag. There really are very few differences between them. The Revolution Flex 3.0 is slightly bigger, yet slightly lighter than the Alterrain Pro. Its suspension isn't quite as good as the Alterrain Pro, but not so much that you'd notice on things like gravel paths. The Revolution Flex 3.0 does require two hands for folding and doesn't have a hand brake. That being said, it does cost at least £80/$100 less than its more premium sibling.
Suitable from: 6 months* to 22kg (4-5 years), or from birth with the optional carrycot or car seat
Key features
PROS
CONS
Editor's Review
“I love this stroller! It's good on grass, gravel, bumpy terrain, and of course a smooth ride for everyday things like shopping."
If you're on a tighter budget and want something that's more of an everyday stroller suitable for occasional as an off road stroller, the Jeep Cross-Country Sport Plus is a decent option. Despite it's lack of suspension, it copes with lumps and bumps reasonably well. It also comes with car seat adapters, a detachable changing bag, and fabric parent tray as standard, which is a nice bonus.
Suitable from: 6 months to 20kg (4-5 years), or from birth with the optional car seat
Key features
Adjustable handlebar
Compatible with several brand of car seats
Large, quilted sun canopy with peekaboo window
PROS
CONS
Seasoned hikers may be reading this wondering why you wouldn't opt for a hiking carrier instead of a stroller. And the answer is that it depends on the circumstances - the type of hiking you'll do.
If you're someone who regularly treks mountains or incredibly uneven terrain that simply isn't passable by stroller, then a hiking carrier would certainly be the better option. However, if you're more likely to be hiking through the woods, on nature trails or small rocky paths, then a stroller will certainly do a great job and save your shoulders!
Yes! The mast majority can be used as a travel system, meaning they can usually be used as a bassinet or carrycot, hold an infant car seat, and be used as a regular stroller.
However, because of the specialised nature of the stroller, many brands sell the bassinets or car seat conversion kits as expensive add-ons. Using your all terrain stroller as your everyday stroller can be costly.
Some parents do find them quite large and heavy for everyday use, as well. Because of the elongated shape, they can be a bit tougher to manoeuvre in busy places or around tight corners.
That's entirely up to you and depends on your budget. But some parents do opt for two strollers - using standard strollers as their main stroller for the day-to-day, and keeping the all terrain stroller purely for hikes on tough terrain.
In some cases, the cost of add-ons required to make your off road stroller a travel system may end up greater than buying the off road version and an entirely separate travel system. Of course, in other cases it may still be cheaper to get the one. And obviously you need to consider space. Many parents find it incredibly frustrating trying to store a stroller, let alone two!
This is all a matter of opinion, of course, but with an all terrain stroller or jogging stroller you get the best of both worlds. You have something that you can use everyday for walks around the park but also something specialised that enables you to get out into nature, and get some exercise as a family.
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