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.
Table Of Contents
Our top three all terrain strollers
Best overall
Baby Jogger Summit X3
Best for performance
BOB Gear Alterrain Pro
Best for budget
Baby Trend Expedition
What to look for when buying an all terrain stroller
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.
The 8 best all terrain strollers
Now that we know what to look for, it's time to look at eight of our favourites.
1. Baby Jogger Summit X3
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
2. BOB Gear Alterrain Pro
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.
- Wheels - 12” lockable front wheel, 16” rear wheels
