Spending time outside can be a fun, exciting, and sanity-saving activity for parents and kids alike. However, it can be a challenge immersing your little ones in their environment when they’re still working on mastering their crawling and walking milestones. Even if your baby is still unsteady on their feet, you can include them in your adventurous outings with a stroller designed for trails. Made with oversized wheels that can handle varied terrain and high-quality harnesses that keep your little one securely in place, these strollers are perfect for everything from your neighborhood walks to your local, child-friendly hikes.
7 Best Strollers for Trails (2024 Reviews)
Best Strollers for Trails
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1. BOB Gear Revolution Flex 3.0 Jogging Stroller
(Best suspension system — $$$)
Why it’s great: The advanced suspension system and air-filled tires of the BOB Gear Revolution Flex 3.0 Jogging Stroller provides an ultra-smooth and easy ride for little ones. This stroller offers an ultra-padded compression seat and sits upright as well as fully reclined so your child can rest comfortably even on rougher trails. Six storage pockets and the extra-large storage basket means you’ll have more than enough space to carry everything you need for all of your adventures.
Keep in mind: Many of the accessories, such as the snack tray and car seat adapter, have to be purchased separately.
Good for: Families who often hit rocky trails and want a stroller that can handle almost all types of stroller-friendly hikes.
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2. Jeep Deluxe Patriot Open Trails Jogging Stroller by Delta Children
(Most compatible with car seats — $)
Why it’s great: The Jeep Deluxe Patriot Open Trails Jogging Stroller by Delta Children is compatible with nearly all car seats, making it the ideal base for your travel system. This stroller for trails boasts a locking swivel front wheel for stability as well as air-filled tires that absorb bumps. The extendable UPF 50+ canopy is perfect for hot, sunny walks, and the parent tray with two cup holders and a clear smartphone holder lets adults have all their necessities within reach.
Keep in mind: This stroller for trails is on the heavier side and can be taxing taking it in and out of the car trunk.
Good for: New parents who want to spend time outside as soon as little one is ready and want a trail stroller that is compatible with their car seats.
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3. Thule Urban Glide 2 Jogging Stroller
(Most functional storage compartment — $$$)
Why it’s great: The large storage basket of this stroller for trails features a zippered top, so all your items are sure to stay put even on bumpy rides. The Thule Urban Glide 2 Jogging Stroller has large 15” wheels plus suspension to guarantee a smooth ride as well as an ergonomic, adjustable handlebar that makes pushing a breeze for people of any height. The one-handed compact fold makes it easy to store and transport this trail stroller.
Keep in mind: The child seat does not reach a fully upright position, which may be a bummer for eager kids who like to have constant visibility of their surroundings.
Good for: Parents who want a stroller that can also safely haul all their personal items and child necessities without fear they’ll spill out on rocky roads.
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4. Baby Trend Expedition Jogger Stroller
(Best budget option — $)
Why it’s great: At a wallet-friendly price point, the Baby Trend Expedition Jogger Stroller has all the features at a fraction of the cost. A reclining, padded seat with a five-point harness keeps little ones safely in their seat, and a large canopy and storage basket guarantees a comfortable ride for both those in the strollers and those pushing it. Convenient child and parent trays are included and the locking front-swivel wheels and lightweight rugged steel frame offer a stable ride whether walking or jogging.
Keep in mind: The breaks need to be pushed in hard to ensure the stroller locks in place.
Good for: Families who don’t want to break the bank for a stroller that works on city streets and rocky trails.
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5. Graco FastAction Fold Jogging Stroller
(Easiest fold — $$)
Why it’s great: The Graco FastAction Fold Jogging Stroller has a one-second, one-hand fold that’s perfect for parents-on-the-go that have a limited amount of time getting geared up for kid adventures. This stroller for trails accepts all Graco car seats so even your littlest family members can come along for the ride. The three air-filled tires ensure a smooth ride while the creative design allows your stroller to be self-standing and stored vertically when not in use.
Keep in mind: The oversized wheels means this stroller may not fit in the trunk of some compact cars.
Good for: Busy parents who need a trail stroller they can set up quickly and easily.
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6. Evenflo Pivot Xplore All-Terrain Stroller Wagon
(Best wagon option — $$)
Why it’s great: With the ability to carry more than one kid, as well as an ample amount of supplies, this stroller wagon may be for you. Unlike a stroller, the Evenflo Pivot Xplore All-Terrain Stroller Wagon can switch between being pulled or pushed for maximum comfort for the caregiver. The durable, all-terrain wheels provide a smooth ride on a variety of surfaces, the oversized canopy offers UPF 50+ sun coverage for more than one rider, and the accessible storage basket holds all your childcare essentials.
Keep in mind: The sunshades don’t click into place so your little one may feel the need to move them and not have protective sun coverage.
Good for: Parents who prefer a wagon-style option over a traditional stroller.
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7. Baby Jogger Summit X3 Jogging Stroller
(Easiest to switch between walking and jogging — $$$)
Why it’s great: The front wheel-lock is mounted on the handlebar of the Baby Jogger Summit X3 Jogging Stroller, making it the easiest to switch between a locked front wheel and free swivel wheel. This stroller has 16” rear tires and a 12” front tire, making sure your little one has a smooth, gentle ride on all types of terrain. The hand operated rear brakes provide more control on hilly and uneven grounds, making this the ideal stroller for walk and hikes alike.
Keep in mind: This stroller is almost 30 pounds and can be challenging to lift in and out of car trunks.
Good for: Caregivers who want a stroller that seamlessly switches from walking to jogging modes.
BOB Gear Revolution Flex 3.0 Jogging Stroller
The BOB Gear Revolution Flex 3.0 Jogging Stroller is our overall top recommendation. It's the highest quality product we have found with the most affordable price making it the best value on our list..
FAQs about Strollers for Trails
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1. What should I look for in a stroller designed for trails?
Strollers designed for trails should have durable, high-quality wheels with an exceptional suspension system that provide a smooth ride. A five-point harness is one of the safest options as it will keep your baby or child snugly in place over bumpy and rocky terrain. A large sunshade and accessible storage compartments can also make your trail walking more enjoyable for both you and your tots.
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2. Can strollers designed for trails also work on sidewalks?
Strollers designed for trails can be used on nearly any type of flat or slightly inclined surface. The oversized wheels make for a smoother ride on rocky paths, but they also provide an enjoyable ride on sidewalks or streets. Steep, vertical hikes with large boulders or narrow pathways may not be suitable for any type of stroller.
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3. How is a stroller for trails different from regular strollers?
A stroller made for trails can often also be used for jogging. They may have larger wheels that can handle rough terrain and faster speeds, as well as only using three wheels instead of four to provide an easier turning radius. Regular strollers are limited to sidewalks, streets, and other smooth surfaces while strollers for trails can roll better on dirt and uneven terrain.
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4. At what age can my child use a stroller for trails?
A child is ready for trail riding in a stroller once they have full control of their head. Bumpy rides are not recommended for younger infants as they do not have full neck control. Most children are ready for trail walks between six and eight months, but be sure to check with your pediatrician before participating in a new activity with your child.
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5. What maintenance is required for a stroller made for trails?
Before heading out on the trails, make sure all the tires are fully inflated without any leaks. Also always check that the safety harness is in full working condition. Most strollers made for trails can be cleaned with a soft, microfiber cloth and a mild soap as they can get dirty quickly due to the dust and dirt that may kick up on trails.
Conclusion
A stroller designed for trails is an easy way for parents to spend time outdoors with their little ones, especially if their child is still unsteady on their feet and still developing a sense of direction. With options that have oversized, all-terrain tires, zippered storage compartments for bumpy rides, and cushioned seats with five-point harnesses, these strollers made for trails ensure both you and your child have a comfortable outing. Even if you don’t spend all your time in the woods, these strollers offer a smooth ride in almost all environments, from city sidewalks to lakeside pathways. Made from high-quality materials, these strollers can be used for years.