One of the best activities to do with your young children is exploring, and it’s never too early to get them started. However, before you take your baby anywhere outside your home, you need to be equipped with the right gear to ensure that they stay safe and secure, no matter where you might end up.
One of the most important pieces of baby gear for adventurous families is an all-terrain stroller. All-terrain strollers are perfect for off-road adventures, as they tackle rough, uneven ground.
With superior suspension compared to other regular strollers, all-terrain strollers ensure stability so your baby isn’t too disturbed by any bumps on the road. Whether you go to the beach, trek through the forest, or find yourself on Italian cobblestone, all-terrain strollers ensure that you are always prepared.
Keep reading to learn more about these types of strollers and find out what the best all terrain strollers are to give you peace of mind on your and your baby’s next adventure.
Best All-Terrain Strollers
Finding the right all terrain stroller can be a difficult endeavor, especially since there are currently so many on the market, some of which are falsely labeled as all-terrain (more on this later).
When choosing an all-terrain stroller, you have to keep in mind certain features that make these strollers suitable for long adventures with your baby. These features may include:
- Tires
- Stroller weight
- Age of your child
- Canopy size
- Storage capacity
It’s important to buy the best all terrain stroller that fits both you and your baby, as choosing the wrong one can end up being an expensive mistake.
To help you out, here are some of our top picks for the title of the best all terrain strollers for adventurous parents.
Baby Jogger City Mini GT2 All-Terrain Stroller
First on our list of the best all-terrain strollers available today is from one of the most trusted companies for active and adventurous parents: Baby Jogger.
Baby Jogger makes strollers for parents that want to incorporate their baby into their fit lifestyle, making their strollers perfect for families who enjoy going on off-road adventures. The Baby Jogger City Mini GT2 All-Terrain stroller is no exception.
Ready to go for newborns and babies up to 20 pounds, the City Mini GT 2 is a highly customizable lightweight stroller with adjustable calf support and multi-recline positions to adjust to your child’s growth and comfort level. This stroller is also compatible with infant car seats, creating a smooth transition from car to stroller.
Of course, this all-terrain stroller features all-terrain wheels made with forever air rubber tires and has all-wheel suspension to provide a comfortable stroll on any terrain, from sand to snow.
If your child doesn’t want to walk but won’t get back into their stroller, don’t worry. The Baby Jogger City Mini GT 2 quickly folds into a compact state that you can carry in one hand while carrying your fussy baby in the other if necessary.
What’s more is that Baby Jogger has an assortment of add-on accessories you can purchase to make your stroller more functional, including car seats and carrycots. These accessories further customize this lightweight stroller for both you and your baby’s comfort.
Pros:
- Ideal for newborns
- Versatile – provides 3 ways to ride
- Padded seat back for your baby’s comfort
- UV 50+ canopy with a view
- Storage basket has front and side access
- Compatible with infant car seats and carry cots
- Includes carrying case
Cons:
- Although it is equipped with all-terrain tires, some parents claim it isn’t great on overly rocky paths
Baby Trend Range Jogger Stroller
If you’re looking for the best all-terrain stroller that doesn’t break the bank, the Baby Trend Range Jogger stroller is the best option for you. But don’t be fooled by the affordable price of this stroller. It still boasts many of the features you expect from an all-terrain stroller.
This Baby Trend stroller has a lockable front swivel wheel that makes maneuvering it easy and provides extra stability. You can lock the front wheel to make the stroller keep up with you while jogging, then unlock it for those days when you feel like taking a slow controlled walk with your baby.
This stroller also comes with ample storage space and pockets, featuring two deep cup holders for you and a snack tray for your little one. There’s also a large storage basket at the bottom of the stroller to keep your baby bag and other large belongings. Take advantage of the additional covered compartments to store everything you need during your off-road adventure.
The expandable 3-tier canopy is sure to protect your child from the hot sun, and they’re sure to remain snuggly in their seat throughout your excursion thanks to the 5-point harness with padded covers. Once home, use the effortless trigger fold to reduce your stroller to a compact size small enough to store in the most convenient place in your home.
Pros:
- Affordable price
- Extra-wide, ergonomically shaped handle
- Adjustable canopy and sunroof
- Footrest reflector for low light visibility
- Lightweight steel frame construction
- Compatible with Baby Trend car seat
Cons:
- No convenient hand brake
- You need two hands to fold this stroller
Britax B-Free Stroller
If you want to enjoy your parent-child adventures and look stylish while doing it, the Britax B-Free Stroller is the best all-terrain stroller for you.
This lightweight stroller is sleek, but that doesn’t mean that it can’t handle the toughest terrain. As with all all-terrain strollers, the Britax B-Free stroller has a 3-wheel design for easy maneuvering that handles even the sharpest curves. With the ability to carry up to a 65-pound weight limit, this stroller can accommodate any child who is old enough to walk but sometimes tends to get fed up during long walks.
The stroller also boasts heavy-duty rubber air-filled tires that you can trust through any rocky setting. Many parents say they trust that the brakes are top quality, ensuring additional safety for you and your young one.
The B-free stroller has additional features to make your off-road adventure smoother and more enjoyable for both you and your baby. This includes features such as an adjustable handlebar and infinite stroller seat recline to accommodate your child, whether they’re alert and taking in their surroundings or feeling sleepy and taking a short nap.
One thing to note is that while it’s safe and sturdy, this stroller is heavier than other comparable strollers. That said, the good news is that it’s easy to fold, meaning that you can take it out and put it away quickly after your walk.
Pros:
- Adjustable handlebar
- 7 storage pockets
- Extra-large storage pocket with front access
- UV50+ expandable canopy
- Compatible with both Britax and BOB car seats
Cons:
- Heavier than other similar strollers
- For those looking to use this stroller for jogging purposes, this is not a jogging stroller
Thule Urban Glide 2 Jogging Stroller
Next on our list of the best all-terrain strollers is the Urban Glide 2 jogging stroller from Thule.
Known for its convenience and safety features, the Thule Urban Glide 2 All-Terrain Jogging Stroller is one of the best all-terrain strollers you can choose from, whether you want to use it for exercise or everyday use around town.
This stroller has a lightweight, aerodynamic design that makes it easy to maneuver around while you walk or run and store compactly and securely whenever you don’t need it. If you were blessed with twins or have too small children to push around, the Urban Glide 2 stroller also comes in a double stroller version.
The bottom storage bin is large and has a waterproof zipper cover to keep your items safe and secure during a turbulent adventure on uneven terrain. What’s more is that you can keep up to 10 pounds of items in the bin, and it’s accessible from both the back and the sides.
One of the best features of the Urban Glide 2 is that it’s comparable in size to a non-jogging and non-all-terrain regular stroller. You get the benefits of an all-terrain jogging stroller with the additional space afforded to a regular stroller.
Another great feature of this stroller is that you only need one hand to fold the Urban Glide 2 and store it in your place of choice. Using the twist and fold mechanism under the leg rest, swiftly fold the stroller in half. From there, you can use the handle to roll and lift the stroller, and then you’re done! The stroller also has an auto-lock feature, and the rear wheels pull in for an even more compact fold.
One concern is that the baby gets too hot when sitting in their stroller all day. With a secure and comfortable seat that features integrated ventilation, the Urban Glide 2 stroller keeps your child cool no matter how long your adventures end up taking.
Pros:
- Padded 5-point child harness
- Large storage capacity
- One-hand compact fold
- Protective canopy with integrated ventilation
- Integrated handbrake to slow down the stroller
- Front-wheel with high-performance swivel
Cons:
- The Urban Glide 2 is pricier than other all-terrain strollers
BOB Gear All-Terrain Pro Jogging Stroller
If you’re willing to splurge on a high-quality, high-performance all-terrain stroller, you’ll want to be sure to keep the BOB Gear All-Terrain Pro jogging stroller on your radar. With all the features you need in an all-terrain stroller and more, this stroller from BOB Gear ensures that you’re never caught on guard in any adventure.
Whether you bring this stroller with you on the hiking trail or stroll around the city streets, this stroller ensures that you’re ready for anything thanks to its sleek yet functional design. With high-performance fabric and reflective rims, everyone will be able to spot you from a distance, maximizing your safety when you and your baby go on a nightly stroll.
One of the elements that make this among the best all-terrain strollers is the Smooth Shox suspension and air filled tires, which balance out your baby, allowing them to tackle any terrain while feeling at ease.
Another star feature that other all-terrain strollers lack is proper downhill control. Use the hand brake to slow down the stroller as you descend a steep hill. What’s more, the cargo basket is extra-large with a zip top to secure your belongings, in case you do get distracted on your adventure.
Don’t be intimidated by all the features. This stroller is still quite easy to put away when not in use. Simply fold the stroller to a self-standing position with a single twist of the hand. You can do all of this using a single hand, which is perfect if you have a screaming baby in the other.
Pros:
- Reflective rims and trim
- Doubles as a jogging stroller
- Waterproof canopy with UPF 50+
- Hand brake
- Adjustable handlebar
- Easy fold lock lever
Cons:
- One of the priciest options when it comes to all-terrain strollers
- Not compatible with many name brand car seats
Graco FastAction Jogger LX Stroller
Last on our list of the best all-terrain strollers for your needs is the Graco FastAction Jogger LX stroller.
From the popular baby gear company, Graco, this stroller has the convenience and comfort of a traditional stroller, but with the added benefits of an all-terrain stroller. This versatile stroller can be used as an infant car seat carrier or with a toddler seat. This allows it to grow with your child, minimizing the number of strollers you need for their lifetime.
The FastAction Jogger LX can handle a wide range of terrains, making it perfect for adventurous families. This compact stroller is easy to transport to any location of choice thanks to its signature one-hand, one-second fold. Effortlessly pack it up in the back of your car, public transportation, or any other mode of transit.
The air filled tires offer a smooth ride on any terrain, and a locking front swivel wheel provides an easy transition on any off-road path, from smooth dirt to a rocky road.
Keep your little one comfortable all day with the multi-position incline that easily adjusts the seat to your child’s desired position. This gives your child the option to stay up and alert, or take a quick power nap until you reach your destination.
Don’t worry, Graco hasn’t forgotten the importance of parent comfort as well. The FastAction Jogger LX stroller ensures that you’re comfortable as well, featuring an adjustable handlebar with two cup holders to stay hydrated throughout the day. Your child also gets their cupholder and a tray to keep extra snacks and toys, in case they get fussy.
Pros:
- Multi-position recline
- Affordable
- Quick, one-hand fold
- Versatile – car seat carrier or toddler seat
- Height adjustable handle
- Two cup holders
Cons:
- This isn’t a compact all-terrain stroller, as some parents complain that it’s heavy and bulky
Why You Need an All-Terrain Stroller
All-terrain strollers are for families who have an active outdoor lifestyle and enjoy taking off-road adventures. These types of strollers have additional features that make it easier to tackle difficult terrain while pushing the weight of your child.
Certain aspects make all-terrain strollers unique.
What makes all-terrain strollers different?
What sets all-terrain strollers apart from other types of strollers is their wheels. All-terrain strollers have sturdy wheels and a swivel front wheel for easy maneuverability on all types of surfaces, no matter how turbulent.
All-terrain strollers also almost always have three wheels instead of the standard four of traditional strollers. With two large wheels in the back and one smaller one in the front, this three-wheel configuration provides the perfect combination of off-road capabilities while still being suitable for everyday use if necessary.
A common mistake for parents is mixing up all-terrain strollers and jogging strollers. It’s important to note that these are not interchangeable terms, and ending up with the wrong stroller may cause a roadblock in your adventure plans.
Are all-terrain strollers and jogging strollers the same thing?
Although sometimes mistaken for one another, all-terrain strollers and jogging strollers are not the same types of devices.
Even though both all-terrain and jogging strollers almost always have three tires, jogging strollers do not always contain the same type of tires that sets all-terrain tires apart. These three air-filled wheels make it easy to push the stroller and maneuver around smoothly throughout your journey so that your child stays comfortable. This is where the similarities end between the two types of strollers, as, for the most part, most jogging strollers only work properly on smooth surfaces.
The other important element to understand about jogging strollers is that the front tire is lockable to improve the maneuverability and stability of the stroller while moving at faster speeds. This isn’t always a given for all-terrain strollers, as they are made for maneuvering bumpy roads, but not necessarily for moving at quicker than average speeds. With all-terrain strollers, the air-filled tires provide extra cushioning and comfort to minimize the impact on your child when you go over bumpy ground.
Despite all of this, there is some overlap between the two types of strollers. Some all-terrain strollers are also jogging strollers, and some jogging strollers are equipped with all-terrain tires or other features.
That said, watch out when choosing all-terrain strollers because not all of them are suitable for jogging. What’s more, is that all-terrain strollers are relatively heavy compared to other types of strollers, so if it isn’t also a jogging stroller, it might not be the right stroller to take your child on long jogs with. Doing so could be dangerous for both you and your baby.
Now that we’ve cleared up the difference between jogging and all-terrain strollers let’s discuss more of the key features of the best all-terrain strollers.
Key Features of the Best All-Terrain Strollers
Along with tires, another element that sets all-terrain strollers apart from other strollers is the suspension.
All-terrain strollers usually have all-wheel suspension that keeps your stroller stable no matter how bumpy the ground is so that your child can remain comfortable throughout your journey. This is perfect if your baby is asleep and you don’t want to wake them up.
With a good-quality all-terrain stroller, you’ll be able to take your adventures to a new level. You’ll no longer be restricted on where you can go because of your stroller, as an all-terrain stroller allows the possibility to travel on a variety of different terrains, including:
- Sidewalks
- Thick snow
- Wood Chip paths
- Grass
- Beach
Here are some additional key features to look for in an all-terrain stroller.
Storage
If you regularly use an all-terrain stroller, the assumption is that you often take long trips with your child in the stroller. As a parent, you know that you can’t leave the house without having everything you may need while away. The longer the trip, the longer the list of essentials becomes.
This is why the best all-terrain strollers must contain an ample amount of storage space so that you may keep everything your baby needs nearby. Key stroller storage areas include:
- Large storage basket
- Cup holders for both you and baby
- Snack tray for your baby
- Pouch at the back of your child’s seat
- Side pockets for additional items
Comfort
For your baby, try to find an all-terrain stroller with added padding on the seat and the harness to minimize irritation. A multi-recline option is also a must to ensure that your baby remains comfortable when they inevitably fall asleep during your hours-long adventure.
For yourself, make sure that you seek strollers with adjustable handlebars, with at least one of the adjustable settings being comfortable for your height. It’s a bonus if the handlebar is padded, especially if you’re looking for a jogging stroller.
Ability to stow away
One of the worst parts about operating a stroller is taking it out and putting it away. It can be difficult to find the right place in your home to put your stroller, especially if it’s large and bulky.
The best all-terrain strollers can fold into a compact size for easy storage. Additional features to make storage even easier is simple, one-handed folding. This is especially useful when you’re dealing with a fussy baby who needs to be held.
Better yet, some all-terrain strollers have removable wheels, allowing you to store the wheels separately and causing the stroller to fit more easily in your area of choice.
Car seat compatibility
Last but not least, it’s important to consider whether your all-terrain stroller of choice is compatible with your car seat.
These days, a travel system is the best way to move around with your baby, easily transitioning them from your car to their everyday stroller in just one click. Otherwise, it’s a hassle taking your baby out of one seat and putting them into another, especially without causing them to have a fit.
Many of the best all-terrain strollers are compatible with big-brand baby car seats, from Graco car seats to Chicco. You’re usually required to purchase an extra adapter, but it’s worth it for peace of mind and a smooth transition for your baby.
How to Choose the Best All-Terrain Stroller
If you’re someone with an adventurous nature who loves to go to new places, having a baby can feel like you have to change your lifestyle. But with the right equipment, nothing has to change.
All-terrain strollers allow you to bring your baby with you on your adventures, no matter how off-road they are. There are a few things that you must consider when shopping for an all-terrain stroller, but taking the time to explore your options is worth it to start bonding with your little one outdoors.