When you're hiking with small children, you have several options for getting them to the destination and back to the trailhead: use all of your cunning as you cajole them to walk it, put them into a kid-carrier backpack and heft them on your back, toss them up on your shoulders or place them in an off-road stroller. If you choose the last option, look for an all-terrain model that is lightweight but sturdy with a rugged suspension, high-performance off-road tires and solid construction that can withstand jars and dips along the way.
BOB Revolution
Stroller manufacturer BOB, short for Beast of Burden, makes the Revolution, which won Consumersearch.com's award for best all-terrain stroller in 2009. The reviewers were impressed with the Revolution's versatility and sturdiness. The stroller is equipped with two 16-inch, fixed, polymer wheels in the back and a single 12 1/2-inch, swiveling and locking, polymer front wheel. You'll find it handles uneven terrain efficiently, yet it is also well suited to cruising around town. The versatility of the Revolution includes a two-step folding system, a 70-lb. weight limit, adjustable shock absorbers, adjustable tracking---in case you start to veer off course---and an interior seat that inclines up to 70 degrees F. The BOB Revolution Duallie offers the same type of construction and features but is meant for holding two children.
Mountain Buggy Urban Jungle
The Urban Jungle, manufactured by Mountain Buggy, provides a smooth ride and easy maneuverability, according to Consumersearch.com. Built of a lightweight aluminum frame, the Urban Jungle moves swiftly down the trail and can be easily folded up at the end of the day and tucked into your vehicle. Extras like a peek-a-boo flap so you can check in on the little one, an adjustable handle to accommodate hikers of all heights and a convenient bottle holder make it user friendly. A narrow, 25-inch wheelbase, rugged rear wheel suspension and three 12-inch tires enable the Urban Jungle to handle quick turns and bumpy trails while toting a child up to 77 lbs. Inside, the seat is fully adjustable and will lie down completely to accommodate newborns and tuckered-out toddlers.
phil&teds Sport
Consumersearch.com was also impressed with the Sport by phil&teds. What set this one apart in reveiwers' eyes is an optional toddler kit that turns the single stroller into a double without adding more to the width and length of the unit. With the optional seat, you can navigate one newborn, one toddler, a toddler and a newborn or two toddlers down the trail. Other features of the Sport include the multiposition handle to accommodate hikers of varying heights, a contouring seat that can be laid flat and a double rear foot brake. The rugged Sport folds down small, is constructed of a steel frame and weighs 23 lbs. The stroller accommodates a 55-lb. child or a combination of a 44-lb. child in the front seat and a 33-lb. child in the back seat when the toddler kit is installed.
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