All-terrain Strollers: Reviews

Choosing an all-terrain stroller

All-terrain strollers aren't just for hiking anymore. These versatile, three-wheeled strollers are becoming increasingly popular for all-purpose use. As such, they're a great choice for those who live in the country and deal with gravel roads or dirt paths, beach dwellers who push their strollers through sand, and even the suburban parent trying to navigate a stroller over grass at the park or rough playgrounds. Even if you live in the city and traverse nothing more challenging than a bumpy sidewalk, you'll find that all-terrain, three-wheeled strollers are highly maneuverable in tight spaces such as the aisles of a trendy boutique. In fact, some companies are replacing the term "all-terrain" in product literature in favor of "multi-terrain."

What separates all-terrain strollers from jogging strollers is the wheels. The latter also have three wheels, but they're larger, thinner and lighter to reduce stroller weight. True jogging strollers have fixed front wheels, but some have swivel wheels that lock into place for light jogging. There are many similarities between all-terrain, jogging and swivel-wheel strollers.

Choose a jogging stroller if you're a dedicated jogger who needs a stroller that holds up to long, frequent runs, and tracks straight and true. A swivel-wheel stroller is best for a light jogger who wants a versatile stroller for everyday use. Both are covered in our report on jogging strollers. Choose an all-terrain product if you often encounter challenging or uneven terrain, or just want a versatile, highly maneuverable stroller.

Experts agree that the best stroller on the market for any all-terrain or multi-terrain needs is the BOB Revolution SE (*Est. $390) . It's sturdy yet relatively light at 25 pounds, with a lightweight frame and adjustable shock absorbers. The wheels are high-impact polymer with pneumatic tires and tubes to perform well even on very rugged terrain. The front wheel can be locked in place for greater traction on difficult trails, yet the Revolution SE is also extremely maneuverable for everyday use in shopping malls or supermarkets. This is the most highly recommended stroller in virtually every all-terrain roundup we found. The very small number of owner complaints center on the price and the fact that the BOB doesn't include cupholders, which are increasingly considered a standard feature.

Less pricey but just as rugged is the Jeep Liberty Limited (*Est. $150) . Weighing in at 30 pounds, this stroller's biggest drawback is its 40-pound weight limit compared to the BOB Revolution SE's weight limit of 70 pounds. However, since 40 pounds is the average weight of a 5-year-old, that may not be much of a concern. The Liberty also isn't as attractive; it looks like a piece of camping or hiking equipment next to the sleek lines of the Revolution SE. But it does have features the BOB doesn't, including cupholders, a fun steering wheel on the child's tray and an MP3 player on the parent console. This stroller is highly rated for both durability and maneuverability by experts and users alike. If you're a serious off-roader and safety and cost are primary concerns, this is the stroller for you.

For the urban parent who doesn't need to tackle rugged terrain or take the stroller off-road, there are a number of highly rated strollers designed for city life, including the Mountain Buggy Urban Jungle (*Est. $500) , the Baby Jogger City Elite (*Est. $400) and the Baby Jogger City Mini (*Est. $230) . All three are highly rated for superior maneuverability, comfort and ease of use.