All-Terrain Strollers

Best all-terrain strollers for everyday use

All-terrain strollers have three wheels like jogging strollers, but they really aren't meant for running. That's because they have a swiveling front wheel, while true jogging strollers have a fixed front wheel. A swiveling front wheel makes for great maneuverability in tight spaces, but it also makes it more difficult for the stroller to track straight while you're running. The front wheels on some all-terrain strollers can be locked into place, but we still see plenty of complaints that the strollers are hard to control and the wheel wobbles when jogging, even when it's locked. True jogging strollers also have a large front wheel (usually 16 to 20 inches), which makes for a smoother ride with less resistance, and they usually have hand brakes instead of just a parking brake. If you are a serious runner, check out a fixed-wheel stroller first. However, if you want a stroller that can do a little bit of everything -- fitness walking, light jogging and shopping -- an all-terrain stroller is your best bet.

BOB scores again with the BOB Revolution (*Est. $390), an all-terrain stroller that earns more recommendations than any other three-wheeler. This stroller has rugged BMX-style tires, including two 16-inch wheels in the back and a 12.5-inch front wheel that swivels or locks. Like most BOB strollers, 3 inches of suspension make for a more comfortable ride. The stroller has a 70-pound weight limit, two-step folding system and adjustable shock absorbers. Safety features include a parking brake, wrist strap and five-point safety harness for your little one. The BOB Revolution also includes two interior seat pockets, one seatback pocket and a cargo bay underneath the seat. It comes in five different colors with a five-year frame warranty (small parts and fabric are covered for one year).

Professional reviewers recommend the BOB Revolution for its excellent maneuverability, whether you're navigating uneven sidewalks, gravel or tight aisles at the grocery store. The Revolution gets rave reviews from a variety of parenting publications, including Parenting, Fit Pregnancy, Parents and Cookie magazines. Even though all-terrain strollers aren't really designed for serious running, reviews indicate that lots of parents use the Revolution for jogging. Running Times magazine editors give it high marks, especially for its easy-to-use foot brake. "The BOB strollers have the nicest parking brake mechanism of any of the strollers we looked at," the editors write. The suspension and turning capabilities also earn accolades, and most like the generous storage space. User reviews are positive, with hundreds of owners giving the BOB Revolution above-average ratings at JoggingStrollers.com and Buzzillions.com.

The BOB Revolution jogging stroller has a fixed handlebar, which is one of the biggest downsides for many reviewers. Adjustable handlebars are nice to have, especially if there's a big height difference between parents. A few reviewers, in addition, are frustrated that you have to pay extra for the cup holder console (*Est. $20), and some say the 23-pound stroller is too heavy.

BOB makes a scaled-down version of the Revolution called the BOB Revolution 12-inch AW (*Est. $399). The 12-inch Revolution has a lockable 12-inch front wheel, welded frame, full canopy and two-step fold just like the full-size Revolution. The back wheels are 12 inches rather than 16, and the overall weight is 22 pounds (slightly lighter than the Revolution). The smaller wheels are designed to make it more maneuverable indoors in tight spaces, and nearly 25 parents posting to Amazon.com praise its compact size and easy maneuverability. "What a great stroller -- it's very smooth, glides over bumps, very easy to maneuver (with one hand) and looks great," one parent writes. However, a few stray critics complain that the seat is uncomfortable for their child because the back is curved and encourages slumping.

No stroller can currently dethrone the BOB Revolution as the best all-terrain stroller, but the Bumbleride Indie (*Est. $470) comes close. The stroller earns excellent user reviews and is highlighted by experts at Fit Pregnancy magazine, Babble.com and MomFinds.com. Weighing in at 20 pounds, the Bumbleride Indie is a few pounds lighter than the BOB Revolution. It has 12-inch tires, including a swiveling front wheel that can be locked as needed, and suspension over the rear wheels. Other features include an under-seat cargo basket, zip-off canopy, five-point safety harness and a carrying handle for when the stroller is folded. The Indie stroller also has an adjustable handlebar -- a feature many reviewers would like to see on the BOB Revolution. Five colors are available, and the Bumbleride Indie is covered by a one-year warranty.

Fit Pregnancy magazine recommends the Bumbleride Indie stroller in its annual buyer's guide. Editors particularly appreciate the adjustable handlebar, considering so many other jogging and all-terrain strollers don't have this feature. "The handle has a wide adjustment range, from 32 to 45 inches, so no matter how tall (or not so tall) you are, it adjusts to fit your reach," editors write. Reviewers at Buzzillions -- where the Bumbleride Indie earns a 4.5-star rating after more than 50 reviews -- love the smooth ride and quick-adjusting components. "I've found that this stroller handles very well over the many bumps on our sidewalks and is easy to maneuver with one hand when necessary," one parent says.

The Bumbleride Indie can only accommodate kids up to 45 pounds (25 pounds less than the BOB Revolution), so you won't be able to use it as long. In addition, several reviewers complain that the front wheel wobbles or the stroller is hard to turn when they are jogging with the front wheel locked -- precisely why experts recommend a fixed-wheel stroller for running. The stroller can also be bulky when folded.

The Mountain Buggy Urban Jungle (*Est. $500) is another all-terrain stroller that enjoys good reviews. Like the Bumbleride Indie, the Urban Jungle stroller has 12-inch wheels with thick off-road tires and suspension over the rear wheels. The seat can be adjusted to a full recline (the top-rated BOB Revolution only has a 70-degree recline), and the handle is adjustable as well. A big benefit to the Mountain Buggy Urban Jungle is its high 77-pound weight capacity -- 7 pounds more than the BOB stroller. Other features include an under-seat storage basket, adjustable canopy with a sun visor, gear tray and a two-step folding process. It comes in six colors and has a one-year warranty (Mountain Buggy is owned by phil&teds).

The authors of one popular buyer's guide for kids' products say the Mountain Buggy Urban Jungle is a good alternative to the BOB Revolution. They particularly like the attention to detail and quality construction, which indicates that this stroller will last for the long haul. The few user reviews available are also positive. Two users give the Urban Jungle stroller a 5-star rating at JoggingStroller.com. "The ride is very smooth for my daughter and allowing her to recline when she sleeps is great," one parent writes. Users also praise the storage capacity and easy-to-adjust seat. The Urban Jungle is also easy to push, according to reviews. The biggest downside is price -- the Mountain Buggy Urban Jungle is significantly more expensive than the other top-rated all-terrain strollers.

Phil&teds has their own well-reviewed stroller in the phil&teds Sport (*Est. $450). Reviewers love the optional doubles kit (*Est. $90) that converts this stroller into an inline double that easily fits through standard doors. This setup puts the second child behind the first, instead of side-by-side like a traditional double stroller. When used as a single stroller, the seat on the phil&teds Sport can be adjusted four ways -- including a full recline -- and it includes a canopy, adjustable handlebar and under-seat storage basket. The stroller can accommodate a 55-pound child when used as a single; in its double configuration, it's rated for 44 pounds in the front seat and 33 pounds in the rear. Phil&teds offers seven colors and patterns, along with a one-year warranty.

Parent feedback on the phil&teds Sport is very good, primarily because of the double option. One drawback is that the second child rides quite close to the ground, meaning his or her view is partially blocked by the front seat. However, several parents at JoggingStroller.com say their children prefer the rear seat, and it is a good location for napping. Running Times magazine editors recommend the phil&teds Sport, although they note that this all-terrain stroller is not designed for serious running. "I found it easy to push and fun to use. It felt like a small, loaded sports car next to the larger strollers we reviewed," the author writes. User reviews are also positive, especially at JoggingStroller.com, where the Sport stroller earns a 4-star rating. Although they acknowledge that it's an expensive stroller, most say it is worth the investment because it can grow with your family. Versatility is another plus, as the phil&teds Sport can be used for errands or outdoor activities like fitness walking.

Most all-terrain strollers are pretty easy to assemble -- just pop on the wheels and go -- but Sabrina Grotewold, who tests the phil&teds Sport for Running Times, finds assembly a little challenging. The directions aren't always clear, she says, and it includes lots of parts. Folding down the stroller can also be tricky. We saw a few durability complaints, including broken canopy snaps, on JoggingStroller.com. Another thing to keep in mind, especially if you plan to buy a used stroller -- the phil&teds Sport was recalled in 2008 because of a hinge that could injure your finger when folding or unfolding the stroller. The recall affected Sport strollers sold between August 2003 and August 2008. If you do buy a used Sport stroller, make sure the original owner installed the hinge cover (available for free from phil&teds).

The City Series line from Baby Jogger, which includes the Elite (*Est. $400) and the Mini (*Est. $230), is a popular option among all-terrain strollers (another three-wheeled stroller in the series, the City Classic, has been discontinued as of 2010). The Mini, which has lightweight 8-inch swivel wheels, was subject to a voluntary safety recall in 2009 due to a faulty restraint buckle that could unlatch easily. The recall affects City Mini strollers sold between November 2007 and February 2009; Baby Jogger supplies a free replacement buckle for affected consumers. Even so, reviewers like this lightweight stroller, especially its one-step folding mechanism and extra-large canopy. The Baby Jogger City Mini has a 50-pound weight limit and comes with a lifetime frame warranty.

Owners give the Baby Jogger City Mini high marks at both Buzzillions.com and Amazon.com. Nearly 250 parents review the stroller at Buzzillions, giving it an overall rating of 4.5 stars (out of 5). Users say the stroller is easy to assemble and provides a comfortable ride for their child. They also rave about the large canopy, which has a peek-a-boo window on top so you can check on the baby. "This stroller is probably the easiest stroller to fold and unfold that I have ever used ... and it is as simple as pulling the strap and folding it in half," one parent writes at Amazon.com. However, a few parents note that the back support on the seat is rather flimsy, which makes it hard for their child to sit upright.

The Baby Jogger City Elite has larger 12-inch wheels, but it's more expensive than the City Mini. The front wheel can be locked in place for better handling on rough terrain, but neither model is a true jogging stroller. The Elite weighs 25 pounds and has a larger weight capacity (75 pounds) than the Mini. It also includes a few extra features such as a raised footrest and a handlebar console. For 2010, the Elite has been updated with "forever-air" foam tires that never go flat (the previous version had air tires) and a hand-operated parking brake. This stroller earns high marks on user-review sites, including a perfect rating from 12 owners at Amazon.com. One owner uses both the City Mini and City Elite and describes the difference: "The City Mini is like a tight little sports car, small compact, tight steering but you can feel every bump on the ground so [it is] best suited for indoor use or perfectly paved surfaces. The Elite is like a big Cadillac with a soft gentle ride, but definitely not as easy to maneuver in very tight quarters." Like the City Mini, several parents complain that their child slouches in the seat because it lacks adequate back support.