a stroller expert answers:

A stroller system for harsh terrain - what to choose?

06 May 2020

Hi,

I want to ask for advice for a stroller system for demanding terrain. I already picked a few, but I can't get myself to choose one. By demanding terrain, I mean fields, forest roads, meadows, and such. Usually bumpy roads, stoned, holes, and so on. I don't plan on running with the stroller.

An important feature for me is big wheels even in the front, 2in1 or 3in1 system with a car seat, good folding system (we have a larger boot, but I will have to fold it regularly, so I don't want it to be super hard), less than 15 kg of weight, large canopy (carrycot as well as seat unit), canopy with ventilation, and a peek-a-boo window on the seat unit's canopy. I would love it to have accessories available to choose from (sibling board, rain cover, shopping net, changing bag, etc.), and I also quite like those carrycots with an inclining backrest. My child is due in May, so I am guessing we will be using the seat in winter already.

I am not sure about picking a three-wheeler - are they more terrain-capable overall? Or does it depend on the particular case/model?

My picks are:

Noordi Fjordi/Sole (not sure what is the difference) - nice suspension, features speak to me, I like the look, but I heard it is faulty?

Baby Design Lupo Comfort / Husky (the difference is only the included winter accessories pack with the Husky?) - good features-wise, good reviews, are there downsides - and which are those? I don't mind a Polish pram.

ABC Design Salsa 4 Air - seems high-quality, but is it terrain-capable, and is the suspension good? (Viper is too heavy).

Britax Go Big 2 - seems great, but it's one of the last choices for me because it's quite expensive and I don't like its design (it reminds me of a lawn-mower or a small tank).

Espiro Next - seems ok, but I didn't read any reviews, looks pretty, but the basket is on the smaller side.

Britax B-Motion 3 Plus (4 Plus seems to have front wheels that are too small for real terrain) - I like that it's not heavy, but is it all-terrain enough, and what about suspension? Is it immediately felt that it's a cheaper, lower-class model and not a full-size pram?

Easywalker Sky / Harvey all terrain - are they even a good option? Sky seems ugly, and Harvey has a bucket seat (unsure about the disadvantages)

Peg-Pérego Book Cross (plus the optional carrycot and accessories) - is it a good option, and is it still available?

I don't like: BJ Summit X3 / City Elite - seem too sporty to me.

I will be very grateful for a comparison, advantages/disadvantages, reasons to pick something in particular. Also, I'll appreciate any other suggestions.

Thank you so much.

Eli • 06 May 2020

Hello hello!

I think you are on your way there, and it is immediately visible - that you took your time to think about is and read a lot, picking some options and making the decisionmaking easier - the options narrowed down. Bravo.

I will start at the end - for me, the Baby Jogger stroller - yes, sporty-looking - actually fit best here because the sportiness to them makes it so much easier to go through bad terrain. Also, they're high-quality, practical to fold... Just good overall. And there we get to the question of three- and four-wheelers - yes, overall, three-wheeled strollers will, in general, handle terrain better. Of course, there are exceptions (those with small wheels or those very cheaply made), but a three-wheeled stroller is just better for the forest, truly. Even though, because of a milder suspension and wheel size, I would actually remove the Book Cross by Peg-Pérego from your picks - it pushes well, but mostly on undemanding terrain.

From the others, Noordi prams I find too low-quality, and I would not recommend getting those, they seem overpriced for what you get. Baby Design brand, from those lower-budget ones, is kind of ok, but I find it better for village-use and such, not exactly for really demanding terrain. They also seem too large to fold to me - I mean, you'll be happy with the carrycot, but the seat units are just ok, mainly when compared with better models you mention. The Espiro brand is very similar there, even though a bit better quality even, a bit bulkier, heavier, and with a bit less suspension.

The ABC Design Salsa 4 Air is, from your picks, in my opinion, the best choice actually, because the large wheels plus real suspension plus spaciousness in both carrycot and seat are a good combo. Mainly if the great Britax Go Big2 is a bit too expensive for you. And yes, you will feel the lower-classness of the B-Motion 3 - mainly with the non-reversible seat and not much suspension. If, however, you would be less demanding and a simpler, "harder" riding chassis would be acceptable for you, it's an ok choice to make, the BM3.

To the Easywalker Sky I say no, it's already an old, discontinued model - there are better ones, even if you'd find stock of new somewhere. The newer Harvey2 is a good, even though a smaller (space-wise) model, better for the city plus some terrain then serious terrain often, so I will say no there as well.

So the Salsa would be a winner in my eyes, I'd say - from your picks. A larger, all-round suspension stroller system, spacious, with large hoods... The carrycot incline is not there; however, you can simply buy a reflux pillow for that, if necessary. Also, I will recommend looking at some more three-wheelers - like, e.g., the TFK brand offers - they will truly make for a comfy ride. Also, I will suggest the versatile Casualplay LOOPi Allroad, where you can also opt for the extra Running three-wheel base (sold separately), making it suitable for really any terrain...

Your -very berry- Eli.

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