I have been thinking about this blog for strollers for awhile, then got asked about it and thought I’d better get it up. I am also working on a trail guide, but my mapping software has crashed. That will have to come later. I would love to hear about trail adventures from you.
Getting the right stroller for your kid is essential. Ideally, I wanted to get one that would last several years and be able to go everywhere I wanted. That means off road and off trail for me. And it had to convert from holding an infant car seat up to a five year old. I have seen many different models and received information from my friends to help make this post useful.
If you plan to use the stroller on dirt trails, it must have shocks. Otherwise you will have a bounced baby and sore wrists. No fun. Many models come with shocks. I saw a few at Target in the under $100 range. However, my friends have told me that these do not hold up. The “Jeep” stroller looks aggressive, but plastic parts started getting loose and the tires did not hold up more than 1 year with regular use on a dirt trail.
Another friend had the In-Step and “it didn't last the distance. The sunshade was also crap cover and eventually it no longer stays on.”
I invested in a BOB stroller based on the reputation and the sturdiness of the stroller. There are several models of BOB strollers ranging from around $200 to $500. You can see them at REI.com and at outdoor stores, but also many of last year’s models are available at online discount stores like Departmentofgoods.com and reioutlet.com, or used strollers on craigslist.com. The main differences are in the tires, shocks, and number of children you want to haul. I choose the off-road aggressive tires with the fixed front wheel. The free or rotating front wheel is great for navigating in crowds and on paved trails, better than the fixed wheel if this is where you plan to use the stroller. I live in an area of dirt trails and off trail hiking and the fixed front tire keeps the stroller on a straight course. A friend had the free front tire and the tire bounced around every rock on a dirt trail. I recently heard that there is a model that has a free tire that can also be locked, making it more versatile. The car seat adapter kit can be purchased separately and comes in different models for the various brands of car seats. Other accessories are also available, such as the handle bar drink holder so the parent has a place for water bottles (or beer bottles as my husband is proud to show). Basically, I love my BOB stroller, have used it aggressively for 2 years, and do not have a single complaint. The resale value averages about half of the original purchase price, so that is definitely something to consider.
Another friend has the Chariot stroller system which has different attachments so that you can convert the main carriage area from a stroller, to bike trailer, to ski trailer. It is a great system and holds up well, even with two children in it. This system is a bit pricier ($300-500), but has lasted over 6 years for her so far and will keep going for many more. The resale value on these is amazing; you get most of your investment back if you decide to sell.
Basically, think about what you want to do with your stroller and realize that you will probably be using it for several years, perhaps even 5-6. Get one that will last as long as you need it and get you out for adventures!
