HELP. I Don't Jog... I Hike! I Need a Good Sturdy Stroller for Ruff Terrain.

I have to "ditto" on getting a backpack.

While I am not one of them... I have several backcountry friends and family members who have taken their infants/small children/older children with them to every conceivable point off the map (for up to weeks at a time) all over the globe. They have always used pack frames for their wee ones. My own mum, in traveling all over asia with me when I was a baby, also used a packframe. And in OUR own, much less daring adventures (read day hikes), we also used a packframe.

One of the BIG reasons is this: Shaken Baby Syndrome.

Strollers (even the big three bicycle wheel type) create a huge amount of shaking, bumps, vibrations, and lolling off-road. They're fine on sidewalks, so if you're staying on perfectly level groomed paths...the bicycle wheel one MIGHT work...but I personally wouldn't risk it.

The other big advantages:

- Your hands and arms are free
- You get in better shape (not the weight, so much, but your posture)
- They're actually a TON easier then a stroller for urban getting around and about. (Hehehe...even if you're the most compassionate person in the world you may notice a little voice inside you laughing as you easily slip through crowded stores & streets while other poor souls are trying to manage a stroller or a stroller AND trying to keep track of older children. With the pack frame you can hold on to a toddlers hand AND be carrying something else in your other one. Also since your baby is on your back you're not waddling about fighting gravity.)

Some of the new ones even have sunshades and rain covers. You DO want to look for one where:

- Your baby is riding high on your back, so they can see over your shoulders (a hat for YOU is handy btw, to keep them from pulling hair).
- One that has a sturdy frame (it distributes the weight, and makes it super easy to go miles and miles...unlike the marsupial pouch kind)
- One that adjusts so that the hip and chest straps fit YOU perfectly.
- Possibly on that can adjust to fit your husband
- P.A.D.D.I.N.G. on the shoulder and HIP belts is invaluable. Don't ask me why some companies don't do this. My only guess is that they think some people would rather look an iota thinner then be comfortable. Or maybe they're just cheap. ;) But get padding on BOTH...otherwise you're going to get strap burns...especially on you hips. No fun. Note: theses LOOK a lot bulkier but they only add something like an ounce or two of weight. And like I said, invaluable.
- One that has an interior harness. The aren't absolutely necessary (because the baby is so down low in the "seat") BUT they have always helped my peace of mind when I'm taking it off/putting on...and the fear of tripping. I HAVE tripped...but a single trip is = to just one bump on the trail/hillside for a stroller. Can you imagine hundreds and thousands of those jostles from a stroller? Yikes.

Anyhow...have a grand time on your adventures!!! And good for you :) :) :)

3 moms found this helpful

Dear D.,

I know you are thinking about a stroller, but I just got a hiking backpack from REI. It's the REI Piggypack backpack and it's fabulous. I don't have to worry about terrain or dogs on the loose (sometimes they aren't so friendly.)

It has a full frame so the baby's weight sits on your hips. They have two kinds, one has a small pack on it for baby essentials plus a mirror you can play peek-a-boo with or to just check on them. The harness is a 5 point system and the seat is comfy. There is plenty of room for their legs to kick about as well. I got an additional shade "tent" that inserts onto the pack. Another feature I like is that it has room for a camel back bladder. My daughter drinks straight from the camelback hose. I taught her how to bite down to open it. (she started using it at 5 months.)

You may want to consider this option to free you up for all kinds of hikes. :) If you are in the West Valley, or there abouts, I would love to hike with a partner!!!

Happy trails,
L.

3 moms found this helpful

ditto the backpack idea! When my son was a baby, I tried doing trails with a stroller until a friend gave me one of her old packs from REI and it was so much easier!! I could go anywhere and the extra weight did wonders for getting my 'butt' and legs back into shape.

good luck.

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If you decide to go with the stroller the BOB is always the best call. They are expensive but you can look on ebay or other sites for a used one. REI has a membership that is about $20 and that entitles you to their garage sales. They happen about every 3 months and are for returned and slightly used gear. A friend of mine got a new BOB for $75 at one of the garage sales here.
J.

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