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 :) :) :)

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.

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.

I think the backpack idea is great for the shortterm, but once your little guy gets bigger, you will need something to stroll him around.

We love both of the BOB strollers we have. We first got the single Revolution with the swivel wheel. We took that thing EVERYWHERE!

True, you will need to be careful which courses you take it on, but by far it is the best stroller as it rolls over just about everything....sand, mud, grass, etc., without too much effort.

But I am guessing that since you are hiking with your 5 yo walking, you aren't going to be hitting the really tough courses with her, so the Bob should be perfect for you.

Definitely sign up at REI.com. Twice a year their strollers go on sale. I believe it's Memorial and Labor Day Weekends. It's usually 20% off. We bought both our single and then later our Duallie from them. I just had them free shipped to the nearest store.

I jog a dirt trail with my Bob sport utility. It has big fat wheels and the front wheel does not pivot (A feature for runners that I don't recomend unless you are a hard core runner). I took it on a hike in oregon on a narrow trail once. It functioned, but we had to lift it over all kinds of stairs, and roots.

In retrospect my jogging trail is flat and a thinner wheel that pivots would have been fine. The jogging stroller on a hike was just silly. Hikes often have logs, large roots and even stairs. Just the hair pin corners alone make a back pack a better choice for hiking.

I cannot us my sport utility fancy expensive Bob jogging stroller for many uses because the front wheel does not pivot. I hiked once with a back pack and for going up hill or navigating stumps, rocks, roots, tight turns a back pack is better.
If you limmit your hiking trails to wide, with no obsticles and no steep hills, a jogging stroller might be okay.

FYi my baby back pack is the type with a frame. It has a stand so I can set it on the ground and prop baby up like a bike with a kick stand. I thought it was going to be killer on my legs, but it actually felt nice. its a good kind of work out for your legs, but pushing a stroller up hill is not nearly as pleasant. And the back pack doesn't feel anything like being pregnant.

I agree, figuring out the hiking is a challenge and probably pretty body specific. I have 2 systems depending on the terrain. I have the BOB revolution stroller which is very sturdy and smooth and great for wider trails - dirt, grass, paved whatever but it can be a bouncy ride for the little one. Also, I am shorter 5"2 and find it a bit big and awkward pushing at times particularly uphill. I also have the Ergo carrier which is easier in some ways...close to my body and comfortable on my back and front for me and the babe. It does it get hot though and if you want to carry water etc...it's a little awkward.

We also spent a small fortune on a framed backpack carrier but truthfully barely use it. I find it too much of a load and too high above my head for stability and freedom feeling....perhaps I am too small. However, my husband also selects the ERGO first unlesss we are going on long hike where we need the carrying space.

These are my experiences, hope it helps. Hiking is so great and amazing once you figure out how to comfortably incorporate the rest of the family!

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.

I bought one for just for hiking too! Great tip-Go onto craigs list! I had my choice of used strollers for a fraction of the price. I found reviews on each stroller by googling. I got a great one... a few years old but barely used... for $30! Originally sold for 170. If you are hiking on some steeper areas (I hike runyan and fryman in los angeles) I HIGHLY suggest a hand brake on the stroller handle. When my daughter was young I would carry her in a front pack. I do miss those days! But if you are looking for a good butt exercise then pushin a 25 pound stroller plus a baby up a hill might be just what you need!

I have to ditto the backpack idea. I took my son backpacking through all kinds of mountains until he was nearly 3. The metal frame on your back gives you some extra weight (think yay!) in a comfortable way.
I could only go about 45 min to an hour with out a break to take him off and rest for 5 min. but then was good to go for another 45 min to hour.
I tried one hike with the stroller and it was a joke and the only thing that got a work out was my back from lifting and trying to maneuver that darn stroller.
Good luck.

I love the backpack. My son is 2 and I still take him out in it. Helps for chores around the house now & then too.

I would definitely skip the stroller. You wouldn't be able to take it on many trails. A good baby carrier would probably be your best bet. Skip the baby bjorn. Those are junk. Go for something like an Ergo or a Becco. I'm still carrying my toddler very comfortably in those. You could also try out one with a frame. I've never used those because they seem too heavy, but it might be worth looking into.

A good baby carrier is WAY more comfortable than being pregnant, believe me! Do you ever backpack? It's kind of along those lines, but much lighter. A 15 lb baby vs a 60 lb pack. :)

Seriously, no stroller will get you over interesting terrain without a lot of wrestling. And unless you want to hike over paved trails (boring!) the only thing that will get you around effectively would probably be a good baby carrier.

Check out www.thebabywearer.com. This is THE PLACE to go online to learn about different baby carriers. I bet there is even a babywearing group in our area that can give you advice on what to get and even let you try a couple of carriers out to see if the are comfortable for you.

Good luck!

Ditto on the backpack. We got one from Babies R Us and it has plenty of storage so you don't need to pack a diaper bag. We have used it with both of our kids. They enjoyed being up high in the air (especially with the 6'5" hubby). They also spent many trips passed out so it must be comfy as well if they could fall asleep so easily. They are great for travel too when you don't want to deal with a stroller. Ours cost around $100 (4 years ago), but was well worth it. Definitely go for the shoulder/hip padding.

Look at www.joggermom.com for some great strollers.

The BOB stroller is awesome...a little pricey new though - look on craig's list, they have a lot of used stuff like that...also if you want a packpack, hands down the Ergo carrier is best - good luck! :)

Back packs are fantastic-one thing-the kids pull hair, or pull off hats. just an FYI.

Hi. My BOB Revolution worked for my hikes
until my son was almost 30 lbs. After that, the slight camber of the trails combined with his weight started to mess up my shoulders. We now backpack. Hard frame, waist band and a chest strap. Be sure to be fitted properly for it, or it will hurt! Now, my son is heavy enough that I need to hike with someone. He gets in and out of the backpack, and I can't hoist him back up (safely) by myself any more! Also, I had to alter my goals for the hike. It used to be 7.5-8 miles part hike, part run. now it's more like 2.5-3 miles all hike with lots of stops. The dogs still love it though!

Try finding either one used at Once n Again in Santa Monica on SM Blvd. they often have really nice stuff for not too much money!

Good luck!

I'm a hiker, too, with a 9 mo boy. Get a backpack. You will not be able to hike on many trails with a stroller, and pushing it up the mountains is harder than 20 pounds on your back! Besides, the extra resistance is great for working out your butt and legs. Just be extra careful and go slow, focus on your balance (which is also a great way to work out). The good packs put the weight on your hips, not your back and shoulders which is much better for you.
I have an Ergo which is a soft pack. He can either go on my front or back. If you hike for long periods or often, you may want an aluminum frame. I have not researched them yet, but REI had a TON to look at. (I'd look at them in the store than find a better deal on line).
Happy hiking!
J.
They can get quite expensive, but there are deals, and you have to protect your back with a good pack.

BOB Revolution all the way, girl!

I did a lot hiking with my kids and carried them on my back in my Ergo (www.ergobabycarrier.com). Hubby and I even hiked w/them on our backs up to 3 years of age - one time my hubby even carried our daughter (long hike/she got tired) on his back when she was almost 5!! Sounds crazy I know, but this carrier in particular does not hurt your back if you are wearing it right - and it is easy to wear. Your 6mos would be a piece of cake to carry on your back! I highly recommend it.
M.

I used a BOB stroller in the Santa Monica mountains when my daughter was little and it was great!
L.

we have the BOB and it's been really sturdy on the trails near us.

when DD was little, we loved the bjorn. now that shes a toddler, the Ergo has been really good, even though shes a wiggle worm! we also bought a sherpani backpack that we like, but she didnt. i think we needed to start her in it earlier, instead of at a year.

city jogger. I have the elite, so it's a bit heavier. goes up to 75 lbs worth of kid. It's the brand that Disneyland rents out. It's a sturdy as can be.

I have the BOB (and the double BOB), which are great. However, they are limiting if you really want to hike on trails. For short hikes, I like the comfort of the Ergo (with my 18 months old).. The downside is that you can't really carry much except the child (e.g. WATER) and the child can't really see forward very well (your 6 month old won't care now but she will later!)

I just bought the Sherpani Rumba Superlight (I think that was the name) with my REI dividend and the 20% sale. I have only used it a couple of times, but it had the right amount of storage space and is pretty comfortable. And, my daughter loved being up higher where she could see. Even my 3.5 year old wanted to ride in it (but that's beyond my capabilities right now!). The think I liked about this pack is that it only weighs 4 lbs. It's lighter than anything else, and when you have 20+ lbs of kid plus water and snacks, the weight of the pack starts to matter!

Good luck and maybe we'll see you on the trails!