Take Your Dog for a Hike: The Best Dog Strollers for Hiking
If you love taking your dog on hikes but aren’t wild about carrying their poop, a dog stroller might be the perfect solution. There are hundreds of dog stroller options available—from basic models that hold a dog’s food and water bowls to deluxe four-wheeled beasts that can include a dog bed, a heating pad, and other creature comforts—but for this review, we focused on the stroller models that are most likely to appeal to hikers. We looked for strollers that are lightweight, easy to fold and carry, and come with good tires and brakes. We also sought strollers that can hold a dog’s food and water and that have roomy, well-padded seats, a covered (but easily opened) area for a dog’s legs, and a ramp or steps that make it easy to get a dog in and out.
# | Name | Preview | Rating | Action |
1 | BestPet 3 Wheels Pet Stroller | 9.4 | ||
2 | Kenyone Dog Strolling System | 9.2 | ||
3 | BestPet Pet Stroller | 8.5 | ||
4 | VIVO Black 4 Wheel Pet Stroller | 8.3 | ||
5 | Pet Gear No-Zip Happy Trails Pet Stroller | 7.9 |
Methods We Used to Analyze
We took our finalists on a series of dog-friendly hikes through wooded and rocky terrain in the Pacific Northwest. We walked them on the gravel paths of Pacific Madrone, a nonprofit nature preserve in the Berkeley Hills that’s popular with dog owners and their pups.
In this controlled environment, we were able to test how easy it was to maneuver the strollers over rough ground, how well the canopies provided coverage, and how easy it was to assemble the strollers and collapse them for storage.
For each stroller, we took notes on how easy or difficult it was to adjust the harnesses, how comfortable the carriers were for long walks, and how easy it was to clean the fabric.
We also noted any points of frustration that would be common to all strollers.
In addition to examining their performance on a hike, we tested the strollers by walking them around town. We checked how easy they were to fold up, put in a trunk, and carry up and down stairs.
We also considered how easy it was to store the strollers when they weren’t in use. We checked how much space each stroller required in our garage and what it took to keep them clean.
BestPet 3 Wheels Pet Stroller
Product Review
The Best Pet 3 Wheels Pet Stroller is a great choice for taking your dog for a walk on grass, dirt, or gravel. The mesh paneling provides adequate visibility and airflow, and the Oxford cloth is tough and water-resistant.
It has large 6.3” wheels that glide easily over smooth or rough terrain. The front wheels can be rotated 360° without dead ends, and you can turn on the straight walk to achieve a full-featured mobile lifestyle.
This pet stroller is easy to fold up and carry, and it weighs just 11lbs. The Best Pet 3 Wheels Pet Stroller is easy to assemble and comes with a three-month warranty and a 100% satisfaction guarantee.
Kenyone Dog Strolling System
Product Review
The Kenyone Large Capacity 3 in 1 Stroller is sturdy, well made, folds flat, and is easy to carry, even when fully loaded with a small dog. It has a one-foot brake and a durable, secure pet leash and buckle.
This pet stroller’s mesh window design provides airflow, visibility, and ventilation, and its multiple entry points make it easy for your pet to enter and exit. The stroller can also be used with a handle design separately in the car or at any time of traveling.
The company’s customer service is reliable, and it provides a 30-day no-questions-asked return policy as well as a 24-month after-sales service. If you run into any problems, you can get in touch with the company via phone or email seven days a week, 24 hours a day.
BestPet Pet Stroller
Product Review
Our favorite stroller is the BestPet Pet Stroller. It’s sturdy, well-made, and easy to use for a variety of pet owners and pets.
It’s easy to navigate, and the front swivel wheels make going around corners a breeze—especially on a steep slope, which can be tricky in a stroller with fixed rear wheels.
The BestPet stroller is also one of the most compact pet carriers we’ve seen, and the one-hand fold is easy and quick.
It can be folded with the pet inside the carrier, so you don’t have to worry about it escaping while you’re trying to get the stroller folded.
It’s also lightweight and easy to lift into the trunk of a car. We’ve had some issues with the fit and finish of the fabric on this stroller, but overall we found it to be sturdy and reliable.
The brakes are effective, and the storage is roomy and easy to access. The zippered screens on the windows are great for seeing and hearing your pet while strolling.
The ventilation is also great in warm weather, which is an area where most pet strollers struggle.
Our only complaint is that it can be cramped for passengers taller than 5 feet.
VIVO Black 4 Wheel Pet Stroller
Product Review
The Vivoglio Strol-R-Pet is the only stroller we tested that has a fully zippered pet compartment with ample headroom and a seat belt for a dog or cat up to 30 pounds.
It has a larger storage space than the other pet strollers we tested, which makes it easier to haul supplies for a day in the park or a trip to the store.
Its sturdy construction folds down quickly, unlike the other strollers we tested, which are more complicated to collapse.
In addition to the standard cup holders, the Strol-R-Pet has a center tray and a generous under-stroller storage area.
Pet Gear No-Zip Happy Trails Pet Stroller
Product Review
The Pet Gear No-Zip Happy Trails Stroller is an exceptional pick for anyone with a dog who loves to hike. It’s the only stroller we tested with a no-zipper entry, which makes it more secure for your pet.
It also has an elevated paw rest and a panoramic view window and top window with viewing area. The stroller’s fold mechanism is also one of the easiest we tested, and the 600 denier water-resistant fabric is tough enough to withstand the elements.
Like the other strollers we tested, this model has a storage basket and cup holder for human necessities.
Things to Keep in Mind Before Buying
We set out to find a stroller that had these features:
Fits Through Standard Doorways
If you’re going to be using this stroller several times a week, you’re probably going to need to bring it inside your house at some point. It should fit through standard doorways.
When we tested, we measured how each model fit through both a standard doorway and an average-width interior door. Some of the models we tested are so wide (due to the big wheels and basket) that they won’t fit through most interior doors.
Handle Can Fold Under The Belly
The handle should fold under the stroller belly so that only the back two wheels stick out when you put it in your car or store it in your home. This feature is essential because when folded, wider strollers take up less space than wider strollers.
What Are the Ideal Strollers for Taking My Large Dog on a Hike?
When it comes to taking your large dog on a hike, you will need the best dog stroller for large dogs in order to ensure their comfort and safety.
These strollers are designed with unique features, such as rubber wheels that can withstand harsh terrain, as well as weatherproof construction for protection against harsh weather conditions.
These strollers are also designed with a comfortable and spacious interior, which is perfect for accommodating your large dog during a hike.
Other important features to consider include a sturdy and adjustable suspension system, as well as a wide and comfortable harness for securing your dog during transit.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Which dog stroller is best for hiking?
The best dog stroller for hiking is the one that is most comfortable for your dog.
2. What is the best dog stroller for long distance?
There is no definitive answer to this question as it depends on the specific needs and preferences of the individual buyer. Some factors to consider when selecting a dog stroller for long distance include the size and weight of the dog, the terrain of the route, and the type of stroller.
3. Is a dog stroller worth it?
There is no definitive answer to this question as it depends on a variety of factors, such as how often you walk your dog, the size of your dog, and the terrain where you live. Dog strollers are generally more expensive than regular dog carriers, so you’ll need to weigh the pros and cons to see if it’s worth the investment.
4. Is it okay for dogs to sleep in strollers?
There is no right or wrong answer to this question since it depends on the individual dog’s personality and preferences. Some dogs love riding in strollers, while others may find them uncomfortable or scary. If your dog seems happy spending time in the stroller, there is no reason why you can’t let him sleep there. Just be sure to keep a close eye on him and avoid leaving him in the stroller for extended periods of time in hot weather.
5. How do you carry a dog without a stroller?
There are a few ways to carry a dog without a stroller. One way is to use a dog carrier. Another way is to use a dog harness.