A stroller for hiking is the one thing you never knew your dog needed!
Pet strollers are an absolutely awesome addition to any dog family. After all, we all want our pets to be as much of an active part in our day to day lives as possible, and personally, I always feel better knowing that my dog is enjoying experiences with me rather than sitting alone at home.
Just as a stroller makes it easier for parents to take their small children out on walks, runs, and/or hikes, they’re also a good way to make sure your dog travels with you in style, safety, and comfort.
For elderly or disabled pets, and those who are recovering from illness, a stroller is even more significant, as it allows them to actively engage in outside activities without causing farther damage to their health.
While there are many features to consider when looking for the best pet stroller for hiking, there are a few that really make a difference, such as quality materials and convenient features.
Now there are more things you need to know before you decide to purchase a pet stroller, starting with what are the actual benefits of owning one.
Why Do Dogs Need Strollers, Anyway?
First and foremost, a stroller allows you to include your dog in activities such as hiking and jogging that they may otherwise not be able to do. This is particularly true in the instance of older dogs with arthritis or dogs who are recovering from surgery or other medical procedures.
Having a dog stroller means that your furry friend can rest and relax while still getting outside and breathing in the fresh air. Dog strollers also protect your pet from the elements, such as rain and ultraviolet rays, as well as biting and stinging insects, and even rugged ground.
Another major benefit is that a dog stroller places a barrier between your dog and the outside world. This means that pets who tend to experience anxiety in social settings may feel more comfortable in the safe haven of the stroller.
Additionally, the stroller places your dog in an elevated, protected situation from other dogs that may be aggressive.
Okay, now for the good part where we actually talk about the best dog stroller for hiking.
What’s the Best Dog Stroller for Hiking?
1. Best Choice Products 2-1 Pet Stroller
This is a two in one dog stroller and trailer combination that allows you and your dog to go hiking, and even biking together.
Safety and comfort are the most important features of Best Choice’s pet stroller. A hand-lock brake ensures that the stroller won’t roll away when you stop on a hill or other uneven ground.
There’s also a brightly colored safety flag and built-in reflectors to provide the best visibility possible. This means that your dog’s stroller/trailer will be visible to others even in lower light conditions.
You also get a mesh screen that creates a barrier between your dog and pesky biting insects, as well as a removable cushion that ensures comfort, even on longer trips.
The stroller frame is made from steel and is both durable and lightweight, and the water-resistant polyester material makes it easy to clean as well.
This product is manufactured by Best Choice Products, an online shopping company that prides itself on providing customers with low prices by acting as the direct middle-man between the factory and the customer.
Included along with the stroller is a soft, comfortable cushion that can be taken in and out for cleaning, along with a universal hitch to attach to your bicycle.
Pros
- Stroller and trailer combo
- Hand-lock brake
- Safety flags
- Built-in Reflectors
- Removable cushion
- Bike attachment
Cons
- Doesn’t hold up well in heavy rainfall
- Probably too small for dogs over 50 pounds
Botton Line: Not only is this product a perfect choice for those who like to walk and hike with their dog, but it’s also wonderful for taking your canine companion on bike trails. The additional safety features mean that you can rest assured that you and your pet can go on journeys together without having to worry about being seen by others.
2. HPZ Pet Rover Premium Heavy-Duty Dog Stroller
As the name suggests, this is a tough, rugged dog stroller that can hold more weight and take far more abuse than other models.
With an extra thick frame that’s still lightweight and easy to maneuver, the Pet Rover allows you and your dog to fearlessly take on more rugged terrain.
The stainless-steel tubes which are used to construct the frame allow for it to flex, meaning that you don’t have to worry about the product breaking.
Even while navigating uneven or rocky ground, your dog will ride like royalty, as the stroller is equipped with an anti-vibration system that absorbs shocks and smooths out bumps and jarring.
Extremely convenient, you can easily unfold the stroller with one hand, and its compact size makes it easy to fold and store away when not in use.
The mesh top reflects ultraviolet rays away from your dog, and the dual pads are easy to clean and stain-resistant. Additionally, this stroller has a zipper-less entry and it can be modified to accommodate dogs of different sizes simply by altering the inner compartment.
Those who like to hike with many accessories will love the extra storage space located underneath the stroller as well.
This product is manufactured by HPZ, a company that prides itself on providing quality products along with an extremely high rate of customer satisfaction. Besides the stroller, you also get two removable pads, as well as an instruction book.
Pros
- Durable, tough design
- Anti-vibration system
- Convenient to unfold
- Easy to store
- No-Zip technology
- Can accommodate larger dogs
- Plenty of storage space
Cons
- May be too heavy to safely steer one-handed
- Cushions may rip easier than other products
Bottom Line: This is a wonderful option for pet owners who tend to be a little rougher on things, yet still want a product that looks nice and can stand up to heavy use. Likewise, it’s an excellent choice for owners with larger dogs.
3. Pet Gear No-Zip Happy Trails Pet Stroller
This dog stroller features one of the most convenient inventions within the field with a patented No-Zip advantage, as well as Air Ride tires for ultimate comfort.
The Pet Gear Happy Trains is easy to assemble and allows your dog to fully enjoy its surroundings with an adjustable canopy, and wide-encompassing window. This means that he’s able to see what’s on his peripheral vision rather than only what’s straight ahead.
Plus, the front shock absorbers and rear brakes make this an ideal choice for minimizing jolts in sand, mud, or other uneven terrains.
The stroller is made from rugged, waterproof material, and its design makes it a champion for adventure in all sorts of weather.
It’s also easy to clean both inside and outside, and it’s extremely easy to use as well by folding and unfolding with one hand.
This product is manufactured by Pet Gear Inc., which split off from Vermont Juvenile Furniture to form a group of goodies geared towards those who consider their dog their child.
Along with the stroller itself, the product includes a parent tray for water, as well as a large basket that can be used to store treats and other objects.
Pros
- No-Zip feature
- Superior Air Ride suspension
- Waterproof design
- Easy to clean
- One-hand quick-fold mechanism
Cons
- Mesh window may unravel in places
Bottom Line: This is an awesome dog stroller for active families, as well as for those who like to venture off the beaten path. It allows your pet to ride in comfort over rougher terrain, and its No-Zip feature makes it easy for you to reach in and out of the stroller freely without having to fuss with a zipper.
4. Pet Gear No-Zip Jogger Pet Stroller
This last pet stroller is specifically designed for the active lifestyle. With No-Zip technology along with Air Ride suspension, this is a great choice for including your dog in your daily exercise routine.
The No-Zip technology means that you can reach your hand in and out of the stroller in seconds rather than having to fuss with zipping and unzipping.
In the meanwhile, the Air Ride suspension makes for a smooth, comfortable ride for your dog.
This feature also allows the front wheel to lock, so you’re able to have more control over the stroller as you jog or hike.
The stroller has a panoramic viewing window that allows your dog to see in every direction, along with an elevated paw rest that provides even more comfort.
It’s also made from sturdy, lightweight material, and is easy to fold and unfold. Plus, the mesh screen provides protection from insects while still allowing your pet to feel as though they’re truly outside.
This product is manufactured by Pet Gear Inc., a company that prides itself on constantly finding new products to farther enhance the lives of animals and their human companions. In addition to the stroller, you get a portable air pump, as well as a sizable storage basket, and smaller trays for personal products.
Pros
- No-Zip feature
- Air-Ride technology
- Locking front wheel
- Elevated paw rest
- Portable air pump
Cons
- Assembly can be difficult
- Cup holder tends to not fit right
Bottom Line: If you love to jog with your canine companion, this is one of the best choices out there. Not only can you explore rougher terrain without worrying about your dog’s comfort, but you can also rest assured in the quality of the brand and its materials.
Choosing The Right Dog Stroller For Hiking
Which kind of dog stroller you purchase depends upon your needs.
Some dog strollers are meant for traveling on even surfaces, such as in the mall, around neighborhoods, in hotels, etc., while all-terrain strollers are ideal for taking on uneven surfaces, such as those that would be seen while hiking.
Travel strollers typically have four wheels, while hiking strollers have one wheel in the front and two in the back to allow for maximum maneuvering.
Dog strollers for hiking also have superior suspension when compared to other models and larger tires, which makes for a smooth ride.
There are many different styles of dog strollers to choose from, and the choices can seem overwhelming at first. As you’re making your selection, it’s important to make sure the stroller meets the following criteria.
Durability: The stroller should be made of a durable yet lightweight material. This makes it so that you can easily set it up and push it along, while also knowing that the product can stand up to everyday use.
Comfort: Some dog strollers have removable cushions which allow your dog to rest comfortably. Preferably, these cushions should be made of an easy to clean material. As mentioned above, you also want to be sure that the suspension system is of high-quality, which allows for a smooth, non-jostling ride.
No-Zip: While your preference may be different, I find that dog strollers with a No-Zip feature are very convenient. Instead of having to fumble with zipping and unzipping every time you want access to your dog, you can quickly slip your hand in and out as often as you’d like!
