Thule Cougar feedback thread – chance to win a Sapling Elite Child Carrier for non-testers NOW CLOSED

[AnnMumsnet]

This thread is for the 5 lucky MNers selected to try the Thule Cougar combined Child Jogger, Stroller and Bike Trailer with their little one(s). Read on to find out how they are finding it!

You can see the Cougar in action in the video below

Here's what Thule has to say, "Our motto at Thule is 'Bring Your Life' and this is epitomised by the Chariot range, years ago new parents were expected to curtail or even abandon their active lifestyles outdoor lifestyles, the Chariot enables you to carry on but to bring your whole family with you, whether you’re into cycling, running, camping, or festivals, a Chariot can handle it, over all terrain, in all weathers. Packed with clever design touches, exceeding all U.K. safety standards and engineered to the level you'd expect from Thule, it’s you and your child’s ticket to the great outdoors".

The SRP for the Cougar including bike kit is £699.99 for the double and £599.99 for the single. The Jogging kit is £84.99 and the Strolling kit is £74.99.

Non testers – Thule would love to hear your top tips for getting active with your young children - share them on this thread and you will be entered into a prize draw where one winner will win a Thule Sapling Elite Child Carrier in dark shadow/slate worth RRP £220.00 – they say “Thule’s Sapling Elite child carrier safely and comfortably carries your precious cargo while on the trail and effortlessly transitions between parents with simple torso and hipbelt adjustments. And with premium features like a child viewing mirror, removable backpack and roomy hipbelt pockets, you and your child will never want to leave the trail.”

Testers – we are asking for feedback at least three times please on the thread – please share your first impressions of the Chariot and then some feedback on your challenges and then some overall thoughts towards the end of May.

First impressions
Please say why you applied for this product test, who you are trying the Chariot with.
What were your first impressions when it arrived? What did you use it for first?

Challenges
Please share the challenges you’re undertaking, who they are with and how the Chariot coped with each one: we’d love to see photos too!

Final thoughts
Overall, please give your summary of the Thule Cougar combined Child Jogger, Stroller and Bike Trailer – did it live up to your expectations? How did your LO feel about it? Did you get any comments from other parents about it? What was the best thing about it? Anything you’d like to improve? Would you recommend it to others?

Thanks
MNHQ

Standard Insight T&Cs apply. Please note Thule may well use your photos on their website, on social media as well as possibly elsewhere.

[Nyancat]

Non tester. My top tip is just to be visibly active to your kids. DH and I both run, cycle to work, walk as much as we can, bounce on the trampoline with the and take the kids out along with us as much as we can. Because they see us do it they want to join in. Dd is 4 and asked to come out on a run with me the other day so something is working. We are hoping if they are active from an early age it will stay with them as they grow up.

[LovelyBranches]

To anyone reading this thread, the Thule is amazing. My DS is so relaxed in it, he's fallen asleep in it so many times. It is so light and easy to push that it's taken over our everyday pushchair. I've added some photo's of our day out today. We were in the mountains over the Welsh Valleys before going to a little farm park. My DM pushed the Thule and was surprised by how light and easy it was. It handled the rough terrain with no problem at all and DS was comfortable even when he was pushed over the dry root branches and rocky ground.

Having this product has allowed me to jog in the evening after work. I pick DS and jog through the park. It's brought exercise back into my life and I'm so grateful as I was really struggling to find time, childcare or the inclination to go back out after coming home and finishing the food/bath/bed routine.

I love how many people have commented on the Thule and how many admiring looks it has received. I overhead a boy of around 7 tell his mother today that the 'pram was really cool'. It's a really attractive way to push DS around and he loves having his toys with him. Ds's favourite thing to do is throw his ball out of the Thule and watch me run after it. It's lovely that I can just put the mesh cover over the Thule when I don't want to play that game anymore .

We have used this with the bikes a number of times and I've even upgraded my bike because we were spending more time using it. I love how lightweight it is, but how sturdy it feels too. I feel that DS is completely safe and secure and he usually falls asleep quickly. I don't have to worry about him getting too hot in the sun and I know he's protected if we've gone out and it's started to rain.

We've carried out loads of challenges, from inner city bike rides to cycle paths, to mountain walks and beach walks. This product has surpassed expectations in every setting. The only problem we've ever had is that sometimes the handlebar is a bit stiff to remove. We've used the Thule when jogging, walking, running and cycling. I can't see me ever needing to ski with it but I know I could if I wanted to. It's nothing short of amazing and I am extremely grateful to Mumsnet and Thule for the opportunity to test this out.

I would, and have recommend this product. I use it all the time now and I love it. The flexibility is the best thing and it allows our family to be more active in a way which fits the life we lead now, not our life pre DS.

Thank you again.

[Zina222]

The single most important tip I would give anyone for getting active with the children is simply to do it from the offset. If they're used to being active with you from day 1 it will be second nature to them and they will naturally want to do it.

[XLFactor]

Non Tester

Having given up running when 2dcs were born in quick succession, later took it up again by joining DH twice a week and made it a family affair by taking the kids along on their bikes. Have managed to keep going through current pregnancy - though my first born (5) can now keep up with me without her bike

Young children are as good as any PT for nagging encouraging you to get active when you feel like sitting out.

They've even refused a birthday party before because it clashed with our usual time! !

[SwallowsInSpring]

Non-tester.

Top tips for getting active with a toddler is to have a quest for the day, such as a leaf hunt or a bear hunt, or looking for the biggest puddles to jump in, or finding some ducks to feed. If there's still some reluctance to don Wellies and leave the house, improve your chances by making a treasure map and clues (which can be made up as required on the spot as you go, as long as you've brought some bits of paper or a stack of leaves with you).

If all this fails, gets a dog 😃. Then the dog has to talk about how desperate he/she is to have a wee/poo and how much he/she hates having accidents... Once you're outside, it's usually a lot simpler.

And no battles about what to wear-just take what you thjnk they'll actually need with you, and let them wear their pyjamas/swimsuit/party dress to start off with. Then surreptitiously add Suncream, hats, shoes etc as they become necessary. Eg to get to the pirate ship dock, we need Wellies on because there are nettles.

Plus being active isn't always just going for a walk. You can go to the playpark (what kid says no to that?) but once there start up a game or race rather than just using the swings or slide as normal.

[goldenretriever1978]

My tip for getting active with my young children is to organise a scavenger hunt with lots of items on it, like something with a hole in it, a pine cone, a leaf bigger than your hand, a yellow flower etc. It makes for lots of exercise!

[ohlittlepea]

Non-tester
My top tip for getting the kids active is to get a dog 🐶! our golden retriever makes sure we get out in all weathers to enjoy the outside. Nobody can say no to those big brown eyes.

[AnnMumsnet]

Thanks for all the feedback, photos etc - and thanks to everyone who entered the non testers comp!

Sleepysausage wins the Thule Sapling Elite Child Carrier in dark shadow/slate worth RRP £220.00