4 wheeled (semi-) off-road pushchair - What is out there?

[Kobus79]

I'm looking for a pushchair that can be used off road a bit (not real mountains, but we live in the lakes so there's quite a bit of rocks). My girlfriend prefers a 4 wheeler due to perceived stability issues with three wheelers. However, most of the off-road pushchairs are 3 wheel based. I think I would prefer air tyres, but could be persuaded otherwise.

Other requirements:

• Reversible seat - We would like to see the li'l un.
• small and easy folding - we own a nissan micra 1998, so there's not a lot of space in the boot
• Folding with seat in place
• Not too heavy (we live in a maissonette so have to climb stairs to get to the house.
• Fairly agile in the streets as well, so preferably front wheels that can swivel

Having looked all over the internet, I have found some options:

ICandy Apple

• Could be good off-road with the 3 wheel option, whereas otherwise there can be 4.
• Seems sturdy
• Small British owned company

• Heavy and Wide
• When seat lies flat the legs are still a bit up (like this -\\_), is this a problem in real life?
• It's probably a bit of a nuisance to change wheels every other time.

Mutsy 4-Rider

• High pram and childseat (we're both tall)
• 4 air tyres, so should be good offroad

• Small carrycot
• have read of some shimmying front tyres, although I have also heard this is one batch and not really a longstanding problem of the 4rider

Maxi Cosi Mura 4

• Sturdy and very big tyres
• I liked the ride

• Girlfriend did not like the looks
• Big and heavy
• Big company

Koelstra Latinique

• Looks funky and decent off road
• Ride is fairly stable when I tried it

• Two front wheels at front might clog up in mud?
• It is a still a bit of a 3-wheeler

Easywalker June

• Small and easy to pack up
• Looks funky

• Wheels are small so not certain if it really has any good suspension
• Not out yet!

Uppababy vista

• Looks good
• High babychair

• No air tyres
• Front suspension seems a bit limited for off road in combination with the lack of air tyres
• Does not go completely flat
• When seat lies flat the legs are still a bit up (like this -\\_), is this a problem in real life?

Naturkind Varius

• Environmentally friendly
• Many options

• Not available in UK
• No possibilities for trying out before buying

Does anyone have any experiences with these pushchairs and/or any other suggestions. What have I missed that is also important?

I dont think I can add much else. You seem to have done your homework! Just to say the Uppababy Vista Does lie flat but you are expected to use the carrycot for the first few months. I think the Snug Seat insert is suitable from 3 months. But any pushchair with a bucket seat will have the issue with legs in the air - I think several of those you mention are similar. In reality you probably wouldn't recline a 6 month old flat to sleep. By then a good recline would be enough.

Wow, you really have done your research!

Have you looked at the Mutsy 4 Rider Light? It's only 8.6kg and a bit smaller folded. I don't know about the carrycot, but I haven't actually looked into it.

I would personally rule out anything without air tyres. I find it makes a huge difference offroad, but the Vista's suspension is supposed to be very good so that may be a possibility still. The Apple doesn't fold with the seat on, so I'd rule that out. I also don't think it'll be that great offroad. The Mura's humongous and ridiculously heavy at 16.8kg. That's heavier than most doubles, so there's no way I'd suggest you get that if you need to get upstairs with it. I'm not convinced it would fit in your car either. I think the Latinique looks lovely, but I've never seen it in real life and it looks a though the shoulder straps are set at one height which can be a bit of a pain.

When is your baby due? I love the look and concept of the June myself, it looks almost perfect. Easywalker say it'll be out "in the first quarter of 2012".

I would cut the list down to the Mutsy 4 Rider/Light, Koelstra Latinique, Easywalker June and possible the UppaBaby Vista.

Just to add I was researching Koelestra this weekend because they are meant to be top quality - like Silver Cross were here and Bugaboo apparently aspired to be as good as them (so I was told). The fold on the Latinique is brilliant. I was impressed by what I read and cant wait to see one in real life.
I agree re the Apple being two piece - the chassis is also on the large side.

One other to maybe add is the iCandy Peach Jogger. I think the normal Peach Stroller is fab, and the Peach Jogger is definitely worth a look. Although it is a two piece fold, I am guessing the basket has a carrying strap attached like the stroller has, and the seat would be then easy to carry in one hand.

Thanks for the answers so far, I'll look into them! Just as a bit of additional information, I found out that Koelstra is actually releasing two new pushchairs next year. One with 4 wheels (bit more like bugaboo I think) and one with 3 (I presume the 'new' Latinique. Will be interesting to see what they turn out to be. Also I asked easywalker when the June will be available, but alas no reply yet!

Easywalker told me Feb / March time.

Kobus, I feel like you're a potential buggy addict.

Yes, Easywalker have said on their Facebook page that they'll be releasing the June by the end of March.
Where have you been getting Koelstra information from? I'm off to have a look.

I've found them on Facebook. I just wish I could read Dutch! And my automatic translater doesn't seem to like facebook.

Lol @aswellasyou! I am merely procrastinating here. Just checked the facebook site again to provide a translation. Basically the Koelstra facebook site mentions they will have two new pushchairs soon, the mambo daily and the binque daily. These will be sort in a PACK with pram etc. all in one. Officially they will come in april, but apparently, there will be some coming in January for those who are really eager. They have a countdown, so will probably announce more officially in 8 days time.

Oh, and if you share the share the message 'De countdown is begonnen', you may win a travel bed, sleeper, buggy etc. (if you do this and win, I will be demanding my share :-).

Thanks for the information on the Easywalker TwinkleWunkleChristmasStar , I do like the look of it!

Thankyou! You can have the travel bed and sleeper, I'll have the buggy.

Born direct sell the koelstra. Www.borndirect.co.uk I think.
It certainly looks good. I would like to know the seat measurements. Also the Easywalker qtro or sky look excellent.
I have the vista and don't think it's suitable for off road. It can manage park, mulch, cobbles but it's not one you'd cross a stream or a ploughed field with.
Also look at the babyjogger summit Xc. It's brilliant off road. You can have a carrycot for the initial months. My niece in Norway (lives on a small island with rough terrain and at times deep snow) got one when over here to take back. She finds it reliable and easy to use. It is admired everywhere they go, it's simple enough the grandparents can fold and unfold it. It's better value for money than they could find where they live too.

Kobus you sound like you know your stuff!

Not sure if you're in the UK or not?
But have you had a look at the OutnAbout Nipper single - have had it in the double and is the lightest double i've ever pushed!
Lies back completely flat and is fine for taller people :)

I love the look of the Latinique, a 3 wheeled version of a Brio Go...But i'm trying very hard not to buy anymore pushchairs...I really need to save save save so i can eventually get my dream detached house.