All-Terrain Stroller vs Jogging Stroller: Here are some basic differences

Most stroller manufacturers use the terms all-terrain stroller and a jogging stroller interchangeably. So it may seem that an active family can buy any of the two types. So is there no difference between the two? Let’s find out.

Jogging Strollers

Jogging strollers can also go just about anywhere, from flat surfaces to bumpy trails and even over grass and snow, it can also cope with uneven sidewalks and beaches too.

But basically, its designed for use when you’re exercising, especially running, and is the best choice if you want to keep fit. With a jogging stroller, you can go for jogging, running, or power-walking with the youngster seated in the stroller.

For a smooth ride and an easy push, jogging strollers usually have air-filled wheels (pneumatic tires) – one in the front and two on the rear side. This design provides excellent handling and steering, even with just one hand.

Joggers also tend to be lighter in weight compared to all-terrain strollers so that you can easily run with it over uneven surfaces or even an uphill trail.

• The front wheel of a jogging stroller locks for better stability and easy steering.
• The air-filled tires and the better suspension system provides excellent cushioning for the child even on the roughest trails.
• Like an all-terrain model, a good jogging stroller will have a decent canopy that protects the child from rain, wind, and strong sunlight.
• These come with enough storage pockets so that you can carry your cell phone, keys, and a few baby essentials.
• Jogging strollers also have cup holders on the handlebars.

Read: Best jogging strollers for runners

Disadvantages

Here are some downsides to jogging strollers.

Air-filled tires can get punctured. So you will need to regularly check the tire pressures as per the manufacturer’s guidelines. You will also need to carry a puncture repair kit with you (and know how to use it); it can take up valuable space on the stroller.

These are not designed well for light traveling. If you regularly move around using by public transport or in your car, do consider buying an umbrella stroller or a convertible stroller in addition to a jogging stroller.

If you have twins or two young children, you’ll need a double jogging stroller. Depending on the brand and design, some double joggers have two bigger wheels at the rear and a slightly smaller wheel in the front, or it may use three wheels of equal sizes.

All-Terrain Strollers

An all-terrain stroller is basically a hybrid of a regular stroller and a jogging stroller. These are designed specifically for off-road use – regular trail-walking, beach trips, hiking, in rural areas without many flat sidewalks.

Most all-terrain strollers come with four-wheels. However, most in-line or tandem strollers, where one child sits behind the other, are three-wheelers. If you have two kids to transport and if you regularly go on trails that are narrow, you should consider buying an all-terrain stroller with 3-wheels.

A tandem all-terrain stroller may have smaller wheels at the front and larger rear wheels. However, some models use four identical wheels.

Most models have air-filled tires like a jogging stroller (a few of them use solid tires as well).

All-terrain strollers typically have more storage space than jogging strollers.

Read: Best All-terrain strollers for off-roading

All-terrain strollers feature thick and beefy tires, compared to jogging stroller or a regular stroller, which enables them to easily handle rough terrain, including woodland trails, stony tracks, deep snow, and sand. These are better suited for uneven, off-road use.

Related: Different Types of Strollers.

Closing Thoughts

So, which one is better for you; an all-terrain stroller or a jogging stroller?

If you regularly take hikes off-road through challenging terrain, if you enjoy outings in the countryside as well as in the town, then an all-terrain stroller is a better choice.

All-terrain strollers also look more like regular strollers (than joggers do). So, if you want a stroller that blends in well when you take your child for a walk around your neighborhood or to the mall, then an all-terrain stroller is a better option.

Also, all-terrain models offer much more storage space than a jogger, if you want to use your stroller for general grocery shopping trips as well as outings to the park or the beach. In such a case, this could be a deal-breaker.

However, if you want a lightweight yet sturdy, easy-to-handle stroller for running or exercising then a jogging stroller is definitely the best option.

As far as disadvantages go, both types of strollers will require you to maintain adequate tire pressure, and even fix punctures once in a while.