10 Best Dog Strollers for Hiking in 2024 — Reviews & Top Picks

Many of us would love to go hiking with our dogs. However, not all dogs can make it a full hiking trip. Smaller dogs may have particular issues hiking, as their shorter legs mean they have to take more steps. Unless your dog is very athletic, they may need a helping hand on your hiking trips.

Dog strollers for hiking are one way to help your pooch out. There are many kinds of dog strollers, though—some work better off-trail than others, for instance. Some may only work for very small dogs, while others may work well for larger dogs.

Below, we’ve reviewed 10 of our favorite dog strollers for hiking.

A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites

The 10 Best Dog Strollers for Hiking

1. Pet Gear Happy Trails Lite No-Zip Pet Stroller – Best Overall

For most pets out there, the Pet Gear Happy Trails Lite No-Zip Pet Stroller is a great option. It has an easy-lock canopy with a panoramic view and without any pesky zippers. You can easily get your pet in and out without a problem. It even includes an interior tether to keep your pet safe while strolling so you won’t have to worry about your dog getting out.

The waterproof liner is very easy to clean and made with water-resistant material. It’s easy to wipe down and take out as necessary.

Rear safety brakes help prevent accidents, and shock absorbers make the ride more comfortable. You can easily use this stroller on uneven ground or while jogging without knocking your pet around everywhere. Overall, this is easily the best overall dog stroller for hiking.

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2. Frisco Dog & Cat Collapsible Stroller – Best Value

The Frisco Dog & Cat Collapsible Stroller is very similar to our top pick. However, it’s designed to fold up easily for storage and transportation. If you need a stroller that can easily fit into your car, then this one may be a great option for you. It provides a canopy and a mesh screen to keep your dog secure and comfortable in any weather.

This stroller is only made for one dog that weighs no more than 30 pounds. It’s ideal for smaller breeds.

We like that there is a foot-activated brake on the back wheels. You won’t have to worry about the stroller rolling off when you turn around to do something. This stroller is also cheaper than most and is the best dog stroller for hiking for the money.

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3. Pet Great Expedition No-Zip Dog Stroller – Premium Choice

The Pet Great Expedition No-Zip Dog Stroller may be a bit more expensive than other strollers on the market. However, it can hold up to medium-sized dogs. You’re paying for the extra capacity, which can be essential if your dog is bigger.

As the name suggests, this stroller doesn’t have any zippers. Instead, it has a buckle closure system that is much faster and easier to use. It folds up for easy storage and has a removable liner to make cleaning super simple. The spacious compartment works well for medium dogs, though small dogs can fit in it, too.

The handle is also adjustable, so you don’t have to worry about the stroller not fitting you. You can easily adjust it to match your height and terrain.

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4. Pet Gear View 360 Travel System Dog Stroller

The Pet Gear View 360 Travel System Dog Stroller is a convertible stroller that can also be a car seat and a carrier. It’s designed to be your all-in-one travel solution. So, if you plan on doing more than just hiking, this stroller may be the best choice. It is a bit more expensive, but you’re paying for the convertible feature—it can potentially replace several pieces of equipment.

The mesh window ensures your dog remains secure while also maintaining adequate airflow and letting your pet look around. A tether is included on the inside, allowing you to keep your dog secure while traveling.

Inside, you’ll also notice an added fleece cushion that’s completely washable, adding some extra comfort.

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5. Frisco 3-in-1 Dog Stoller with Detachable Carrier

For those who plan on traveling to their hiking spot, you may want to consider the Frisco 3-in-1 Dog Stoller with Detachable Carrier is a stroller and a carrier. You can use it in the car to keep your dog secure and then easily move them to the stroller. It takes the place of several pieces of equipment and is surprisingly inexpensive for all the jobs it does.

It includes a visor that can be used when it is particularly sunny or rainy. It protects your dog from the weather and makes their ride a bit more comfortable. The foot-activated brakes on the back wheels also provide some extra security, ensuring the stroller doesn’t go rolling down the hill when you turn your back.

Of course, like most, this stroller is only suitable for smaller dogs. It won’t work for any dog over 30 pounds.

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6. Pet Gear Double No-Zip Pet Stroller

On paper, the Pet Gear Double No-Zip Pet Stroller is designed for dog owners with two smaller dogs. However, because it is bigger overall, someone with a medium-sized dog may also be able to use it (especially if they were a shorter breed, like a Beagle).

It’s designed very similarly to the other strollers on this list, but it is a bit wider. While this may make it a bit more cumbersome to hike with, if you have two dogs, it can be extremely useful.

The inside has a fleece pad and a waterproof tray to make cleanups very easy. There are no zippers on the stroller, making it easier to get your dogs in and out. It even includes shock absorbers and wheel brakes, offering a smooth and safe ride for your canine.

There is also a large storage basket underneath the stroller, providing plenty of extra storage space.

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7. Ibiyaya Happy Dog Stroller

The Ibiyaya Happy Dog Stroller is designed for larger dogs, making it perfect for those with medium-sized canines. It’s very expensive, though, which is why it ended up so far down on this list. While it does work very well, you aren’t getting much for the extra cost.

It features two safety tethers to keep your dog inside the stroller. It also includes reflector plates, making the stroller a bit easier to see in nighttime settings.

The internal compartment features zippered windows and are pretty large. Therefore, it works well for larger dogs or smaller dogs that just like to spread out. Due to the large size, we expect that most dogs who are friendly with one another wouldn’t mind sharing the space, either. The shock-absorbing wheels keep the ride fairly smooth, as well.

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8. Petique Dog Stroller

Like most pet strollers on this list, the Petique Dog Stroller is designed solely for smaller dogs—only suitable for dogs up to 35 pounds. However, for those with smaller pets, it may be a great option.

The front wheels both swivel and lock, making the stroller suitable for a range of terrains. The stroller folds up for easy storage and can be folded using only one hand. There is lots of storage in the stroller, too, allowing you to carry a range of different items.

Sadly, we found the base of this stroller to be a bit wobbly. Therefore, it doesn’t provide a very smooth ride for dogs needing something a bit more balanced. It’s also more unstable than others. If a dog leans too far to one side, it can make the stroller tip.

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9. Gen7Pets Regal Plus Pet Stroller

The Gen7Pets Regal Plus Pet Stroller is designed similarly to other strollers on this list. It features a canopy that opens and closes easily and a rear storage compartment for all of your things. The wheels have shock absorbers to make the ride smoother, and we rather liked the inclusion of the rear braking system, making the stroller much safer for our canines.

However, this stroller is considerably more expensive than many of the others we’ve included. Furthermore, it doesn’t have many extra features, so you aren’t getting much bang for your buck. Plus, this stroller also seems to be made more cheaply than others. It rips and tears fairly easily.

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10. Ibiyaya The Hercules Heavy-Duty Dog Stroller

For those with very large dogs, you may want to consider the Ibiyaya Hercules Heavy Duty Dog Stroller. It’s made for dogs up to 110 pounds, which is much higher than others. Therefore, if you have a bigger dog, you may not have much choice but to get this stroller. In that regard, it is great that this option is available.

It features great shock absorbers, allowing it to work on several different terrains. It even folds up for nice storage. Therefore, you can take it wherever you need to go, despite its larger size.

However, it is extremely expensive—over twice as much as other similar strollers. Furthermore, it isn’t nearly as durable as some other options, and the brakes don’t work very well.

Buyer’s Guide: Choosing the Best Dog Strollers for Hiking

It can be challenging to figure out the best dog stroller for your canine, especially if you’re planning on hiking somewhere a bit more challenging. You need something that fits your dog and won’t fall apart halfway through the hike. That’s no small order.

We’ll walk you through exactly how to choose the best dog stroller for you below.

Suspension System

A suspension system helps eliminate some of the bounce that comes from hiking with a stroller, making it much more comfortable for your dog. Smaller dogs (or those with health issues) need even more suspension, as they may have a harder time keeping their balance.

Furthermore, a suspension system maximizes the contact between the tires and terrain, helping maintain the stroller’s balance and traction. While a suspension system isn’t 100% necessary for those walking on flat, paved surfaces, it is absolutely required for those who are hiking. The terrain on many hiking trails is extremely uneven and bumpy.

Tires

Rubber and air-filled tires are the best options, as they can handle different types of terrain and provide a smoother ride. On the other hand, hard, plastic wheels may be cheaper, but they don’t conform to the environment and tend to be extremely bumpy.

If you plan on running, you should look for a stroller with larger back tires, as these provide some extra stability and speed.

Weight Capacity

Before purchasing any stroller, be sure to check the weight capacity. Most strollers aren’t designed for larger dogs. Instead, they tend to only work with small-to-medium canines. If you have a smaller dog, this isn’t much of a problem. However, if you have a larger dog, you’ll need to look for a stroller that’s specifically made for bigger canines.

These tend to be more expensive and harder to find. However, if you have a 50+ pound dog, you won’t have much choice. Similarly, you’ll need to keep the weight of the stroller in mind, too. Heavier strollers may be harder to push and transport.

Water-resistance

Anytime you’re outside, you risk getting your stroller wet. Therefore, the stroller should be able to withstand getting wet and muddy. Whether it’s raining or you’re going through puddles, a water-resistant stroller is a must-have.

The outside and inside of the stroller should be water-resistant. However, you may also want to consider getting a stroller with a water-resistant canopy, as these can keep your dog safe from the weather.

Enclosure

The stroller should feature an enclosure that’s designed to keep your dog safe. It should provide shade, ventilation, and security. You want your dog to remain safely inside the enclosure and be comfortable while riding. Mesh windows and panels are often utilized to ensure all of these must-haves are met. They allow the air to flow freely and help you see your dog.

The enclosure may use a variety of closing methods. Some are zipless, while others use zippers. In the end, this factor is mostly a matter of personal preference.

Comfort

You want your dog to be comfortable while in the stroller. This factor is a conglomerate of many other features we’ve already discussed. For instance, having a good suspension system and airflow can help your canine remain more comfortable while riding.

However, cushions and paw rests can also help your dog become more comfortable.

Locking Wheels

Locking front wheels can help keep the stroller stable and under control while you’re hiking. Most strollers come with swiveling front wheels, but you may want to consider a stroller with lockable front wheels if you’re going hiking a lot.

This feature is sadly very rare. However, you can find it on a few more-expensive strollers.

Conclusion

Dog strollers may not be super popular, but there are many models on the market. The Pet Gear Happy Trails Lite No-Zip Pet Stroller is our favorite, as it has all of our “must-haves.” For instance, it has a waterproof liner, no zippers, and safety brakes. It also isn’t expensive, though it is only designed for smaller dogs.

Similarly, we also liked the Frisco Dog & Cat Collapsible Stroller. It’s a bit cheaper and folds up, as the name suggests. It’s also only made for smaller dogs.

We also included some strollers for larger canines, such as the Pet Great Expedition No-Zip Dog Stroller. These strollers tend to be more expensive, but they have a much higher weight capacity.

• See Also: 11 Vet-Reviewed Essentials for Hiking with Dogs

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Featured Image Credit: anela.k, Shutterstock