In Depth Baby Product Reviews Led by a Pediatrician

Hamax Outback Review

Cool trailer you can stroll, bike, ski, and jog with
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Hamax Outback Review
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Price:  $750 List
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Manufacturer:   Hamax
By Wendy Schmitz ⋅ Senior Research Analyst  ⋅  May 8, 2023
65
OVERALL
SCORE


RANKED
#6 of 18
  • Ease of Use - 40% 7.1
  • Maneuverability - 25% 8.8
  • Transporting/ Storing - 15% 1.0
  • Quality - 10% 9.0
  • Kid Ride - 10% 4.4

Our Verdict

The Hamax Outback is an ultra-cool bicycle trailer for two that doubles jogger like those found in our best jogging stroller review, and strolling stroller. This fun pod features cozy seating, rubber tires, great storage, and adjustable suspension. We were surprised at how easy this trailer is to turn and push even in tighter spaces, thanks to the single front wheel design that pivots on a swivel. This option is heavy and large, even for a double, which makes it a poor choice if you don't have extra room. However, for those parents seeking more than a basic stroller, this versatile trailer is one to consider, especially if you have a smaller budget. See it ranked against other top products in our article on the best double strollers.
REASONS TO BUY
Surprisingly easy to turn in tight spaces
Reclining seat
REASONS TO AVOID
Suspension somewhat soft
Editor's Note: On April 20, 2023, we updated the Hamax review when we added new double strollers to the overall review.

Compare to Similar Products

 
hamax outback
This Product
Hamax Outback
Awards Top Pick Award
Versatile Adventure Pod
Editors' Choice Award
The Ultimate Side-by-Side
Top Pick Award
Best for All-Terrain
Best Value Award
Best Bang for the Buck
Best Value Award
Great Value on a Budget
Price $750 List
$799.00 at Amazon
$850 List
$849.95 at Amazon
$800 List
Check Price at Amazon
$400 List
$285.36 at Amazon
$250 List
$212.49 at Amazon
Overall Score Sort Icon
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57
Star Rating
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Bottom Line Fun adventure pod you can use to stroll, jog, bike, and skiAwesome double stroller doing dual jobs as a jogger for toddlersEasy to use jogger good for everyday activities and off-road funBudget-minded option with versatile seating and features on par with higher-end optionsGreat budget-friendly stroller that works well in small spaces
Rating Categories Hamax Outback Thule Urban Glide 2... BOB Revolution Flex... Evenflo Pivot Xpand... Baby Trend Expediti...
Ease of Use (40%)
7.1
7.9
7.4
8.3
5.7
Maneuverability (25%)
8.8
9.2
9.2
6.0
8.2
Transporting/ Storing (15%)
1
3.4
2.8
3.4
3.8
Quality (10%)
9.0
9.0
8.0
6.0
4.0
Kid Ride (10%)
4.4
6.2
7.3
7.8
4.4
Specs Hamax Outback Thule Urban Glide 2... BOB Revolution Flex... Evenflo Pivot Xpand... Baby Trend Expediti...
Measured Weight 40.4 lbs 32.1 lbs 33.1 lbs 34.6 lbs 30.6 lbs
Capacity Limits Minimum: 6 months
Maximum: 48.5 lbs/46 in
Minimum: (Walk Only):
Infant Car Seat: Birth
Stroller Seat: 6 months
Jogging & Off-Road: 6 months
Maximum: 100 lb Total Capacity Limit
Minimum: (/Walk Only)
Infant Car Seat: Birth
Stroller Seat: 8 week - 8 months
Jogging & Off-Road: 8 months - 5 years
Maximum: 50 lbs/44 in
Minimum: Birth
Maximum: 55 lbs/38 in
Minimum: 6 months
Maximum: 50 lbs/42 in
Measured Folded Dimensions 33.4"W x 21"H x 48"L 31.1"W x 18.7"H x 35.8"L 30.8"W x 18"H x 39.5"L 26.7"W x 25"H x 32.7"L 32.8"W x 16.5"H x 34"L
Folded Volume 33,667 cu in 20,820 cu in 21,899 cu in 21,827 cu in 18,401 cu in
Number of Car Seats Accepted 0 1 1 2 0
Included Car Seat Compatibility None None None Evenflo SafeMax, LiteMax None
Click-in Car Seat Adapters None BeSafe
Izi GO Mod, Izi GO X1
Chicco
KeyFit, KeyFit 30
Cybex
Aton, Aton 2, Aton 4, Aton 5
Maxi-Cosi
CabrioFix, Citi, Mico 30, Mico Max 30, Mico NXT, Pebble, Pebble Plus
Nuna
Pipa
None Chicco KeyFit, KeyFit 30
Evenflo SafeMax, LiteMax
Graco SnugRide Click Connect 30, 35, SnugRide SnugLock 30, 35
Peg Perego Primo Viaggio
None
Strap-In Car Seat Adapters None BOB
Unity
Britax
Affinity Unity, B-Safe, B-Safe 35, B-Safe 35 Elite, Chaperone, Unity, Unity ISOFIX, BabySafe
Chicco
KeyFit, KeyFit Plus, KeyFit 30
Combi
Shuttle 33
EvenFlo
Discovery 5
Graco
Safe Seat, SnugRide Classic Connect, SnugRide Click Connect 30, 35, 35 LX, 40
Maxi-Cosi
CabrioFix, Citi, Pebble
Nuna
Pipa
Peg Perego
Primo Viaggio 4-35, Primo Viaggio SIP 30/30
Safety 1st
onBoard, onBoard Air, Comfy Carry Elite
Safe-n-Sound
Unity, Unity Neos
UPPAbaby
Mesa"
Britax
B-Safe, B-Safe 35, B-Safe 35 Elite, Chaperone
BOB
B-Safe, B-Safe 35
Graco
Snug Ride Click Connect 30, Snug Ride Click Connect 30 LX, Snug Ride 35 Elite, Snug Ride 35 LX, Snug Ride 35 Platinum, Snug Ride Click Connect 35, Snug Ride Click Connect 35 LX, Snug Ride Click Connect 40, Snug Ride Snug Lock 30, Snug Ride Snug Lock 35, Snug Ride Snug Lock 35 DLX, Snug Ride Snug Lock 35 Elite, Snug Ride Snug Lock 35 Platinum, Snug Ride Snug Lock 35 Platinum XT
Peg Perego
Primo Viaggio 4-35, Primo Viaggio 4-35 Nido
Chicco
KeyFit 30, Keyfit 30 Zip, Keyfit Zip Air, KeyFit Magic, Fit2
None None
Handlebar Height - Min/Max 18"/43.7" 30.9"/45.1" 35.8"/49.3" 33"/44.7" 40.6"
Recline Front/Left Seat Mid-Level Deep Mid-Level Deep Deep
Recline Rear/Right Seat Mid-Level Deep Mid-Level Deep Deep
Storage Basket Size Large Medium Large Extra Large Large
Sun Shade Size Large Medium Large Medium Small
One-handed Fold No Yes No No No
Locking Fold None Manual Manual Auto Manual
Self-standing Fold No Yes No Yes Yes
Sandal-friendly Brake Yes Yes Yes Yes No
Included Accessories Flag None None None MP3 Speakers
Average Setup Time 10-15 min 5-10 min 5-10 min 10-15 min 10-15 min

Our Analysis and Test Results

The Norwegian company, Hamax AS, started in 1958, becoming a leader in gear for active families. Hamax offers a variety of products for the outdoorsy family, including bike seats for kids, trailers, and toboggans.

Performance Comparison



hamax outback - the hamax is relatively easy to use for what it is.
The Hamax is relatively easy to use for what it is.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Ease of Use


While the Outback is easy to use for what it is, it isn't the easiest-to-use stroller compared to traditional choices in our best stroller review. The ease of use performance metric total score is based on smaller sub-metric testing.


The Hamax is also somewhat more challenging to use than the competing trailers we've reviewed in the past. However, we suspect many parents will find it an acceptable trade-off, given the price difference.

The Hamax includes a patch with the folding directions just behind...
The Hamax includes a patch with the folding directions just behind the handlebar.
The Hamax fold method initiates by pressing the button and pulling...
The Hamax fold method initiates by pressing the button and pulling the strap then pressing down on the top of the trailer.

Fold and Unfold


The fold on the Hamax requires two hands and around five steps. Unfortunately, folding this stroller doesn't make it much smaller than when it is open. If you need to stow it somewhere, you are better off removing the wheels to reduce the size in a significant manner.

hamax outback - the hamax storage pocket has a zippered closure.
The Hamax storage pocket has a zippered closure.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Storage


Being able to keep supplies for two on hand is critical. The Hamax storage bin is located on the back of the trailer and somewhat under the seat. The bin closes with a sipper and is fairly good-sized. It is deep, making it less accessible than competitors, and there are no internal organization features. The passengers each have side mesh pockets, and retrained children can easily reach the pockets.

hamax outback - the hamax has a 5-point harness and nesting buckle that requires to...
The Hamax has a 5-point harness and nesting buckle that requires to hands to assemble.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Harness


Each seat on the Outback has an easy-to-use 5-point harness. The buckle is a nesting style option that is convoluted and involved compared to the competition. The harness has an adjustable crotch strap, and the shoulder straps have infinite positions for a custom fit.

hamax outback - the hamax brake is large and easy to set and release with a central...
The Hamax brake is large and easy to set and release with a central location.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Brakes


The Hamax has single-action brakes with a significant amount of play in them, with the trailer moving up to an inch and a half when set. The pedal is plastic and foot-friendly, no matter what footwear you sport.

hamax outback - the outback 2020 offers impressive maneuverability with the single...
The Outback 2020 offers impressive maneuverability with the single front wheel in swivel mode.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Maneuverability


If you think the Hamax will be a bear to push, you'd be wrong. Surprisingly for its size, it is relatively nimble and turns tightly, making small spaces bend to its will if the room allows.


The single front swivel wheel works well on flat surfaces, and the larger rear rubber tires keep the pod moving smoothly without much effort from the pusher.

hamax outback - the outback 202 isn't as wide as some of the other trailers we've...
The Outback 202 isn't as wide as some of the other trailers we've seen in the past.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

With a smaller footprint than some larger top-ranking bike trailers, this option navigates indoors better than some of the more expensive trailers and cheaper side-by-side strollers. On uneven surfaces and moving off-road, the Outback continues to impress once again thanks to the trike design and larger pneumatic rubber tires. While heavier than the competition, the design and wider-set rear wheels prevent the Outback from feeling like a burden when pushing, even for longer distances. The good suspension and seating features keep passengers comfy, even if the suspension could be somewhat stiffer overall.

hamax outback - the hamax doesn't get much smaller when folded. removing the wheels...
The Hamax doesn't get much smaller when folded. Removing the wheels can make it somewhat smaller.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Transporting and Storing


Transporting and strong your stroller can be important depending on your lifestyle or the available space in your car or home.

Weight and Folded Size


Compared to traditional double strollers, the Outback is a beast. Given its multi-purpose design, we can hardly hold this against it, but if your car is small or your living quarters are limited, it could be a poor fit for your life.


The new Outback weighs 40.4 lbs, which might be prohibitive for petite parents if you need to lift it to stow in an SUV. When folded with wheels attached, it measures 33,667 cubic inches, which is over 3,000 cubic inches larger than the old version! You might consider buying it from a location like Amazon, where you can return it if it doesn't fit in your ride.

hamax outback - the hamax doesn't offer as many creature comforts for kids as some...
The Hamax doesn't offer as many creature comforts for kids as some of the competition.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Kid Ride


With limited recline, no leg support, and other challenges, the kid ride on the Hamax isn't the comfiest or most functional seats for keeping little ones content.

hamax outback - the hamax has 2 seats but they recline as one, so both will be at...
The Hamax has 2 seats but they recline as one, so both will be at the same angle.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Seat


The Hamax seats tilt slightly back and are deep inside the pod. The new version introduced in 2020 has reclining seatbacks with two different levels that sort of roll down using a mechanism from the top of the trailer, but it still isn't as good as the seats on some of the competition trailers.

hamax outback - the hamax seats recline as one with a rolling mechanism near the top...
The Hamax seats recline as one with a rolling mechanism near the top window.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Both seats must be on the same angle, but we think the recline is an improvement over the stationary seats it used to have. The seats have light padding with open space in the front for little legs.

The Hamax 2020 has a vinyl peek-a-boo window behind the handlebar.
The Hamax 2020 has a vinyl peek-a-boo window behind the handlebar.
The Hamax windscreen is slightly tinted and there is a roll-down...
The Hamax windscreen is slightly tinted and there is a roll-down cover for more protection.

Sunshade


The Outback doesn't have a traditional canopy. It sports a full cover with a front windscreen and top peek-a-boo window. It includes a small roll-up shade at the top for additional sun protection.

hamax outback - the outback 2020 offers impressive quality for the price compared to...
The Outback 2020 offers impressive quality for the price compared to similar options.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Quality


The Outback offers nice quality for the price, and the design and materials feel durable and constructed with longevity in mind.


The frame is sturdy and stable, with no visible flaws from the manufacturing process. The pod is wrapped in thick canvas with a vinyl screen and side windows. It has mesh-covered padded seats that feel solid. The design includes plastic connectors, spoke wheels with ball-bearing hubs, and bike-style rear rubber tires. Overall, the Outback has a nice fit and finish and doesn't flex or vibrate.

Car Seat Compatibility


Little ones must be at least 6-months old to be a passenger in the Outback. We recommend passengers be closer to 12-18 months, and you should consult with your child's pediatrician before embarking on your outdoor adventures. There are no compatible infant car seats for the Hamax Outback.

Ease of Setup


This stroller is one of the most challenging strollers to assemble, taking us over 14 minutes to complete. The manual is confusing, and the directions for each step are not next to their related pictures, which increases the confusion and seems unnecessary. You need a screwdriver to complete the final setup.

Should You Buy the Outback?


If you like being outside and hope to share the great outdoors with your little one, then the Hamax is definitely a stroller to consider. We love this little sleek-looking trailer that does more than most families need. If you don't enjoy the outdoors or have more narrow hobbies like jogging or strolling only, then this trailer might be more stroller than you really need. Also, if finding a lightweight stroller is your goal, you want to avoid this option and other tailer-style strollers.

What Other Double Strollers Should You Consider?


If your budget is somewhat larger than the price of the Hamax, the Thule Chariot Cross 2 earned similar scores for maneuverability, but it is lighter by almost 9 lbs and smaller when folded too. These factors alone might make the Thule a better choice, depending on your lifting abilities or storage space.

Accessories


Hamax has some accessories available for purchase to upgrade or customize your Outback.

  • Hamax Outback Raincover — The Hamax rain cover fits well and protects from most elements you'll encounter on the roadside without blocking the passenger's view. The cover is easy to put on, and it fits in the backside bin for storage.

Manufacturer Video



Wendy Schmitz