Hamax Outback Review

In 1958, Hamax AS began in Norway and became a pioneer for gear dedicated to leisure activities for families. Hamax makes products like bike seats for children, bike trailers, and toboggans. The company focuses on creating safe child transportation while biking or on the snow. The gear is tested to ensure safety and function.

Performance Comparison

The Hamax Outback (in blue) is a double bike trailer you can use for strolling and jogging.

The information below includes details of the Hamax's performance compared to the competition.

Ease of Use

The Hamax's versatility makes it more difficult to use than the competition resulting in only a 5 of 10 for ease of use.

While the Hamax is harder to use than the similar Thule Chariot Cross 2, the almost $400 in savings can make you forget what you're missing.

Fold and Unfold

The Hamax fold requires two hands and five steps. It requires a little more strength and the ability to operate both sides simultaneously. The entire process doesn't take long, but the resulting shape is only slightly more compact than the open trailer.

Brakes

The Hamax has a plastic pedal single action parking brake on the back (above right). The brake is easy to use and is comfortable even when wearing sandals.

Storage

The storage bin is on the back and sort of under the seat. The bin zips closed and is relatively large, but it is harder to reach, and there are no dividers for organization. The seating area has side mesh pockets for passengers, and buckled children can reach the pockets making them more useful than those on the Thule Chariot Cross 2.

Sunshade

The Outback has a full cover with a large, top peek-a-boo window (above left). The seating area can be covered in vinyl (above right) for additional protection from the elements, and there is a smaller mesh cover for airflow.

Harness

The Outback has two easy to use 5-point harnesses with a nesting buckle that is somewhat convoluted. The crotch strap is adjustable, and shoulder straps have infinite positions for a superior fit for all sizes.

Seat

The seats tilt somewhat back and sit low inside the pod. The back and bottoms are lightly padded with space for legs in front. Legroom is limited, and the seats don't recline which prevents the creation of a genuinely comfortable napping area, though we imagine little ones will still fall asleep.

Car Seat Compatibility

The Hamax is not compatible with any infant car seat. Children need to be at least six months to ride in the Outback (according to the user manual), but we recommend little ones be 12-18 months and that you discuss your adventure plans with a pediatrician.

Ease of Setup

The Outback setup took 14:45 minutes from start to finish, taking longer than all of the competition but one. You'll need a screwdriver to complete the assembly, and the user manual can be confusing. The instructions are in a different location than the pictures, and they seem to depart from how one would logically assemble it.

Maneuverability

The Hamax is easy to push and turn earning an impressive 9 of 10 in our tests for maneuverability. This performance is somewhat of a surprise as its larger size indicates it could have trouble in small spaces.

The Outback swivel strolling wheel works well on flat surfaces and allows it to make tight turns in smaller spaces.

Despite its wider footprint, the single front wheel has an advantage over the two side wheels on the Thule Chariot Cross 2 making it better indoors than the more expensive trailer. The Outback rolls over uneven terrain and bumps easily with the help of the large rubber rear tires. If you need to, you can tilt it back slightly to traverse things the smaller front wheel may struggle over. The Outback is a little heavy, but the wide set wheels disperse the weight well and prevent it from feeling burdensome.

The Hamax has useful suspension, and the seating area has adequate padding. While the suspension could be stiffer, we think little ones will be comfortable riding inside.

Weight and Folded Size

The Hamax is larger and heavier than the competition earning it a 1 of 10 for weight and folded size.

The Outback weighs just over 39 lbs making it the second heaviest. The similar Thule Chariot Cross 2 is around 33 lbs making it the better choice if weight is an issue and price is not a factor. The Outback measures 30,090 cubic inches folded, which makes it the most substantial folded stroller in this review.

Quality

The Hamax earns a 9 of 10 for quality sporting a thoughtful design with attention to detail and materials that appear durable and assembled for the long haul.

The Outback feels sturdy and stable with no flaws in workmanship or manufacturing. The fabrics are thick canvas, heavy vinyl, and mesh covered seats that are not the most comfortable but seem durable. The frame has solid plastic connections, while the spoke wheels have ball bearing hubs, and rubber tires. The covers fit the frame nicely and the frame doesn't flex or wobble where it shouldn't.

Manufacturer Video

Accessories

Hamax offers a variety of accessories for use with the Outback. While none are necessary, some could make the Hamax easier to use or more comfortable for passengers.

• 
  Baby Insert for Outback — This padded insert lets you stroll/walk safely with babies under 6 months. The soft insert has a 5-point harness and situates your baby in a way that keeps airways properly open. This addition is intended for young babies and is only for use while walking. Parents should not use the insert for jogging or when the Hamax is being pulled by a bicycle.

• 
  Hamax Outback Raincover — The rain cover for the Outback is designed for the Hamax and it fits like a glove to provide protection from weather and road water without impeding the view. The cover is quick and easy to apply and it folds small for storage in the back side bin when not in use.

• 
  Outback Led light 2 pack — The LED pack provides front and back attachment lights in white (headlight) and red (taillight). This helps make the Outback more visible at night while negotiating traffic. The lights increase overall safety in any low light conditions but are especially useful if you plan to use the Hamax as a bicycle trailer or for jogging at night.

Other Versions

Hamax also offers an Outback for one called the Hamax Outback ONE with Jog Kit. The Outback One is narrower and lighter than the double seater but retains most of the same features and functionality, albeit on a smaller scale (i.e., less storage space). If space is at a premium or you want to save some money and you know your future only includes one child, then this smaller Outback may be a good choice.