The Hamax Outback is an ultra-cool bicycle trailer for two that doubles as a jogging 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 the extra room. However, for those parents seeking more than a basic stroller, this versatile trailer is one to consider, especially if you like the Thule Chariot Cross 2 but you have a smaller budget.
Editor's Note: On December 10, 2021 we updated the Hamax review to provide additional insight into our testing process to help make your buying decision easier.Hamax Outback Review

Pros: Surprisingly easy to turn in tight spaces, reclining seat
Cons: Suspension somewhat soft
Manufacturer: Hamax
The Skinny
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Hamax Outback | |||||
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Awards | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() |
Price | $900 List $849.00 at Amazon | $1,345 List $1,345 at Amazon | $850 List $849.95 at Amazon | $400 List $282.28 at Amazon | $250 List $249.99 at Amazon |
Overall Score ![]() |
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Star Rating | |||||
Pros | Surprisingly easy to turn in tight spaces, reclining seat | Accepts two car seats, great storage, quality materials | Super easy to push and turn, nice quality, jogging stroller | Multiple seating options, accepts 2 car seats, easy to use, price | Very budget friendly, nice maneuverability, jogging potential |
Cons | Suspension somewhat soft | Heavy and harder to lift, higher price | Bulky when folded, only accepts one infant car seat | Harder to push and turn, heavier, lower quality | Lower quality materials, noticeable flex and wiggle |
Bottom Line | Cool trailer you can stroll, bike, ski, and jog with | Versatile seating stroller that grows with your family and is easy to maneuver | An ultimate side-by-side double stroller serving double duty as a jogger for older babies | Better than average option that offers much for growing families with style similar to higher-end options | Best on a budget that is easy to push and turn even in small spaces |
Rating Categories | Hamax Outback | UPPAbaby Vista v2 D... | Thule Urban Glide 2... | Evenflo Pivot Xpand... | Baby Trend Expediti... |
Ease Of Use (45%) | |||||
Maneuverability (30%) | |||||
Weight Folded Size (15%) | |||||
Quality (10%) | |||||
Specs | Hamax Outback | UPPAbaby Vista v2 D... | Thule Urban Glide 2... | Evenflo Pivot Xpand... | Baby Trend Expediti... |
Weight | 40.4 lbs | 35 lbs | 32.1 lbs | 34.6 lbs | 30.6 lbs |
Folded Dimensions | 33.4"W x 21"H x 48"L | 25.8"W x 26.5"H x 37"L | 31.1"W x 18.7"H x 35.8"L | 26.7"W x 19.23"H x 32.7"L | 32.8"W x 16.5"H x 34"L |
Capacity Limits | Minimum: 6 mo. Maximum: 48.5 lbs/46" |
Minimum: From Birth With Infant Snugseat Or Bassinet 3 mo.+ For Toddler Seat Maximum: 50 lbs/40" |
Minimum: "Walk Only: Infant Car Seat: Birth Stroller Seat: 6 mo. Jogging & Off-Road: 6 mo." Maximum: 100 lb Total Capacity Limit |
Minimum: Birth Maximum: 55 lbs/38" | Minimum: 6 mo. Maximum: 50 lbs/42" |
Included Car Seat Compatibility | None | UPPAbaby Mesa |
None | Evenflo SafeMax, LiteMax | None |
Click-in Car Seat Adapters | None | UPPAbaby Mesa Chicco KeyFit 30, KeyFit 30 Zip, KeyFit 30 Zip Air, Fit2, Fit2 LE, Fit2 Air Maxi-Cosi Mico Max 30, Mico NXT, Mico AP & Micro Max Plus, Nuna PIPA™, PIPA lite, PIPA lite lx, PIPA lite r & PIPA lite rx Cybex Aton, Aton 2, Aton Q & Aton M |
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 |
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 | 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" |
None | None |
Number of Car Seats Accepted | None | 1 | 1 | 2 | 0 |
Recline Front/Left Seat | Mid-Level | Deep | Deep | Deep | Deep |
Recline Rear/Right Seat | Mid-Level | Deep | Deep | Deep | Deep |
Storage Basket Size | Large | Very large | Medium | Extra Large | Large |
Sun Shade Size | Large | Large | Medium | Medium | Small |
One-handed Fold | No | No | Yes | Yes | No |
Locking Fold | None | Auto | Manual | Auto | Manual |
Self-standing Fold | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Handlebar Height - Min/Max | 18"/43.7" | 39.5"/42.5" | 30.9"/45.1" | 33"/44.7" | 40.6" |
Sandal-friendly Brake | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
Included Accessories | Flag | Rain Shield, Bug Shield | None | None | MP3 Speakers |
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
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 stroller choices. The ease of use performance metric total score is based on smaller sub-metric testing and we include some of those details in chart form in this review.
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.
Fold and Unfold
The folding process is 25% of the total score for ease of use. 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.
Brakes
Brake performance score is 5% of the overall metric score.
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.
Storage
Storage analysis is 20% of the overall ease of use score as 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.
Sunshade
Sunshade size and performance is 15% of the ease of use total score. 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.
Harness
Harness comparison testing is 10% of the total metric score. 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.
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 the Thule Chariot Cross 2.
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.
Car Seat Compatibility
Children need to be at least six months to ride 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 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.
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.
With a smaller footprint than some larger 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.
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.
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 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.
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 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
Honest, objective reviews. Led by a Pediatrician.
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