The GB Pockit is a very lightweight and compact folded umbrella stroller. This stroller has the best score for weight and folded size, but it earned the lowest scores for ease of use and maneuverability. In short, it is difficult to navigate even with two hands, and moving over uneven surfaces is so difficult we wanted to pick it up instead of push it. If that isn't enough of a reason to look elsewhere, the Pockit is the hardest strollers to use with limited or non-existent features. The only reason to potentially purchase the Pockit is if you need to fit it in the overhead bin on an airplane.
GB Pockit Review
It may be the smallest and one of the lightest, but it is so difficult to use it isn't worth the space you save
Price:
$230 List | Check Price at Amazon
Pros: Easy to lift, fits in small spaces
Cons: Hard to push and turn, tiny canopy, awkward fold, no recline
Manufacturer: gb
Pros: Easy to lift, fits in small spaces
Cons: Hard to push and turn, tiny canopy, awkward fold, no recline
Manufacturer: gb
By Juliet Spurrier, MD & BabyGearLab Team ⋅ Mar 24, 2019
RELATED: The Best Umbrella Strollers
The Skinny
Compare to Similar Products
Our Analysis and Test Results
The Gb Pockit only scored well in the weight and folded size metric. While a very important metric in umbrella strollers, the disappointing scores in other tests resulted in a low rank overall.
Goodbaby International Holdings Limited that is new to the US, but began over 25 years ago. They make products for some of the most recognized childhood brands. They feel that they set the standard for safety, innovation, and design. Gb is one of their recognized baby products brands.
Performance Comparison
The chart below gives a glance at how the Pockit compares to the rest of the umbrella strollers we tested.
The sections below outline the details of test results and the performance of the Pockit as it compared to the competition.
Weight and Folded Size
The Pockit earned a 9 of 10 for weight and folded size, at 10.50 lbs and 2,003.12 cubic inches, the Pockit is the smallest and second lightest stroller in the review.
The Pockit folds in on itself to create the smallest folded stroller in the review.
Ease of Use
The Pockit earned a 3 of 10 for ease of use, which is the lowest score. It's minimal with a compact fold and few features that make a stroller easier to use.
Fold and Unfold
The Pockit folds like no other stroller we have seen. It is initiated by pushing buttons on both sides of the frame on the handles (above left). The stroller collapses in on itself like a telescope and then folds in half for a smaller final product (above right). The fold is two-handed, has a manual lock, and can stand on its own. The unique nature of the fold makes it more complicated and awkward than most strollers, but it does create the smallest folded package.
The tiny brake pedal on the Pockit is really difficult to operate both because it is small and because it is stiff and can feel like it is set when it isn't.
Brakes
The Pockit brake pedal is tiny and tucked between the double rear wheels on the right making it very difficult to get your foot on the pedal. The single action pedal is stiff, which makes it hard to lift and not sandal-friendly.
Possible Safety Concern
The brakes on the Pockit can feel engaged when they are not. Parents should take precautions and double check that the brakes are properly set before letting go of the stroller.
The brakes on the Pockit can feel engaged when they are not. Parents should take precautions and double check that the brakes are properly set before letting go of the stroller.
The Pockit storage bin is too small for a diaper bag, and you will likely need to carry a bag if you plan to be out longer than a couple of hours.
Storage
The Pockit has one central storage bin that is tiny and doesn't fit a diaper bag. This bin will accommodate up to 11 lbs and has easy access.
The canopy on the Pockit flips forward to provide very minimal protection from the sun.
Sunshade
The Pockit canopy isn't really a canopy and only covers over the passenger's head. While this might keep the sun off the top of the head, it will do nothing for the rest of the baby. The canopy is flimsy and ineffective.
The Pockit harness is hard to use, as a result of both form and function.
Harness
The Pockit has a no-rethread harness that adjusts by sliding up and down the straps sewn on the back. It can be difficult to slide, and you'll need to remove the padding and fold the excess strap under the pads. All of the straps are stiff and hard to adjust.
Seat
The Pockit seat is a minimalist as the rest of the stroller. The seat has an upright back and does not recline. The footrest is tucked under the seat making it hard for little feet to find, and there is no leg rest. The edge of the seat is not curved and is under padded, so it feels like it could cut off circulation for legs hanging over the edge or at least be annoying.
Ease of Setup
The Pockit comes assembled and only needs unfolding. It is the easiest stroller we have ever put together with an "assemble" time of 1:45 minutes that consisted mainly of reading the instructions.
Maneuverability
The Pockit earned a 2 of 10 for maneuverability and is not the best mover with small flimsy wheels and dual front wheel design. Because of all the fold hinges, there is a lot of flex when strolling, and it feels rickety and rolls with friction no matter what the terrain. You need to use both hands for turning, and we kicked the back wheels when strolling. It is so difficult to push over rougher terrain that we think it would be easier to pick the baby up and walk than try to maneuver the stroll without it breaking in half.
The Pockit moves so poorly over uneven ground that you are better off picking it up instead of fighting it to stroll where you want it to go.
The Pockit has plastic wheels, a sling style seat and no shocks. The handles are hard plastic and arranged more for ease of fold than for ergonomic placement. Pushing for a long distance is likely to be uncomfortable for pusher and passenger.
Quality
The Pockit has a lot of flex in the frame, and the components are flimsy giving the entire stroller the feel of a fragile umbrella resulting in a 4 of 10 for quality. While the design is obviously unique and advanced, the execution feels like a less expensive product.
Manufacturer Video
— Juliet Spurrier, MD & BabyGearLab Team