REASONS TO BUY
Handbrake
Upgraded suspension
Covered storage
Jogger
REASONS TO AVOID
Heavy
Expensive
Suspension isn't adjustable
BOB Alterrain Pro Review
High-quality, sleek jogger with enough features for every day use
Credit: Abriah Wofford
RELATED: The Best Full-Size Strollers of 2023
The Skinny
The BOB Alterrain Pro is the newest evolution in the BOB jogging stroller world, and there is much to rave about in this high-end jogger. Even though it is considered a jogging stroller, we think it incorporates enough functionality as an everyday stroller. Compared to other BOB strollers, this option is sleeker with a more refined and polished finish and less of a utilitarian look and feel. We like the crisp taut canopy design and the impressive non-rethread harness adjustment. This option has a locking swivel front wheel, impressive suspension, an adjustable handlebar, and a new quick slide-and-twist folding mechanism that will win your heart. It can roll like luggage when folded and self-stands making it easier to use on the go, and the handbrake and newly designed parking brake work well. The Alterrain Pro is more expensive than the other BOB strollers with smaller price-tags, and even some of our favorite strolling options we've tested, so it may not be the best choice if you have a smaller budget. However, it has the features and quality to justify the price and might just be the BOB you've been looking for.
Editor's Note: We updated the BOB Alterrain Pro gear review on December 21, 2021, with more information and details to help you determine which stroller meets your needs.
Compare to Similar Products
 This Product
BOB Alterrain Pro | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Awards |  | |  |  | |
| Price | $700 List Check Price at Amazon | $650 List $549.95 at Amazon | $400 List $399.95 at Amazon | $700 List $699.99 at Amazon | $150 List $103.99 at Amazon |
Overall Score  |
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| Star Rating | |||||
| Pros | Handbrake, upgraded suspension, covered storage, jogger | Easiest to push, jogger, high quality, easy to use | High-quality, compact fold, lighter weight, comfy | Easy to use, impressive storage, vast infant car set compatibility, great features, suspension, no flat tires | Easy to navigate tight places, inexpensive |
| Cons | Heavy, expensive, suspension isn't adjustable | Bulkier, harder to transport | Somewhat harder to push | Heavier than old Cruz, more expensive | Limited storage, lower quality materials |
| Bottom Line | High-quality, sleek jogger with enough features for every day use | A cool-looking multi-purpose jogging stroller that is also great for everyday use | A compact, full-size with impressive features for comfort and ease of use, but it is somewhat harder to push, especially one hand | A high-quality option with lots of useful features and an impressive design with an eye for details | An easy-to-maneuver and budget friendly option, but has limited functionality |
| Rating Categories | BOB Alterrain Pro | Thule Urban Glide 2 | Thule Spring | UPPAbaby Cruz v2 | Baby Trend Expedition |
| Ease Of Use (45%) | |||||
| Maneuverability (30%) | |||||
| Weight/Folded Size (15%) | |||||
| Quality (10%) | |||||
| Specs | BOB Alterrain Pro | Thule Urban Glide 2 | Thule Spring | UPPAbaby Cruz v2 | Baby Trend Expedition |
| Weight | 31.4 lbs | 24.4 lbs | 22.7 lbs | 25 lbs | 23.7 lbs |
| Folded Dimensions | 25.4"W x 17.3"H x 39.5"L | 27.2"W x 15.5"H x 36.5"L | 17"W x 15"H x 30"L | 22.9"W x 16.5"H x 33"L | 23.1"W x 33.1"H x 16.3"L |
| Capacity Limits | Minimum: Walk Only: Infant Car Seat: 0 - 8 wk. Stroller Seat: 8 wk. - 8 mo. Jogging & Off-Road: 8 mo. - 5 yr. Maximum: 74 lbs/44" |
Minimum: 6 mo. Maximum: 49 lbs/43.7" |
Minimum: 6 mo. Maximum: 64 lbs/44" |
Minimum: From Birth With Infant Snugseat Or Bassinet 3 mo.+ For Toddler Seat Maximum: 50 lbs/40" |
Minimum: 6 mo. Maximum: 50 lbs/42" |
| Included Car Seat Compatibility | None | None | None | UPPAbaby Mesa |
Baby Trend Any Baby Trend car seat |
| Click-in Car Seat Adapters | Available Summer/Fall 2020: Britax B-Safe® 35, B-Safe® 35 Elite, B-Safe® Ultra, Endeavours® Chicco KeyFit® 30, KeyFit® 30 Zip, KeyFit® Zip Air, KeyFit® Magic, Fit2® Graco All SnugRide® models, SnugRide® Click Connect® models, SnugRide® SnugLock® models Peg Perego Primo® Viaggio 4-35 , Primo® Viaggio 4-35 Nido |
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 30, KeyFit2 Cybex Cloud Q, Aton M, Aron 2 Maxi-Cosi Mico 30 Nuna Pipa, Pipa Lite, Pipa Lite R |
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 |
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 Compatible Britax-Romer Baby-Safe, Baby-Safe Plus II Chicco KeyFit Plus Combi Shuttle 33 Evenflo Discovery 5 Graco SafeSeat, SnugRide, SnugRide Click Connect, SnugRide Click Connect 30, SnugRide Click Connect 35, SnugRide Click Connect LX 35, SnugRide Click Connect 40 Peg Perego Primo Viaggio SIP 30/30, Primo Viaggio 4-35 Safety 1st Comfy Carry Elite, onBoard, onBoard Air Safe-n-Sound Unity, Unity Neos UPPAbaby Mesa |
None | None | Baby Trend Any Baby Trend Car Seat |
| Recline | Deep | Deep | Deep | Deep | Deep |
| Storage Basket Size | Large | Large | Large | Very Large | Large |
| Sun Shade Size | Large | Large | Large | Large | Small |
| One-handed Fold | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Locking Fold | Auto | Auto | Auto | Auto | Auto |
| Self-standing Fold | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Handlebar Height - Min/Max | 32.5"/47.5" | 30"/46" | 39"/43" | 40"/43" | 41" |
| Sandal-friendly Brake | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Included Accessories | None | None | Sun Shade | Rain Shield, Bug Shield | None |
| Setup Time | 5-10 minmin:sec | 5-10 minmin:sec | 1-5 minmin:sec | 5-10 minmin:sec | 5-10 minmin:sec |
Show full specification detailsHide full specification details
Our Analysis and Test Results
The Beast of Burden (BOB) company began in 1994 in California with Roger Malinowski and Philip Novotny at the helm. With the combined specialties of a bicycle professional and the airline mechanic, they originally created Yak bike trailers. After fatherhood came calling, the two saw a gap in the market for a rugged stroller suitable for jogging. And with this, the original BOB was created. Today, some BOB products even make our list of strolling favorites. Britax now owns the BOB company.
Performance Comparison
The ALterrain is easy to use with new features we haven't seen on other BOBs.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Ease of Use
The BOB Alterrain Pro is easy to use, and while it didn't win top honors here, it is still a straightforward stroller with useful features.
The Alterrain folds by twisting the handle under the seat and pulling. It is smooth, easy, and works well.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Fold and Unfold
This stroller has a simpler fold than other BOBs, with a one-hand slide and twist mechanism under the front of the seat. This BOB self-stands and can be rolled like luggage when folded, but it still lacks a carry strap or lifting handle. We love the improved fold and prefer it over the BOBs of yore.
Brakes
The Alterrain Pro has a fancy new round bar brake pedal that engages brake "pins" into holes. The brakes are single action and work well. We didn't have any issues during testing, and they feel somehow beefier than the brakes on other BOBs.
The handbrake on the Alterrain is easy to use for slowing ot a stop.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
The handbrake is good for slowing the stroller when going downhill and is favored by runners everywhere. This feature worked well during testing, and while it won't stop a stroller, it can sure help one ease to a slower stop.
The Alterrain storage bin has a zippered covered to keep things contained, clean, and dry.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Storage
The Alterrain Pro storage basket has a zippered cover to help protect whatever supplies you have on board. The cover is weather-resistant and prevents items from falling out over bumpy roads.
The quick access pocket on the canopy flap is a great addition to the Alterrain and is big enough for most smartphones.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
The Pro also has a pocket that hangs off the back of the canopy flap, mesh pockets on the back of the passenger seat, and pockets inside the seat for tiny treasures and snacks. We like the passenger pockets and find them more useful than snack trays that many kids can't reach and that items fall off of.
Sunshade
The canopy on the Pro is waterproof and wind-resistant. It offers UPF 50+ protection and comes with a peek-a-boo window that is mesh for ventilation. This canopy is taunt and less frumpy than other BOB sunshades, and it offers a lot of protection for the passenger. The window cover has magnet closures which offer silent peeking, a plus over loud Velcro closure.
The new BOB buckle is stiffer than the old one and somewhat more challenging to operate.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Harness
The 5-point harness and buckle on the Pro are both new and outfitted with the new BOB badge. We like the changes, but the buckle is stiff and somewhat harder to open and close than the previous BOB fare. The shoulder straps slide up and down for height, and there is one pull strap to tighten the entire harness for fitting.
Seat
The Alterrain Pro has a one-hand seat recline, but you'll need two to raise it. The leg rest is stationary but sits at a comfortable angle.
The Alterrain still sports the traditional two strap plastic toggle recline adjustment we think is somewhat dated.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
The seat is a sling-style seat with some padding and is deep for cozy napping.
Car Seat Compatibility
The Pro is compatible with some infant car seats from Britax, BOB, Chicco, Graco, and Peg Perego. The adapters have two attachments for the stroller frame and a metal loop for carrier attachment.
Never Run with Infants
Generally speaking, most pediatricians recommend you wait until your baby is 8+ months old before moving faster than a quick walk. Babies lack the neck and core strength to support themselves over jarring terrain. Between 8-12 months, you can begin jogging on flat surfaces, and uneven surfaces should be saved for babies older than a year. Check with your child's doctor before you start running.
Generally speaking, most pediatricians recommend you wait until your baby is 8+ months old before moving faster than a quick walk. Babies lack the neck and core strength to support themselves over jarring terrain. Between 8-12 months, you can begin jogging on flat surfaces, and uneven surfaces should be saved for babies older than a year. Check with your child's doctor before you start running.
Ease of Setup
The Pro took us 5:46 minutes to assemble with a helpful user's manual.
Assembly doesn't require any tools and includes putting wheels in place and putting the canopy on. It is one of the easiest in the bunch to unpack and set up.
With a swivel front wheel and shorter wheel base, the Alterrain can make tight turns and negotiate in almost any traffic jam.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Maneuverability
It is hard to find a stroller that moves better than a BOB, and the Alterrain Pro is no exception. With a 3-wheel jogging design, including a locking swivel front wheel and off-road suspension, this stroller can take even the tightest turns without blinking an eye. The rubber, pneumatic tires, and larger wheels keep bumps to a minimum, and there is very little this stroller won't roll over. We had no trouble with grass, gravel, pavement, carpet, roots, rocks, curbs, and more during testing.
The Alterrain's handlebar rotates on a pivot point to adjust for the height of the pusher.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
The rotating adjustable handlebar helps pushers of any height to find the right balance to avoid fatigue and awkward body placement that lead to discomfort. Whether you are navigating the tight aisles of a convenience store or the open range on a nature hike, this stroller will get you there.
The Alterrain is both heavy and large when folded making it a possible no-go for those with limited space or smaller vehicles.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Weight and Folded Size
The BOB Alterrain Pro is one of the most substantial strollers in the lineup, which hurt its overall rank. While the beefier wheels and brake system may be worth it for running and ease of use, many of the upgrades on the Pro increased the weight and size over the more traditional BOB offerings. The BOB weighs 31.4 lbs and is 17,357 cubic inches when folded. These measurements make it one of our full-size testing history's heaviest and largest options. You'll want to check your car space for fit, and you'll need to check your lifting prowess before you commit to this stroller.
The Alterrain is a step up from the usual BOB fare which already offered impressive quality.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Quality
Historically, BOBs are known for being durable and lasting almost forever. The Alterrain Pro seems of similar ilk with a solid aluminum frame and construction that lacked any errors we could see during our tests. The materials all feel and look high-end, and there is no sway, flex, or play in any of the connection points. Fasteners and connection points are largely hidden, and the parts that move, do so smoothly. This BOB lacks the adjustable suspension on the other BOBs, but it feels suitable for most adventures and a comfortable riding experience for passengers. The overall fit and finish are one of thoughtful attention to detail and good quality control on the manufacturing level. The Pro we purchased didn't have any flaws we could find, and it feels like it will live up to the brand's legendary lifespans.
Should You Buy the BOB Alterrain Pro?
The BOB Alterrain Pro is sleek and high-quality. However, at 31.4 lbs, it's one of the heaviest options in our lineup, making it more challenging to lift and transport than lighter options. If you're parking this stroller in your garage and using this location as your launchpad for daily walks, you'll not be as impacted by its weight. But, the weight is hard to overlook if you're loading and unloading the Alterrain into your vehicle. With other attractive contenders that overall score higher, are lighter, and less expensive, we suggest considering one of those before the Alterrain Pro.
What Other Full-Size Strollers Should You Consider?
Given the Alterrain Pro's price and overall performance score, we think you're better off purchasing the Thule Urban Glide 2. The Urban Glide is an award-winning option and less money. It's also fabulous at trekking over various terrains with less effort. If you love BOB products, the BOB Revolution Flex 3.0 is a better choice, in our minds, than the Alterrain.
Manufacturer Video
—
Wendy Schmitz
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