Eddie Bauer Trail Hiker 3-Wheel Travel System {Review & Giveaway}

When it comes to enjoying the great outdoors, Mother Nature just seemed so much more accessible prior to having kids, didn't she? Any time you wanted to go for a hike or a jog or simply for a walk around the block, all that it took was finding your shoes and heading out the door.

Once you've had a baby, however, going just about anywhere with your little one in tow can turn into a multi-step, elaborately-planned event, what with the extra diapers, wipes, clothing, bottles, food and much, much more.

But, what happens when you finally have your bag packed and ready and you look at your stroller and realize that there is no way that it is going to withstand the trails and paths you want to hit? Those tiny wheels and that clunky frame can hardly be maneuvered through the mall, let alone spending a day at a state park, right?

Which is why the Eddie Bauer Trail Hiker 3-Wheel Travel System is the single purchase that you'll need to make to take you and your baby right out to exploring the great outdoors with ease.

Built for all terrain maneuverability, the Trail Hiker Travel System combines everything you and your baby need from birth to 50lbs. The combination of the stroller and rear-facing infant car seat, as well as ample storage, a snack tray, front swivel wheels, and a one-hand fold, and it is clear that this stroller is built to make users as well as riders happy.

Having never tried an Eddie Bauer stroller or car seat before, I was anxious to put this travel system to the test to see if it would meet my high expectations. As I began removing the various parts from the box, I initially wondered how much time it would take to assemble them.

Fortunately, Eddie Bauer knows that parents are busy and don't have hours to spend constructing their products.

After glancing at the clock, I began to follow the simple instructions of snapping the frame and wheels in place... and, when I stepped back to see this high quality travel system fully assembled and ready to go, the clock showed that it had taken a total of four minutes to put it all together.

Any consumer knows that being able to purchase one product and have it last through multiple years (and life stages) makes sense, so I was immediately pleased with the ease in which the Trail Hiker Travel System can adjust for infants up to preschoolers.

For the youngest riders, this travel system includes Eddie Bauer's top rated rear-facing infant car seat with Side Impact Protection and an extended use range of 4-35 pounds (and up to 32") for a safer and more comfortable ride. The adjustable, stay-in-car base makes it easy to move the seat securely from the stroller to the car and back, while the QuickClick feature ensures that it snaps in and out of both locations safely and quickly.

Of course Eddie Bauer didn't skimp on the small details as well, as the onBoard 35 car seat includes a 5-point harness, level indicator for installation, removable infant head support, is LATCH-equipped and more. Whether in your car or attached to the stroller, this safe and stylish car seat eliminates the need to purchase a separate piece of baby gear (and the wonder of whether or not it will be compatible).

When using the Hiker Travel System on its own, children are able to ride just as comfortably. From sitting fully upright to laying down nearly flat, the strap in the back can be loosened or tightened with the use of only one hand.

Simply slide the clip down to the desired level and the seat leans back. When it's time to be upright again, just slide the clip tighter and you're done. I love simplicity, especially if it is going to make naptime on-the-go more happy and convenient for everyone!

At the same time, the adjustable canopy provides plenty of protection from the elements when you're out for a stroll...

...while also making it possible for little ones to stay fully secluded for privacy and quiet.

During times when everyone is awake, the child snack tray, cup holders (one for the child and two for the parent), and covered storage area ensure that everyone stays hydrated, full and comfortable, and that all belongings are kept in place.

In terms of use, this is one stroller that is extremely easy as well as convenient.

The soft grip, adjustable handle quickly moves up or down with the press of a button, making it so that taller folks don't have to bend down while vertically challenged folks such as myself can still find the most comfortable level for their arms.

Along with the handle, one of the features that is used most often with any stroller, the storage basket, also does not disappoint in the Hiker Travel System.

The large, underseat storage has plenty of room to store your belongings and bags, while the angle of the opening makes it easy to access everything no matter what level the seat is reclined.

When it comes to heading out on the trails (whether paved or not), the Eddie Bauer Trail Hiker provides a smooth, sturdy ride for everyone involved.

The large, strong back tires glide along even the most uneven surfaces and the double front wheels can be left unlocked to swivel for day to day use or locked into place to provide stability and maneuverability needed for a good brisk walk or an invigorating run.

While I love all of the features and ways that Eddie Bauer included to ensure the Hiker Travel System provides a comfortable and smooth ride for everyone, I appreciate that they also didn't skimp on safety.

The foot-activated, dual-rear brakes make it simple to keep this stroller from rolling when you've parked it, and I appreciate that it is so easy to click the brakes that Little Sister B can do it herself before climbing in.

Plus, the 5-point harness, a must-have for keeping kids safe in any stroller but in particular when you are on uneven terrain, is adjustable through any of the three slots of varying heights. No matter if you are pushing your little one, your toddler or your big kid, they can all stay secure and cozy.

Just as I had hoped, this travel system has proven to be very well made, fully functional and just the thing to last from infancy through toddlerhood. While it does weigh more than 35 lbs and is therefore a bit on the heavy side for a great deal of moving and lifting, it still folds small enough to easily fit in the back of a car or store in a closet or out of the way.

As a great bonus, the Hiker Travel System even includes a fast, one-hand fold and a unique free-standing design so that not only does it fold up quickly and easily, but it stands upright on its own. I love the space-saving ability as well as not having to worry about another piece of baby/child gear that lays across the floor to be stepped over!

Retailing exclusively from Target for $199, the Eddie Bauer Trail Hiker 3-Wheel Travel System does it all. Instead of purchasing multiple strollers and car seats for different aspects of your life, this single piece of equipment can allow you to get outdoors to spend quality time with your child just about anywhere.

When it comes to an extremely high quality, durable stroller that is made to last from birth throughout many years of childhood (the stroller holds up to 50 lbs!), the Trail Hiker has met and surpassed all of my expectations. Whether you are a dedicated hiker or just are looking for a way to add a little boost to your ability to get out and enjoy nature, this is a great way to do it!

Find out much more about this high quality stroller and car seat on the Eddie Bauer website as well as by checking it out in person the next time you're visiting your local Target!

And, thanks to the generosity of the Dorel Juvenile Group, Eddie Bauer's parent company, one person will be prepared to head out and experience the difference a high quality travel system can make, because...

One lucky person will win an Eddie Bauer Trail Hiker 3-Wheel Travel System!

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A big thank you to Dorel Juvenile Group for providing an Eddie Bauer Trail Hiker 3-Wheel Travel System for me to review as well as for one lucky giveaway winner. The opinions shared are my own and honest and if you really need to see more, click here to see how I roll.