Minimalist Travel System Strollers for the Active Parent

Kolcraft Contours Options 3 Wheeler Travel System Strollers

Manufacturer: Kolcraft

List Price: $179.99

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For active parents who like to get out often for exercise or activities, the travel system strollers on the market that fit the bill are often very bulky and heavy. While many of the “jogger-style” travel system strollers are very durable and can withstand plenty of off-road use, their sheer weight and size can make them very difficult to transport and carry. I know from experience as we used to take frequent weekend trips with our jogger and even in our SUV, it ate up about half of the available cargo space.I recently had the opportunity to test out the Contours Options 3-Wheeler line of travel system strollers from Kolcraft and believe that this series may just be a game changer for active parents. It’s a well-designed, minimalist 3-wheel jogger-style unit that utilizes a lightweight, space-saving design.

What’s So Great About the Contours Options Travel System Strollers?

The Contours Options 3-Wheeler hits the scales at a mere 24 pounds. Although I’m a huge fan of the B.O.B. Revolution jogger strollers (stay tuned for an upcoming complete review that has been three years in the making!), they weigh over 30 pounds and are about 6 inches wider according to my measurements. While the Contours Options may not stand up to daily six-mile runs off road, it’s more than suitable for plenty of activity on pavement, through grassy parks, and on crushed gravel trails.

The Contours Options line of travel system strollers are able to accommodate most all makes and models of infant car seats (no car seat is included with this product), and I actually tested it out with three separate models. All of them fit nicely into the stroller frame without any tampering and were seated securely in place. The toddler seat of this stroller is reversible as well, hence the “Options” in the product nomenclature, and it’s a great little feature once your child grows out of the infant car seat. Hey, sometimes you just want to start at your child and chat a bit, right?

The Contours Options 3-Wheeler folds up easily and was a breeze to navigate due to its swiveling single front wheel. The rear wheels are sturdy and durable, and I really liked the width of the wheelbase. The rear wheels are situated far enough apart to prevent the stroller from tipping over on uneven surfaces due to its 3-wheel design.

What’s Not So Great?

Going right back to the width of the wheelbase, some parents may find the stroller a little wide for tight grocery aisles. While it’s a safety feature that’s necessary to prevent tipping, it’s not ideal for tight spaces. These types of travel system strollers are generally more suitable for outdoor adventures.

Another slight downside to this product is the seat length. While it is rated for toddlers up to 50 pounds, the seat is a bit short for tall toddlers and once your child is reaching the 50 pound mark, they’re likely to be too to use this stroller comfortably.

What’s in the Box?

• Kolcraft Contours Options 3-Wheeler Stroller
• Infant Car Seat Attachment
• Removable Toddler Seat
• Adjustable Canopy
• User’s Manual