When doing a stroller accessories roundup a few weeks back, I quickly learned not to blithely throw around words like 'ultimate' to describe items that many will view as needless, if not pointless, luxuries. But it was difficult to resist the urge to use it again when I recently learned about this unique child transport system. How else do you describe something that can serve multiple purposes and tackle any terrain in all types of weather?
The Chariot is a modular child carrier system that, with the addition of specific accessories, can serve as a bike trailer, regular stroller, jogging stroller, hiking carrier and cross-country ski trailer. While this might seem like the definition of overkill, it may just be the ticket for dedicated outdoor enthusiasts. I happen to know someone who owns one and he swears by it, especially when it comes time for vacations. Instead of having to choose which stroller to leave at home or whether the bike trailer will see enough use to merit the space it takes up in the car, he just packs up the Chariot and its accessories and heads for the hills.
The build quality is superb and it is full of thoughtful features such as reflective fabric for nighttime visibility and an adjustable suspension system. While a Chariot is a big investment (base models start at around $500, plus accessories) they certainly will earn their keep in a variety of situations.
Learn more at Chariot Carriers.
Small Cool Lessons: Discovering Small Space Design Ideas That Really Work
Marisa and Peter's Playfully Eclectic Home
Good Food to Share 
The Big Book of Small, Cool Spaces 
Apartment Therapy Presents 
The Eight-Step Home Cure 
Z2 iPod Dock and Wi...
How to Make Easy 3-Ingredient Energy Bars at Home
How to Make Fresh Pasta Dough in the Food Processor
We bought a double a few years ago and LOVE IT. We couldn't justify the cost to purchase a separate running stroller and bike trailer. We use it regularly for walks, runs and bike rides. Strollers with pneumatic tires are so much easier to push on long trips, and more comfy for the little ones as well. We bought it primarily because of the versatility and the ability to pack ONE item for trips, as well as the cost to only buy one piece of equipment and then just add to it versus buying a double running stroller and then a bike trailer. WE also love the stroller wheels, love the back storage pouch, love the rain guard (our kids don’t get wet if we get caught in a downpour) and purchased the infant sling to use when they were smaller because we used the stroller so often! My husband was leery to spend that amount of money on a stroller at first, but admits it was a great investment!
We bought a used Chariot on eBay to tow around our twin boys and on many days use it to jog, bike and stroll! By far the best gear purchase. The two downsides that I've seen though are that there is a bench seat rather than buckets, so the two kids have to be able to get along and share any snacks/toys that you give them; and you can't count on the double fitting through all doorways (which seems to be hit and miss with double joggers in general). But so far being able to have the boys happy while being carted around and letting mommy and daddy have a little peace and adult convo has been worth its weight in gold!
We scored a double on CL and have used the stroller, bike trailer and sled components to carry our kids, dog and all sorts of seasonal stuff outside. It is easy to maneuver and pack into the car. It's rugged enough that we'll hand it down to another CL-er someday!
I rolled my eyes and groaned the first 20 times my husband said he wanted this. But now I own one (bought the REI floor model at major savings) and LOVE it. Here's why: it is basically a room on wheels. My daughter is totally enclosed, but can see everything going on. We stash snacks, drinks, and books in the inside pockets so she can just entertain herself while I do errands. She stays warm and dry (we live in Seattle) any time of year (and yes, it's STILL raining in July). There is something about the fact that it is enclosed that she loves - since she was 6 months old, until now at age 3.
We live in an urban area, and I don't do any exptreme sports, but I do love it for daily errands, walks at the park, etc.
I’m seriously considering this type of thing as our “double stroller” with a coming second baby. I haven’t seen one with this many options. I love the alternative front stroller wheels. I’m LOLing over the skis… but I bet we would have taken advantage this winter if we’d had them!
Ugh, but with two expensive strollers gathering dust in our basement, I’m not sure I could pull the trigger. Decisions, decisions.
How old can a child be and still be comfortable? Four?
@peachypear, we are still using it for an almost-5 and a 3.5-year-old. It's just beginning to get a tiny bit snug for the two of them. Highly recommend the infant sling for a baby!
We have a double! Bought when my first daughter was 4 mo and still use it. It's the most money I spent on a kid item (stroller and jogging kit) but the most useful item too. Now both my girls use it (age 4 and 2.5). Very helpful to have the screen...bugs can't get in and toys can't get thrown out. Love it! =)
Love, love, love our double Chariot! Bought it when our son was not quite 2 and decided on the double even when we still had only 1 child because the price difference from single to double was not significant and now that baby #2 is on the way we'll buy the infant sling. I use it primarily for walking but my husband takes our son several times a week for bike rides. There have been a few places where it is slightly too wide to fit through a doorway but when that happens I just pop off a wheel, squeeze through and then reattach. Easy peasy! Also, the Chariot really holds it's value, I regularly see them for sale second hand at 75% of their original retail cost and they are usually snapped up in days. I originally tried to buy a used one but was never fast enough so we decided to just go ahead and buy new.
Best money I have ever spent on a kids item! Can not say enough about how much I love my double chariot and how much I use it. I have every accessory except the skies. My 5 year old who is as tall as some seven year olds can still ride in it. I actually have my 6 month old in it with the baby supporter, my 2 1/2 year old in the other seat, and when my 5 year old needs a break from walking he sits on the floor of it in front of the baby and shares foot space with the 2 year old.
It is an item that you will be able to get money out of when you are done with it too. I am in Alberta Canada, where I think Chariot originated, and they are super popular around here.