Active parents with small children may find it overwhelming, considering how you will continue your sporty lifestyle with little ones in tow.
For this reason, the popular Hamax Outback Multi-Sport Trailer and the Thule Chariot Cheetah XT Multi-Sport Trailer were created to help make it easy to transport up to 2 children along with you on your various outdoor adventures and in the safest, most practical way.
Both child bike trailers can be taken on a run or jog, and are great for making sure you still get your cardio session in without sacrificing time with your child.
Hamax Outback vs. Thule Chariot Cheetah XT
Thule Chariot Cheetah XT Multisport Trailer
Thule is a company of Sweden that for more than 70 years has been designing and creating stylish, high-grade, safe, and simple to use outdoor carriers for toting skis, boards, bikes, and more, and the past 10 of those years have also been dedicated to developing modern, safe, and built to last multifunctional trailers, joggers, and child bike seats.
The Thule Chariot Cheetah XT Multi-Sport Trailer stands out for its blue touchpoints that enable intuitive functioning.
It also includes many accessories for both parents and children, including a baby supporter, infant sling, seat padding, lock kit, brake kit, bottle cage, and more, which makes for a more convenient outing.
It also includes the Thule Bring it! limited lifetime guarantee against workmanship or defects in the material as a special offer.
The trailer’s basic dimensions are 45″ long x 31″ x 39″, including the handlebar, while open, and it has a maximum passenger height of 44″. It also includes two 8″ diameter stroller wheels.
Pros:
- It has a light aerodynamic design and lots of layers for multi weather protection.
- It provides a balanced and stable ride and handles well at various speeds.
- It is easy to assemble and switch from trailer to stroller to jogger.
- It is easy to maneuver and includes blue touchpoints for intuitive operation.
Cons:
- You have to purchase the water bottle carrier separately, and it also does not include storage for mobile phones.
- Seat padding must be purchased separately.
Hamax Outback Multi-Sport Trailer
The Hamax Outback Multi-Sport Trailer is a product of Hamax USA, which is one of the most widely known names in child bike seats in Europe.
The company specializes in the ongoing research and creation of innovative child bike seats and trailers that improve the safety of children in different road conditions.
The Hamax Outback Multi-Sport Trailer stands out for its 3-position reclining seats that enable children to nap during long excursions.
The seats are also contoured, and the headrests are also adjustable for added comfort.
It looks like Hamax does not include a warranty on their multi-sport trailers.
However, if you are not completely satisfied with the product, they do provide full refunds for returns made within 30 days from receipt as a special offer, provided certain restrictions are met.
The Hamax Outback Multi-Sport Trailer dimensions are 72cm/28.3″ wide x 95cm/37.4″ tall (without the handlebar) x 109cm/42.9″ long, including the two wheels, which are 51cm/20″.
Pros:
- It has a durable aluminum frame and sleek, aerodynamic design with reflective materials and reflectors.
- It features 3-position reclining seats for maximum child comfort during the ride.
- It is easy to fold and store, as well as transport and transform into stroller or jogger.
- It has adjustable shock suspension that enables both the driver as well as the passengers enjoy a smooth ride.
Cons:
- It doesn’t include many accessories for children or parents.
- It’s a bit heavy, so it may be more challenging to lift and tote.
Features Face to Face
Multisport Capabilities
The Thule Chariot Cheetah XT Multisport Trailer is designed for strolling, jogging, biking, and cross-country skiing, which makes it ideal for active families.
However, the jogging and skiing kits are sold separately.
Likewise, the Hamax Outback Multi-Sport Trailer also quadruples as a jogger, bike trailer, stroller, and ski carrier, and it also does not include the ski kit or jogger kit.
Design Features
Both multisport trailers also include an aerodynamic design, which enables a smooth ride over various terrains.
However, the Thule Chariot Multisport Trailer also includes a HeightRight adjustable handlebar, which makes it more comfortable for parents to handle.
Thule products are also manufactured responsibly for greater sustainability.
They have both also undergone vigorous testing for safety and durability, and both products are also design award winners.
Assembly
The Hamax Outback Multi-Sport Trailer is fairly easy to assemble, and so is the Thule Chariot; however, the instructions for the Thule assembly aren’t as simple to follow.
Safety Features
The Thule Chariot Cheetah XT Multisport Trailer and the Hamax Outback Multi-Sport Trailer also both include plenty of safety features, including reflective material on the rear, front, and sides, as well as reflectors on the front and rear, for maximum visibility; however, the Thule Multisport Trailer also includes a safety flag.
They both also include a 5-point safety harness. However, the Hamax Outback Multi-Sport Trailer is EN & ASTM safety certified.
Both Multisport Trailers also offer a hand brake attachment (sold separately), which enables you to control the rear wheels while maneuvering sloped terrains or while jogging and more.
Collapsing and Storage Features
Whether you are getting ready to embark on your outdoor journey or you are packing up at the end of the day, they are both also quick folding for easy transport and storage in your vehicle’s trunk.
However, the Hamax Outback Multi-Sport Trailer also includes quick-release rear wheels for flatter storage.
Cabin Features
The Hamax Outback Multi-Sport Trailer features both a – child Trailer, as well as a 2-child trailer for parents with either one or two small children.
Likewise, the Thule Chariot Cheetah XT also includes your option of a 1-child seated trailer or a 2-child seated trailer.
They both also include ample room for children to wear their bike helmets; however, the Thule Chariot bike trailer also includes a recessed area that is specially designed for children to rest their heads while wearing them.
Both also include padded seats along with a padded 5-point restraint harness for added comfort while riding.
The Thule Chariot and Hamax Outback Multi-Sport Trailer also include wide windows for maximum visibility and comfort.
However, the Thule Chariot also includes a mesh upper seatback and side window vents for increased ventilation.
The windows on both trailers are also UV protected, and they also include a sunshade, bug screen, and rain protector; however, the Thule Chariot Cheetah XT Multisport Trailer sunshade is retractable, and the windows are also tinted for an extra sleek look.
The Best Solution for What
Though both multisport trailers have many comparable features, overall, the Hamax Outback Multi-Sport Trailer with its 60cm/23″ wide (30cm/11.8″ per seat) 65cm/25.6″ long cabin offers a more spacious ride over the Thule Chariot Cheetah XT Multisport Trailer is 31″ wide, 45″ long, and 45″ tall cabin.
Therefore, the Hamax Outback Multi-Sport Trailer wins as the best solution for carrying 2 children, while the Thule Chariot Cheetah XT Multisport Trailer is best if you are only toting 1 child, or maybe 2 very small children, so they aren’t cramped.
Stand Out Features
Thule Multisport Trailer Standout Features
Blue Touchpoints
The Thule Chariot Cheetah XT Multisport Trailer trailer includes blue touchpoints on the wheels, which indicate how to remove the wheels to collapse the unit.
There also blue knobs that you simply pull out to release the frame and fold it flat for transport and storage.
Parent-Friendly Accessories
The Thule Chariot Cheetah XT Multisport Trailer also includes a wide range of accessories to accommodate parents’ needs, including a cup holder that fits snuggly into the crossbar located on top of the unit, as well as a lock kit, baby supporter, and a wrist safety strap that prevents the trailer from rolling off, and more.
Retractable Sunshade/Tinted Windows
Not only does the Thule Chariot Cheetah XT Multisport Trailer windows offer UV protection from the sun, but they are also tinted for added shade.
The sunshade is also retractable, which makes it easy to use.
Built-In Brackets
The Thule Chariot Cheetah XT Multisport Trailer trailer also includes built-in brackets for storing the stroller wheels when using the unit for other activities.
It also includes Click’n Store brackets on both sides of the trailer to hold jogging and biking accessories when they are not being used.
eZHitch
The Thule Chariot Cheetah XT Multisport Trailer carriers also include a ball-and-socket hitch that replaces the skewers on your bike’s back wheels, which provides a stable, more flexible connection between the trailer and the bike that prevents tugging and pushing.
Hamax Outback Multi-Sport Trailer
3-Position Reclining Seats
The Hamxax Multi-Sport sets its self apart from the Thule Chariot Cheetah XT Multisport Trailer with its 3-position reclining seats that enable children to sit comfortably in three different positions while riding.
Parents can even fully retract the seats to enable fussy children to nap when needed, which is especially important during longer outings.
Contoured Seats
The seats in the Hamax Carrier are also contoured, which enables them to cradle the passengers’ bodies for a more secure hold and cozier ride.
Adjustable Shock Suspension
Hamax’s Multi-Sport Trailer is also designed with adjustable shock suspension, which adjusts to various road conditions for a continuously smooth ride for both children and parents.
Various Colors
The Hamax Outback Multi-Sport Trailer also enables you to choose from various colors, including charcoal/red, gray/white, and navy/white, to suit various tastes.
Final Thoughts
Use the Hamax Outback Multi-Sport Trailer if:
- You value child comfort and want a trailer that includes adjustable headrests and reclining seats
- You value certified safe products
- You have two larger children to carry, and you want them to have ample space
- You value a multisport trailer that is comprised is phthalate-free and made of recyclable polypropylene
- You value great customer service
- You plan to use it for long trips
- You want a product that accepts returns
- You want a trailer that comes in more than one color
- You want adjustable shock suspension for a smooth ride for both you and your children
- You need lots of storage space for large items, such as interchangeable kit
- You don’t mind lifting or carrying a slightly heavier trailer
Related: Read our full review of the Hamax Outback Multi-Sport Trailer here.
Use the Thule Chariot Cheetah XT Multisport Trailer if:
- You are looking for a lower cost multisport trailer option
- You want a multisport trailer that also includes a host of accessories, including a water bottle holder
- You have two smaller children that won’t be cramped in a smaller space
- You want a trailer with intuitive operation
- You want to use the trailer for shorter outings
- You value a product that also includes a warranty
- You want a trailer that is smaller and lighter to lift
- You value sustainable manufacturing
- You are not that picky concerning color options
- You want a trailer with tinted windows
- You want a trailer with side vents that provide ventilation
- You want a trailer with a retractable sunshade
Our Pick
At first glance, both Multisport Trailers have ample features that cause them to stand out in their category.
However, if you are a parent that is more concerned with child comfort and safety, as well as function, then be sure to research the Hamax Outback Multi-Sport Trailer.
On the other hand, the Thule Chariot Cheetah XT Multisport Trailer also provides a comfortable ride, but since it is smaller and doesn’t include such a plush cabin, it may be best for smaller children and shorter rides; therefore, check out this option if this suits your needs.
