In Depth Baby Product Reviews Led by a Pediatrician

BOB Alterrain Pro Combo Review

Multi-part car seat adapter is a disappointment for this well-regarded jogger
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BOB Alterrain Pro Combo Review
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Price:  $780 List
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Manufacturer:   BOB
Wendy Schmitz
By Wendy Schmitz ⋅ Senior Review Editor  ⋅  October 7, 2020
Contributions From: GearLab Review Team
49
OVERALL
SCORE


RANKED
#12 of 13
  • Ease Of Attaching Car Seat - 30% 5.0
  • Ease Of Use - 30% 6.0
  • Weight/Folded Size - 25% 1.0
  • Quality - 10% 9.0
  • Maneuverability - 5% 9.0

Our Verdict

The BOB Alterrain Pro is a high-quality jogger from BOB with some upgrades and sleekier style over the other BOBs in this lineup. We like a lot about this BOB, including the upgraded suspension, large canopy, quick new fold, and better materials. However, the infant car seat carrier connection includes three-part adapters and a wobbly overall installation. This attachment requires the purchase of an adapter, and while the adapter is easy to set up, it means you need to keep track of three components, and the final result is disappointing in our tests compared to the competition. Also, this stroller is one of the heaviest and biggest when folded, making it a prohibitive option for many new mothers who could have weight limit restrictions on what they can lift.
REASONS TO BUY
Easy to move
Off-road-ready
Jogger
REASONS TO AVOID
Multi-part adapter
Cumbersome and heavy

Our Analysis and Test Results

If you have a new baby and can't find a jogging stroller to suit your needs, all you need is a buddy and some know-how to make your own. Roger Malinowski and Philip Novotny, owners of the Beast of Burden Company (BOB), located in San Luis Obispo, California, were two such men. As a bike pro and airline mechanic, the men designed the BOB Sport Utility. The two went on to create the first locking swivel wheel on a jogging stroller in 2005. In 2011, the BOB company was purchased by Britax.

bob alterrain pro combo - the adapter for the alterrain includes two attachment points for the...
The adapter for the Alterrain includes two attachment points for the stroller frame and a metal bar that slides into the points for carrier attachment.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Ease of Attaching Car Seat


The Alterrain Pro works with a handful of infant car seats from BOB, Britax, Chicco, Peg Perego, and Graco using an adapter. Most of the adapters are three parts, including two attachments for the stroller frame and a frame structure that slides into the attachment points.

bob alterrain pro combo - the adapter for the infant car seat carrier clips onto the frame of...
The adapter for the infant car seat carrier clips onto the frame of the Alterrain and the metal bar slides into the adapter attachments.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

We tested our Alterrain Pro with the Britax B-Safe 35; as Britax owns BOB, this could be considered a native brand seat to the Alterrain Pro.

Attaching the adapter to the stroller is easy enough, but we worry that with three parts to keep track of that parents might struggle to retain them all. The toddler seat and canopy remain on the stroller. While this negatively impacts the overall weight and size, it does mean you can use the canopy to cover the carrier for more protection from the elements and lookie-loos. The carrier is placed inside the frame and clicks in place over the metal bar for attachment. The connection doesn't feel as secure as some of the competition. The various parts each wiggle a little bit, so altogether it translates to a lot of wobble. While we are grateful the Pro doesn't have the strap part of the car seat attachment like other BOBs, we wish it felt more stable overall.

No Running Until 8 Months
Experts recommend that you shouldn't jog or run with your baby until they can sit unassisted with head and neck control to help bear the brunt of the jarring action of jogging. This strength usually happens at 8+ months. We recommend you discuss your outdoor or running adventures with your pediatrician before you head out.

bob alterrain pro combo - the alterrain is one of the largest and heaviest strollers in the...
The ALterrain is one of the largest and heaviest strollers in the group.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Weight and Folded Size


The Alterrain Pro is the most cumbersome and one of the heaviest options in this lineup of combo strollers. This stroller weighs over 33 lbs and measures 17,357 cubic inches when folded. This size might be limiting for new moms who had c-sections or those with smaller cars and trunks.

bob alterrain pro combo - the front wheel on the alterrain locks in place for jogging or...
The front wheel on the Alterrain locks in place for jogging or moving over uneven terrain.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Maneuverability


With larger rubber tires and a smooth moving swivel front wheel, the Pro moves well over almost any surface from snow to gravel and grass; you'll have no problem heading off-road with this BOB. The Pro has non-adjustable suspension and a rotating handlebar that makes pushing and riding more comfortable no matter what surface you move over.

bob alterrain pro combo - the carrier sits more inside the toddler seat than older bobs used to.
The carrier sits more inside the toddler seat than older BOBs used to.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Ease of Use


The Pro isn't the easiest in the group to use, but it does manage an average performance for this metric.


Fold and Unfold


The Alterrain Pro has a new fold for the BOB, and it reminds us of a fold you see on competing jogging strollers. The leg rest lifts, and there is a handle to slide and twist that unlocks the frame and folds it in half. The stroller self-stands and rolls like luggage, making this hefty beast a little easier to move from place to place when not in use.

bob alterrain pro combo - the alterrain brake pedal is a roller bar that works well, but looks...
The Alterrain brake pedal is a roller bar that works well, but looks strange.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Brakes


This BOB has single-action brakes with a large roller shaped pedal in the back. The brakes are different than other BOBs, and they are somewhat harder to engage with a pin and hole system. The system works well and is sandal foot-friendly.


Storage


The Alterrain Pro has a nice-sized storage bin with a protective cover that zips in place. This stroller is one of the few that includes a cover to keep items contained and clean on your off-road adventures. Access to the bin is primarily from behind and hindered by a reclined seatback. It holds up to 10 lbs, which could be limiting if your diaper bag is full. The stroller also has a seatback pocket, canopy pocket, and inside passenger stow pockets.

bob alterrain pro combo - you can use the canopy on the alterrain to help cover the infant...
You can use the canopy on the Alterrain to help cover the infant carrier for more protection.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Sunshade


The canopy stays in place when you attach an infant carrier and is large enough to cover the carrier for full protection. The cover is UPF 50+ and has a vinyl peek-a-boo window with a magnet cover closure.

Ease of Setup


This BOB took us 5:46 minutes to assemble with a better than average user guide to help us. Set up requires no tools, and you only need to snap on the rear wheels, front-wheel with the quick release, canopy and zip the back.

bob alterrain pro combo - the alterrain is a high-quality jogger that is better at jogging...
The Alterrain is a high-quality jogger that is better at jogging than attaching to a car seat carrier, in our opinion.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Quality


The Alterrain Pro is one of the highest quality options in the group with exceptional materials and evident attention to detail in the manufacturing process. We love the new materials, the new sleek frame, and the better folding design. The overall fit and finish of this stroller shows that BOB has finally entered the new era of jogging strollers bringing the consumer what they want in a tidy and sharp-looking package.

Manufacturer Video



Side-by-Side Comparison
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Meet Your Guide

Wendy Schmitz
Wendy Schmitz
Senior Review Editor
Wendy is a mother of two who has been a leading member of BabyGearLab's Review team since 2014. She brings a combination of skills and talent to the team that translates into well written, thought-provoking, easy to understand reviews that provide the parents with the information necessary to make a well-informed decision regarding products for their children, as well as, entertain and encourage readers to read more articles on the site. Wendy has a BA in Biology and brings a scientific and... read more