Best double stroller (umbrella)
Since I travel often with kids, I decided to invest in a double umbrella stroller several years ago. My day-to-day use stroller was the City Select by Baby Jogger with a second seat, which is completely amazing but weighs about 40 pounds and is ridiculously bulky. It is always a huge pain to get through airport security and takes up so much valuable trunk space on a trip. I scoured the web to see what other traveling mums thought was the best double stroller for travel.
Maclaren Twin Triumph double stroller
There are several great options, one of the very best-rated was the Maclaren Twin Triumph double stroller. Although the Maclaren Twin Techno is the newer model, it is not as highly rated. This model has now been discontinued but you can still pick one up secondhand. I have had my Maclaren double umbrella for several years now and it has been through many airports. Here is a full review:
Maclaren Twin Triumph
Maclaren double stroller portability/size
This is the most important factor for me since I bought it specifically as a double travel stroller. It also is where it ranks the highest. This is the ONLY double stroller that folds up compactly enough to be placed right onto the belt and through the X-ray machine. This has been HUGE. A fast and easy compact fold – we breeze through security. The only time this doesn’t work is at the airports where they only do those small bins through the scanner. The folded stroller is too big to fit in the bins so you have to wait in the stroller line for someone to hand scan it which is always a pain. Driving a midsize car, I can fit 2 large suitcases, the stroller, and a backpack in the trunk which is pretty good for a double stroller.
Lightest Double Umbrella Stroller?
At 21 lbs (9.5 kg) it’s not the lightest double stroller on the market but it IS a lightweight double stroller. The lightest double is 16 lbs so for 5 lbs extra you are getting enough added value to make it worth it.
Maclaren Twin Triumph maneuverability
Very easy to push. 4-wheel suspension. The 6 wheels make it a smoother ride than some of its top competitors – we see you g-link. It fits through all standard doorways and shopping aisles with ease. It’s a tight squeeze through historical doorways but it still fits! Definitely not an all-terrain stroller, but it can handle light off-roading. You’ll just need to put your back into it. When we’re taking more adventurous trips, I leave it at home and bring an all-terrain one that can handle beaches, gravel, grass, Indian historical sites, etc with ease.
Maclaren double stroller storage
The Maclaren Double Stroller has ample storage. You can fit a lot more in the bottom basket than I thought, it’s pretty roomy. One thing I love is that the stroller is properly weighted so you can hang stuff from the handles without it tipping over. Obviously, use your judgment in terms of weight allowance. I routinely place my diaper bag over the handles in addition to 1 or 2 shopping bags. Each seatback has a storage pouch as well.
Maclaren Twin Triumph safety
One thing I like is the belt clip. I have read a lot of bad reviews based on only the buckle. I don’t understand why people have such a hard time with it. You just have to push the button from both sides – use a pinching gesture. My twin toddlers can get out of a lot of buckles but this one still eludes them. One of the older models had a recall issue with the closing mechanism, so if buying used, be sure it hasn’t been recalled. No bumper bar, but there is a wrist strap attached.
Weather resistance
The 50UV sun canopy is huge – sun protection is not an issue. Zip to fully extend – mesh sides for airflow, essential for hot climates…. and for parental spying. When you order the Maclaren stroller, it comes with a rain cover that has mesh sides as well.
The comfort of the Maclaren Twin Triumph double stroller
I dislike the bars at the bottom of the stroller. I am 5’8’’ and have to adjust my stride so I don’t kick it while pushing. The handles are also lower and further apart than I would choose for comfort. At first, I felt like I was walking like some sort of cavewoman – far enough back not to kick the bars but hunched over with my arms wide open. Thankfully my body quickly adjusted after a few days and it’s no longer a big deal to me. However, if I push it around for several hours a day, my lower back starts to hurt so clearly my stride isn’t perfect with this stroller. I don’t think that I actually look like a cavewoman though, but who knows.
Ample cushioning, footrests, and a deep enough recline make this very comfy for my kids. The seats are a bit narrow so that could be an issue for some families but the fabric on the sides does have some give. Independent seat recline is essential to me, and Maclaren delivers.
Ease of use
The straps are very difficult to adjust. The foot lever is also a bit annoying because it’s a hard plastic piece. If you’re wearing tennis shoes, it’s great, but not great for open-toe shoes because it hurts. To circumvent this, I just bend down and pull up with my hands. It doesn’t stand on its own when folded but you can very easily lean the handles against a wall for compact storage. You can recline the seat with one hand but you’ll need two to put it back upright.
The worst part about the stroller to me is that you cannot push it with one hand. With twin toddlers, I often run into scenarios where one wants to be carried. With this stroller that would be impossible without a baby carrier. You would think a double stroller for twins would have thought about that but I digress. I’m also not very keen on being unable to eat, drink, or pull a carry-on bag while pushing the stroller.
I DO love the fold. When you fold it down it automatically locks, then you just lift it by the carry handle. So simple. I usually get through airport security like a boss with a double umbrella stroller.
Style of the Maclaren double umbrella stroller
Simple, clean, classic design. When putting out new versions of their stroller the design changes very little, it can be difficult to know if it is 5 years old or 5 months old – which means the style will maintain its appeal.
Price
The price previously was the biggest negative but buying it used is more economical. Self-service replacement parts are readily available for affordable and convent repairs. Cupholders aren’t included so that is an extra small cost.
Final Verdict
I love this stroller for travel but would not be happy if this were my stroller for everyday use because I value having one free hand and living in India, I really need all-terrain wheels. From my experience and from reading the advice of about a dozen other traveling mamas, I can confidently say this is THE best double umbrella travel stroller for travel on the market. If it was good enough for Brangelina (RIP) it’s good enough for you 🙂
Almost set for your next big trip? Wondering what to pack in your carry-on bag? Check out these 15 must-have items. Be sure to check out my pick for the best convertible car seat for your traveling tot.
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