We are very lucky that we stay in the foothills of one of Scotland’s most beautiful hills, surrounded by vast countryside and endless forests. Every family stroll turns into a mini adventure…think The Faraway Tree (my favourite book ever!)
Now that we are a family of 4 we wanted to include MM in our exploring. So when I was given the opportunity to test the Graco Evo XT (Rock colourway), I was excited to try out its offroad capabilities in particular.
Suitable from birth, the Evo XT comes with rain cover, mosquito net and a rather snuggly looking footmuff. I’m always slightly concerned when I see pushchairs that are suitable from birth. I guess advertising has implanted the thought in my head that there should be a carry cot for babies and if you prefer a carrycot, there is one available to purchase separately. However we have been using the Evo XT since MM was a few weeks old (she was 5lb 13oz at birth) and had no concerns at all. The back lies down flat and the foot rest can be straightened out. Add the footmuff to create a perfect little habitat for a newborn, that even I was envious of.
The XT has enhanced suspension over the standard model and larger wheels to better cope with the demands of offroading and we are a family for going off the well beaten track (as you can see).
With everything you’d expect from a pushchair such as two way seating and one touch put up & down, the Evo XT also benefits from some pretty simple yet amazing features. If you’ve had a travel system before, you will be quite used to the fact you have to remove the seat before collapsing the chassis. However, the Evo XT will collapse with the seat fitted…great when you are trying to make a quick get away in the cold weather. Another feature that I found useful was the way the cross bar was hinged, so there is no need to remove it fully when putting MM in…such a small detail, but wow!
On the whole, we have really enjoyed the Evo XT. We really have put it through its paces in the last few months…It’s quick to use, light to manouvere and sturdy in offroad situations. It’s certainly our go to pushchair of the moment.
Munch was excited to get back out on our usual forest trails and was overjoyed that MM could now join us too.
Disclosure: We were sent a Graco Evo XT to review, but all opinions are ours.
27 Comments
So jealous of where you live as it looks beautiful, I adored the faraway tree when I was a child ! This pram looks great , I love the colour and she looks so cosy in it. I had a Graco travel system for my eldest when she was a baby and it was great, we also currently have the highchair which is amazing. I am off to see if they do pushchairs as I need a new one for my one year old son but have yet to find a one I like yet in the shops xx
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Just back from yet another forest walk just now! We also have a graco swing chair. Great brand!
Oh what a great pushchair, I like the fact it doesn’t seem to chunky which some other ones that are good for all terrains are. She looks as snug as a bug all tucked up in it. Lovely scenery as well.
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The foot muff is so cosy looking!
I love the look of this pram! It would have been perfect when Harry was younger as we live in the countryside and always out and about on different trails! I’ve had a Graco in the past and they are great! xx
Yeah, you need something study for offroading! x
Great review, it looks like a lovely pram! Beautiful photos too x
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Thanks Emma!
The Faraway Tree is one of my fave children’s books of all time, did you see they are adapting it for the big screen?! Amazing!! Anyway… I digress, this pushchair looks fab and perfect for your off roading. x
Oooo no one didn’t! Oh that’s going to be great! x
Fab review that pushchair looks amazing! I’ve always loved an all terrain pushchair its a must!
We couldn’t be without one in our neck of the woods!
It really does look like the Faraway Tree! The pushchair looks great I’m the same as you being unsure of suitable from birth (though I have the bee which is) it’s mainly the straps I have issues with on a curled up newborn but MM looks cosy and unhindered! I adore the final photo, munch looks so pleased to have everyone there
Yeah bless her, she’s been stuck at home a lot, so really happy to get out again x
aw your little bundle looks so snuggly and cosy. We’ve had a grace pushchair before and been pleased with it. This looks like a much nicer design x
I really fancy being snuggled in there too z
It looks like a fab pushchair and it seems to be coping admirably with the Scottish countryside. And MM looks snug as a little bug all wrapped up in there too!
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Need to be snug in this weather!!
Since moving to a more rural location we have become a bit of an off road family, so this would be great for us if we had another baby. It looks pretty cosy and I like the style of it. It looks stunning where you live!
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It’s really great and I love it folds away so easily without dismantling it. Thank you lovely x
Awww MM looks as snug as a bug and safe in there. Cute little pushchair xx
I want a shot! X
This looks brilliant, I’m after a less bulky pram than my Quinny Moodd, for baby girl, but it still needs to be able to cope on uneven terrain xx
This was really good for our forest walks. We didn’t half get it filthy!
I *LOVE* The Faraway Tree! Have you re-read it as an adult? I have been tempted but don’t want to be disappointed. I also love that your landscape looks so similar to the places we used to visit around Elgin. I love a good Scottish wood! 🙂
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I haven’t, no! Maybe when I retire! We’re only an hour south of there. If you’re ever passing, you must visit! x
Looks like the bigger wheels helped a lot on the rougher ground. I wish I thought of that when I was choosing my buggy. x