UppaBaby Vista or Mountain Buggy for muddy walks off road?

[KingstonJoy]

I'm looking for a travel system for our first baby due in the spring - i'm slightly in love with the UppaBaby Vista but we have a dog who I'll be walking most days - proper off road stuff in the country plus Richmond park, mud, leaves and (winter months) snow. How does the Vista fare with a bit of off road and the elements? Will I spend the whole walk picking mud out of the wheels?
I also want to use whatever I buy for going round town and easy fold for the car boot.

I've been out with friends in Richmond park and seen the Bugaboos all falter and get clogged with mud so I don't want that, but the Mountain Buggy Urban seemed to do well. I see all the reviews on this site for Baby Joggers and Phil&Teds and wonder if I'd be better with one of those?

[DoItToJulia]

Hiya,

I only have the Vista, so can't do a comparison, but I took my Vista out in a foot of snow last week and it coped brilliantly!

I am in love with my Vista, but hear good things about the mountain buggy too. Is it a three wheeler (I can't remember now, I looked at that bloody many)? I just don't like three wheelers, it's. a personal thing though!

[milkybrew]

I currently have a baby jogger city elite which will happily do all the things you want! I love it. It is so well made and my DD seems very comfy in it. I've pushed it through mud at the country park, sand on the beach and last week through a good few inches of snow and ice without any trouble. Folds in one piece with one hand and is great for use around town as its not too wide. I have used a Vista in the past and really liked it, the only downsides being taking it apart to fold as its so big in one piece and the fact it felt bulky around town.

[mistlethrush]

My MB (sold to another dog-walking MNNer last year) was fantastic - went through mud to its axles with no problems, foot high grass, over rough terrain (following the dog) no problem. It doesn't have brakes (it has a wrist strap) but that's one thing not to get clogged up with mud and I never had any issues with not having brakes, despite having a fairly solid baby/toddler. It was fine around town too (I had the urban so the front wheel was flexible but you could fix it for rough terrain if necessary).

[RooneyMara]

MBs are the dogs' as far as I'm concerned for anything off road. The Terrain is the best for this.

I've not tried a vista but nothing I've seen recently tops the ruggedness of the MB. It's basic and can't go very wrong.

It won't go in a car boot easily though as it's very slim and long when folded.

[mistlethrush]

I had the urban - and only needed to lock the front wheel for the roughest of surfaces - the swivel wheel makes steering a dream unless the wheel is pushed sideways by rocks etc...

[cathpip]

I have the old style mb terrain, both the single and double versions plus two spaniels, any other buggy would not cope with the terrain that i push mine over (in my opinion). I live on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales and the last couple of weeks with the snow have been no problem for either buggy. It does not fold down small though, you could fit the single in a golf boot...just, but the terrain model old style does have quick release wheels.

[KingstonJoy]

Brilliant advice thanks all so much. Right then, best get to JL to try out the MB and BJ and get our order in pronto!