Hamax Outback Double Trailer Review: is this the best twin bike trailer?
In this review, we take a detailed look at the Hamax Outback Double Trailer, a versatile trailer designed to carry one or two children and convert into a stroller or running buggy. We cover everything from first impressions and everyday use to longer adventures and comparisons with other trailers on the market.
Choosing a bike trailer can feel like navigating a minefield. With so many different models on the market and such a wide range of prices, features and functions, it’s hard to know what’s right for your family. Since trailers are a serious investment, you want to be confident you’re making the right choice. That’s where we come in.
Whether you’re just starting your family cycling journey or looking to upgrade your current setup, we hope this gives you the information you need to decide if this is the trailer for you.
Disclosure: Cycle Sprog was sent the Hamax Outback Double Trailer to review. We were not paid to write this review, and all opinions are our own. We do use affiliate links, so may get a small commission if you choose to buy through the links on this page. This funds the website, and we thank you for your support.
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Hamax Outback Double Trailer key data:
Price - £999.00 (RRP)
Weight - 20kg.
Load capacity - 40kg
Max child height - 117 cm
Wheel size - 20"
Size Folded - L X H X W 108 x 30 x 81 cm
Size Open - L X H X W 109 x 95 x 86 cm
Compatible accessories - Running kit, Baby insert, Ski set
Date of review - August 2025
Pros - A versatile, robust, comfortable trailer for all family adventures. Excellent baby insert and ease of switching into stroller mode.
Cons - Not fully watertight, and the metal frame scratches easily.
Hamax Outback Double Trailer scores
Quality - 4/5 - A top of the range twin trailer- we'd just love it to be more waterproof for soggy UK weather.
Weight - 5/5 - 20kg feels heavy, but it's a robust, hard-wearing design, and Cycle Sprog has weighed this and the Thule double chariot together, and they are within 500g of each other.
Value for money - 4/5 - This premium trailer comes with a high price tag, but will unlock 5 years of on and off bike adventures for your family.
Customisability - 5/5 - Brilliant range of accessories for all activities.
Resale value - 4/5- A reputable brand and high build quality.
Final verdict - A versatile, durable trailer ready for all family activities- moving between them with ease and simplicity. Not the most waterproof trailer available, but other than this, we are very impressed.
Find out more about the Cycle Sprog review process
About Our Reviewers
I’m Annie, and I’ve been cycling since my university days. I’m a (very) amateur triathlete and sportive rider, more familiar with carbon fibre than child seats, but that all changed when I became a mum. These days, I ride a gravel bike that doubles as my commuter and child transporter, and I’ve been venturing off-road more and more.
My husband and I have toured by bike in the North of England, Scotland and France, and now we’re passing the joy of cycling onto our sons, Joss (3) and Harris (8 months).
Joss (3) is an experienced trailer passenger, and we have previously reviewed the Burley D’lite X single trailer. We received the Hamax Outback trailer to review just as Harris was ready to start his passenger prince career, and we had big plans for a summer of adventures, including a Scottish island bike-and-camp holiday. We hoped this trailer would open up a new world of family cycling now we had two children... and it certainly delivered.
About Hamax
Hamax is a Norwegian company with over 60 years of experience in child transport and outdoor gear. They’re best known for their range of rear child bike seats, sledges and bike trailers, with a strong reputation for safety and Scandinavian design. Hamax’s products are tested to rigorous European safety standards, and they focus on creating reliable, user-friendly gear for active families.
The Hamax Outback Double Trailer is a premium bike trailer designed for families who want to get out and about with one or two children. It sits at the top end of Hamax’s range of trailers, offering a high level of comfort, safety and versatility, including the ability to convert it for use as a stroller or ski trailer (with additional kits).
We’ve previously reviewed the Hamax Zenith Relax rear bike seat, which impressed us with its comfort and recline feature.
First Impressions of the Hamax Outback Double Trailer
One of the first things I notice about the Hamax Outback Double Trailer is its smart, modern design. The earthy green fabric paired with the sleek black frame gives it a rugged, outdoorsy feel, a refreshing change from the brighter colours of many kids' trailers.
Compared to a single trailer, it does look large, and I was a little daunted by its size at first. However, it feels solid, stable and technically well-designed, safer and more substantial than other double trailers we’ve tried. The newborn insert looks snug and secure, and I was immediately impressed by the generous storage space at the rear, including a handy zip pocket that’s perfect for keys and valuables.
Setting up the trailer is relatively straightforward. The manuals are clear, and Hamax’s YouTube videos are a big help. The hitch attachment fits easily onto the thru axle of my gravel bike, and the clever traffic light indicator gives peace of mind that the trailer is correctly connected.
Folding the trailer takes a bit of practice. I needed to watch a few videos to get the knack of the collapsing mechanism. It’s not the simplest fold on the market, especially with the newborn insert, which must be removed before folding.
Inside, the trailer is airy and bright, thanks to large windows on the front, sides and roof. This is brilliant for the kids, who get a great view, and for me, so I can check on them or referee from the saddle!
Joss, our 3-year-old, took one look and announced it looks like a “rocket command module”, which I take as a glowing endorsement.
Spec of the Hamax Outback Double Trailer
- Approved according to EN15918/EN1888
- Aluminium frame with roll bar
- Aerodynamic design with a low center of gravity provides secure stability
- Height-adjustable handlebar with tip-over protection
- Parking brake
- Adjustable 5-point harness
- Reflectors on the front, back and sides
- Max speed: 24 km/15 mph
Properties of the Hamax Outback Double Trailer
- Reclining seats, 3 positions
- Adjustable suspension for maximum comfort
- Easy to switch between different usage modes
- Adjustable sun visor integrated
- 600D Waterproof Polyester Fabric
- Pocket to store front cover when not in use
- Quick-release wheels with reflectors
- Pockets for small items on the inside
- Top window for easy contact with your child
Riding with the Hamax Outback Double Trailer
Everyday use
Getting used to the trailer is a workout, especially after 6 months off towing trailers following the arrival of Harris. It came as a bit of a surprise! Even small hills feel steeper, and your pace drops, even on what used to be flat roads. Strava trophies? They’ll wait. The trailer’s 20 kg makes it heavier than some competitors on paper, but once you’re rolling, it coasts nicely on the flat, especially with a tailwind. [Editor's note: Cycle Sprog has weighed the Thule double chariott on the same scales as the Hamax, both with the towing arm, hitch and stroller wheels, and both weigh within 500g of each other.]
We’ve used the trailer on daily rides to the park, commutes, rides with friends, and even a cycling holiday to the Isles of Coll and Tiree. Thanks to the upgraded Lancaster Canal Towpath near our home, it’s had a good mix of off-road and road use.
The suspension system handles bumpy trails well. It offers a noticeably smoother ride than some single trailers we’ve used, no excessive rocking or bouncing on hills, and both boys seem happy and secure. The seats recline, which makes naps much more comfortable, and the adjustable harness system is quick and easy to use.
One of the best features is how well it converts to a stroller. The wheel clicks into place quickly, and the handlebar adjusts to suit both me and my husband. The trailer handles beautifully as a buggy, ideal for running errands or pushing sleeping children into a café!
Long rides and holidays
We’ve used this Hamax Outback Double Trailer extensively on longer rides and holidays, including full days in the saddle. The spacious interior means both boys can ride comfortably, and the fact that they nap soundly is a huge bonus. The newborn insert is secure and well-padded, although it does need reinstalling each time the trailer is collapsed.
One niggle: the sunshade isn’t up to scratch. It’s secured with Velcro, but even a light breeze causes it to flap around, which is a bit of a problem when riding into a Hebridean headwind!
More annoyingly, the trailer is not fully watertight. There are vents in the base of the footwell which allow rain and splashback in, meaning we’ve had puddles form inside during wet rides. This is far from ideal, especially when your baby loves removing his socks and dropping them straight into the water… These vents however are very good at preventing condensation inside the trailer on the window, which means they get a good view, even when it’s wet… just have to be in their waterproofs inside!
Napping in the trailer
Something we really liked about the Hamax Outback was how comfortable the boys were sleeping in the trailer. The seats recline (they can be placed in three different positions), and this helped make them more comfortable and their heads/necks were in a good position while sleeping.
The newborn insert looks very comfortable indeed! Unlike other trailers we tried, we found the boys would nap for longer periods in the Hamax Outback (presumably because they were comfortable), which meant that my husband and I could park up our bikes, attach the stroller wheel and wheel them into a pub/cafe to share a drink together while they stayed asleep - bliss!
How do you keep them happy in the trailer?
We’re lucky, both our boys have generally enjoyed being in the trailer, whether it’s a short ride to the park or a full‑day adventure. Involving them really helps: Joss loves having the special job of mounting the flag, and letting him help choose our destination (like which playpark to visit) gives him a sense of ownership.
We’ve also learned the value of good timing; longer stints work best when they coincide with naps. Snacks (lots of them), toys, and books go a long way in keeping them entertained and content on the move.
Running with the Hamax Outback Trailer
This trailer is fully parkrun-tested! The (purchased additionally) running kit includes a large front wheel with a disc brake, essential for controlling speed on downhills. The cable secures neatly with Velcro, and once you're set up, it cruises along smoothly.
It’s wider and bulkier than a regular running buggy, but the boys are happy and comfortable, and you’ll definitely get a few extra smiles and thumbs up from fellow parkrunners!
Adapting as they grow
The Outback offers plenty of room for growth. It comfortably fits two toddlers, and the harnesses adjust easily to suit larger children. Hamax rates the trailer for a total child load of up to 44kg, which makes it a long-lasting option.
Both our boys have enjoyed being in the trailer from the very first ride. Harris started riding at 6 months with the baby insert. We built up gradually, watching closely to ensure he was happy and supported. His squeals of delight on descents and ability to sleep soundly tell us all we need to know!
We’ve learnt that timing rides around naps, bringing plenty of snacks and toys, and letting Joss help set up (his job is raising the flag!) go a long way to keeping everyone happy.
Trailer comparisons: Hamax Outback vs Burley D’Lite X
We’ve previously used and reviewed the single Burley D’Lite X, so we can make some useful comparisons:
What the Hamax does better:
- Stroller performance: The small front wheel and handlebar make it smooth and agile in stroller mode, unlike the clunky Burley.
- Front wheel attachment system: faster and simpler to switch between bike and stroller.
- The baby insert system is much more robust and we felt was much safer in the Hamax. As a result, we took our 6-month-old on a biking holiday, and we were confident that he was safe and comfortable, we would have waited until he was older if we had been using the Burley trailer at this stage
What the Burley does better:
- We found the Burley D’lite X to be completely waterproof. We really did put it through its paces in that regard - we had torrential rain in the Outer Hebrides with the Burley and were rained into a hotel for the first time ever! The Hamax’s footwell flooded due to the position of the air vents within 15 minutes.
- Although we didn’t love either sunshade system, the Burley’s was more robust and did function well in windy weather
- Folding with insert installed: the Burley can fold with the newborn insert, unlike the Hamax.
- We preferred the overall aesthetics of the Burley trailer. If the trailers were rugby players, the Hamax would be a prop while the Burley would perhaps be a winger (more streamlined and light!).
Quality and durability
From the word go, I have felt that the trailer is robust and strong and feels very safe, but it’s not without flaws. The frame scratches easily, and we’ve had the rubber buttons on the wheels fall off. The bike arm attachment has become sticky over time, which makes it a little fiddly to use.
These are minor issues in the grand scheme of things, but they’re worth noting given the trailer’s premium price tag.
Our biggest criticism, the trailer has large air vents, which are brilliant for comfort inside the trailer on hot days and reducing condensation. But it's not fully watertight, which riding in UK rainy conditions, meant the kids had to be wearing their waterproofs inside. The ventilation is brilliant, but a weigh up you will have to do as to what sort of riding you plan to do and if you'll be heading out regularly in wet weather.
Thoughts from the Sprog
When asked about the trailer, Joss says he loves going fast and watching me stand up on the pedals to tackle hills. He thinks Harris likes it too because he gets to sit beside him. Watching them chat, nap and spot tractors together from their mobile cabin has been one of the real highlights of our cycling year.
Final verdict of the Hamax Outback Double Trailer
This Hamax Outback double trailer has brought us so much joy. It’s opened up a world of cycling adventures with our two boys, from short trips to the park to full-blown island-hopping holidays.
The Hamax Outback Double Trailer is a versatile, thoughtfully designed trailer that works well as a bike trailer, stroller and running buggy. It’s comfortable for children, has excellent storage, and adapts well as your family grows.
Yes, it’s heavy and not watertight, which gives lighter, drier options a leg up. But the comfort for the children, convertible use (bike trailer, stroller, jogging buggy), and spacious interior make the Outback a standout.
If you want a trailer that enables adventures with one or two kids, and value comfort, durability and multi‑use design, I would seriously recommend this trailer. Just be sure to test alternatives and consider the weight and waterproofing before committing (especially if you’re not flatland dwellers like us in the Lake District!).
Other articles you might be interested in:
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- Where to try family cycling equipment
- How I bikepacked in winter with a toddler!
- Understanding Cycling Gear for Babies and Toddlers course
- Carrying kids by bike
- Best kids bike trailers
- How do I pull a child’s bike behind my bike?
- Cube Kids Trailer Double CMPT- rider review
- Best electric longtail cargo bikes to carry kids
- How to start cycling with a small child in a bike seat, cargo bike or trailer
- Trailers & towing
- How to hitch a bike trailer- a simple guide
- Burley D’Lite X child trailer review
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