best travel system for infants

Both are solid choices; Outpace favors rough terrain, GoMax is lighter and more travel-friendly.

I remember juggling a car seat, diaper bag, and a toddler at the park. Which stroller-car seat combo would make life easier? The Graco Outpace LX All-Terrain Travel System vs Graco Gomax Next Gen Travel System both aim to solve that exact chaos. I’ve used both for errands, hikes, and trips. Both are good, but the Outpace leans rugged while the GoMax is compact and travel-ready. I tested them side-by-side and will share what I learned so you can pick the best fit for your routine.

Is Graco Outpace LX All-Terrain Travel System Good?

I’ll say yes for many families. The Graco Outpace LX All-Terrain Travel System is built to handle rough paths and city curbs with ease. If you take walks on trails, gravel, or uneven sidewalks, this one feels steady. The stroller’s larger wheels and firmer suspension give a calm ride. In my tests, my toddler slept through a bumpy park loop twice. I also used it for grocery trips and quick walks; the storage basket is roomy enough for a small bag and a few items.

I noticed the car seat clicks in securely and is light enough for quick lifts. One afternoon I hopped out of the car, clicked the seat into the stroller, and kept going without waking my child. Another time, I appreciated the canopy and extra padding on a windy day. The trade-offs are size and weight: it’s bulkier than compact models. If you need a stroller that can handle uneven ground and keep your child comfy, the Graco Outpace LX All-Terrain Travel System is a solid pick.

What Makes It Stand Out / Key Features

• All-terrain wheels with suspension for rough paths
• Includes SnugRide 30 Lite infant car seat
• Large storage basket and roomy stroller seat
• Adjustable canopy with peek-a-boo window
• One-step fold with decent stability when parked

What I Like

• Very stable on uneven ground — my child slept through bumpy paths
• Secure car seat click-in felt reliable during short transfers
• Spacious basket handled a diaper bag and groceries
• Handlebar height works for taller caregivers
• Sturdy construction that feels durable for daily use

What Could Be Better

• Heavier and bulkier for car trunks or small elevators
• Not the best choice if you need a compact travel stroller
• Brake can be a bit stiff at first

My Recommendation

Choose this if you need a rugged, comfortable stroller that handles uneven ground and daily wear. Good value and widely available.

Best For	Why
Families who hike or walk parks	Large wheels and suspension tame rough trails
Parents wanting comfort	Roomy seat and canopy keep child cozy
Daily errands	Big basket and durable build hold up well

Is Graco Gomax Next Gen Travel System Good?

It depends on your needs, but I often say yes for travelers and city parents. The Graco Gomax Next Gen Travel System is compact and light. It shines when you need a stroller that folds small and fits in tight trunks. I used it for quick flights and subway trips. Folding was fast and straightforward. At the airport, the compact fold let me move quickly through crowds with a sleepy infant still in the seat.

On local errands, the Gomax handled curbs and smooth sidewalks well. It doesn’t match the Outpace on rough trails, but it won’t weigh you down. One afternoon I carried it up building stairs and felt the difference — much easier than the bulkier model. If you value travel ease and a lighter setup, the Graco Gomax Next Gen Travel System is a practical choice.

What Makes It Stand Out / Key Features

• Compact fold for easy travel and storage
• Lightweight frame for carrying up stairs
• Rear-facing infant car seat included
• Simple one-hand fold mechanism
• Good maneuverability in tight spaces

What I Like

• Very easy to fold and stash in the trunk
• Light enough to carry for short hops
• Great for public transit and travel days
• Comfortable car seat that clicks in securely
• Smooth steering in crowded aisles and sidewalks

What Could Be Better

• Smaller wheels struggle on rough trails
• Less storage space under the seat
• Not as cushioned for long off-road walks

My Recommendation

Pick the GoMax if you travel often or need a compact stroller for city life. Great value for frequent travelers.

Best For	Why
Traveling families	Compact fold and light weight ease travel
City dwellers	Nimble in tight stores and public transit
Parents who carry often	Lighter frame reduces strain on stairs

Graco Outpace LX All-Terrain Travel System vs Graco Gomax Next Gen Travel System: Side-by-Side Test”

I set out to test both systems back-to-back. I took them on sidewalks, rough parks, and short trips. Below are clear comparisons so you can match features to your needs.

Terrain & Wheels: Which Handles Rough Ground?

A quick look at how each handles uneven paths and park trails.

Feature	Graco Outpace LX All-Terrain Travel System	Graco Gomax Next Gen Travel System
Wheel Size	Large, all-terrain	Smaller, urban-focused
Suspension	Yes — smoother ride on bumps	Minimal — best on smooth ground
Trail Comfort	High — I used it on gravel	Low — felt shaky on gravel
Braking on Slopes	Reliable	Serviceable

Graco Outpace LX All-Terrain Travel System – 9/10 | Graco Gomax Next Gen Travel System – 6/10

“Outpace wins here. It soaks up bumps and keeps the ride calm.”

Comfort & Seat: Which Keeps Baby Cozier?

Look at padding, canopy, and recline options.

Feature	Graco Outpace LX All-Terrain Travel System	Graco Gomax Next Gen Travel System
Seat Padding	Thicker, plush	Moderate padding
Canopy Size	Large with window	Medium canopy
Recline Options	Multi-position	Limited recline
Infant Comfort	Excellent for naps on walks	Good for short rides

Graco Outpace LX All-Terrain Travel System – 9/10 | Graco Gomax Next Gen Travel System – 7/10

“Outpace edges out for comfort, especially on longer outings.”

Folding & Storage: Which Packs Up Easier?

How compact and easy each stroller is to fold and stash.

Feature	Graco Outpace LX All-Terrain Travel System	Graco Gomax Next Gen Travel System
Fold Size	Bulkier	Compact
One-Hand Fold	Yes, but larger footprint	Quick and small fold
Storage Basket	Large	Smaller
Car Trunk Fit	Needs more space	Fits small trunks easily

Graco Outpace LX All-Terrain Travel System – 7/10 | Graco Gomax Next Gen Travel System – 9/10

“GoMax wins for travel and tight storage. It folds smaller and lighter.”

Maneuverability & Size: Which Handles Crowds Better?

Turn radius, steering effort, and overall width.

Feature	Graco Outpace LX All-Terrain Travel System	Graco Gomax Next Gen Travel System
Steering in Aisles	Good, but needs space	Excellent tight turns
Handle Height	Taller friendly	Standard height
Overall Width	Wider	Narrower
One-Hand Control	Stable, needs both hands sometimes	Easy one-hand steering

Graco Outpace LX All-Terrain Travel System – 7/10 | Graco Gomax Next Gen Travel System – 9/10

“GoMax takes the edge in crowded places. It’s nimble and light.”

Safety & Car Seat Integration: Which Feels Safer?

Compare car seat fit, click-in, and harness features.

Feature	Graco Outpace LX All-Terrain Travel System	Graco Gomax Next Gen Travel System
Car Seat Included	SnugRide 30 Lite	Rear-facing infant seat
Click-In Security	Solid click and hold	Secure and easy
Harness Comfort	Padded straps	Standard padding
Stability on Stroller	Very stable	Stable, slightly less so on rough turf

Graco Outpace LX All-Terrain Travel System – 9/10 | Graco Gomax Next Gen Travel System – 8/10

“Both are safe and secure. Outpace feels a touch more robust on rough ground.”

Value & Price: Which Gives More for Your Money?

Cost, longevity, and versatility for the price.

Feature	Graco Outpace LX All-Terrain Travel System	Graco Gomax Next Gen Travel System
Initial Price	Mid-range	Often priced lower
Durability	Built tough	Good for travel use
Versatility	Good for many terrains	Best for travel/city
Overall Value	High for active families	High for travelers

Graco Outpace LX All-Terrain Travel System – 8/10 | Graco Gomax Next Gen Travel System – 8/10

“Both give strong value. Pick based on where and how you’ll use them.”

Final Verdict: Which Should You Buy?

If you spend time on trails, sidewalks with roots, or uneven ground, the Graco Outpace LX All-Terrain Travel System wins. It gives a smoother ride, more storage, and durable build. I recommend it to active families who need comfort and stability.

If you travel a lot, use public transit, or need a lightweight stroller for tight spaces, the Graco Gomax Next Gen Travel System is better. It folds small and feels easy to carry. Choose it if compact size and ease matter most.

FAQs Of Graco Outpace LX All-Terrain Travel System vs Graco Gomax Next Gen Travel System

Which system is better for rough trails?

The Graco Outpace LX All-Terrain Travel System is better. It has larger wheels and suspension. I found it far more stable on gravel and park paths.

Which is easier to travel with on flights?

The Graco Gomax Next Gen Travel System. It folds smaller and is lighter. I used it at airports and it made moving through crowds simple.

Do both include a car seat?

Yes. Both systems include an infant car seat that clicks into the stroller. Each felt secure in my transfers, though Outpace felt slightly more rugged.

Which has more storage for bags and groceries?

The Graco Outpace LX All-Terrain Travel System has a larger storage basket. I fit a full diaper bag and a couple of items on grocery trips.

Which is better for city living?

The Graco Gomax Next Gen Travel System suits city life. It is narrow, light, and easy to steer in stores and on public transit.

(Note: Throughout this review I compared the Graco Outpace LX All-Terrain Travel System vs Graco Gomax Next Gen Travel System based on personal use. Both systems have strengths. Match them to your routine for best results.)