Normally, I use an iCandy Cherry system for my daughter, however once she turned one and we booked our first holiday abroad we decided we needed a lightweight travel stroller for holidays, and for keeping in the back of the car. We've had the stroller for three months now so I think I can give it a fair review.

**Price and Availability**

The Mamas & Papas Trek Buggy is available exclusively in Mamas & Papas stores (even the smaller ones - we bought ours from the Trafford Centre store and that's tiny!) and online (a postage fee applies).

We paid £69, this includes the accessory pack which comprises a matching lightweight waterproof bag (handy for taking a spare nappy in for short walks too), sun shade (not a full parasol), and full rain cover. I don't think there's a cosy toes available for this stroller, but as we bought it for travel and light use we didn't mind that, and you can always use a third party cosy toes if you need one.

**Looks**

I think it looks great - we bought the iCandy in black for practicality and also due to the fact we didn't know we were having a girl, but once we had her and needed the stroller we went for a funky purple, pink and lilac bold spot print. It looks nice and girly without being twee or OTT (personally I am not keen on Cosatto strollers as they're a bit too OTT with the wording). It is also available in blue spots. The accessory bag and shade are also spotty, and the rain cover has a matching purple trim. The frame of the stroller is silver and the handles are grey as is the footrest and straps.

**Why the Trek?**

There is actually a model down from the Trek, but we asked what the difference was between that one and this (as the colouring is very similar) and we were informed that the Trek reclines whereas the model down doesn't, for the £20 difference we went for the recliner and it's been worth it. The recliner is really easy to use simply a click strap on the back which cradles the child in a more upright position, or a laid back un harnessed position.

It's for use from 1 year old, it is not suitable for young babies due to the lack of head support and harness padding.

**In Use**

We use the Trek stroller for impromptu trips as it's always in the back of the car, for taking to the swimming pool where we could never take the iCandy as rather than being a 'umbrella fold' stroller the iCandy comes away to two parts; and to leave with family members when they look after our daughter, in case they want to take her for a little walk.

There is a five point harness which is adjustable, and my daughter seems very comfortable in it, whether sitting up or snoozing. For travel, it's great - it folds away so easily - just a press down with your foot on a pedal and a pull up with your foot on a bar from wheel to wheel - anyone can do it including my 65 year old mum, it's a really smooth, easy procedure. The brake is easily applied with one foot for both wheels and is strong and sturdy.

There are times I wouldn't recommend using the Trek, for long walks, for unstable ground, and as a permanent stroller - I am glad I have the iCandy for longer shopping trips, days out at the beach or zoo and so on - simply because it's a much smoother ride and my daughter finds it easier to sleep in the iCandy, and you can steer the iCandy with one hand due to it's bar handle, the 'racer' handles on the Trek mean it really does require two handed steering. It's a bit more 'clattery' due to it's light framework and hard wheels, and therefore it's important to note that I'd only ever recommend it as a travel stroller or a light use stroller not as a permanent solution and I'm reviewing it as such.

Cleanup is a breeze as the Trek is fully wipe clean and therefore is as good as new three months on. The net underneath holds a small changing bag, drink and snack, and the wheels don't seem to pick up too much dirt. The Trek fits well into the back of my car (Astra) leaving plenty of room; however if you need the boot it also fits fine on the passenger seat behind the driver even when the seat is fully back.

**Recommend?**

As a light use stroller, second stroller (say for grandparent use), and travel stroller yes I do highly recommend it. If you're looking for something to use every day then I'd say go for something more substantial especially if you need to walk any significant distance. I think it's very well made, easy to use and overall a great stroller which is no less than I'd expect from Mamas and Papas. I've recommended it to a few friends who've gone for it, and I'm happy to give it a five out of five on here as I can think of no reason to seriously criticise it.