Kinderkraft PILOT 2 stroller review

Suitable from birth thanks to its lie-flat recline, the PILOT 2 also has a UPF 50+ and waterproof hood, as well as a protective travel cover and shoulder strap for carrying, making it a real stand-out option in the travel stroller category.

Similar in price to the GB Pockit+ travel stroller, £175, it's a positive bargain compared to premium carry-on travel buggies like the Silver Cross Jet 5, £345, and Babyzen YOYO2, £399.

• The Kinderkraft PILOT 2 stroller is available from Kinderkraft and Baby and Child Store for £179

How easy is it to set up the Kinderkraft PILOT 2 stroller?

It only took about 5 minutes to set up the stroller. The instructions were clear and easy to follow, we didn't need any tools and it was simple to assemble and take out of the box, only requiring scissors to take off some of the packaging. All we needed to do was attach the front 2 wheels and the bumper bar.

How comfortable is the Kinderkraft PILOT 2 seat unit for your baby?

The seat feels comfortable and spacious for my 6-month-old baby and even for my 2 year old on occasion!

There is padding on the straps and in the seat which felt fine for my 6 month old, but may not be supportive enough for a younger baby. There is a built-in footrest which is versatile and can be adjusted to different positions for maximum comfort.

The recline is effective and easy to adjust, it can be tightened with one hand and loosened with 2 hands.

How easy is it to push and steer the Kinderkraft PILOT 2 stroller?

On flat floors and grass, the PILOT 2 has smooth steering and it's even easy to manoeuvre with one hand. However, you can really feel the lack of suspension when pushing it over rougher terrain, such as cobblestones and gravel. I'd say this is to be expected for this type of stroller – it's built for travel after all – but thankfully the PILOT 2 is still manoeuvrable over these trickier surfaces.

How easy is it to fold and unfold the Kinderkraft PILOT 2 stroller?

The stroller can be folded one handed; it's a quick process but we found it a bit stiff the first few times.

It'a also free-standing when folded and ultra compact. At L45cm x W21cm x H52cm when folded, it meets IATA standards to fit as hand luggage on the plane.

How suitable is the Kinderkraft PILOT 2 stroller for travel and airplane use?

This is where the stroller shines. It's straightforward to fold and unfold quickly when needed at the airport, it easily fits into overhead compartments and I found it easy to lift to store in there too. The shoulder strap made it comfortable to carry up and down the plane aisle when boarding and deplaning.

We were able to wheel the PILOT 2 through security and the airport unfolded, and then when the pushchair needed to be folded, it was light to lift and carry. The carry strap is padded, easily accessible, and can be tucked away when not in use.

The PILOT 2 comes with a travel bag which provided good protection, but was difficult to get on and over the buggy unless 2 hands (sometimes 4 hands!) were used. If you were trying to pack the buggy in the bag with a young baby in tow, you would need somewhere to put them, such as a sling, whilst you tried to get the bag on.

What's the storage basket like on the Kinderkraft PILOT 2 stroller?

The storage basket is really spacious and contains items well, with no concerns of them falling out. It was also easy to access the basket when my baby was in the stroller too – the back part can be pushed down to aid getting items in and out.

How durable and robust does the Kinderkraft PILOT 2 stroller feel?

The stroller materials feel high quality and robust. In comparison to my other pushchair, the Stokke Yoyo 3, which at £399 is much more expensive, I would actually say the PILOT 2 feels more robust.

It handles repeated folding and unfolding well, and hasn't shown any sign of wear and tear yet. We've tested it over gravel, mud and grass, yet it did not pick up any scratches and still looks new after a wipe down.

What do you think of the hood on the Kinderkraft PILOT 2 stroller?

The canopy is built for hot and cold weather — it's UPF50+ for the sun and waterproof for the rain, which is great as no rain cover was needed for light showers. It extends down in-line with the end of the bumper bar, but there was still not sufficient coverage to stop the sun being in my baby's eyes, which meant a parasol or a wide-brimmed hat was needed. However, in light rain showers it protected my daughter's head and upper body with ease. There is also a ventilation panel in the canopy, allowing a clear view of baby.

How effective are the brakes?

The Kinderkraft PILOT 2's brakes were a bit stiff initially, but this improved with use. They felt secure on slopes, and were flip-flop friendly too.

Was the packaging recyclable?

The PILOT 2's packaging was mostly easily recyclable at home. There were some soft plastics and foam packaging that is more difficult to recycle at home in my county.

Is the Kinderkraft PILOT 2 stroller worth the money?

I think, at £179, the Kinderkraft PILOT 2 is competitively priced compared to other similar strollers. It also includes the rain cover which is a welcome addition.

I think it offers extremely good value considering its features and performance in comparison to other travel strollers on the market; I would definitely recommend it to frequent travellers.

Where can I buy the Kinderkraft PILOT 2 stroller?

Available from Kinderkraft and Baby and Child Store.

MadeForMums verdict

The Kinderkraft PILOT 2 is a compact and stylish stroller for travellers. It is a great option given its value for money and usability. If you're planning on needing to carry it folded regularly or have a smaller baby there are other options on the market that might suit your needs better, but they all come with a higher price tag. I would recommend it as a budget option for travel as it will give you a robust yet stylish experience, all for well under £200.