Last Updated: February 25, 2022
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Best Hiking Pull Cart: Lightweight, Tough, And Foldable

Need a pull cart for hiking? You’re definitely in the right place! This detailed review features eight pull carts, including options that are just metal frames, as well as those that have fabric walls for some extra protection.

Our Top Picks

Best Hiking Pull Cart Without Walls

Rock-N-Roller Folding Pull Cart

Rock-N-Roller R12RT (All Terrain) 8-in-1 Folding Multi-Cart/Hand Truck/Dolly/Platform Cart/34' to 52' Telescoping Frame/500 lbs. Load Capacity, Black
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Best Hiking Pull Cart With Top Cover

TMZ All Terrain Utility Folding Wagon

TMZ Collapsible Beach Wagon Cart Utility Folding Pull Wagon with Rubber Wheels Portable Garden Cart with 265lbs Capacity, All Terrain Wagon for Shopping,Camping and Outdoor Activities (Black/Grey)
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Pull carts are a great thing for people who carry a lot of gear on their hikes. And by I lot, I mean so much gear that there’s no earthly way to store it all in just one simple backpack. They do slow you down a bit, but they also give you so much flexibility when it comes to what you can and can’t bring on your hikes.

Read on to see our top eight pull carts for hiking and find the one that is just right for you!

Top Product Overview

Rock-N-Roller R12RT (All Terrain) 8-in-1 Folding Multi-Cart/Hand Truck/Dolly/Platform Cart/34' to 52' Telescoping Frame/500 lbs. Load Capacity, Black
Best Hiking Pull Cart Without Walls
  • Adjustable cart
  • Extremely sturdy and durable
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TIMBER RIDGE Tailgate Collapsible Folding Wagon Cart, Heavy Duty Utility Push Pull Beach Wagon Foldable, Outdoor Grocery Cart with Side Pockets for Camping, Garden, Shopping, Holds 225 lbs, Red
Best Budget Hiking Pull Cart
  • Pockets for easy organization
  • Adjustable telescoping handle
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TMZ Collapsible Beach Wagon Cart Utility Folding Pull Wagon with Rubber Wheels Portable Garden Cart with 265lbs Capacity, All Terrain Wagon for Shopping,Camping and Outdoor Activities (Black/Grey)
Best Hiking Pull Cart With Top Cover
  • The removable canopy protects from UV rays and rain
  • Generous capacity with multiple pockets
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Mac Sports 300LB Capacity Push Wagon with Wheels, Handle and Basket - Grocery Heavy Duty Wagon for Camping, Shopping, and More - All Terrain Folding Wagon Heavy Duty with Lightweight Design
  • Large load capacity
  • Additional pockets
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Creative Outdoor Push Pull Hauler Wagon for Kids, 200lbs Weight Capacity, All-Terrain Collapsible and Portable Folding Cart for Cargo, Beach, Park, Garden, Camping & Tailgate
  • Lighter than most other pull carts
  • Lots of internal and external pockets
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Wakeman Outdoors 75-CMP1097 Folding Wagon – Collapsible All-Terrain Utility Pull Cart with Extra Wide Wheels for Camping, Beach, Sports or Grocery Shopping
  • Foldable for easy storage
  • Adjustable handle
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Muddy Mule Game Cart - 16' Wide x 40' Long Durable Steel Foldable Outdoor Hunting Game Transporter with Rubber-Coated Handle, 300 Lbs. Maximum Capacity
  • Very tough and durable
  • Folds flat for easy storage
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Outsunny Collapsible Folding Garden Utility Cart Wagon with Adjustable Push/Pull Handle, Canopy & All-Terrain Wheels, Red
  • Top cover for rain protection
  • Push/pull design with two adjustable handles
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Top Products


Best Hiking Pull Cart Without Walls

Rock-N-Roller Folding Pull Cart

Rock-N-Roller R12RT (All Terrain) 8-in-1 Folding Multi-Cart/Hand Truck/Dolly/Platform Cart/34' to 52' Telescoping Frame/500 lbs. Load Capacity, Black

The Rock-N-Roller cart is a good option if you want a metal cart without synthetic walls. The design of this cart allows you to stack items on top of one another, so you can really put a lot of gear on the cart. It has a maximum load capacity of 500 lbs, plus it’s available in versions that can hold even more.

One thing to note is that this particular cart is available in ten different styles that differ in size and maximum capacity. I’m focusing on the R21RT here, which is the medium-sized cart. The maximum load of other carts ranges from 200 lbs to 700 lbs, so there are plenty of options if this one is not the right size for you.

The metal construction of the cart is quite sturdy, with tall walls on the narrow sides. This is what lets you stack items on top of one another, and you can always tie the items to the cart, to ensure they stay on the cart.

The wheels are sturdy, rugged, and designed for use on all terrain types. Also, you can actually adjust the size and shape of the cart, making it one of the most flexible options out of the bunch. It is quite heavy, but if you’re looking for an exceptionally durable pull cart to carry heavy and bulky items, this is certainly one of the top options.

It’s worth noting that this doesn’t have a separate handle. Instead, one of the walls functions as a separate handle, so you’ll likely want to pick a size according to the height of the walls. Just make sure you don’t get something that’s too short for you, otherwise, you’re going to experience some nasty back pains.

Pros

  • Adjustable cart
  • Extremely sturdy and durable
  • Available in different sizes

Cons

  • No weather protection
  • Quite heavy
  • No dedicated pull handle

Product Information

  • Weight: 36 lbs
  • Load Capacity: 500 lbs
  • Material: Metal
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Best Budget Hiking Pull Cart

Timber Ridge Laburnum Tailgate Wagon

TIMBER RIDGE Tailgate Collapsible Folding Wagon Cart, Heavy Duty Utility Push Pull Beach Wagon Foldable, Outdoor Grocery Cart with Side Pockets for Camping, Garden, Shopping, Holds 225 lbs, Red

The Timber Ridge pull cart is a good option if staying organized is important to you. With a spacious cargo basket and multiple smaller pockets on the sides, this pull cart really lets you find a dedicated spot for everything you want to store inside it. The cart has a maximum load capacity of 180 lbs, which is great considering that it only weighs some 22 lbs when empty.

The four wheels are fully rotating, so you can maneuver this pull cart in any direction. They are quite slim, so they might struggle a bit on softer terrain. But they’re also textured, for good grip on traction on rougher terrain types.

Additionally, the wheel handle is telescoping and adjustable, so you can set it up in a way that’s comfortable for you. There’s even a small piece of plastic that lets you secure the handle to the body of the wagon, which will be convenient when the cart is stationary.

The wagon is foldable and it goes an extra step to really make it easy for you to store and carry this thing. While most other wagons can’t stay closed when they’re folded, this one gives you two different options that let you fully close it.

When you fold the wagon frame, the basket actually becomes a carry bag that you pull over the frame. This ensures that the pull cart can’t open on its own, allowing you to store it upright if you want.

You can also secure a nylon belt around the wagon, to make sure it doesn’t pop open if you store it upright.

Pros

  • Pockets for easy organization
  • Adjustable telescoping handle
  • Folds for easy storage

Cons

  • Wheels are quite slim
  • The handle is somewhat short for taller people

Product Information

  • Weight: 22.58 lbs
  • Load Capacity: 180 lbs
  • Material: Steel frame, poly blend walls
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Best Hiking Pull Cart With Top Cover

TMZ All Terrain Utility Folding Wagon

TMZ Collapsible Beach Wagon Cart Utility Folding Pull Wagon with Rubber Wheels Portable Garden Cart with 265lbs Capacity, All Terrain Wagon for Shopping,Camping and Outdoor Activities (Black/Grey)

The TMZ hiking wagon is one of the few options that can give you some protection from the weather. This comes with a removable canopy that protects the contents from UV rays and rain, plus some convenient pockets on the sides. This even includes a detachable rear basket, as well as mesh water bottle pockets.

However, the canopy brings the total height of this cart up to 43.5”, which makes it one of the bulkiest options out of the bunch. If you would prefer something smaller and easier to pull around, you might want to look at the other cards. This is a collapsible cart though, so it will be pretty easy to store it.

The maximum load capacity of the cart is 265 lbs, but only when it’s stationary. It’s slightly less when you’re actually moving it around but the exact load capacity when in use is not specified.

This pull cart is made from rust-proof iron, so it’s very sturdy and durable. The walls are made from 600D Oxford fabric, while the wide wheels are made from plastic. They are quite rugged and suitable for use on all terrain types, so you shouldn’t struggle too much to wheel this around on rocky and uneven terrain.

Additionally, the telescopic handle extends with a push of a button, allowing you to adjust the exact height of the handle.

Pros

  • The removable canopy protects from UV rays and rain
  • Generous capacity with multiple pockets
  • Adjustable telescopic handle

Cons

  • Heavy and very tall (with canopy)

Product Information

  • Weight: 31.3 lbs
  • Load Capacity: 265 lbs (static condition)
  • Material: Iron, 600D Oxford fabric
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Mac Sports Push/Pull Cart

Mac Sports 300LB Capacity Push Wagon with Wheels, Handle and Basket - Grocery Heavy Duty Wagon for Camping, Shopping, and More - All Terrain Folding Wagon Heavy Duty with Lightweight Design

The Mac Sports push and pull cart is a good option if you want a more versatile cart. Apart from hiking, this is also good for shopping, camping, and even picnics. The sturdy frame can handle a load of up to 300 lbs, while the soft walls help keep your belongings inside the cart.

Keep in mind that the walls are not a guarantee that everything will stay in the cart – if you have any smaller items, it’s best to put them at the bottom and put bigger bags over them. The cart might bounce a bit over particularly rocky and uneven terrain, which could cause some stuff to fall out. Especially since there isn’t a cover for the top.

The pull cart features four hard-plastic wheels, for good balance on different terrain types. They’re very sturdy, and it’s unlikely that one of them will fall off or get damaged easily. Additionally, this pull cart features a telescopic wheel handle, so it should be pretty easy to maneuver.

Apart from the sturdy construction, the Mac Sports hiking pull cart also has some additional features that might make your life a bit easier. There are mesh water bottle holders near the handle, as well as a detachable basket and an extra pocket in the back. The basket actually attaches to give you an additional handle if you want to push this cart.

The basket is a cool feature if you’re using the cart for storage while it’s stationary, but I wouldn’t recommend keeping stuff in it while you’re wheeling this around on hikes.

Pros

  • Large load capacity
  • Additional pockets
  • Telescopic wheel handle

Cons

  • No cover for the cart

Product Information

  • Weight: 27.1 lbs
  • Load Capacity: 300 lbs
  • Material: Not specified
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Creative Outdoor Distributor All-Terrain Hiking Pull Cart

Creative Outdoor Push Pull Hauler Wagon for Kids, 200lbs Weight Capacity, All-Terrain Collapsible and Portable Folding Cart for Cargo, Beach, Park, Garden, Camping & Tailgate

The Creative Outdoor Distributor cart is great if you’re looking for something smaller. This is one of the lightest options at just 23 lbs, but it also has a very small load capacity, compared to the other carts. You can put up to 150 lbs in this hiking cart, which is only half of what most others can handle.

Also, this is one of the more affordable options, with a price point under $150. It has a metal frame with walls made from a denier blend, so it’s quite sturdy. The cart features four plastic wheels that are quite wide, ensuring great performance on different terrain types.

This pull cart has a total of six pockets with flaps, which are perfect for all those smaller items you want to keep extra safe. There are also open water bottle holders on the exterior. When you’re not using the cart, you can fold it with just a push of a button, for convenient storage.

The wheel handle is not adjustable, which could be an issue for some people. Instead of a telescoping handle, this hiking pull cart features a fixed metal handle with an ergonomic grip. It’s either a good height for you or it’s not.

Pros

  • Lighter than most other pull carts
  • Lots of internal and external pockets
  • Wide and sturdy wheels

Cons

  • The handle is not adjustable
  • Small capacity

Product Information

  • Weight: 23 lbs
  • Load Capacity: 150 lbs
  • Material: Denier sides, metal frame
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Wakeman Outdoors All-Terrain Hiking Pull Cart

Wakeman Outdoors 75-CMP1097 Folding Wagon – Collapsible All-Terrain Utility Pull Cart with Extra Wide Wheels for Camping, Beach, Sports or Grocery Shopping

The Wakeman Outdoors pull cart is a great option for hikes on soft terrain. It features four extra-wide wheels that perform exceptionally well on soft terrain. Also, the wheels have some really deep tire treads, ensuring you have plenty of traction on wet and icy surfaces. However, they are plastic wheels and they won’t perform as well as rubber ones.

The handle is extendable and adjustable, so it should be easy to maneuver this pull cart in a way that suits you. You can extend it to a maximum height of 33”, and it swivels and moves.

The wagon is quite big, with a total load capacity of 200 lbs and it can fit anything from folding chairs to portable camping toilets. But it doesn’t have internal pockets and it lacks a cover that would protect your items from the weather. Keep that in mind if you’re taking this on a hiking trip in the rain.

The frame of this pull cart is made from steel, while the walls feature 600D polyester fabric. It’s a sturdy cart that’s unlikely to get damaged easily and the polyester fabric is resistant to water, stains, and really easy to clean.

Additionally, there are water bottle pockets just behind the handle, allowing you to keep your drinks easily accessible while you’re pulling this alongside you on the trail.

The Wakeman Outdoors hiking pull cart folds for easy travel and storage. Folding the wagon is very easy – just pull on the tab that’s in the middle of the wagon bottom and that’s it.

Pros

  • Foldable for easy storage
  • Adjustable handle
  • Water bottle pockets

Cons

  • Plastic wheels
  • No cover
  • No internal pockets

Product Information

  • Weight: 29.9 lbs
  • Load Capacity: 200 lbs
  • Material: Steel frame, 600D polyester walls
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Muddy The Mule Game Cart

Muddy Mule Game Cart - 16' Wide x 40' Long Durable Steel Foldable Outdoor Hunting Game Transporter with Rubber-Coated Handle, 300 Lbs. Maximum Capacity

The primary use of the Muddy the Mule cart is for hunting, but there’s no reason it can’t be used for hiking. It’s extremely sturdy, lightweight, and can handle a maximum load of up to 300 lbs, making it perfectly suitable for all hikers who need something to help them carry that extra gear.

The pull handle is very wide, allowing for easy grip with one or even two hands. It’s not textured though, so your hands might slip around a little. If you want to ensure you have a great grip on the cart at all times, it’s best to wear textured gloved.

The wheels are quite big, meaning they’re suitable for any terrain. Whether you’re treading through mud or across rocky terrain, the pull cart shouldn’t struggle to follow in your steps. Additionally, it’s worth noting that the pull cart folds flat, for easy storage when not in use.

The only downside of this cart is that, because it’s designed for hunters, it doesn’t have any walls or offer any protection from the weather. You’d have to tie all the bags to the cart to ensure they don’t fall off in transport, but that’s only going to be an issue if you want to use the pull cart in heavy rain.

With the lightweight construction, sturdy wheels, and excellent load capacity, this is easily one of the top pull carts for hiking.

Pros

  • Very tough and durable
  • Folds flat for easy storage
  • High load capacity

Cons

  • Items must be tied to the cart frame
  • No weather protection

Product Information

  • Weight: 29 lbs
  • Load Capacity: 300 lbs
  • Material: Steel
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Durhand Folding Hiking Pull Cart

Outsunny Collapsible Folding Garden Utility Cart Wagon with Adjustable Push/Pull Handle, Canopy & All-Terrain Wheels, Red

The Durhand pull cart is one of the few options that features a top cover that protects the contents of the wagon in rainy weather. The cover secures the cart with four thin poles, and it’s entirely removable for easy access to your items.

This pull cart has four extra-wide all-terrain wheels with deeply textured treads, for great tractions on different terrain types. Also, they are spinner wheels, meaning you’ll be able to move the cart in any direction you want. And thanks to that easily adjustable telescoping pull handle, that’s going to be super easy.

There’s also an adjustable push handle in the back of the cart. It’s worth noting that both handles can be adjusted to seven different positions, so you should have no issues setting up the cart however it suits you best.

The walls, the basket in the back, and the top cover are all made from water-resistant Oxford fabric. The main wagon basket has a load capacity of 175 lbs, while the smaller basket near the push handle offers an extra 11 lbs of cargo space for those items you want more easily accessible.

When installed, the top cover doesn’t protect the smaller basket, so keep that in mind if you’re storing any electronics inside it.

Additionally, the pull cart also has two convenient water bottle pockets near the telescoping wheel handle. It also folds for easy storage, with the basket fabric functioning as a carry bag with a convenient grab handle.

Pros

  • Top cover for rain protection
  • Push/pull design with two adjustable handles
  • Folds for easy transport and storage

Cons

  • One of the heavier pull carts
  • No weather protection for the small basket

Product Information

  • Weight: 31.2 lbs
  • Load Capacity: 175 + 11 lbs
  • Material: Steel, Oxford fabric, ABS plastic
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What To Look For

Load Capacity

How many items do you want to put in the cart? Will you use it for those bulky items that won’t fit in a backpack or the heavier items that you just can’t carry on your back?

The capacity of pull carts featured here ranges from 100 lbs to 700 lbs. In most cases, even 100 lbs will be enough to hold all those hiking essentials that won’t fit in your bag. However, the lower-capacity carts aren’t always built the sturdiest, so it’s generally better to pick up something with a higher capacity, just in case.

One thing to note is that, regardless of the maximum load capacity, these carts aren’t meant to transport animals and children. They are built for immobile objects, and not living and breathing beings that move around a lot. This is clearly stated by most manufacturers, so keep that in mind if you decide to give your doggo a ride in the new hiking pull cart.

Walls Or No Walls?

I’ve included pull carts that have synthetic walls and those that are just one sturdy frame.

Carts with walls are good if you’re not that worried about stuff falling out of the cart while you’re hiking. They’re great for camping trips, picnics, and short hikes, especially since those walls usually feature some extra pockets that are great for smaller items.

Pull carts that just a metal frame are usually tougher and better for heavier items. However, you must tie the items to the frame of the card – whether you want to use rope or zip ties is entirely up to you. If it’s properly tied, there’s no way something will fall out of the cart regardless of how uneven the terrain is.

Keep in mind that carts without walls are suitable only for bags and bulky items that can be tied to the cart. They are not suitable for transporting smaller items, and they do not protect from the weather whatsoever.

In addition to that, there are also hiking pull carts with removable top covers. This is something you should consider if you often go on hikes in rainy weather since the top cover does a great job at keeping the items in the cart dry. However, they are much taller than standard hiking pull carts, so they’re not quite as convenient for long hikes.

Best Hiking Pull Carts: Our Top Picks

Not sure which hiking pull cart to buy? Go with one of our top picks, depending on what type of cart you want and how much stuff you plan to put in it!

If you’re okay with getting a steel pull cart without any walls, go with the Rock-N-Roller cart. There are many different sizes you can choose from, so it should be easy to pick a pull cart that is just right for your needs.

The tall metal wheels make it easier to stack items on the cart and help ensure that they stay in place while you’re hiking with the cart. Also, the wheels are rugged and offer great performance on all terrain types.

Rock-N-Roller R12RT (All Terrain) 8-in-1 Folding Multi-Cart/Hand Truck/Dolly/Platform Cart/34" to 52" Telescoping Frame/500 lbs. Load Capacity, Black
  • Instantly transforms into 8 different shapes, replacing 8 different cart types
  • Carries huge amounts of equipment yet folds small for storage

Pick up the TMZ hiking wagon if you want a push/pull cart that has a top cover for use in rainy weather. This one features four extra-wide wheels for great performance on uneven terrain, a generous load capacity of 200lbs+, and an adjustable telescoping handle for easy maneuvering.

It also has a detachable rear basket for the items you want more easily accessible, as well as convenient water bottle pockets near the telescoping handle.

TMZ Collapsible Beach Wagon Cart Utility Folding Pull Wagon with Rubber Wheels Portable Garden Cart with 265lbs Capacity, All Terrain Wagon for Shopping,Camping and Outdoor Activities (Black/Grey)
  • Push or pull. A telescopic pull handle and an adjustable push handle for your choice.
  • LARGE CAPACITY :Large load folding wagon cart outside dimensions approx 39.4"Lx23.2"Wx31.3"H. The collapsible utility wagon cart inside size is 29.1"Lx17.7"Wx10.6"H.

In case you’re prioritizing value over everything else, the Timber Ridge Laburnum is the best pull cart for you. It’s one of the more affordable options, but without any compromises on the features. This hiking cart has four extra-wide spinner wheels, an adjustable telescopic handle, and several storage pockets.

It folds for easy storage and transport and you have two ways of guaranteeing it won’t pop open when stored upright.

TIMBER RIDGE Tailgate Collapsible Folding Wagon Cart, Heavy Duty Utility Push Pull Beach Wagon Foldable, Outdoor Grocery Cart with Side Pockets for Camping, Garden, Shopping, Holds 225 lbs, Red
  • STORAGE EXPANSION & PET-FRIENDLY: The innovative tailgate design doubles your storage space. The portable cart can accommodate longer items like tents in order to ease your transportation burden, and it's also friendly to your dogs, making it easy for them to get in and out of the cart
  • COMPACT COLLAPSIBLE DESIGN: This collapsible cart sets up and folds in seconds. With a folded size of only 30.32“ x 12.2” x 7.87” (77cm x 31cm x 20cm), it can be stored in an upright position, perfect for compact spaces and easy transportation, making it extremely convenient for both home storage and outdoor carrying

Head over to Amazon to see the prices and more photos of all the hiking pull carts featured in this review. And be sure to check out our related posts, for ideas on other hiking accessories that can make your outdoor adventures more enjoyable!

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