Tandem Hiking Carts

The Cascade Tandem Hiking Cart lets persons with mobility challenges explore hiking trails with family and friends. This special cart transfers weight to the ground and off the carrier’s body.

• What is a Sherpa?
• Important Safety Information
• Cart Features
• Technical Specifications

What is a Sherpa?

A sherpa is the person carrying the Tandem Hiking Cart using a backpack-style harness. The sherpa must be physically fit and strong enough to safely carry the rider and the cart.

You do not need experience — just physical readiness, preparation, and a good sense of adventure!

Important Safety Information

Weight recommendations

• Payload Limit: The total weight of the rider and gear must be no more than 50 percent of the sherpa’s body weight.
• New User Guidance: Texas State Parks recommends new users carry no more than 100 pounds, even though the cart can carry up to 150 pounds.

Physical readiness

Carrying a rider with a hiking cart requires strength, endurance and balance. Sherpas should meet general physical activity recommendations from the CDC and American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM):

• Aerobic Activity: All healthy adults aged 18–65 should participate in moderate aerobic activity for at least 30 minutes on five days per week, or vigorous aerobic activity for at least 20 minutes on three days per week.
• Strength and Endurance Training: Every adult should also engage in activities that maintain or increase muscle strength and endurance at least two days per week.

(Source: American College of Sports Medicine and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2007.)

Hiking recommendations

• Always hike with at least one other person for safety.
• Plan for shorter hikes the first time you use the cart.
• A helmet is recommended for the rider.
• Bring cushions, adaptive supports, or other comfort items as needed.

Payload Safety Video

Before using the cart, please watch the Cascade Tandem Hiking Cart Payload Safety Video.

This short video explains how to calculate safe weight limits and ratios between the rider, gear and sherpa. Understanding these ratios is critical for hiking safely and avoiding injury.

Cart Features

Sherpa (carrier) features

• Transfers 75 percent of the load onto a single fat tire, easing the sherpa’s workload.
• External frame design prevents side-to-side sway and enhances stability.
• Stable on sand, snow, rocky trails and single-track paths.
• Disc brake system for controlled, comfortable descents.
• Integrated trekking poles for balance and quick parking.
• Adjustable harness fits sherpas from 5'0" to 6'6" tall.
• Harness distributes weight like a professional-grade backpack.

Rider features

• Seatbelt and adjustable four-point harness for safety.
• Cushioned ergonomic seat to promote comfort and trunk support.
• Footrests and sidewalls for stability.
• Adjustable seat angles accommodate different sherpa and rider needs.
• Suspension and shock systems help smooth out trail bumps.

Technical Specifications

Texas Parks and Wildlife Department is committed to ensuring that all Texans can enjoy the outdoors. To try a motorized track chair, explore other adaptive outdoor recreation options, or request a reasonable modification, please visit the TPWD Accessibility website or email email accessibility@tpwd.texas.gov for more information.