Our Director Elizabeth and her little adventure buddy Austin have been throughly testing the Out’n’About Nipper Wagon across the wilds of the Peak District. Read their honest review below.
This is the fourth installment of our reviews of the Out’n’About family adventure range. Check out our reviews of the Nipper Single V5 pushchair, Nipper Double V5 pushchair and the Nipper's Single Sport V5 pushchair.
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Out N About Nipper Wagon aka the 'Adventure Chariot'
As a mum to a whirlwind 3-year-old and an equally energetic spaniel, finding kit that works for all of us can feel like an impossible task. Having spent the last few years streamlining our outdoor gear and making sure we only have equipment that can keep up with our adventures, adding something new that didn't fit our usual 'light and fast' criteria felt a little daunting and I worried it could feel like a step backwards after ditching the buggy a long time ago.
However, let me introduce you to the Out N About Nipper Wagon, aka our 'adventure chariot'.
After weeks of putting it through its paces - on muddy trails, through snow and ice, around the grounds of stately homes, and even on an adventure to find Father Christmas himself - we're ready to tell you all about it. The Wagon has plenty of pros, a few cons, and tons of personality. Here’s everything you need to know.
Elizabeth, Director, Blaze Trails CIC
Assembly: A Total Breeze
I like to think of myself as a bit of a DIY queen and quite enjoy the odd flat pack challenge, but even with a very curious pair of 'helping' hands and a dog who fell asleep on the instructions, the Wagon was incredibly straightforward to assemble. I actually felt it had gone a little too smoothly, and wondered if I'd missed a few steps, but it really is that intuitive to put together.
That same ease of use applies when folding it down as all it takes is a few clicks and it's suddenly looking much more compact (although still pretty big which is something to bear in mind if you have a car with a smaller boot).
Not having to wrestle mud covered wheels to remove them was a very pleasant surprise as they pop off with just a press of a button and are ready to be stowed away.
Once it’s set up, you start to realise just how thoughtfully designed the Wagon really is. There are so many features that just make sense - the seats are padded and comfy, it has secure 5-point harnesses to keep your little ones safe (contained) while riding. The wheels are reassuringly big and the suspension makes it feel sturdy without being heavy or clunky.
The foldable canopy would provide shade on a sunny day, or as is more common, shelter on a windy and drizzly day. And a pull bar on the front for those particularly steep hills when you need to use a little extra oomph.
Storage: The Mary Poppins of Wagons
Getting ready to head out with a toddler can often feel like you're packing for an expedition; snacks, drinks, monster trucks, wipes, spare clothes, first aid kit, more snacks, and if I'm lucky my flask of coffee too.
So one of the first things I noticed (and loved) was the sheer amount of storage the Wagon has; mesh pockets on the outside for everything I'd usually throw in my rucksack, as well as handy internal pockets for bottles and snacks allowing little hands to access them easily- anything that promotes independence is a win in my book.
We've even got a dedicated 'treasure pocket' for the inevitable, and apparently essential, haul of pinecones, sticks, rocks and leaves we collect every outing.
All-Terrain Performance: Handles Like a Dream
This is where the Nipper Wagon truly shines.
Having never really used a buggy, and certainly not an all-terrain one, I didn't really know what to expect when it came to how the Wagon would handle. I expected something so roomy and sturdy to feel a little cumbersome, but it's surprisingly nimble.
It's light and easy to steer, even with two 3 year olds stretched out like they were on some sort of VIP safari and the dog pulled along on one side too.
Since its maiden voyage, which was around a relatively well surfaced and flat country park, we've had it out on all kinds of terrain: forest trails strewn with slippery tree routes, bumpy gravel paths, our local muddy farmland and even 5 inches of snow and ice in the Peak District.
It didn't miss a beat- it's like the 4x4 of child transportation.
The 'Adventure Chariot': Toddler Appeal
Now, let’s talk about the most important critic: my 3-year-old, Austin.
This boy shunned a buggy the very moment he started walking, so I was expecting to be met with the usual sassy roll of the eyes and the 'I'm not a baby' line when I explained what the Wagon was actually for, yet it never happened. He hopped straight in, did up the straps and demanded to be pushed around the house.
I didn't know if it was the sheer novelty of having something new in the house that he liked, or whether it was the Wagon itself. Thankfully, it turns out it was the latter, and a few weeks and many outings later, he's still happy to climb aboard and be chauffeured about.
The open feel of the Wagon seems to appeal more as he loves the space and freedom it gives him. He can sit comfortably, stretch out, or even lie down and have a snooze on the rare occasions I've managed to tire him out. It’s also easy for him to climb in and out, which makes him feel more independent (and me less stressed).
It isn't just Austin that loves his Wagon, let me tell you, this thing is a toddler magnet and gets a lot of attention from little ones and curious parents alike. We've had several of his little pals in it with him now, and apart from a few minor squabbles and the usual struggles to share, it's been a roaring success.
The Downsides: Few and far between
As much as I love the Wagon (and I reallllly do) it does have a couple of drawbacks, albeit minor ones for us.
Hard to Keep Clean: The open design is fantastic for active kids as it's so easy for them to hop in and out, but it does mean dirt gets everywhere. Now I know not every child attracts quite as much mud as Austin does, but after just a couple of uses the canvas foot-well was filthy. I did consider enforcing a 'no wellies in the Wagon' policy but soon decided the stress of getting them on and off wasn't worth it, so instead used a spare piece of rubber matting to fashion into a footmat I can take in and out and wipe down with ease. The rest of the wagon does take a bit more effort to clean, but I've come to accept this isn't a battle I'm going to win with the lifestyle we have.
Bulky When Folded: One of the biggest challenges is its size when folded. Even with the wheels popped off, it’s not small. If you’ve got a compact car, squeezing it into the boot will be a struggle—and might not be possible at all.
Explorer Pack Limitations: The Explorer Pack is only sold as a bundle. While the extras are useful, you can’t buy items other than the towbar separately, so if you don’t want everything in the pack, it can feel like you’re paying for things you might not use.
Urban Usability: An fairly obviously downside, but unlike a buggy, you can’t easily tip or bump the Nipper Wagonup curbs or stairs. As most of our adventures are off-road, this hasn’t been an issue for us, but it’s something urban families should keep in mind. If you’re navigating narrow pavements, steep kerbs, or public transport regularly, this could get frustrating.
Price Point: There’s no getting around the fact that the Nipper Wagon is a bit of an investment. While I think it’s well worth it for the quality, versatility, and how much use we've already got out of it, the cost may give some families pause - especially if you’re not sure you’ll make full use of its rugged, all-terrain design.
In the grand scheme of things, these are relatively small gripes.
The performance, practicality, and overall ease of use still make the Wagon a winner in my book.
