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As regular festival-goers before parenthood, the idea of navigating a muddy field with a baby and all their gear felt daunting. The dream of bohemian, effortless parenting gave way to the reality of needing serious logistical support. For any chance of a successful family festival trip, a dedicated festival wagon became an essential piece of kit, leading us to test the Out 'n' About nipper wagon – a premium model with a price tag of £495.
Putting the Premium Wagon to the Ultimate Test
We assessed the nipper wagon during a real-world music festival trip with a young child. The testing criteria focused on assembly, manoeuvrability, design, and versatility, judging how it handled the dual demands of transporting a small human and a significant amount of camping equipment.
The assembly process, while involving the typical faff of putting together such items, was aided by clear instructions. It's crucial to follow them closely, as some sections are fiddly and counterintuitive, especially for those used to assembling standard buggies. Once constructed, the wagon's size is immediately apparent: 64cm wide, 115cm high, and 109cm long.
For car travel, the wheels need to be removed to save boot space, a key consideration for family camping trips. However, once assembled, folding it down is remarkably simple with a one-motion collapse, allowing us to store it inside the tent overnight.
Design, Usability and On-Ground Performance
The wagon boasts a smart design that certainly drew approving glances at the festival. A significant feature is the dual push and pull functionality. The push mode feels similar to manoeuvring a large pram, which we found easier on most terrains, though the pull bar offers a more traditional trolley experience potentially better for very muddy conditions.
The robust, air-filled wheels – consistent with the rest of the Nipper range – and the premium padded handlebar made for a smooth, controlled push, starkly contrasting with the struggles of parents using less sturdy wagons. The package includes a pump, though a larger bike pump may be more efficient for inflating the tyres.
One noted drawback was the sun canopy, which doesn't extend over the entire trolley. It provides shade in certain positions for one child, but for proper naps, we'd recommend sourcing a universal blackout blind to cover the whole bassinet area.
Versatility: From Child Carrier to Gear Hauler
Where the nipper wagon truly excels is in its sheer versatility and capacity. The spacious interior could comfortably accommodate up to four children, with straps provided to secure them like a traditional buggy – though our little tester preferred a 'free-range' approach.
A major plus is the ability to close the footwell, creating a completely flat bed. This was excellent for proper naps during the day and proved incredibly handy for the less glamorous festival task: transporting camping equipment from the car. With a total weight capacity of 60kg, it can carry an impressive load.
The final verdict? While it is undoubtedly a splurge and a large piece of kit, the Out 'n' About nipper wagon is a seriously impressive performer. Its robust, thoughtful design justifies the investment for families who regularly attend festivals or embark on adventurous trips. The easy fold-down mechanism and huge capacity make it a logistical game-changer. If you can overlook the need for a better sun shield and have space for it, this wagon can transform your family festival experience from a stressful ordeal into a smoother, more enjoyable adventure.
How we tested: We evaluated assembly intuitiveness and transportability. We assessed manoeuvrability on festival terrain, noting the handlebar and wheel performance. We considered the overall design and style. Finally, we tested versatility by loading it with children and camping gear to see how it adapted to different family getaway needs.
