One of the wheels came loose when one of our testers was carrying about 100 pounds of gear, which is well under the stated weight capacity. We tested the Pivot Xplore on multiple surfaces, including sand, grass, and concrete, and the large, stroller-like wheels moved smoothly through all the environments. As you’d expect, it was a bit harder to push through beach sand, though still feasible. The brakes on the Pivot Xplore are activated by a small pedal near the wheel, and we found them to be fairly easy to use.
The Radio Flyer 3-In-1 Off-Road EZ Fold Wagon gets good reviews and passes ASTM safety standards. But it is not JPMA-certified, and it lacks other safety features, like a five-point harness and brakes, which we think stroller wagons meant for toting kids should have. Personally, I’m a science writer with more than a decade of experience interviewing experts in countless fields, including parenting, environmental science, and child development.
To accommodate a range of needs, we also chose our favorite bags for side sleepers, kids, and budget-conscious campers, among others. They usually weigh less, which is handy when lugging them around, but it generally means they are not as durable in inclement weather. The higher-priced models often weigh coleman sleeping bag more or offer better construction technology. Increased weight is generally the result of more durable and stable materials like steel and higher-denier tent canopies. While this option is on the pricier side compared to some on our list, users say it’s worth the splurge, thanks to its superior comfort and ease of use. Since nights are typically cooler than daylight hours, the air in your mattress is bound to condense overnight, causing some deflation.
The bare-bones Uline Utility Wagon was not as highly rated as the Mac Sports wagons. In addition, we thought some of the plastic pieces on the Pivot Xplore felt a bit flimsy—though they held up during our months of testing. The Pivot Xplore has a 90-day limited warranty, which is short compared with Veer’s two-year warranty. Some reviews on the Evenflo site mention that the front wheels rattle and shake, but we didn’t experience that.
I also took the non-stroller wagons to the beach, rolling them down the beach path and testing them on the sand. Additionally, I tested each wagon (filled with soccer equipment) on grass and bumpy, broken concrete surfaces, paying attention to how the suspension and wheels performed under different conditions. In spring 2021, I tested four additional beach-friendly wagons during several trips from my home in Santa Monica to the beach (10 blocks away) and back. I hauled both of my sons along with beach gear like boogie boards, coolers, chairs, and endless amounts of sand toys. With the return of the colder weather, it is time to pull out our winter sleeping bags. Mummy bags are very effective for keeping warm, but I am not comfortable in a confining bag.
After six months of regularly using this sleeping bag, we also love the interior phone pocket that allows you to have easy-access to cellphones in case of emergency. The women’s Torchlight features exterior loops for hang-drying, a storage sack, a stuff sack, and an inner mesh pouch for your cell phone. As the brand’s best-selling model, this Enlightened Equipment sleeping quilt is a favorite of long-distance hikers. After six months of regularly using this sleeping bag, we love its smart, ultra-lightweight design that allows for a comfortable night’s sleep in a range of temperatures and climates.
The Pivot Xplore weighs 34.7 pounds, so it’s much heavier than both Mac Sports wagons. Even though the Pivot Xplore lists only a “2019 JPMA Innovation Award” on its product page, we confirmed that the Pivot Xplore is in fact JPMA-certified, like the Veer Cruiser. The bag also has a durable water-repellent finish and a glow-in-the-dark zipper pull, ozark trail canopy and it is available with either left- or right-hand zippers for zip-together functionality. The Phantom bag is super warm, but not so warm that you feel hot, and breathable enough to prevent sweaty overheating. After six months of using this sleeping bag, we love it whether you’re heading off on a cold weather expedition or mountaineering trip.
Standing 16.5 inches tall, we appreciated the mattress’s lofty feel during our testing process. Ideal as an extra bed for one overnight guest or a child, the Intex Dura-Beam twin air mattress uses a built-in electric pump for easy set-up. It took six minutes to assemble the bed, and we also found that the pump made it faster and easier to deflate the air mattress, too.
If you’re planning to use a wagon as a stroller substitute at a theme park or other public venue, check the company’s policy in advance. The combination of their light weight and a fold-down frame makes folding wagons especially handy for everyday use, including getting in and out of a car or on and off public transportation. We’ve seen people using these wagons around the neighborhood and at the beach, as well as for gardening, outdoor concerts and movies, and sporting events. I even ran into a PTA parent who was using a wagon to schlep a used printer to school.
It also features a full-length draft tube and an external draft collar for temperature regulation, plus a waterproof and breathable footbox to keep toes warm and dry. The bag has an integrated pillow pocket for extra comfort, ozark trail sleeping bag and it can be zipped together with a right-zipper bag to create a double-sized blanket. The bag is a high-quality classic and has a variety of thoughtful features that make it comfortable in three seasons of chilly weather.