A true safeguard from UV rays, the capacity for this tent is only three adults with room for one to two beach chairs. It stands up to afternoon rain showers with the waterproof canopy, and beach breezes are no cause for concern. Living in the south, spending time outside is practically second nature. Between barbecues, crawfish boils, and annual family reunions, the great outdoors sort of feels like my second home.
The southwest eclipse path passes through several states and may reach nearly 100% coverage in certain areas. We also found that, even when fully open, the wagon bed doesn’t lie flat. We ultimately settled on a testing pool of six models that were recommended by experts and well reviewed, and that included the features testers told us they wanted. Wagons can be helpful for all kinds of jaunts, including trips to the beach and the farmers market. If you intend to use your wagon primarily at the beach, we recommend the Mac Sports Heavy Duty Collapsible Folding All Terrain Utility Cart.
With 6.7 cubic feet of internal volume, this wagon fit more stuff than any of the other beach wagons we tested—while also clocking in at a middle-of-the-road 24.5 pounds. The Mac Sports Heavy Duty wagon has 9-inch wheels that are 4 inches wide. Yet it was less likely to tip over than other ozark trail backpack beach wagons we tested, and it didn’t sink into the sand, even when filled to capacity. We also like that this wagon has small, rivet-sized holes in its four internal corners that help let sand out (this is an unexpected-but-much-appreciated feature we didn’t find in other models).
The Mac Sports Heavy Duty Collapsible Folding All Terrain Utility Cart has the largest wheels and, at 6.7 cubic feet, the largest volume of any wagon we tested. This wagon easily folds and unfolds, and we found that it was simple (at 24.5 pounds) to lift into the car after a long day in the sun. We have a few issues with this wagon—the telescoping handle can feel flimsy, and it costs around $50 more than the standard Mac Sports wagon. Get comfortable with this Ozark Trail Classic Folding Camp Chairs Set of 4. It is an ideal solution for sitting and relaxing in comfort during outdoor activities. Each one features arm rests with a built-in cup holder for keeping beverages close at hand.
Wirecutter is the product recommendation service from The New York Times. Our journalists combine independent research with (occasionally) over-the-top testing so you can make quick and confident buying decisions. Whether it’s finding great products or discovering helpful advice, we’ll help you get it right (the first time). Make that camping trip more comfortable with easy entry and exit points and zipper openings on both sides that provide quick in and out access. No need to worry about any crawlies getting in with the solid perimeter at the base.
After spotting the Ozark Trail Oversized Mesh Cooler Chair on TikTok, I immediately knew I had to get my hands on it. To start, we assessed the initial assembly of each wagon, noting any particular frustrations, as well as any extra tools that were required. 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. I’m also the mom of two small guys whose stuff I have been hauling around in wagons since I began working on this guide three years ago (they’ve occasionally hopped in for a ride, too). I live in coastal California, where wagons are often the default way to move kids, beach gear, and even school equipment around the neighborhood.
Two mesh walls let the breeze in, while two entryways make it easy to get in and out. The 7000 series aluminum frame construction and waterproof fabric offer UPF 50+ protection from the sun, while the double stitching and weather-taped fabric offer maximum coverage from rain. The 99 feet of floor space equals about 50 feet of shade, providing room for approximately three chairs.