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 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).
This Mac Sports wagon folds up to about the same size as the beach-wagon version of the Mac Sports. But because of how tightly this one folds, it seems more compact and easy to carry than any of the other wagons we tested. When folded, the Mac Sports wagon’s dimensions are approximately 29½ by 20 by 8 inches. It comes with a small cover, which squeezes the accordion folds together tightly and makes the wagon easier to lift and carry with the included strap. The material is easy to wipe clean, and during our testing it didn’t grow any mildew when stored damp. Even after over a year of use, the wagon didn’t lose any ability to fold or unfold smoothly.
The Oniva Collapsible Adventure Wagon’s major downside was its folding mechanism, similar to that of an umbrella, rather than an accordion, like on the others. It was extremely hard to squeeze inward and still jutted outward if not squeezed into its cover—an impossible ordeal when wrangling two kids in a parking lot. The sand-removal feature, which seemed promising, worked only partially, and many reviewers noted that the wagon’s handle was short. Accessories and extras included will vary by manufacturer and cost of the tent. Some things to look for are side walls that offer more protection from the elements, including bug protection. Tents with lighting options or lantern hooks are another potential feature to look for.
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 ozark trail canopy 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.
To make frames heavy duty and last for years, aluminum, fiberglass, or steel are used. Materials that are water resistant and offer UV protection are used for the cover. The wheeled roller bag allows for easy transport across varied terrain. It is a bit on the heavy side, but a team of parents can easily help lift it in and out of the car.
But even though it had nice wheels and construction, this wagon was a headache to fold and unfold. It took two people—and several minutes—to put the L.L.Bean wagon away after use. We had to wrestle the cover onto the bulky rectangle and tug it down to get it on. 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. The Mac Sports wagon’s skinny rubber wheels, compared with larger-wheeled models we tested, sunk into the sand a bit during testing. This wasn’t too problematic when the wagon was carrying an average load (beach chairs, towels, drinks, and snacks).
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.
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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.