REASONS TO BUY
Very small
Well-made
Adjustable leg rests
REASONS TO AVOID
Expensive
Harder to fold
No peek-a-boo windows
Mountain Buggy Nano Duo Review
Somewhat pricey umbrella that is well made and fits in tight spaces
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Price: $550 List
Manufacturer:
Mountain Buggy
By Juliet Spurrier, MD and Wendy Schmitz ⋅ Dec 20, 2021
RELATED: Best Double Umbrella Strollers
The Skinny
The Mountain Buggy Nano Duo earned an impressive higher rank in our best double umbrella stroller review. It outshines the competition as one of the smallest options when folded, making it a prime candidate for parents with smaller vehicles or who travel. This stroller has a high storage weight limit, self-stands when folded, and has limited flex in the frame, which is a rare feat for an umbrella-style stroller. Unfortunately, the Nano Duo has small canopies with no peek-a-boo windows, and it lacks additional features like cup holders or other storage pockets. It also sports a higher price than most of the competition, making it a no-go for those with smaller budgets. However, we think it is a quality stroller with stylish features that many parents will love, with a size and weight that even more will appreciate. If price is a concern, the Zoe Twin+ might be worth a look-see.
Editor's Note: This gear review was updated with more details on the weight and folded size of the product to help readers make a comparison in a side-by-side fashion. The update occurred on December 18, 2021
Compare to Similar Products
 This Product
Mountain Buggy Nano Duo | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Awards |  | |  |  | |
| Price | $550 List $549.95 at Amazon | $299 List | $350 List $279.99 at Amazon | $100 List Check Price at Amazon | $320 List Check Price at Amazon |
Overall Score  |
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| Star Rating | |||||
| Pros | Very small, well-made, adjustable leg rests | Easy to use, giant canopies, quick fold, includes accessories | High quality, comfy seats, useful features | Price, small, light, easy to stow | Better maneuverability, good quality, parent console |
| Cons | Expensive, harder to fold, no peek-a-boo windows | Brakes require extra attention to set, hard to push and turn off-road | Heavier, storage bin access issues | Lower quality, harder to use | Heavier, larger, hard to use storage, higher price |
| Bottom Line | Somewhat pricey umbrella that is well made and fits in tight spaces | This sturdy ride for two includes adequate storage, a quick fold, useful accessories, and lighter weight, but its brakes take some extra attention | Stylish and high quality choice with useful features for longer trips | A budget-friendly option that is easy to carry and fits in small spaces | Heavy with limited rear seat function that disappoints for the price |
| Rating Categories | Mountain Buggy Nano... | Zoe Twin+ | UPPAbaby G-Link 2 | Delta Children LX S... | Joovy Caboose Ultra... |
| Weight/Folded Size (40%) | |||||
| Ease Of Use (30%) | |||||
| Maneuverability (20%) | |||||
| Quality (10%) | |||||
| Specs | Mountain Buggy Nano... | Zoe Twin+ | UPPAbaby G-Link 2 | Delta Children LX S... | Joovy Caboose Ultra... |
| Weight | 20.3 lbs | 19.8 lbs | 21.3 lbs | 18.5 lbs | 23.9 lbs |
| Folded Dimensions | 28.5"W x 13"H x 20.2"L | 29.25"W x 28.5"H x 12.5"L | 18"W x 15"H x 42"L | 17"W x 11.5"H x 42"L | 21.2"W x 11.8"H x 45.5"L |
| Folded Volume | 4.3 cu ft | 6.0 cu ft | 6.6 cu ft | 4.8 cu ft | 6.6 cu ft |
| Capacity Limits | Minimum: 6 months Maximum: 33 lbs |
Minimum: 3 months Maximum: 45 lbs |
Minimum: 3 months Maximum: 55 lbs/45" |
Minimum: Must Have Proper Head and Neck Control Maximum: 35 lbs |
Minimum: 3 months Front Seat, 6 months Rear Seat Maximum: 45 lbs/44" |
| Included Car Seat Compatibility | None | None | None | None | Baby Trend Flex-Loc, Latch-Loc Britax B-Safe, B-Safe 35, B-Safe 35 Elite, Chaperone BOB B-Safe Chicco KeyFit, KeyFit 30 Combi Shuttle 33, Shuttle, Connection Cybex Aton, Aton 2, Aton Q Evenflo Embrace Graco Junior Baby, SafeSeat, Snugride Click Connect 30, 35, 40, SnugRide Classic Connect 22, 32, 35 JJ Cole Newport Lamaze Via Maxi Cosi Mico, Mico NXT, Mico AP, Cabriofix, Pebble, Prezi Mothercare Travel Tot Nuna Pipa Peg Perego Primo Viaggio 4-35, Primo Viaggio SIP, Primo Viaggio SIP 30/30 Recaro Performance Coupe Safety 1st onBoard 35, onBoard 35 Air, Designer 22 UPPAbaby Mesa |
| Click-in Car Seat Adapters | None | None | None | None | None |
| Strap-in Car Seat Adapters | None | None | None | None | Baby Trend Flex-Loc, Latch-Loc Britax B-Safe, B-Safe 35, B-Safe 35 Elite, Chaperone BOB B-Safe Chicco KeyFit, KeyFit 30 Combi Shuttle 33, Shuttle, Connection Cybex Aton, Aton 2, Aton Q Evenflo Embrace Graco Junior Baby, SafeSeat, Snugride Click Connect 30, 35, 40, SnugRide Classic Connect 22, 32, 35 JJ Cole Newport Lamaze Via Maxi Cosi Mico, Mico NXT, Mico AP, Cabriofix, Pebble, Prezi Mothercare Travel Tot Nuna Pipa Peg Perego Primo Viaggio 4-35, Primo Viaggio SIP, Primo Viaggio SIP 30/30 Recaro Performance Coupe Safety 1st onBoard 35, onBoard 35 Air, Designer 22 UPPAbaby Mesa |
| One-handed Fold | No | No | No | No | No |
| Locking Fold | Auto | Auto | Auto | Manual | Manual |
| Self-standing Fold | Yes | No | No | No | No |
| Carry Strap | Yes | No | No | No | No |
| Handlebar Height - Min/Max | 39.7" | 41" | 41.5" | 36.8" | 41.8" |
| Sandal-friendly Brake | Yes | Yes | No | No | Yes |
| Included Accessories | None | Parent Cup Holder 2 Children Cup/Snack Holder |
None | None | None |
| Setup Time | 2-5 Min | 2-5 Min | 2-5 Min | 2-5 Min | 10-15 Min |
Show full specification detailsHide full specification details
Our Analysis and Test Results
In 1992, a dad was inspired to start Mountain Buggy when he couldn't find a great all-terrain option for exploring the backwoods of New Zealand. With a clear goal, he created the Moutain Buggy's all-terrain platform and launched his first stroller. The company continues to improve its designs, creating products for newborns to toddlers for city life and mountain trails.
Performance Comparison
The Duo folds smaller than any other option in the review making it a good choice for those with smaller vehicles.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Weight and Folded Size
The Nano is one of the smallest folded strollers in the double umbrella stroller the group at 7,484 cubic inches, helping it earn an eye-catching high score in this metric.
It weighs 20.3 lbs, which is relatively lightweight for the group. These measurements make the Nano a good choice if your space is limited or you have difficulty lifting heavier things.
The Nano isn't the easiest to use with strange design features like a low bar that inhibits access to the storage bin.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Ease of Use
The Nano isn't as easy to use compared to some of the competition, earning it a mediocre score in this metric. However, only a handful of strollers scored higher as much of the group lacks features parents will be looking for.
Fold and Unfold
Folding the Nano is somewhat complicated to fold with an automatic lock (above left) and self-stand. It requires two hands to fold and unfold. You need to really compress the stroller to engage the lock, and you need to secure the wrist strap to prevent the handlebar from unfolding on its own. It has a carry strap for easier carrying (above right). The fold and unfold tests are 25% of the total ease of use score.
Brakes
The Nano has single-action brakes with a color-coded pedal (above left) that is easy to operate. The brakes are press-to-set and release (above right), making them foot-friendly no matter your footwear.
The storage bin on the Nano has an impressive weight limit of 17.6 lbs, but the bars on the back make it difficult to get larger bags inside.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Storage
The Nano storage bin is medium-sized and holds our large diaper bag. It has a large maximum weight limit of over 17 lbs, but the bars make it difficult to fit larger bags inside. There is no other storage on the stroller. Storage test results are 25% of the ease of use total.
The Nano sunshades are medium in size and while they don't cover as much as some of the competition, they cover enough and more than some of the competition.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Sunshade
While the sunshades on the Nano are not particularly large and did not necessarily impress, they offer more coverage than some lightweight double strollers. Sunshade size, quality, and usefulness are 20% of the ease of use metric total.
The Nano canopies lack peek-a-boo windows and are only medium in size.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
However, it is easy to operate and has a flip-out visor. It does not have a peek-a-boo window, and it doesn't rotate forward to offer protection from wind or low-setting sun.
The individual straps on the Duo need to be put in the buckle separately making it somewhat convoluted.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Harness
The Nano harnesses are 5-point and have shoulder padding. The harness is easy to adjust and can be small enough for petite passengers. The buckle works well, but you have to put in each strap on its own, so it is involved and takes extra time. The crotch strap is not adjustable.
Seat
The Nano seatbacks do not recline very far, and heads will be lolling during nap time. The seatback adjustment toggle (above left) is easy to use and has infinite angles within the range. The adjustable leg rests (above right) are padded, but they have a bar right at the bend in the edge of the seat that could cause some discomfort on longer rides. Passenger comfort features are 15% of the total ease of use metric.
Ease of Setup
The Nano Duo is easy enough to set up with a time of about 3 minutes and 30 seconds, and no tools are required. The manual is average, but at least it isn't confusing.
Despite having the single wheel per leg that we prefer, the Nano is not very easy to push and turn.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Maneuverability
The Nano earned a below-average score for maneuverability, despite having the higher-performing single front-wheeled design.
This score is one of the highest in a group that generally disappointed when it came to ease of pushing or turning.
The swivel front wheels on the Duo can be locked in place for easier pushing over uneven terrain.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
The front swivel wheels can lock into place for easier pushing over uneven terrain; however, it really only moves well over flat surfaces.
While the Nano has the single front wheel design we prefer it still isn't the easiest to push and turn if the surface is anything other than flat.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
The front wheels are narrow set, and we didn't have any difficulty getting them through our testing course or doorways. The wheels are foam-filled plastic and smaller than we'd like for best maneuverability.
The Nano is a quality stroller with a sturdy frame and sleek design.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Quality
The Nano Duo is a nicer quality stroller than most umbrella options, earning a relatively high score in this metric.
The stroller frame has better than average flex, and the fabric fits the frame nicely. The connection points are solid, and the overall fit and finish are simple but well-executed. The Duo has canvas fabric that feels durable but not as comfortable as we'd like. If quality is your main concern, the UPPAbaby G-Link 2 is one to consider, and it typically sports a lower price than the Mountain Buggy.
Should You Buy the Mountain Buggy Nano Duo?
The Nano Duo earned a higher rank and better test performance results than much of the competition. It is a tight stroller with a sleek look and features that work well. We think parents looking for a very small stroller that fits in tight places will appreciate what the Nano has to offer.
What Other Double Umbrella Stroller Should You Consider?
The Nano may not be the option for everyone as it has a high price for what is likely a secondary stroller, and it lacks some of the functionality conveniences parents might want. We think the budget-minded Zoe Twin+ is a great option that performed well during tests and is easy to use. This stroller has big canopies, comfy seating, and some added standard features we didn't see on all of the competition.
Manufacturer Video
—
Juliet Spurrier, MD and Wendy Schmitz
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