Mountain Buggy Nano Review

The Mountain Buggy Nano earned average scores in most metrics resulting in an average overall score and rank too low to win any award.

Mountain Buggy began in 1992 when a dad wanted a stroller with all-terrain capabilities to enjoy the New Zealand countryside. With this desire in mind, the Mountain Buggy's all-terrain platform was born. Mountain Buggy continued to improve and change the style over the years creating strollers that work from newborn to toddler on the city streets and over mountain trails.

Performance Comparison

The chart below shows where the Nano (shown in blue) ranks compared to the competition.

The following review includes information on how the Nano performed during testing in each metric. Key metrics like weight and folded size had a greater influence on the overall score as being lighter weight is King for umbrella strollers.

The Nano carry strap is not long enough to be a shoulder straps, but is too long to be a good handle as it allows the stroller to swing awkwardly while carrying.

Weight and Folded Size

In this metric, the Nano earned a slightly above average 6 of 10. This stroller has a weight of 13.3 lbs and measures 4,734 cubic inches when all folded up. While the weight is only average, it is one of the smallest products. However, if you want small and light, the similarly priced Quinny Yezz is only 12.6 lbs and 3,262 cubic inches, making it easy to stow or carry.

Ease of Use

The Nano scored a 5 of 10 for ease of use. If ease of use is a high priority, the Nano may not be as good as some of the competition.

The nano folds into thirds creating a smaller folded package than a traditional umbrella stroller that collapses in on itself in a long folded final product.

Fold and Unfold

The Nano fold is more difficult than the average option. This stroller has a two-handed fold with a manual lock and self-stand.

The Nano brake pedal is color coded for at a glance brake checks.

Brakes

The Nano has easy to set and release single action brakes with an accessible pedal that is color-coded to help parents know when which side to press. The pedal is more akin to a pedal found on a standard stroller and is sandal foot friendly.

The low bin back with metal bar across the top make the Nano storage bin difficult to access with larger items.

Storage

The Nano storage basket can carry up to 11 lbs and it fit a medium size diaper bag. Bin access isn't great and is further complicated by the recline of the seat back. The back of the bin is relatively shallow and has a bar across the top that limits how big an item can be and still squeeze in.

The Nano canopy is on the smaller side and lacks a peek-a-boo window.

Sunshade

The canopy on the Nano is on the small side and doesn't cover to the knee. The canopy doesn't have an SPF rating or a peek-a-boo window, which it may not need, given how small the shade is.

Each strap on the Nano's harness inserts in the buckle separately and the shoulder straps do not tighten small enough for smaller passengers.

Harness

The Nano has a 5-point harness rethread that is fairly easy to alter with a large tab to press through the slots in the seat. Adjustment on straps is also easy, by lifting the tab and pulling the strap through and closing the tab. The buckle is a little convoluted with all the straps being inserted into the buckle one at a time, with 4 pieces to connect.

The Nano's recline adjustment toggle is one-handed to lower, but requires two hands to raise.

Seat

The Nano seat has an adjustable seat back that reclines midway to flat and an adjustable leg rest that extends out for additional napping space. The seat and rest have adequate padding, but the recline adjustment isn't far enough for truly cozy napping. The recline adjustment toggle is plastic and can be operated with one hand with the press of a button, but requires two hands to sit upright. The footrest is nicely placed in front of the seat so that passengers can use it without tucking feet under the seat.

Car Seat Compatibility

This stroller is compatible with a variety of infant car seat carriers including Mountain Buggy Protect, Phil and Teds Alpha, some Graco Snugride Classic Connect seat, Snugride Click Connect 32, 35, Peg Perego Primo Viaggio 4-35, Chicco Keyfit 30, Maxi Cosi, and Cybex Aton.

Ease of Setup

Setting up the Nano is easy, with no tools and an average manual. It took us 4:32 minutes to put it together, going from openingthe box all the way up to being ready to use.

Maneuverability

The Nano earned a 7 of 10 for maneuverability, which is a nice score for an umbrella product. This stroller moves and turns like a larger stroller with better wheels. We had no difficulty pushing and turning on flat surfaces, with a small decrease in functionality when we hit rougher roads. However, pushing and turning on grass and gravel is still better than most of the competition. Even negotiating curbs is easy with a longer handle and less bounce.

The single front wheels on the Nano help it outperform the dual wheel competition.

This stroller has rear wheel suspension and a single foam covered handlebar. With the limited seat reclines, 2 wheel suspension it probably isn't the best for passenger comfort. However, it does have an adjustable leg rest and adequate padding, so it isn't uncomfortable.

Quality

The Nano earned a 6 of 10 for quality. The Nano has middle of the road components and materials that look rather nice. However, the final product had difficulty competing with some of the competition and came out feeling rather average with no real standout nods to quality with the possible exception of nicer wheels that move smoothly.

Manufacturer Video