In Depth Baby Product Reviews Led by a Pediatrician

Mountain Buggy Nano Duo Review

Somewhat pricey umbrella that is well made and fits in tight spaces
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mountain buggy nano duo double umbrella stroller review
The Nano Duo is a double lightweight stroller with heavy allowable storage and quality materials.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Price:  $600 List
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Manufacturer:   Mountain Buggy
By Juliet Spurrier, MD and Wendy Schmitz  ⋅  Dec 20, 2021
65
OVERALL
SCORE


RANKED
#2 of 5
  • Weight/Folded Size - 40% 8.2
  • Ease Of Use - 30% 6.0
  • Maneuverability - 20% 3.6
  • Quality - 10% 7.0

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.
REASONS TO BUY
Very small
Well-made
Adjustable leg rests
REASONS TO AVOID
Expensive
Harder to fold
No peek-a-boo windows
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

 
Awards Editors' Choice Award Editors' Choice Award Top Pick Award Best Value Award  
Price $600 List
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$320 List
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Bottom Line Sort of expensive for a stroller with few features but it's smaller and well-madeThis double option is easy to use and comfy for passengers, but the brakes take some work, and the maneuverability isn't stellarGood-looking lightweight option with useful features and comfy seatingInexpensive stroller that is fairly small for a side-by-side and easier to carryThe limited rear seat potential is disappointing at this price
Rating Categories Mountain Buggy Nano... Zoe Twin+ UPPAbaby G-Link 2 Delta Children LX S... Joovy Caboose Ultra...
Weight/Folded Size (40%)
8.2
7.2
5.6
9.0
4.4
Ease Of Use (30%)
6.0
8.6
7.3
2.7
4.9
Maneuverability (20%)
3.6
4.0
5.1
3.6
4.1
Quality (10%)
7.0
7.0
9.0
3.0
6.0
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

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



mountain buggy nano duo double umbrella stroller review - the duo folds smaller than any other option in the review making it...
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.


mountain buggy nano duo double umbrella stroller review - the nano isn't the easiest to use with strange design features like...
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.

The Nano has an automatic lock that engages without additional...
The Nano has an automatic lock that engages without additional pressure.
The Nano has a carry strap for easier carrying of this relatively...
The Nano has a carry strap for easier carrying of this relatively lightweight stroller.

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.


The brake pedal on the Nano Duo is color-coded and is press to set...
The brake pedal on the Nano Duo is color-coded and is press to set and release making it sandal foot friendly.
The Nano brake pedals are easy to set and release, and the...
The Nano brake pedals are easy to set and release, and the color-coded feature makes it user-friendly.

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.

mountain buggy nano duo double umbrella stroller review - the storage bin on the nano has an impressive weight limit of 17.6...
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.


mountain buggy nano duo double umbrella stroller review - the nano sunshades are medium in size and while they don't cover as...
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.


mountain buggy nano duo double umbrella stroller review - the nano canopies lack peek-a-boo windows and are only medium in size.
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.

mountain buggy nano duo double umbrella stroller review - the individual straps on the duo need to be put in the buckle...
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.

The seat back recline toggle for the Nano Duo works with one hand to...
The seat back recline toggle for the Nano Duo works with one hand to recline and two to raise.
The leg rests on the duo are adjustable but the side bar could be...
The leg rests on the duo are adjustable but the side bar could be uncomfortable during longer trips.

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.

mountain buggy nano duo double umbrella stroller review - despite having the single wheel per leg that we prefer, the nano is...
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.

mountain buggy nano duo double umbrella stroller review - the swivel front wheels on the duo can be locked in place for easier...
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.

mountain buggy nano duo double umbrella stroller review - while the nano has the single front wheel design we prefer it still...
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.

mountain buggy nano duo double umbrella stroller review - the nano is a quality stroller with a sturdy frame and sleek design.
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