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The Spruce / Marcus Millan
The best foldable wagons simplify life by allowing you to easily transport supplies, pets, and even children and then collapse into a small, transportable package. “I’ve used it as my main transportation system for my triplets for three years,” says Anne Marie Hegler, general manager of WonderFold, an Irwindale, California-based company specializing in collapsible stroller wagons. Hegler says her folding wagon is a staple for trips to Target, Costco, and grocery stores. “None of those places have a cart that can fit all of my kids,” she adds.
To find the best wagons for a variety of needs, we researched a wide range of wagons, from basic, no-frills models to upscale, tricked-out designs. We looked at criteria such as versatility, portability, maneuverability, quality of materials used, and safety.
Best Overall
Mac Sports Wagon Classic
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Amazon
Mildew and UV-resistant fabric
Durable powder-coated steel frame
Easy to fold and store
Dependable rubber-tread wheels
Not designed to transport children
Small exterior pockets
The Mac Sports Classic Wagon is our best overall pick. The wagon’s sturdy frame is made of powder-coated steel, so it will weather well in outdoor elements, especially in coastal areas where metals are susceptible to corrosion from the salty air. The wagon’s fabric is also designed with outdoor use in mind. The durable 600 denier polyester fabric is commonly used to make backpacks and luggage. You can choose an understated color like black and blue or bold hues like pink, red, and Americana, a star-studded summery pattern. If you’re concerned about blending in outdoors while gardening, camping, or hunting, there are also military green and camouflage options.
The four wheels on the Mac Sports Classic are dependable rubber with a tread that won’t damage indoor flooring but can also smoothly navigate common pedestrian areas like urban sidewalks and parks. The handle snaps into place when you’re not using it, and its height is adjustable, making it easier for kids and adults to pull the wagon.
The wagon’s frame folds flat like an accordion when you pull a tab in the center of the wagon bed. To keep it from reopening, a Velcro-like hook and loop closure wraps around the webbed tote bag-like handles on the front and back of the wagon. You can stop there or put on the wagon’s cover, which fits over the wagon’s body and fastens with two bottom clips. The cover protects the wagon while you’re transporting or storing it and is a useful feature that many similar wagons at the same price point don’t include. The cover also helps with aesthetics and safety by covering the metal frame and keeping it away from fingers and other items that could get tangled in the mechanism. The folded wagon is about 8 inches thick, and you can store it by hanging the handles from a hook. At 22.5 pounds, the Mac Sports Classic is not the lightest wagon available, but even when collapsed, you can still roll it behind you.
Price at time of publish: $110
Dimensions: 35 x 20 x 23 inches | Weight capacity: 150 pounds | Material: Mildew and UV-resistant 600 denier polyester fabric, powder-coated steel frame | Overall Weight: 22.5 pounds
Best Budget
Quest Quad Fold Wagon
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Dick's Sporting Goods
Budget-friendly
Rubber-tread wheels
Roomy mesh storage pocket
Compact footprint when folded
Velcro-like closure
If you’re looking for an affordable folding wagon, check out our best budget pick, the Quest Quad Fold Wagon. The wagon has wheels with rubber treads similar to the wheels on our overall pick, making pulling it a breeze. It also has a removable pad that serves as both the wagon’s bottom when in use and as a makeshift case for the wagon when it’s stored. The pad wraps around the collapsed wagon and is secured by Velcro-like straps. The more compact design is ideal for storage areas or cars where space is a main consideration.
The Quest Quad comes in five colors and has a roomy mesh pocket on the exterior. The pocket is on the wagon's rear end, so if you’re planning to use it to store water bottles, your drink won’t be readily available while you’re moving.
Price at time of publish: $70
Dimensions: 35 x 19 x 21 inches | Weight capacity: 150 pounds | Material: Iron frame, PVC plastic wheels with rubber tread | Overall Weight: 20.5 pounds
Best Compact
Seina Compact Collapsible Wagon
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Amazon
Lightweight
Small footprint
Dependable rubber-tread wheels
Sturdy steel frame
T-style handle
At just over 12 pounds, the Seina Compact Folding Utility Cart is one of the lightest wagons on the market. The more compact size makes navigating tricky interior spaces such as narrow aisles and hallways easier, especially in dense urban spaces. This utility cart is capable of handling any situation. This sturdy cart can handle any task you throw at it thanks to its sturdy steel frame and 600D polyester fabric. This cart folds up and fits in your trunk, garage, or closet, making it easy to transport. It's easy to set up and use, too.
While the wagon folds accordion style, it lacks an exterior cover, leaving the metal frame’s mechanism exposed when collapsed. So be careful when handling to avoid pinching fingers, especially if you have children. The T-style handle may be more difficult to handle than the more traditional closed-loop wagon handle, but the height is adjustable.
Price at time of publish: $78
Dimensions: 29.5 x 17.9 x 18.5 inches, 25.8 x 18.5 x 4.9 inches folded | Weight capacity: 150 pounds | Material: Steel frame, polyester, PVC plastic wheels with rubber tread | Overall Weight: 12.10 pounds
Best Oversized
Gorilla Carts Collapsible Folding Wagon
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Amazon
Step-and-lock brakes on front wheels
Multiple storage pockets
Two exterior side pockets
Cup holders are not shallow
Most oversized carts are essentially big boxes without a lot of extras. That’s why we love the Gorilla Cart Folding Wagon: For roughly the same price as rival products, you get a deep wagon with bonus features that most competitors don’t offer. The most noticeable upgrade is the step-and-lock brakes on the front wheels, which are rare for most wagons. There are also expandable pockets on two sides to accommodate long, vertical items like umbrellas or pool noodles, as well as zippered pockets to store valuables like keys. The drink holders are the only feature that doesn't quite cut it. Don’t expect to place drinks in the ultra-shallow holders and pull the wagon simultaneously, as they will likely fall. The holders are better suited for use when the wagon is parked.
Like our best budget pick, the Gorilla wagon collapses in a quad-fold style. But instead of using Velcro straps to fasten the wagon’s cover for storage, the Gorilla’s straps clip together and can be tightened or loosened for more secure storage. There is also a handle on the outside of the cover, so the wagon is easier to carry.
Price at time of publish: $140
Dimensions: 40 x 23 x 39.5 inches, 25 x 8 inches folded. | Weight capacity: 150 pounds | Material: Metal frame, polyester | Overall Weight: 21 pounds
Best Extra Long
Mac Sports XTender Wagon
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Amazon
Accommodates long items
Mildew and UV-resistant fabric
Durable powder-coated steel frame
Comes with protective cover
Not designed to transport children
At 52 inches long, the Mac Sports XTender is the longest wagon on our list. It’s made of durable outdoor fabric, and the powder-coated steel frames can be stored in their carrying cases when the wagon is collapsed. It also includes two exterior mesh storage pockets designed for water bottles on the front of the wagon, but there’s a missed opportunity for another exterior storage pocket on the back of the XTender. Instead, the back houses an unsightly warning label.
The wagon carries a maximum of 150 pounds and can hold 5.6 cubic feet of cargo. Since more of your load can be laid flat on the XTender rather than piled on top of each other, this can help keep everything steady.
Price at time of publish: $114
Dimensions: 52.25 x 19.95 x 20 inches | Weight capacity: 150 pounds | Material: Mildew and UV-resistant 600 denier polyester fabric, powder-coated steel frame | Overall Weight: 25 pounds
Best Heavy Duty
Mac Sports XL Heavy Duty Wagon with Cargo Net
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Amazon
High weight capacity
Deep wagon bed
Oversize, wide wheels
Includes removable cargo net
Not designed to transport children
The Mac Sports XL Heavy Duty Wagon is a tougher version of the Mac Sports Classic Wagon, which is our best overall pick. Both wagons weigh roughly the same (about 22 pounds) and are made from similar durable fabrics and powder-coated steel frames. But the Mac XL wagon’s bed is several inches deeper and can carry up to 300 pounds—twice the 150-pound weight limit of the classic version. Wide, oversize all-terrain wheels help support the weight and are an upgrade from the thinner wheels on our overall pick.
There’s one other wagon on our list that can carry 300 pounds: The Beau Jardin, our pick for Best Wagon with Removable Fabric. But the Mac XL is six pounds lighter, and its wagon bed is one cubic foot larger than the Beau Jardin’s. The Mac XL also comes with a removable cargo net, so you can pile your wagon high and hook the net over the top of the wagon to help secure your gear. You can also buy a Mac cargo net separately for about $20.
Price at time of publish: $123
Dimensions: 37 x 20 x 31 inches, 22.03 x 7.87 x 32.36 folded. | Weight capacity: 300 pounds | Material: Mildew and UV-resistant 600 denier polyester fabric, powder-coated steel frame | Weight: 21.25 pounds
Best for Pets
Arcadia Trail Pet Wagon
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PetSmart
Back of wagon opens like a tailgate
Includes collapsible food/water dishes
Features a waste bag dispenser
High weight capacity
No brakes
You can put a pet in pretty much any wagon, but the Arcadia Trail Pet Wagon is intentionally designed for dogs. We like that this pet wagon can also be used to transport groceries, coolers, or other gear, unlike most pet strollers, designed with the stroller as the primary purpose. Two collapsible silicone food and water dishes are included with this wagon attached with carabiners, and the wagon's tailgate folds down to store the dishes in mesh holders. The wagon also has external storage pockets for treats, toys, and other pet items, including a compartment that dispenses waste bags.
Pet wagons, in contrast to pet strollers, are a relatively recent invention, and as such, there are a few features we hope to see refined in future models. The fabric on the Arcadia Trail wagon cannot be removed for washing, making it difficult to clean up any accidents that may occur while transporting your pet. The wagon also lacks brakes to help lock the wheels, and the instructions warn that the wagon can tip if a pet steps onto the open tailgate. All in all, we still think this wagon is a great option for pet parents to transport their furry friends.
Price at time of publish: $100
Dimensions: 24.5 x 19.2 x 20.5 inches | Weight capacity: 250 pounds | Material: Rust-resistant powder-coated steel frame, water-resistant polyester fabric, polypropylene wheels | Overall Weight: 25.5 pounds
Best for Beach
Mac Sports All-Terrain Beach Wagon with Side Table
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Amazon
Wide plastic tread wheels
Collapsible table with drink holders
Mildew and UV-resistant fabric
Durable powder-coated steel frame
No zippered storage pockets
The Mac Sports All-Terrain Beach Wagon with Side Table has 4-inch-wide wheels, which should provide better traction than skinny wheels on sandy or pebbly beaches. The wagon has UV-resistant material and a powder-coated steel frame to weather harsh salty coastal conditions. The fabric can't be removed but can withstand a hosing down after a day at the beach because it is mildew resistant.
The wagon includes a 17.5 x 9.2-inch collapsible table attached to the back. The table includes two drink holders and easily folds up or down to keep your beverages and snacks off the ground. The table adds a few extra pounds to the wagon’s weight, bringing it to 24.5 pounds. But if you prioritize weight over extra features, Mac Sports makes a beach wagon without a table that weighs 22 pounds that you can buy here. The wagon is spacious enough to store all your beach essentials such as chairs, toys, towels, and much more.
Price at time of publish: $137
Dimensions: About 45 x 21 x 25 inches | Weight capacity: 150 pounds | Material: Mildew and UV-resistant 600 denier polyester fabric, powder-coated steel frame | Overall Weight: 24.5 pounds
Best for Gardening
Beau Jardin Folding Beach Wagon
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Amazon
Removable fabric
Oversize, wide wheels
High weight capacity
Can roll when closed
Assembly required
The majority of wagons can be hosed down or spot-cleaned, but the fabric is usually not removable. The Beau Jardin (French for "beautiful garden") wagon's polyester material can be removed from the metal frame and washed, making it ideal for transporting and storing all of your dirty planting tools. It's up to you to decide how to clean it. The company recommends using a hose or handwashing.
The Beau Jardin is one of the heaviest wagons on our list. The Beau Jardin weighs in at just under 30 pounds but has a massive 300-pound capacity, allowing you to bring all your gardening tools along for the ride. Several netted pockets can neatly store gardening gloves, pruners, trowels, and more. Pulling the wagon across the grass is a breeze thanks to its sizable wheels.
Price at time of publish: $130
Dimensions: 34 x 20 x 26.4 inches open | Weight capacity: 300 pounds | Material: 600 denier polyester fabric, steel frame | Overall Weight: 28.9 pounds
Best Double Decker
Mac Sports Double Decker Wagon
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Amazon
Two-tiered wagon
Lower shelf holds long items
Durable rubber tread wheels
Telescoping, adjustable handle
Does not stand independently when closed
Heavy
A double decker wagon looks like a small-scale shopping cart you’d find at a big-box store. Like a traditional shopping cart, the version from Mac Sports has two levels. The upper part is shaped like a basket, while the lower part has an extendable shelf for stowing longer items like canopies, umbrellas, or collapsible chairs. Rather than having them protrude awkwardly from the wagon's bin, stowing them flat on the lower level will make your wagon more stable.
Unlike a shopping cart, the Mac Double Decker can be pulled by its adjustable telescoping handle rather than pushed. The floor can be folded up like an accordion when it's not in use, making storage a breeze.
Price at time of publish: $114
Dimensions: 40 x 20 x 28 inches, 29.5 x 20 x 8 inches folded. | Weight capacity: 150 pounds | Material: Water-repellant 600 denier polyester fabric, powder-coated steel frame, heavy-duty rubber tread wheels | Overall Weight: 27 pounds
Best for Kids
Wonderfold W2 Elite Multifunctional Double Stroller Wagon
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Amazon
Removable, reclinable seats
5-point padded safety harnesses
Removable canopy with adjustable poles
Zippered entrance for children
Heavy
Snack tray sold separately
The Wonderfold W2 Elite Stroller Wagon is an ingenious way to transport kids who think they’re too big for a stroller but still need to be efficiently transported. We especially love the fun “secret” zippered door that allows kids to get in and out of the wagon, a feature that would also appeal to people who cannot lift kids constantly.
The Elite is a mid-level Wonderfold model that is designed with kid comfort as a priority. Unlike traditional wagons that require kids to sit directly on the wagon’s bottom, this Wonderfold includes removable, reclinable elevated seats so kids sit more like they would in a car instead of on the floor. The W2 is so named because it comes with two seats, but if you need to transport more kids, you can buy this W4 Elite model that includes four seats and holds up to 300 pounds.
Price at time of publish: $599
Dimensions: 44.5 x 25 x 52.5 inches, 40.5 x 25 x 19 inches folded | Weight capacity: Maximum of 200 pounds (45 pounds per seat) | Material: Steel, polyester fabric, neoprene handlebar cover | Overall Weight: 47 pounds with seats
Best All-Terrain
Veer Cruiser Stroller Wagon
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Amazon
Handle designed for pushing or pulling
3-point safety harnesses
Foot brake
Rugged, oversized all-terrain wheels
Shade structures sold separately
The Veer Cruiser is one of the few wagons that includes more rigid sides but can still fold easily into a compact, portable package. When collapsed, Veer's seat backs and fabric sidewalls, supported by an aircraft-grade aluminum frame, fold flat against the wagon's bottom rather than folding quadrantally or accordion-style. The oversized, rugged wheels are designed for various surfaces, including off-road terrain and even snow.
There is a deep menu of accessories that you can buy separately, including canopies, storage baskets, five-point harness toddler seats, weather covers, and a travel bag. If you plan to buy accessories right away, this can increase your initial cost. You can also buy adapters that allow you to attach an infant car seat to the stroller wagon.
Price at time of publish: $699
Dimensions: 37 x 25 x 23 inches. 37 x 20 x 14 inches folded. | Weight capacity: 110 pounds (55 pounds per seat) or 300 pounds of non-human cargo | Material: Aircraft grade aluminum frame, foam filled tires | Overall Weight: 32.5 pounds
Best UV Blocking Canopy
Evenflo Pivot Xplore All-Terrain Stroller Wagon
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Amazon
Removable UPF 50+ sun canopies
Roomy exterior storage basket
3-point safety harnesses
Foot brake
Assembly required
Evenflo is known for making strollers, so it shouldn’t be a surprise that its Pivot Xplore All-Terrain Stroller Wagon aesthetic leans more toward strollers than wagons. The Pivot Xplore includes a snack tray, standard three-point harnesses, and a footwell, which long-legged kids will likely find more comfortable. While you can also buy infant and toddler seat adapters separately, the Pivot Xplore includes two shade canopies made from UPF 50+ fabric to protect your little ones from harmful rays.
The adjustable handle mimics the form and function of a stroller's push bar. Instead of adding an additional wagon pull handle, the push bar arcs to the other side of the stroller wagon so you can pull it. This may be a good compromise for adults who lack upper body strength or would find it physically uncomfortable (think elderly grandparents) to pull around a wagon of kids and would prefer to push them.
Price at time of publish: $340
Dimensions: 27 x 39 x 45 inches | Material: Metal, fabric, rubber wheels | Overall Weight: 34.7 pounds
Best with Seating
Radio Flyer Convertible Stroller Wagon
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Amazon
Foldable push bar and pull handle
Two five-point safety harnesses
Rear foot brake
Removable canopy
Assembly required
The Radio Flyer Convertible Stroll ‘N Wagon is the entry-level wagon in the new series and is more basic than the other stroller wagon picks on our list. The wheels are plastic instead of the more durable all-terrain rubber versions on some other options. But there’s still one feature that appears to be unique to Radio Flyer. Most of the company’s collapsible wagons include a zippered side to convert the wagon into a bench. The bench option is ideal for movies or picnics in the park and allows kids to scramble in and out of the wagon without you lifting them.
The wagon includes a removable canopy with retractable poles that lower into the wagon’s corners and are out of sight when not in use. The wagon also includes two five-point harnesses so you can pull the wagon and look forward without worrying about looking behind you to make sure your kids haven’t climbed out of or fallen out of the wagon.
Price at time of publish: $180
Dimensions: 33 x 19 x 11 inches | Weight capacity: 120 pounds | Material: Metal, polyester fabric, plastic wheels | Overall Weight: 31.31 pounds
Our best overall pick is the Mac Sports Wagon Classic, because it’s a durable, reliable, and affordable workhorse that easily folds into a neat, portable flat rectangle when you’re done using it. If you’re looking for an affordable wagon that can handle most indoor and outdoor everyday tasks, the Quest Quad Fold Wagon is an excellent value for an all-purpose starter wagon.
What to Look for in a collapsible wagon
Purpose
Before you choose a wagon, consider how you will use it. If you want an all-purpose wagon that can get coolers and gear to the beach, sports games and tailgates, groceries to your home, and camping and gardening equipment across outdoor terrain, the Mac Classic Sports Wagon is a versatile option that you can repurpose for different tasks. If you want a wagon that’s suited to a specific task, be sure to prioritize your needs. For example, if you want a wagon designed specifically for a pet, check out the Arcadia Trail Pet Wagon, which features designated spaces for the included collapsible food and water dishes and a dispenser for waste bags.
Kids in wagons
Keep in mind that the majority of wagons are not safe for transporting kids. Stroller wagons are designed to the same safety standards as strollers, making them ideal for transporting young children. Unlike most strollers, stroller wagons are likely big enough to support an adult. Recently, Anne Marie Hegler, general manager of Wonderfold Wagon, says she’s seen an increase in wagons used for breastfeeding. Hegler says that stroller wagons are also especially popular for children with special needs who need to travel with medical equipment like oxygen tanks or feeding pouches.
Material
If you plan to use your wagon exclusively outdoors in a garden or for camping, consider wagons made of materials that will withstand harsh weather. The Mac Sports All-Terrain Beach Wagon features a mildew and UV-resistant fabric, which makes it a great option for your summer beach trips.
Weight Capacity
Collapsible wagons require people's power to move them. If you have the strength to pull heavy loads, you may want a wagon that can handle up to 300 pounds. For the elderly or young people who want to sell Girl Scout cookies door-to-door, there are lightweight wagons available. The Seina Large Folding Sports Utility Wagon is one of the lightest wagons on our list; it can carry 150 pounds but only weighs approximately 15 pounds.
Storage capacity
A wagon’s overall dimensions should include its frame, which can be vastly different from the wagon bed, where you’ll place most of your gear. If you’re using a wagon to transport things like soil that’s measured in cubic feet, you may be interested in the storage capacity of the interior as well as the wagon’s weight capacity.
Ease of Use
Having a wagon that can be folded up and put away quickly will make using it much less of a hassle. Keep an eye out for wagons with flimsy locks. Some covers fit over wagons and are secured with a Velcro-like strap that is not strong enough to hold the wagon’s weight. We prefer covers with latches that snap securely together.
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How much weight can a folding wagon carry?
Pay close attention to the maximum static and dynamic load weights specified in the wagon's user manual. As an example, if a wagon has a static load capacity of 265 pounds, that means it can support that weight when the load is not being moved. However, the same wagon might only support a 132-pound dynamic or moving load.
Stroller wagons that have individual seats for children may list weight maximums per seat. For example, the two-seated Veer Cruiser says the wagon will hold a 55-pound child per seat or 300 pounds of non-human cargo.
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Do foldable wagons work on sand?
Yes, but the type of sand is also a factor. Deep sand is more difficult to traverse than packed, wet sand. As a general rule, try to look for wagons with wide tires for extra traction. For this reason, beach wagons typically feature oversized, wide wheels.
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How do you fold a collapsible wagon?
Most wagons are either designed to fold like an accordion or a quad fold. The metal frame of an accordion-style wagon can be folded flat, as the name implies, by lifting a pull in the center of the wagon. A quad-fold wagon may also utilize a pull in the middle of the wagon’s floor to bring the four corners of the wagon into the center, where it can be secured by a strap or cover.
Why Trust The Spruce?
This article was written by Laurie Mansfield Reiter, a journalist with years of experience in researching, testing, and recommending home and garden products. For more than five years, Reiter has personally owned and used our overall pick, the Mac Sports Wagon Classic, in a hilly Los Angeles beach neighborhood as well as on the urban streets and parks in Brooklyn, New York. In preparation for this article, she interviewed Anne Marie Hegler, general manager of WonderFold Wagon. She also consulted the certification standards from the American Society for Testing and Materials and the safety standard for carriages and strollers from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.