Holiday gift guide for adventurous families

Every August, I get a sneak peek into the holiday gifting season. Outdoor Retailer is the largest trade show for outdoor and travel gear, and each summer, they have all their new and soon-to-be-available products on display. We curated our favorites here at Pit Stops for Kids, just in time for holiday gift giving.

holiday gift guide for adventurous families

Ready for the scoop on the newest, most innovative travel gear for 2018, available this holiday season? Here’s our holiday gift guide for adventurous families:

Gear for the whole family:

MyCharge Adventure Jump Start: Have you ever needed to jump start your car, but you were in an isolated place and no one was around with another car to help? Or you were in an isolated place, and didn’t feel comfortable asking for help? The Adventure Jump Start is the size of a large electronics/phone charger, but can charge your car or boat, without another car. It comes with cables and when you’re not using it for car charging, you can keep it in your car to charge everything else.

Watershed Drybags Big Creek backpack: If your family rafts, kayaks, boats, fishes, or hikes near creeks and lakes, you’ll want one of these waterproof backpacks that roll down small and are actually comfortable to wear. We could have used one when we took a whole slew of gear canoeing in Maine and were caught in a summer thunderstorm. The Big Creek is a manageable size at 21 liters (larger ones available) and a large top opening and handy wide lug handle. The straps are padded, too! Pick one up for $129 up in a variety of sizes.

Sunski Yuba sunglasses: Sporting matte tortoise polarized lens, I love Sunski because their glasses are affordable yet durable and stylish. My teens jump at the chance to try them, and my 17-year-old immediately claimed the Yubas. They’re lightweight and work great on the backcountry ski slopes in winter, and on the lake in summer. Pick up a pair for $58!

Gobi Gear Hobo Roll 2.0: We’ve been using Gobi Gear’s hobo roll since it first came out a few years ago. The design has improved, however, making this ingenious packing tool even more useful. Simply fill your smaller travel items into the divided compartments, and roll up. You’re left with a compact stuff sack of gear that stays organized!

Fjallraven Kanken: This classic Fjallraven backpack is a great multi-use gift for just about anyone on your list. Kids, teens, and adults all love it, and it’s handy as a carry-on bag for electronics, snacks, and comfort items for just about any trip you could take.

Outfitting Mom or Dad:

Teva Ember Moc: This new moccasin shoe from Teva is to die for. It’s as comfortable as a slipper, but with its quilted moc look, you can wear it out and about, too. It’s my new favorite shoe for ski cabins and hotel rooms, and packs down quite small in my suitcase, too.

Dovetail Maven jeans: I am so in love with this women-owned and operated company that makes work-tough jeans for women that still look stylish and fit great! Our favorite is the Maven pant, which comes in stretch denim or stretch canvas, has big, deep pockets women can actually utilize, and are slim fit for those fashionable travel days. Try a pair now at Dovetail!

Momentum Twist Rubber watch: This is my absolute favorite travel watch. The Momentum Twist is rugged, with a rubber band that can stand plenty of wear and tear. It’s also waterproof, and sapphire crystal is tough as nails, too. This watch has been on the market for a couple years, but is now better than ever.

Mountain Khakis Bison Commuter Portfolio: Mountain Khakis is one of my favorite outdoor gear and clothing brands, and they are debuting a new line of bison leather luggage this season. The commuter portfolio is a sleek men’s bag, that’s ideal for business travelers who also want to fit in a little fun into their destination. If leather isn’t your thing, the Signature Tote is made of rugged canvas.

Fun for kids and teens:

Outside Inside Gifts from GSI Outdoors: I love this concept: traditionally indoor games made for the outdoors! You can play Chinese checkers or Mancala while you’re backpacking, or bocce ball while camping by a river. My new favorite: Tumbling Tower, which comes in a slightly larger size perfect for vacation homes and camping or a lighter size for backpacking.

Wind pouch: Do you need a wind pouch? Maybe not. Do you want one? Heck yeah. This fun, inflatable, and easily storable air hammock is perfect for picnics, camping trips, backyard fun, or simply setting up in the kids’ bedroom. We have used our Wind Pouch all season!

Sportube child boot bags: Finally, the perfectly-sized backpack-style boot bag for small kids! The Sportube Freestyler Junior Boot Bag is under $60, and will keep all your kid’s ski or snowboard gear organized in a bag he or she can actually carry! Better yet, they come in sizing for mom and dad, too! There’s no reason to spend more!

Como Audio Amico speaker: This portable, weather-resistant speaker rocks! And it’s pretty, too. While too large to carry with you, it’s ideal for your guest cabin, AirBnb, or teen’s room, and can come outside with you, too. Sync it with a phone for adaptability, and enjoy! Pick one up on the Como Audio website or save on Amazon!

ProPacking Cubes: Your kids’ gear will FINALLY be organized in their duffles, backpacks, and suitcases when you use packing cubes. Stocking up on cubes can get expensive, but ProPacking Cubes come in sets of 6 for $39, which is a great value. We use them to store shoes, clean and dirty options, and cold-weather coats.

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