Every product listed below has been reviewed and/or personally used by me or my East Coast editor. While we do accept product advertising on Pit Stops for Kids, editorial reviews are separate and distinct. We never accept “advertorial” or pay-for-positive consumer product reviews, so you can be assured of our honest and genuine endorsement.
Life is Good Journey Tote
I love the Life is Good Journey Tote because it’s the perfect size for use as an airplane carry-on, car tote, or day-use beach or park tote. It’s tough enough to cart library books or a pile of souvenirs, yet soft enough to roll up into a larger bag or suitcase for storage. It’s colorful and stylish and is fully lined, with a nice interior zippered pocket and key ring.
The North Face Jester Daypack
The North Face Jester Daypack is the workhorse of mid-sized daypacks. Rugged enough for a day on the trails, it’s also light and small enough to slide under an airplane seat or tossed in an overhead bin. When I first wrote about the many merits of the Jester, I had no idea it would still hold a prominent place in our hall closet years later!
Tuffo Family Car Organizer
If you have multiple kids vying for real estate in the back seat, this car organizer will not only store their stuff, but serve as a useful barricade between battling siblings. I love how it snaps into place utilizing a seat belt, can store drinks and snacks, and comes with detachable dividers for the main compartment.
ful 30-Inch Drop Bottom Wheeled Duffel
We use a pair of these Ful rolling duffels on most extended trips. The best feature is their duel main compartments, divided by mesh and zippers; it’s easy to separate two kids’ clothing in one roomy duffel, or store clothes in one half, shoes and coats in the other. Add to that two big side compartments, a long outer compartment, and a waterproof shoe compartment, and you’re all set! For our family of five, three of these bad boys suffice, reducing the number of bags we need to check, carry, and stow.
RoofBag Waterproof Car Top Carrier
We’ve used a RoofBag carrier for several years now, and it’s still good as new! The material is very durable, and when they say it’s waterproof, they mean it: we once drive I-5 in an absolute downpour, and our bags inside the carrier stayed dry. It’s easy to secure the RoofBag to the top of your van, SUV, or mid-sized car, and it comes with extra tie-downs just in case. The only inconvenience is that getting things in and out while the carrier is on the car can be a pain, but for the price, RoofBag can’t be beat. A great alternative to expensive shell carriers!
Timbuk2 Commute 2.0 Laptop Messenger Bag
For a family-sized air travel or road trip tote, nothing (and I mean nothing is tougher than Timbuk2. We use this messenger bag regularly on trips to store the family’s electronic items. It’s many compartments make it easy to separate various cords and accessories, and the bag is more comfortable to carry than most, even when full (and heavy!).
Scout The Stiff One Insulated Cooler
Everyone has a soft-sided cooler, but how many of us have one with a stiff, flat bottom? The Scout’s unique design means it won’t leak (I promise!) and won’t tip over in the back of your car. Perfect for a day at the beach or lake, or to hold road trip snacks, the Scout also comes in lots of fun colors and designs.
