outdoors - Pitstops for Kids

Holiday gift guide for adventurous families

November 28, 2021 By Amy Hagstrom

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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Must have van life camping gear

July 1, 2021 By Amy Hagstrom

We have been camping in a 1984 Westfalia camper van, and it is epic! That said, space is at a premium in a Westy, and older camper vans, while charming and Instagram-worthy, lack some of the creature comforts of bigger RVs. If you are living the van life, tent camping, or camping in a smaller van, pop-up trailer, or camper, the following must-have camping gear is, well, MUST HAVE.

Must have van life camping gear

Tough duffels for organization:

We love our new Patagonia Black Hole duffel, made of water-resistant 100 percent recycled material. They range from 40-100 liters, with or without wheels. For van life, we recommend wheel-less, because these duffels are easy to stack on top of one another, toss around, and set in the dirt. We use one for all our bedding in our van, which keeps us organized and keeps our pillows and blankets clean.

We also like our Big Agnes Big Joe, which comes in 45-110 liter sizing. This one stores our dog gear, their bedding, and their food.

Pick up the Black Hole for under $230 on Amazon.

Comfy bedding for plenty of zzzz’s:

Our Sierra Designs’ Frontcountry Duo bed is amazing. If you’re camping as a couple, this sleeping bag feels more like bedding, with a zipperless design and toe holes so you don’t overheat. It comes in a single option as well, and a backcountry version that’s rated to a lower temperature. We lay our Frontcountry Duo out along our bottom floor bed, which we convert from our passenger bench seat at night.

Pair the Frontcountry Duo with a Thermarest Vela Double Quilt on chilly nights. This zipperless sleeping bag/quilt stuffs down small when you don’t need it, repels dog hair beautifully, and is rated to 32 degrees.

Chairs that invite lingering:

One nice thing about van life is that you can bring along extra weight, since you won’t be carrying it far. We like to relax by the fire in style with our GCI Outdoor Pod Rocker chairs. We’ve set these chairs in creeks, on the edges of lakes in the sand, by the fire pit, on lawns in parks, and everywhere in-between. They’re heavy, but they pack down small, and they are rocking chairs!

GCI’s Spring-Action Rocking Technology allows for smooth rocking while you enjoy your time in the outdoors. There’s even a cup holder and a cell phone pocket.

Power that runs on solar:

If you plan to spend time off-the-grid with your camper van, you’ll want on-the-go power at your fingertips. We have the Jackery Portable Power Station 240, which we can pair with our Goal Zero solar panel to provide power for our camper lights, our phones, our laptops if we bring them, our InReach, and our music. The price of the Jackery depends on the power level you opt for, but can start as low as $99 and go into the thousands. Pick something that meets your needs in the outdoors with a little bit of wiggle room, just in case.

Bear in mind that you don’t HAVE to power the Jackery with a solar panel. You can charge it using a wall outlet before you leave home, as well. We do both!

A lantern that turns your van into a party (or a romantic evening):

BioLite AlpenGlow 250 is an LED camping lantern with so many light and color modes, it takes a bit of a tutorial to take advantage of them all! But once you know, you know, and you can toggle between a very bright LED light, a dimmed yellow light version, solid color lights, half a light (to save power) and a full-on color dance party. You get a USB cord included (we charge this lantern with our Jackery power bank) and the 250 lumen version is small enough to fit in our glove box (there’s also a 500 lumen version).

More must have van life camping gear:

An extra cargo box to bring all your toys:

We love our Thule Transporter Combi cargo box, which is hitch-mounted. Read our full review! We love the design because we don’t have to worry about loading and unloading a rooftop cargo box on our van, and we don’t have to worry about the extra weight on our pop-top. The Transporter Combi fits our grill, our charcoal, our portable toilet, our recycling, and more, so we don’t have to carry any of this inside the van when we travel.

Pillows that can take a beating:

Our Avocado mini green pillow travels in our van, serving many purposes. It’s great to prop myself up to read or work on my laptop on those travels when work comes along for the ride, and it’s small enough to not take up precious storage space. The size is also perfect for small kids and toddlers!

A high-quality auto tool kit:

We hope we’ll never need to use our car and van tool kit (or at least not often!) but having it brings peace of mind.

Reusable propane:

This is a game-changer. The Ignik Gas Growler allows us to refill with propane in a portable form, which saves tons of those green gas canisters from the landfill. Plus, the convenience and cost savings are significant! We use the gas growler to power our stove, but you can use it for anything you’d need propane for.

A truly long-lasting cooler (or two):

Yes, it’s worth it to buy a Yeti. Or a Pelican. Or any double-walled, highly insulated, hard-sided cooler. Our ice lasts for days, our drinks stay cold, and we aren’t afraid to bring food ingredients like raw meat, fresh veggies, and dairy, even though we don’t have any electric refrigeration. Yes, the hype is worth the money. We have a Yeti Tundra 45.

A hot shower (or cooling spray):

Our Helio Pressure Shower from Nemo Equipment doesn’t just offer the welcome chance of a warm shower (thanks to its solar heating capability). Because it’s pressurized, you get a strong sprayer that’s great for getting sand off your feet, hosing off muddy dogs, and even doing the dishes. It’s not a gravity-based solar shower, so you don’t need to find a tree to hang it from. Any sunny patch in your campsite will do!

Safe, portable water:

A Lifesaver Jerrycan will set you back, but you get peace of mind that extends far beyond camping season. Thanks to built-in filters, a Lifesaver is a portable water purifier capable of filtering 10,000 litres/2,650 US gallons of clean drinking water, removing viruses, bacteria, cysts and parasites. Its great for camping, for off-grid living, and for emergencies. We have ours always filled with water and stored in the garage in case of evacuation or loss of power and water.

Additional resources:

Need power out in the wilds? Consider trying out portable solar generators for your next trip
The solar living institute
Reasons why solar power will just keep getting better

DeLorme inReach or SPOT Gen3: Which GPS messenger to buy for outdoor adventure

June 5, 2021 By Amy Hagstrom

Do your teens hike without you? Do you venture into the backcountry as a family? In winter, do you like to snowshoe, camp, or ski off-piste? If you answered ‘yes’ to any of the above, you’ve probably considered outfitting yourself or your kids with a GPS device for the field. In our opinion, these two devices are the best on the market for hikers, backpackers, and backcountry skiers. Here’s our observations and recommendations for which GPS messenger to buy for outdoor adventure:

The difference between DeLorme inReach SE and SPOT Gen3:

DeLorme inReach SE in a nutshell:

Our inReach SE and I are very close, because I clung it its updates as our son was hiking on the PCT. He used it for the entire 457 miles. This was the lifeline we absolutely needed with a kid on the trail. The SE does the following:

Emergency service: Your personal locator beacon sends SOS signals with GPS location data to GEOS worldwide emergency response; communicate with GEOS via 2-way text messaging throughout the rescue. We’ve never used it, and in fact, you have to slide a little panel over to activate this button, to prevent accidental activation.
Point-by-point tracking: You can set the SE to track progress as often as every 10 minutes. Progress is shown on DeLorme’s website portal, MapShare. You invite people to MapShare, which is where you follow along at home.
Two-way messaging: Pay attention, because this is inReach’s best feature. You can send both pre-set messages that you customize yourself to friends or family (things like Everything is ok to I may need help) AND you can message free-form, just as you would via text. This means you can have actual conversations with the inReach. Example: Stopping here for the night. From parent: Did you find water? Answer: Yes, great spring here. You can text via the inReach’s key pad (clunky and slow, but it works) or via your phone, if you’ve opted to pair it. For the person at home, messages come through as either emails or texts (you decide). You text back via the MapShare portal, either on your phone or on a computer screen.
Smart phone pairing: Before leaving on your trip, you can pair your inReach with your phone, which allows you to use the included EarthMate app in the field (even when you don’t have cell service). This app gives you a map view, and also lets you text with more ease. Bear in mind: if you do this, you’ll need to worry about keeping two devices charged: your inReach and your phone.

So, does it work?! YES. We loved the inReach, and found it reliable. You can expect delays from five to 20 minutes in some areas (both in tracking and texting), but it literally worked everywhere, with one exception: while hiking through Native American reservation land, it went dark. The MapShare portal was easy to use, too.

Things to keep in mind with inReach:

Battery life is pretty good; we found that when placed in ‘track every 10 minutes’ mode and turned off at night, the inReach had about three days in it before needing to recharge (via USB cable). We charged with a wall plug when possible, and with a solar panel charger in the field.

The inReach weighs about seven ounces, and attaches to any backpack strap via a clip. We liked that it beeped when there was a new message (helpful when it’s not always in front of you) and beeped to confirm messages were sent. You navigate around the inReach with the keypad and up-down arrows. If you remember your old phones of years bygone the ‘up-arrow, left, left, down-arrow, enter’ drill to command it, it’s like that.

You DO need a subscription plan with the inReach: you can opt to do month-to-month (starting at $14/month) or annual plans (around $150 or starting at $12/month). The plan we picked was about $30/month, which included unlimited texting and tracking. The cost of the actual device is $299. Right now, it’s on sale on Amazon for $263.

Can you upgrade? Yes. If, in addition to all the features above, if you also want to have built-in navigation (in which you plan your route, drop waypoints, and then follow the path with arrows on your screen), you’ll want to upgrade to the DeLorme inReach Explorer for an extra $100 or so. We wished we had this feature a few times when in snowfields, when the trail was not visible. It would also be good for anyone who travels off-trail. This said, it’s possible to pair the inReach with your phone, and download maps there. Then you have two things to carry and charge, though.

SPOT Gen3 in a nutshell:

If your explorer in the field doesn’t need quite as much hand-holding (or you’re better at letting go than I am!), the SPOT Gen3 is simpler, lighter, and more streamlined than the inReach. If you want the TL;DR version of this entire review, here’s the difference between them: the SPOT Gen3 does NOT text back and forth, and therefore does not allow for a two-way conversation. But it has other great features. Here’s what it does:

Emergency service: SPOT’s emergency service is the same as inReach; you get immediately connected to GEOS. But there’s a second feature that inReach lacks: there’s also a NON-emergency help button. This button goes out to your pre-set friends and family (NOT to 911), alerting them that you need assistance. It sends your GPS location on a map when it does so. This is a nice feature for if you get a flat tire, run out of food and need a person to bring you some, or hurt yourself but can walk your way out.
Point-by-point tracking: Yes, you get this too…same as the inReach, for the most part. SPOT will track your movements as often as every 2.5 minutes, if you opt for an upgraded plan (more on that below), but generally tracks every 10, 30, or 60 minutes. Family at home can see tracking in almost real time via SPOT’s portal, called FindMeSPOT.
Custom messages: Like inReach, you can create custom messages you want to use with SPOT, which you set ahead of time on the web portal. Think Found our campsite or Having a great time. There’s also a set button for OK. That’s all it will say (with GPS location via a map), but it’s very convenient if you don’t want to hassle with buttons and key pads.

Does it work? Definitely. The Gen3 does what it says it will do, so as long as you know its limitations, you won’t be disappointed.

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Things to keep in mind with SPOT Gen3:

This is the way to go if you don’t need to download maps (there are lots of other apps for maps, if you want them on your phone separately from your GPS device), don’t need to have back-and-forth conversations with people, and don’t want to mess with navigating through a clunky keypad to do things. We love that one button sends an OK message with a map of location, and that the SPOT is only four ounces and attaches to your pack with a carabiner.

Battery life is longer on SPOT than inReach (they claim 150 hours, but I don’t think it was quite that great). You re-charge it via USB, just like the inReach. I like that both these GPS units have rechargeable batteries; some other devices require you to buy expensive replacements.

The SPOT doesn’t make noises to indicate messages have been sent, but it does light up, which is nice. I just like having some sort of confirmation.

The Gen3 is $150 (half the price of the inReach), so if you don’t want two-way communication, by all means, don’t pay for it. You do still need a service plan, and it will be about the same price as the inReach: $14/month or $150/year. There is NOT an option of a month-to-month plan, which is a bummer.

Can you upgrade? No, but you can downgrade to the $99 SPOT Trace, but it’s pretty bare-bones and designed for car tracking.

Interested in staying in touch when TWO parties are close by in the wilderness? Consider GoTenna: review here!

Travel gear we use: Best shoulder season hoodie

April 6, 2021 By Amy Hagstrom

Everyone needs the perfect shoulder season hoodie, whether they travel with kids, adventure travel, camp and ski, or all of the above (like us!). This review, featuring the Appalachian Gear Company’s All-Paca fleece hoodie, is the last you’ll need to read.

Best shoulder season hoodie: Appalachian Gear Company All-Paca hoodie review

What makes this hoodie so great:

It’s made from 100 percent Alpaca fiber, which makes it super soft, lightweight, easy to pack, never wrinkly, and breathable. This hoodie can take a beating…so far, I’ve traveled with it to rural Mexico where it endured dirt road travel, sandy beaches, and salt water, and into the mountains of Oregon, where it kept me oh-so-warm during shoulder season camping.

Because it’s so warm, despite being fairly thin and lightweight, the All-Paca fleece hoodie saves you all kinds of room in you day pack or carry-on. You won’t need to layer as much as usual; just toss the All-Paca into your backpack, and feel confident you can hike, explore, or bike in just a t-shirt.

The knit structure provides natural wicking, allowing perspiration to escape easily. I usually change out my seasonal outdoor gear and clothing twice a year, but the All-Paca hoodie will be one of those items that stay with me in winter AND in summer. It’s ideal right now, during the shoulder seasons in the Pacific Northwest.

The All-Paca is made in the USA, in Charlotte, NC, and even though it’s made from Alpaca wool, you can machine wash it. The good news: you don’t have to wash this hoodie after every wear. And while you can put it in the dryer, I opted to air dry mine (babying it a bit!) to ensure zero shrinkage. It dries super fast! The All-Paca tends to run a little bit large, so take that into consideration, but it’s nice to have a little extra room to play with, for layering.

Pick up this shoulder season hoodie in XS-XL in four colors for $153. It also comes in men’s sizing, and once you’re sold on the hoodie, you may want to check out Appalachian Gear Company’s alpaca tees and crews.

Discover other travel gear we love!

Family camping at new heights: Gear for elevated camping

September 21, 2020 By Amy Hagstrom

Have you ever wanted to camp off the ground? Elevated camping is becoming more and more popular, because camping in tents and hammocks designed to be strung in trees allows families to camp on un-even terrain, away from pesky insects, and out of the elements. It’s also just super fun and cool. If you want to try elevated camping, here’s what you’ll need!

Kammok Wallaby paired with the Dragonfly net and Kuhli tarp

Gear for elevated camping:

Start with your hammock:

The first step to gear up for any elevated camping situation is to select your hammock. You don’t have to get fancy, but you will want to consider your various hammock options. Below, we’ve listed some of our favorites, and why we love them.

Grand Trunk: You can’t go wrong with a Grand Trunk hammock, in our opinion. We’ve tried many, from the lightweight single parachute nylon model for just $59 to the Skeeter Beeter Pro, which has integrated mosquito netting built in. You can get a double or single hammock in all kinds of fun colors and patterns at Grand Trunk.

Kammok: We love the Kammok Wallaby, which is just $65 and comes in multiple colors. Pair the Wallaby with Kammok’s Python Straps for $30 more, which make any hammock easier to suspend from just about anywhere. Either Kammok or Grand Trunk options would make for a great base hammock.

Sea to Summit: Sea to Summit makes an ultralight hammock that’s an absolute must if you’re purpose for elevated camping is to go light. It’s very thin, so you’d definitely need to pair it with a hammock pad (see below) to protect yourself from cold temperatures at night.

Kammok Wallaby

Add your pad layer:

Klymit Hammock V pad: If you’re serious about sleeping above the ground, you’ll want the protection of a sleeping pad. Not only does the right pad help your hammock keep its shape (so you don’t roll up like a burrito) but it keeps you warm…without a pad, you’re exposed to the cold night air directly. Klymit makes a specialized hammock pad that’s shaped to fit. The Hammock V pad comes in an insulated version or non-insulated, and while it will set you back $169, we recommend the insulated if you’ll be doing a lot of camping.

If you use a regular sleeping pad instead, pick one that’s small and narrow to fit the hammock, and consider covering it with a specialized pad sheet, to reduce slippage. Klymit makes one of these too…the Quilted V Sheet will work, and it’s oh-so cozy!

Add your rain and bug protection:

Kammok Kuhli tarp or Grand Trunk Air Bivy: Both these items give solid protection from wind and rain, serving as a shelter/rainfly for your hammock. Of course, they don’t cover 100% of the space, so you’re still going to get wet if the rain comes in sideways. The Kuhli tarp and the Air Bivy are both extremely versatile and lightweight, making them a great addition to your camping gear whether you sleep elevated or not. We’ve used both for BBQs, car camping, and the like.

Sea to Summit Bug Net: For 13 more ounces, you can be protected from flying insects while sleeping in your hammock…worth it in my book! The Sea to Summit bug net works with all Sea to Summit hammocks. We haven’t tried it with other hammocks.

Grand Trunk Mozzy Net: The Mozzy Net is a good option because it’s versatile…it stands alone, so can be used with any hammock or even around a picnic table or kitchen area. The downside: it’s a bit clunky to set up; the multiple guy lines that make it adjustable to any situation also make it complicated to get the right shape until you’ve had practice.

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Add-on: Portable microscope

You’re up in the trees, so what can you see? When going camping with kids, it is always a good idea to pack some devices that can provide entertainment even though their primary purpose is educational. Such a device is a handheld microscope as it is an easy-to-use product that lets children explore the world around them, and even more, the world they can’t see with the naked eye. Usually, a handheld microscope connects to one’s smartphone, tablet, or laptop in order to provide magnified images of leaves, fruit, and a myriad of insects that one might discover at a campsite. This way, your trip with the kids can be both instructive and fun, as you’ll spend some time gathering items and bugs that you can look at in-depth.

Want to go big? Try a tent-hammock combo!

Kammok Sunda: If you want your hammock to actually be a tent, and vice versa, the Kammok Sunda is a two-person tent and hammock hybrid. It’s very pretty, but even better, it can convert to a stand-alone tent or a stand-alone hammock, depending your needs. This is a great feature, as there will be times you want to set up your tent-hammock in the air, but cannot find the suitable trees to do so. The Sunda is on pre-order right now, for $349.

Tentsile Flite

Tentsile: We’re currently testing a Tentsile Connect, and have packed it a few miles into a lake in Northern California’s Trinity Alps. It’s heavy enough to relegate it to car camping and short backpacking trips, but oh-so-cool! It sets up with a ratcheting system for suspension that has a learning curve but is easy once you’ve tried it a few times. In our experience, a couple teenage boys armed only with the YouTube tutorial video were able to set it up in about 10 minutes on the first try. There are many sizes and styles of Tentsiles to choose from (some, but not all, get quite expensive). Tentsile tents come with rainflies, which can be pegged on the ground, though the tents themselves are not meant to be on the ground. The two-person Tentsile we like best is $350.

Tentsile Connect, set up in Trinity Alps CA

Note: the downside of elevated tents is their weight. Even hammocks can get heavy, once you add the rope you need, your tarp or cover, and a mosquito net. If you want to travel light, be sure to add up the weight of your elevated camping system before committing!

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Best travel water filter system (SIDE BY SIDE COMPARISON)

August 22, 2019 By Amy Hagstrom

When traveling abroad and when backpacking or camping in the backcountry, it’s crucial to have a travel water filter system you can rely on. The best systems we’ve found use gravity to do most of the work, but there’s an abundance of choice. Which travel water filter system is right for you? Read our side by side comparison!

Katadyn BeFree gravity system:

The simplicity of a gravity-based filtration system makes them reliable, plus these systems are lightweight, easily packable, and versatile for a large group or family. The Katadyn Gravity BeFree 3.0 L filter fits this bill perfectly. It’s extremely easy to use: you just fill the reservoir and hang it using the included rugged bail handle and carry loop, and wait for it to filter at an impressive two liters per minute.

When you’re not using it, the filter packs down small; it collapses and then can be rolled tight, fitting easily into a day bag, backpack, or carry-on bag. It’s been tested to protect against harmful organisms, removing protozoa (99.99%) and bacteria (99.9999%), which means it meets EPA standards, so not only can you bring the Katadyn filter along on your next backpacking or kayaking adventure in the US, but it works well for trips abroad as well, when you need to be assured of potable water. Note that it does not meet standards for virus removal; it’s to ensure safe drinking water against bacteria only.

This filter is BPA-free of course, and the wide-mouth opening makes it easier to fill than most. I’ve learned this the hard way with other bladders, when trying to awkwardly fill them in shallow streams, hard to access lakes, or bubbling springs. I did notice that it was easier to fill the bladder by using a second container, such as a backpacking cooking pot or cup to help feed the water into the reservoir.

You should clean the Katadyn filter occasionally, which is simple: just shake or swish to remove debris. We actually do this every trip, and it’s worked out very well. So far, this filter has come along with us on a front-country and backcountry combination trip to Mt. Katahdin in Maine as well as a backpacking trip through Central America. Next, it will accompany my son through Indonesia.

You can pick up the Katadyn Gravity BeFree online at the official Katadyn site or Amazon for $69 for the 3L option.

LifeStraw Flex with Gravity Bag:

Pair the confidence you already have in LifeStraw with the convenience of filtering a gallon of water at a time. You get next-level protection against heavy metals including lead as well as bacteria, parasites, microplastics, and organic chemical matter like pesticides, and herbicides, all in an ultralight system. The whole thing only weighs 6 ounces, and can filter one liter every two minutes. As always with LifeStraw, when you buy a product, you give a product to one school child (one year of clean water).

It works in the same manner as other gravity-based systems: just fill the bag, hang, add the filter, and allow the water to drip through the filter and into your water vessel whenever you need it. Alternatively, you can use the LifeStraw filter individually like you would any LifeStraw, which is a nice bonus of versatility. Pick up the system for only $54, a great value.

Platypus GravityWorks:

The GravityWorks system is similar to that of the LifeStraw and Katadyn varieties, but it involves two bladders instead of one. This can be a pro or a con: on one hand, the system is slightly heavier and bulkier to pack, but on the other, you have a dedicated clean-water bladder to use in a variety of ways, storing clean water and carrying it to your next backpacking location, for instance.

You can choose between a 2 liter and 4 liter kit (I like the 2 liter). Just fill the ‘dirty water’ bladder with lake, stream, or iffy hotel water, then attach the included hose and filter system between it and the dedicated clean water bladder. Hang the dirty water bladder higher (hence the use of gravity), and wait for your water to fill the bladder. The disadvantage to this system is that you have to wait for the clean water bladder to completely fill, which can take a matter of about 20 minutes. With the other systems, you can have water on demand, though you might have to squeeze the bag a bit if you’re impatient.

With the GravityWorks system, you get extra parts, including a universal bottle adapter. Pick up the Platypus GravityWorks on Amazon for $99.

Sawyer Squeeze:

It’s small, it’s easy to carry, and it’s cheap: the Sawyer Squeeze is a super simple system that involves a bag (bladder) plus a small filter. You fill the bag with water and squeeze it through the filter and into your water vessel. You can get bags in various sizes (the smaller ones are only $12) so this can still work for a family or group, but it will be slower going. I like to have a Sawyer Squeeze in my day pack as an extra filter, just in case. Pick one up on Amazon.

Grayl GEOPress:

Another individual travel water filter system, the Grayl is by far the easiest to use, if you don’t like drinking through a straw. You just scoop up water from a creek, lake, river, or faucet, then press the filter down through the water vessel like you would a French press coffee container. It takes about ten seconds and while you do need to use some force, if you have a sable surface, it’s easy.

Once you’ve filtered your water, you’re good to go. I don’t like drinking my filtered water from a straw if I can help it, so I really liked the design of the GEOPress, which allowed me to gulp instead of drink from a straw. With the GEOPress, you get 24 ounces of safe drinking water swiftly.

The water bottle is heavier and bulkier than I’d like (but they do have a slimmer, lighter version if you’re willing to reduce your ounces), but it’s worth it if you don’t have to also carry a water filter or pump with you. I love the ease of arriving at a river and just scooping up my water.

GEOPress protects from global waterborne pathogens (virus, bacteria, protozoan cysts), pesticides, chemicals, heavy metals, and even microplastics, so you’re getting the purest water possible. The cap has a fast-flowing drink spout that can be sealed closed, and vents air while purifying (unscrew the cap a bit when you’re filtering, or you’ll be hard-pressed (pun intended) to press down the filter).

Pick up a GEOPress in one of four colors for $89 (less than most filter systems) or opt for the smaller ultralight filter for $59.

LifeStraw Universal:

When we hike, we like to have Lifestraw filters in ALL our water bottles. Lifestraw Universal gives you just that: this kit sets you up with one filter (2-stage), two sized bottle caps, and one cap lid. We have used the kit to add a Lifestraw filter to our favorite water bottles, from a wide-mouth Nalgene to a narrow-mouth Camelbak. Details for the caps: the wide cap is 63 mm and the narrow cap is 43 mm. The filter height is 7.3 inches. You also get a carry bag.

As always, the filter does the following:

Removes 99.999999 % of bacteria
Removes 99.999 % of parasites
Reduces organic chemical matter (pesticides, herbicides, VOCs)
Removes 99.999% of microplastics
Compatible with most water bottles
Lasts 1,000 gallons

Now when we backpack or camp, everyone in our family can use a Lifestraw filter in their favorite water bottle, and I can travel with a filter in the bottle I love to use for international trips. The Universal kit is only $34, allowing you to switch out your filter from bottle to bottle at will. Pick up your kit on the Lifestraw website or at other online retailers, such as Amazon.

Tip: Lifestraw, Platypus, and Katadyn all carry their own versions of an individual water bottle with filter included. Find your favorite brand and buy a few extras to have in day packs when you travel!

Outdoor gear brands that give back

October 1, 2018 By Amy Hagstrom

As a gear reviewer and travel writer, I am familiar with many travel brands and outdoor gear companies. As we head into this year’s ‘giving season’, I’d like to highlight just a few that donate significantly to a charitable cause or program…not just during the holidays but all year long!

Outdoor gear brands that give back:

Lifestraw:

Lifestraw makes filtered straws that make contaminated water safe to drink. You can buy them solo, or as part of a full water bottle in the Lifestraw GO. They’re great for travel to countries where the water is not potable, or for backcountry hiking and camping trips.

How Lifestraw gives back: For every LifeStraw sold, one school child in a developing community also receives safe drinking water for an entire school year. So far 1,015,652 students have been given safe water. 1621 schools reached. The LifeStraw Safe Water Fund is also working in Haiti, Kenya and India. More information of the Follow the Liters program can be found here.

Cotopaxi:

Utah-based Cotopaxi makes one of our favorite backpacking packs, the Taboche. I love the bright colors and flare they bring to all their backpacks, totes, and outdoor clothing. This season, their new day pack, the Luzen, is perfect for every type of traveler…and perfect for under the tree.

How Cotopaxi gives back: Cotopaxi and the Utah Refugee Services Office have come together to launch a skills-based volunteer program in Utah called the Refugee Coding Project. Started in partnership with the Bhutanese refugee community, the coding program has been so successful, community leaders and youth from five other key refugee communities in Salt Lake City requested the program and Cotopaxi met that demand.

Aventura Clothing:

Aventura Clothing is a lifestyle and travel brand for women. You can see us review many of Aventura’s organic cotton pieces here.

How Aventura gives back: They give back to Uncommon Threads, a boutique-style clothing program where survivors of domestic violence receive styling services and new clothes. Aventura donates new clothing quarterly, which enables women in need to feel the self confidence and empowerment they need in their daily lives.

Toad & Co:

Toad&Co is a lifestyle brand inspired by a love of the outdoors. I have loved them for years, especially their travel and hiking pants that flex, resist stains, and fit my body in a way that makes me feel good about myself.

How Toad & Co gives back: As of this fall, 98 percent of the line is sustainably-made with at least 80 percent sustainable fibers and/or fabrics that are third-party certified for responsible manufacturing. And as always, a portion of every Toad&Co purchase goes toward supporting people with disabilities.

GoLite:

This brand makes exercise and outdoor clothing that’s breathable and practical for travel, the outdoors and running (including trail running).

How GoLite gives back: GoAid is a program that promotes health support and community empowerment, while sister pillar GoResponsibly commits to ensuring that 80% of the introductory GoLite product line is developed from environmentally preferred and low energy production materials. What does this mean? For example, their ReGreen Windshell is made of 100% recycled green bottles, in partnership with eco-organization Tzu Chi.

Costa:

Long loved for their high-quality sunglasses, we love to travel with Costa during both beach season and ski season. These sunglasses wear well, don’t break easily, and always come with protective bags and cases so we can protect our investments.

How Costa gives back: TheirUntangled Collection is created by recycling fishing nets that are at the end of their lives. These nets go into each pair of the polarizes sunglasses in this line.

Ecoths:

The men’s line of Aventura Clothing, Ecoths makes organic cotton and lifestyle pieces ideal for men who are active and busy…both at home and while traveling. The Pit Stops men in my life love the Xavier Shirt for warm-weather travel destinations, and they now also offer travel-ready pants and hoodies.

How Ecoths gives back: When you purchase clothing from Ecōths, you feed the hungry. As part of their Good Sam program, Ecōths feeds one person for one day with each garment sold. In just over two years, they have donated over 200,000 meals across the US.

DownTek:

You may have heard or seen the name DownTek in regard to your outdoor gear: this sustainable, water-repellant down company is the supplier of choice for big names in the gear industry, including L.L. Bean, Big Agnes, and more. One of my favorite travel products with DownTek is the Big Agnes Shovelhead Hooded jacket, which is extremely lightweight but warm enough for deep winter adventures.

How DownTek gives back: Sustainable Down Source, creator of DownTek, participates in three programs that give back to children including, Ronald McDonald House Quilts for Kids, Parks4Kids and K.I.D.S. / Fashion Delivers. Down pillows created by SDS have been provided to K.I.D.S. / Fashion Delivers, and SDS has also donated to outdoors programs through Parks4Kids, encouraging exploration, appreciation and understanding of natural environments and resources.

Mountain Khakis:

Mountain Khakis is one of our favorite travel wear brands for outdoorsy men and women. Their khakis are their signature pant, but we find we love their sweaters and pullovers most. This year, MK is debuting a new line of luggage, which will compliment their canvas totes and bags.

How MK gives back: Each year, Mountain Khakis offers a limited-edition design which supports the mission of Protect Our Winters (POW), the leading climate advocacy group for the winter sports community founded by professional athlete/artist/environmentalist, Jeremy Jones. This year’s offering is the Men’s POW XVI Sweater.

Parks Project:

Parks Project is an outdoor lifestyle brand that funds various national park projects through their apparel and accessories. Parks Project is an official partner to the National Park Service, serves as a supporting business partner to the National Parks Foundation and is carried in over 100 retailers around the nation. We especially love their tees that serve as reminders of our trips to favorite national parks.

How Parks Project gives back: As a for-profit business, Parks Project supports 22 individual park groups around the nation. Every product sold carries a story and contributes to habitat restoration, animal conservation, educational initiatives and visitor services across America’s parks, promoting Parks Project’s ethos, Leave It Better Than You Found It.

Family mountain biking tips and gear

June 29, 2018 By Amy Hagstrom

Our family loves mountain biking. Many outdoor-focused resorts now offer mountain bike rentals and mountain bike single track, and we discovered the sport while traveling. Right away, our kids wanted to mountain bike at home, too. Here’s what we’ve learned about finding family mountain biking trails (at home and while on the road), how to best transport your bikes, and the gear it’s helpful to have with you.

Where and how to mountain bike while on vacation:

Even if you can’t or don’t want to get into mountain biking at home (after all, there’s lots of gear to buy), all families can try mountain biking while traveling. Look for family resorts that focus on outdoor activities and nature, ski resorts in the summer, and state parks. Many resort towns offer bike rental shops, and ski resorts will often have rentals available slope side. Our favorite resorts for mountain biking offer gear for kids, a variety of single track for all abilities, and amenities for after biking, like pools or spa services.

The Lodge at Eagle Crest, Oregon: This Central Oregon family resort has everything you’d want, including a full bike rental shop with sizing for young kids to adults. There are easy paved bike loops for those who want a tame experience, plus miles of single track (dirt paths) accessible directly from the property for those who want a challenge. Plus, Eagle Crest has golf, pools, restaurants, and playgrounds. Read a full review.

Northstar California: We love to mountain bike at ski resorts! Northstar, located in North Tahoe, CA, has some of the best gravity-based mountain biking for families. What does ‘gravity-based’ mean? It means the trails all run downhill, with lifts to carry you (and your bike) back up. The trails are marked easy (green) to advanced (black), just like during the ski season. You’ll also find fun elements like bridges and berms to play with. We recommend taking a lesson at a ski resort like Northstar. Another favorite location: Park City Mountain Resort! Read a full review.

State parks: State parks in many states offer easy access to mountain biking trails. The only downside: usually you’re on your own for bikes, so bring them with you or look for a local bike rental shop. To find state parks with the best single track, try state park pages by state, such as this one for Florida or this one for Utah.

How to get into mountain biking at home:

Once you’ve tried out the sport on vacation, I bet you’ll want to check out the mountain biking scene near your home as well. We’ve found that the best way to enjoy family mountain biking at home is to:

Get a bike rack for easy transport to trails
Get to know your local bike shop
Join a Facebook group or club

You can read below for detailed info on getting a bike rack to fit your car. But first, a word on the importance of a local bike shop: these establishments serve several purposes. The staff at a good bike shop can help you maintain your bike, whether it’s a fancy model or just a starter bike, and educate you on bike tire pumps, locks, and the best trails near your home. We could learn a lot about caring for our bikes ourselves, but instead, we just bring our bikes into our local shop for inexpensive tune-ups every so often. Our bike shop also posts information about local bike clubs and groups for fun rides, plus maps of area trails.

The best way to find local single track trails is to ask people in the know, whether that be your neighbor whose always on his bike to the bike shop pros. We have several mountain bike and hiking networks within a few miles of our house, and our teens will often load up the bikes and ride for a few hours in the evenings.

Gear you’ll need to mountain bike on your own:

If you want to mountain bike at a resort, likely the only thing you’ll need is a water bottle. Everything will be provided. But at home, here’s the very basics of what you’ll want:

Mountain bike: I’m a firm believer that mountain bikes don’t have to be top of the line…to start out with. Look for a bike with good shocks, mountain biking tires, and a fairly lightweight frame. You don’t need full suspension on your first bike, and kids’ bikes can have even fewer frills. This guide to buying your first mountain bike is helpful. Our kids started out with Trek bikes with just a few gears, and grew into their bikes with more bells and whistles.

Helmet and pads: Helmets while mountain biking, are of course, essential. Do you need a motorcycle-style helmet with face guard? Probably not, at least until you start doing some serious vertical. However, it’s worth investing in a good pair of padded shorts. We have been happy with G-Form Pro-X compression shorts. These breathable, thin compression shorts fit well under athletic shorts or pants and give kids (and adults) just enough added padding to make those inevitable falls less painful. Best of all, G-Form’s shorts are versatile: invest in them once, and your kid or teen can wear them during biking, skiing, skating, and even sports like soccer. With three active boys, they’re now a staple in our closets.

We also recommend knee pads and shin guards, ever since our oldest bashed his shin hard enough to leave a scar when falling (the pedal hit his shin bone). At very least, plan to ride with long pants and a lightweight but long-sleeved shirt.

Bike rack: If you’re biking as a family, you’ll need a bike rack for your car sooner rather than later. When we got ours, we started mountain biking at least twice as often, because suddenly, it wasn’t a hassle to get out there. The easiest and cheapest way to transport bikes on your car is with a trunk-mounted bike rack. Our favorite is the Yakima Fullback. It fits on most cars, and is easy to take on and off. The downside: you have to remove it to access other things in your truck or far-back of your car. If you have a hitch mount and can spend a few more bucks, opt for a hitch-mounted rack that swings away from your vehicle for ease of use. Our favorite is the SportRack Ridge Swing. Roof-top racks are also available, but most only hold one bike per rack.

Teach Proper Technique:

Kids who have previously only biked on pavement need to learn proper mountain biking technique before tackling single track. Teach kids what’s commonly known as “default position” or “attack position”: stand with pedals level, elbows bent, and weight centered over the bike. Remind kids to remain relaxed; no stiff muscles or death grips allowed.

No matter the terrain, whether it be steep, rocky, or technical, teach kids to keep their head up and their eyes focused on the trail ahead of them, not on the obstacles they’re currently trying to avoid. Looking at obstacles such as trees, trail edges, or boulders just about guarantees you’ll hit them. Encourage kids to practice often, even if just at home. Grass, dirt, and even curbs, gutters, and stairs can be great places to hone mountain biking skills between trips to the trail.

Safety first

Mountain biking can seem intimidating to some kids. Others will be fearless. Both reactions can end in injury. Hesitant kids may try to navigate tricky terrain too slowly, losing balance in the process, and overconfident kids can tackle terrain at too high a speed, resulting in a spill. Help fearful kids by encouraging plenty of practice at home, on flat ground. Repetition is key to gaining confidence. Teach overconfident kids by example, displaying caution where relevant. Never push kids onto terrain they don’t feel ready for, or into a group of riders above their ability level.

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Source: Fix.com Blog

Do you mountain bike as a family? What are your tips?

Travel Gear We Use: Best rain boots for kids and adults

April 6, 2018 By Amy Hagstrom

Will Spring Break travel take you somewhere a little soggy? Do you have a road trip or camping trip planned in a rainy climate? Maybe you simply live, as we do, in the Pacific Northwest! Either way, you’re probably outfitting your family in rain boots this spring, and we’ve rounded up the best ones for travel days, camping trips, and all those days in-between.

Best rain boots for kids:

Kamik Stomp: When you buy boots, it’s nice when they can be passed down to a little brother or sister or two, and the quality of Kamik boots allow you to do just that. They’re also lightweight, no-nonsense, and cute. The Stomp fits feet sized 1-6, comes in classic colors, and retails for only $30. Our kid’s Stomps have been to the Olympic rainforest, Vancouver Island, and our own backyard. They’re light enough to toss into the back of the mini-van (along with everyone else’s boots) for a road trip into the outdoors, but sturdy enough to tromp through muddy hiking trails.

Muck Hale: If you need a boot that can go from snow to rain to mud to, well, muck, the Muck Hale is the one and only. We love this boot (which comes in adult sizes, too). It’s got a waterproof, rubberized bottom, and a fully insulated with 4mm NEOPRENE top. This means it’s easy to get the boot on and off (thank goodness!) and flexible enough to allow kids to snowshoe in them. My kid uses his as his after-ski boot in the snow, but also wears them to school for muddy outdoor play. The Hale is $69.99, but you get three season use out of them. Our favorite part: in addition to solid colors and patterns, the Hale comes in My Little Pony and Transformers designs…good to know if you have a fan.

Our midwest contributor had her young kids test out the Hasbro Hales. Here’s what she has to say: What kid wouldn’t like Optimus Prime or Rainbow Dash footwear? The Hale boots are made of a foamy material that is soft inside and out, but still feels durable enough to hold up to use by more than one child. My seven-year-old had a fabulous time tromping through the rocky, very cold creek in November with his Cub Scout den. If you put an extra pair of socks on the kids, the boots will do double duty as snow boots, providing the temperatures aren’t too cold. We used them that way, too, although I wouldn’t guarantee them for deep drifts and very cold temperatures.

The Hasbro boots come in two styles. We tried Hale ($69.99), but for thirty dollars more, you can also get the character boots designed for more extreme winter weather (Rugged II).

Best rain boots for women and women:

Muck Breezy for women: If you’re packing an entire carload of stuff, you don’t need bulky rain boots added to the mix. The Muck Breezy angle-height boot comes in super cute patterns and colors but only comes to 7″ height. I love that they’re totally waterproof and easy to walk in; I’ve walked all over Vancouver in mine, during a trip in which I needed to pack light. The Breezy is on sale and under $70 right now! Don’t forget, the Hale comes in women’s sizing, too. Pick it up for yourself!

Xtratuf Legacy and Elite: If you’ve visited Alaska, you’ve seen Xtratuf boots. These classic brown and yellow rubber boots seem to be everywhere in Southeast. The women’s Legacy is 15″ high, so you have great coverage to your knee, but can also fold down to reveal a very pretty inner lining pattern. So you get the classic look with a pop of color. The men’s version of the Legacy also folds down or up, and the men’s Elite adds insulation. Xtratuf boots live up to their name and can be found for under $150.

Spring family travel tip: Place the entire family’s rain boots in a travel laundry bag, and store the bag in the back of the car on road trips. Everyone’s boots will be easy to access when you stop, and the car will stay clean after they’re worn.

Lowa hiking boots review: Best hiking and travel hybrid shoe

February 2, 2018 By Amy Hagstrom

I give Lowa boots a shout-out in our round-up of best hiking boots for the family, but this brand deserves its own post. Why? I now own three pairs of Lowa shoes, and I never travel without at least one of them. The Lowas I love are not hard-core, heavy boots, nor are they sneakers. They’re perfect hybrids, allowing me to travel in comfort and then hit the trails, city walks and biking paths at my destination.

To me, the absolute best travel shoe is one you can adventure in, which is what Lowa provides. Here’s what to look for and what to buy:

Lowa hiking boots review:

On the Lowa website, head straight to their All Terrain Sport category, and take a look around. All of these shoe options will provide you with a travel shoe that’s adventure-ready. I’ve loved my Innox GTX shoe for several years now, so that’s a solid win, but I recently have been trying out the brand new Aerox GTX.

The Aerox is categorized as a trail shoe, and is a little bit more ‘sporty’ in looks than the more understated Innox (not that the Innox is a lifestyle shoe, because it’s not). The Aerox is 100 percent waterproof but still breathable, and has a more serious tread for traction on the outsole. That said, it’s still incredibly lightweight, and you get my favorite feature in a sport shoe: a quick lace system that allows you to tighten to the perfect fit.

You can read all kinds of other technical specs about the Aerox

on the website, but here’s what you need to remember: it’s a serious shoe that will deliver in the outdoors, but also has a low profile and lightweight design that will pack easily and can be worn on travel days. I wear mine on the plane, saving me space in my carry-on, and allowing me to be ready to find adventure the moment I arrive (even though probably, I’ll just kick off my shoes and collapse on a hotel bed).

My Lowas have come with me to city-outdoor-adventure hybrid locations like Tennesee, Peru, New York City, and all over Europe, serving me well both on city streets and while museum hopping or historic neighborhood touring as well as hiking and backpacking. In fact, my favorite Lowas traveled almost 100 miles on the Pacific Crest Trail a few years ago, and will be along for the ride on my next long hike, too.

Here are some additional Lowas I really like:

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