product reviews - Pitstops for Kids

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.

Travel Gear We Use: Travel-friendly Rags to Raches children’s clothing review

February 16, 2018 By Amy Hagstrom

Rags to Raches are all about easy on, easy off children’s wear. Started by a mom out of necessity, this brand is now known for comfortable, functional and cute clothes for toddlers. Since Rags are one piece, we thought they’d be good for travel days, so we had our littlest gear tester put them through the test.

Rags to Raches children’s clothing review:

I had heard about Rags clothing from a couple of friends but had never tried any Rags until the opportunity to review.The shipping was quick and when I opened the package I was impressed with the quality of the fabric. The colors were bright; the Rag we tested was tye-dyed with a truck logo.

When I went to put it on my three-year-old, I realized there are no snaps, buttons, or zippers and was a little perplexed on how to get the neck to stretch over his entire body. He cried out, “Ow this hurts,” then “But these are pajamas.” Once on, however, the neck didn’t appear stretched out because it’s elastic and he said that they were really comfortable.

He wore his Rag outfit all day and I was really impressed with how active he could be in it. (My son is slender his pants usually fall down unless they have an adjustable waistband.) During bathroom time, he needs help pulling the neck over his shoulders. (I think this is a learning process.) He did get better at pulling his arms out after wearing it another day and no longer complains about getting it on or off.

Washing the Rag was easy: it’s just cold water and dry low or hang to dry. I decided to hang dry. There were no wrinkles and it didn’t shrink or lose shape. It folds down really compact and is super convenient for traveling since it’s only one thing to pack instead of two.

I actually liked it so much I went online and bought another Rag! Shop the Rag collection here.

Review by Karyssa Booth, mom of our toddler gear tester.

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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Ski trip planning hack: Using GetOutfitted to rent ski wear

November 22, 2017 By Amy Hagstrom

Ski and snowboard wear is expensive–very expensive, in fact–and for some families, the cost to outfit everyone for one or two ski trips per season is simply not worth it. Our family skis much more often than that, but with the rate my teens are growing, I never know what will still fit them, even from month to month! Enter an interesting solution: GetOutfitted.

What is GetOutfitted?

It’s a new service that rents outer wear, plus ski gear ranging from ski packages to Go Pros. You select the items you need online, picking your jacket and snow pants a la carte based on the styles you like, or selecting a pre-determined package. I’m very familiar with the latest outdoor wear brands, and they’re all here. Once you’ve made your selections, you input your vacation dates and destination, and GetOutfitted will FedEx your ski wear directly to your hotel, condo, or vacation home. If you opt to rent skis and/or snowboards, too, they’ll be delivered to your door via a local ski rental partner. When you’re done with you vacation, you just put the ski wear in their pre-paid, included package and drop it off at any USPS mail center. You get free shipping both ways.

What can I get?

Premium outerwear packages for women or men include a top-brand jacket, pants, gloves, and googles and rent for approximately $45/day. Standard packages include the same items, with slightly less trendy brands, and cost $30/day. Kids’ packages are $18/day, which is a true deal. As mentioned, you can also shop a la carte, plus can add base layers and socks, which you buy instead of rent. If you don’t have base layers, we highly recommend getting them. They’re listed for approximately the same prices you’ll pay anywhere else.

In the ski gear category, you can rent full ski or snowboard rental packages, starting at just $25/day for adults and $15/day for kids. Rental packages come with helmets as an optional addition (recommended). All ski wear and gear has a three-day minimum rental period outside of Colorado Rockies resorts.

Where is it offered?

Just about everywhere you might go for a destination ski vacation. The company is based on Colorado, but we used the service for a ski trip to Lake Tahoe, California.

Our experience with GetOutfitted, start to finish:

We didn’t need to rent full outerwear packages from GetOutfitted, which is the most affordable way to do it. We still got a good value, however, renting pants for our Pit Stops for Kids’ dad. His pants were $48/3 days. Buying him a pair of pants for the trip would cost $150 at the minimum, assuming we found a good deal on quality pants, and buying the exact pants he rented would have been $299.

Pit Stops for Kids’ dad in GetOutfitted ski pants.

While we were renting pants, we decided it would be fun to rent a Go Pro for the teens to use on the mountain. Merry Christmas to them! The Go Pro rented for $40/3 days, and the chest mount to wear it cost $12/3 days. Is this $52 critical to our ski trip? No, of course not. But it’s a vast savings on buying action camera equipment we’ll only use occasionally, and the kids really loved it.

While on the site, I initiated a chat with a GetOutfitted expert, who answered my questions promptly. What I asked: ‘Can I reserve for fewer than three days?’ and ‘Do you rent helmets’. The latter is not obvious until you select the ski resort or town you’ll be visiting, which pairs you with a local rental company. When I placed items in my shopping cart, I selected the exact dates of rental, and when I checked out, I entered our vacation rental home address. The ski wear and gear were sent directly to our rental.

When we arrived at our vacation rental, the box from GetOutfitted was waiting for us by the front door. Inside, we found the ski pants and Go Pro, plus a large, prepaid return envelope. Included with the Go Pro was a set of instructions, which, combined with a Google search for the Go Pro website, proved adequate for figuring it all out. We were provided with a memory card, USB cable, and the chest mount equipment (which we paid for), plus a few more mounts, which we could use to mount the Go Pro onto our helmets (after buying disposable adhesive mount stickers, which are found at any ski gear store at most ski resorts).

The kids had fun taking video on the mountain, which we downloaded to our computer at the vacation home (use the USB cable). You’ll want to make sure to download all your videos before returning the Go Pro (or pay a fee for GetOutfitted to download it all for you).

The ski pants worked perfectly, and we returned everything at the end of our trip by dropping off the package at a USPS store. Easy-peasy. To rent your own ski gear, start at GetOutfitted.com and go from there!

We tried out GetOutfitted free of charge, for the purpose of review.

Travel Gear We Use: Best tote bags for travel

October 20, 2017 By Amy Hagstrom

We’ve already declared our favorite travel day pack, perfect for carrying all your necessities (and the kids’) during a typical day traveling, but what about the larger tote bag you need in airports and on the road? I’ve tried over a dozen travel-sized tote bags recently, in a quest for the best. Here’s the winning list.

Best tote bags for travel:

Duluth Trading Company Lifetime Leather Tote Bag:

It’s so pretty, you’ll wonder if this leather tote really is a durable as Duluth Trading Co says, but it really does seem to be ‘lifetime’ worthy. This substantial, full-grain leather tote is timeless, and the oiled leather ages beautifully. I worried about scratches and rips; after all, I’m not gentle on my bags. But the scratches I’ve put on my leather tote so far have faded to nothing within days (and Duluth says they have cream you can buy to care for your leather bag, too). While I wish this tote had a few more internal pockets, it has one deep zippered one, and best of all, the top zippers closed. As you’ll see as you continue reading this post, a zippered top matters a lot to me. I need my stuff secure, especially on planes, where it can all spill out so easily. This tote also has two side water bottle pockets, which are slim, but perfect for my Swell bottles I like to use for travel. You’ll pay a hefty $170 for the Lifetime Leather Tote Bag, but…lifetime, guys.

Note: if you like the idea of a lifetime leather bag but don’t want a tote style, Duluth’s Lifetime Leather Crossbody Bag is also a contender. It has more internal pockets and even a key fob, which I love. I actually like the style better…it’s almost a hobo bag…but I couldn’t give it top billing because the top doesn’t zipper shut (though it has a nice magnetic closure).

Fjallraven Totepack No. 1:

Fjallraven makes some of my favorite travel bags (their duffels are excellent), and this tote converts from a backpack to a tote and back again. Honestly, I almost exclusively use it as a tote, because for backpack mode, it uses the shoulder straps, which I find less comfortable in the backpack configuration. That said, it can be handy to convert it when you need to be hands-free. The Fjallraven Totepack is made of a wonderful waxed canvas material that is weather-resistant and doesn’t show dirt. This is a substantial bag that has some heft, and keeps its shape, another plus for travel days. The top zips closed (of course), and you get a roomy zippered outside pocket, too. There’s also a smaller inside pocket that zips as well. It comes in an absolute ton of colors, which is fun, and sells for $110. You can also go bigger with the Totepack No. 2.

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Patagonia Lightweight Travel Tote:

If you want something more sporty (though certainly no more rugged than the above totes), the Patagonia travel tote fits the bill, and best of all, stuffs down into its own small travel pouch. Everyone needs at least one tote or backpack that stuffs down to stash in their bag. This one has significant straps, which is rare on a stuff-able tote, and like the Fjallraven, it converts to a backpack. You get a zippered top, a big interior zippered pocket, and mesh outside water bottle pockets (though I don’t find them quite deep enough). You can compress it down as needed, and it’s only $80.

Baggallini Balance Tote:

I didn’t expect to love this large yoga tote so much, but I keep reaching for it on travel days. It is roomy but squishes down under the seat nicely, zips closed, and has tons of compartments and pockets inside, a nice Baggallini standard. You can fit a lot in it, and the side pockets are roomy enough for any kind of water bottle. The back panel of mine has a sleeve to slip over my roller bag handle, which is an awesome feature, but it doesn’t look like the current version still has that…bummer. It does have straps for your yoga mat, if you’re using the bag for its intended purpose, which I have only done sparingly. It’s $118, and will last you a long time…though I find that the somewhat shiny nylon does show dirt and stains easily.

Pin it for later!

Do you have a favorite tote? What is your best tote bags for travel pick?

Fall travel wear: guide to Aventura leggings, tights, and tunics

October 13, 2017 By Amy Hagstrom

You all know how deeply my love of Aventura Clothing runs. I love it so much, I am an Aventura and Ecōths ambassasdor, partnering with them for three years now to bring their travel-friendly styles to Pit Stops for Kids.

Every year, they just get better and better, bringing us better styles, more comfort, and more practicality (pockets in pajama bottoms, hello!). This fall, I’m most excited about Aventura leggings, tights, and tunics. Why? Instant capsule wardrobe for travel days! Packing leggings and tights take up so much less room than jeans and pants, they look great with tunics and sweaters, and they’re so comfortable for travel. Here’s what to wear:

Start with leggings and tights:

Sasha legging:

My newest find at Aventura is this fun, patterned legging that’s actually a poly-spandex blend. It has an almost structured waist, and is thicker than most of Aventura’s leggings, which means it feels less like a tight. Absolutely best of all: this legging doesn’t sag. I repeat…I never have to tug the Sasha legging up when I’m wearing it. Thank goodness! The Paisley legging is super similar, just with a more earthy pattern.

Bienne legging:

A longtime favorite of mine, the Bienne isn’t new, but it’s become a mainstay. Get a few pairs and enjoy the fact that they last for years. Unlike the Sasha and Paisley, I think the Bienne feels more like a tight: they’re thinner and tighter-fitting, and pair great with wintery dresses and skirts. The Gilda legging is similar, if you want a pattern.

Add your favorite tunics and sweaters:

Becca tunic:

I love simplicity and a streamlined look, and the Becca is versatile because it goes with both patterned leggings and solid leggings. It’s an organic cotton tunic with just a dash of spandex to give it some stretch, and has a casual, almost sporty look. My only complaint: c’mon Aventura, give me some hidden zip pockets in my tunics!

Zayda Tunic:

Again…goes with everything! The Zayda actually only comes in gray, and if you bought the Jaylee sweater dress I recommended last time, I promise that dress goes well with all tights and leggings, too. The Zayda is a bit thicker and warmer; this fall, I haven’t needed any additional layer when I wear it.

Corinne sweater:

Best light sweater wrap ever for the plane! I just got the Corinne in August, and it’s already been put through its paces on multiple flights. It’s thin, soft, and doesn’t wrinkle, and goes with everything. I have paired it with slacks and jeans, too, but it goes best with leggings for a really comfy combo on the airplane. And it looks sophisticated, too, which is more than I can say for my favorite fleece or sweatshirt.

Scarlett dress:

A thinner, softer tunic dress than any I’ve tried, the Scarlett is a yarn-dye jersey dress that comes in three fall-forward colors. It features a pretty shawl collar, and is 37 inches long, so it can easily be worn with tights or just knee-high boots if the weather is warm enough.

Layer with a light jacket:

Barton jacket:

I admit I have a zillion winter coats, so my family rolled their eyes when I collected yet another. But while the Barton looks heavy, it’s actually thinner than you’d think, making it the perfect fall and spring coat to slip on over tunics and tees. The asymmetrical woven design is so cute, and it’s 100% organic cotton.

Simone vest:

Every woman needs a good vest. The Simone is 100% polyester fill, and has a soft knit collar as a nice touch. It comes in multiple colors, but I recommend the soft white or black so you can pair it with all your leggings and tunics.

Want to try Aventura Clothing? Email us for a coupon code for 60% off any order up to $250!

Disclosure: This post was written in partnership with Aventura, as an ambassador for the brand. All opinions are my own.

Travel Gear We Use: best hiking boots for the family

July 7, 2017 By Amy Hagstrom

We’re continuing our Travel Gear We Use series with a category I’m asked about a lot: hiking boots. Need guidance on buying the best hiking boots for the family? The following picks for kids hiking boots (as well as adults) come from brands we use and trust to be sturdy, highly-functional, and affordable. All have been worn by us on our own backpacking and hiking trips.

Best hiking boots for kids:

This infographic is created by GoFindMe GPS Tracker.

Merrell Chameleon 4 Mid Ventilator Hiking Boot :

The Merrell Chameleon comes in a range of styles, from low-top hikers to high top boots with full ankle support. You can also opt for mesh ventilation or more water resistant models. Find the style that your child likes best. What we love about the Chameleon is how comfortable this shoe is on, and how easy it is to get on and off. I know it sounds simple, but these features can make or break a hiking shoe for our kids. The Merrells are well-constructed but still lightweight and flexible, and the low-top version can certainly pull double-duty as a school shoe. The mid-height Ventilator linked here is only $55, which means that if you kid wears them out in a season, you won’t cry.

KEEN Gypsum Hiking Shoe:

Like the Merrells, the Keen Gypsum retails for under $60, but it offers a lace capture system for even easier on-and-off (and a better fit while on the trail). They’re not too heavy (we really don’t recommend stiff, heavy boots for kids), and will flex with the soles of kids’ feet. They’re breathable, and they have the toe-protection that Keen does so well: no stubbed toes here! pick up a pair for $60

Vasque Breeze WP 2.0 Hiking Boot:

If you need something a little more technical for multi-night backpacking trips, we like the Breeze from Vasque. Kids get full ankle protection and a very rugged sole with strong grip, but also a nice ventilation system so they don’t feel like their feet are in an oven. They weigh in at 2 pounds, and feature a very ‘grown up’ lacing system and toe guards. They’ll set you back more than the other shoes, but might even survive to be handed down! Buy the Breeze for $79.

Hi-Tec Altitude Lite Jr:

We love Hi-Tec hiking boots for adults, so it stands to reason that the kids’ versions would be a great ‘fit’ too. Always affordable without sacrificing quality, Hi-Tec boots are our first pick for down-to-earth outdoorsy families who don’t care about having the absolute trendiest brands on their feet. Give Hi-Tec a try! The Altitude Lite Jr. is rugged, with full ankle support. Opt for the waterproof version to save your kid from wet feet after creek crossings and muddy trails. Pick them up for under $70 on the Hi-Tec site or Amazon.

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Oboz Sundog:

For teens who say they don’t like hiking boots (and think they can hike in flip-flops) the Sundog is the next best thing, that will still make mom and dad happy. Extremely lightweight and in a fun citrusy color, the Sundog wears like a tennis shoe. It has a rugged outsole and laces tightly, so there’s some control amid the feeling of ‘I just have my sneakers on’. Win-win.

Best hiking boots for parents:

I’m going to say something radical here: 90% of the time, you don’t need a full-fledged hiking boot, even for multi-day backpacking trips. I LOVE to wear my LOWA Innox Evo shoes, both when I’m traveling and when I’m hiking, camping, and backpacking. For me, and I know it varies by person, this is the most comfortable trekking shoe out there. Check out a full review here. Buy the LOWAs, be happy, don’t worry about hiking shoes ever again.

BUT, if you need fuller protection for a seriously epic trip, read on:

GoLite Women’s XT89:

I love GoLite shoes, and their XT89 for women are lightweight while still offering full support and great traction. Plus, they’re comfortable enough to want to wear around camp, too. I found I needed to order a half-size up (as they run small), so definitely try these on before ordering online. For men, GoLite’s GoLite Men’s Quest Lite Hiking Boot is a great pick.

KEEN Terradora:

For women, it’s hard to beat the KEEN Terradora if you need the protection of a full-fledged hiking boot. (It does, however, come in a lightweight hiking shoe, to). The Terradora is made of knitted fabric that’s completely waterproof but still soft and flexible, and has a padded ankle support section to help with the discomfort of the usual stiff ankle coverage. Pick it up for $130 on Amazon.

Oboz Mystic Low BDry:

I love a lightweight, low-cut hiking shoe. (If you don’t, try the Oboz Bridger instead.) The Mystic is fully waterproof, yet light enough to be considered a sneaker, should you slide them on for a mid-week soccer practice, as I have. They’re substantial without being stiff, and responsive yet firm on the outsole. They’re my go-to backpacking shoe when I won’t need full-scale ankle support, and they’re competitively priced, too.

Need more shoe ideas? Check out more gear at gearweare.

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More Travel Gear We Use:
Best carry-on luggage for kids
Best overnight backpacks for kids and youth
Best packing cubes and TSA bags for the family
Best point and shoot camera for vacation photos
Best iPhone cases for travel

Travel Gear We Use: Best first aid kits for family travel

June 23, 2017 By Amy Hagstrom

Several years ago, I became certified as a wilderness EMT and decided to create my own first aid kit for family travel. I created the ultimate kit: I left nothing out, and when I was done, there was no medical emergency I was not prepared for. The only trouble: my kit was the size of a pillowcase and had cost me almost $60 to put together.

I’m often asked how to make a homemade first aid kit, but what I tell people now is: don’t. There are a number of excellent portable first aid kits for family travel on the market that are more affordable. Here are the best first aid kits we use.

Adventure Medical Kit Ultralight/Watertight Kit:

Depending on the size you select (we opt for the 1-4 people for 1-4 days size), the Ultralight/Watertight kit weighs in at under 12 ounces, and is slim and compact to boot. This is our #1 pick for outdoor travel, such as backpacking, camping, and boating. Inside the main pouch, you get two waterproof pouches with inventory lists on the side (they’re also see-through). Included is everything you need for at least a long weekend in the woods (with the exception of very few items…see below). At the top of the ‘thank goodness they thought of this’ list is: antihistamine, moleskin, duct tape, lots of bandages, after-bite itch relief. You get very few bells and whistles with this kit–no fancy organizational pockets or handles–but the best medical kit is the one you actually have with you when you need it. Pick the Adventure Medical Kits UltraLight & Watertight up on Amazon for only $26: you can’t make it for less.

Adventure Medical Kits Mountain Series Day Tripper:

Yep, another kit from Adventure Medical Kits. Why? Because of the extra touches: their kits are extremely well-organized, and come with either see-through lining or clearly marked categories, so you can find things fast. Also, all Adventure Medical Kits can be restocked at refillyourkit.com. No more half-empty first aid kits lying around! The Day Tripper is the perfect size for a family’s general use while traveling. Yes, you can get a bigger kit, but be careful: will you really drag it around with you? The Day Tripper weighs under a pound, and fits easily in any day pack for any sort of travel day. It serves 1-5 people. Unlike the Ultralight, it contains smaller pockets and sleeves within the kit to help you stay organized. You get everything you get in the Ultralight, plus an ace bandage and paperback medical book to use as a guide. Pick up the Adventure Medical Kits Day Tripper on Amazon for only $27.

Adventure Medical Kits Medical Kit .5:

Want to go very small and light? Don’t shy away from a medical kit designed for one person. The .5 isn’t big enough for our whole family while camping and backpacking, but it is perfect for day trips and air travel trips when space is tight. In it, you get enough bandages, tape, and gauze for several days of use, plus the same standard medications, like ibuprofen, aspirin, and antihistamine that’s in other kits. There are even a few towelettes and packs of antibiotic ointment. Best of all, this kit is only $17.

What to add to your kit:

If you’ll be in the wilderness, add the following:

extra trauma bandages
snakebite kit ($3-5 at your local outdoors store)
extra antihistamine (my son recently got stung by 23 bees at once, while 5 miles from the car)
extra moleskin
a blister kit, such as BlisterMedic

If you’ll be traveling abroad:

extra of all medications (in case they’re hard to find)
hand sanitizer
vitamins to prevent sickness, such as Vitamin C, or Cold-Eeze, which will shorten most colds

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Adventure and travel subscription box gifts for dads and grads

June 7, 2017 By Amy Hagstrom

Have a dad in your life who loves travel? How about a recent graduate who is ready to start exploring the world? If you want to give something more original than cash this June, consider the following gift subscription boxes and experiential gifts that promote adventure both across the US and abroad.

Travel subscription box gifts for dads and grads:

Cairn subscription box:

We’ve reviewed Cairn in the past, and it’s just as great a value now. Each Cairn subscription box comes with new and innovative outdoor adventure gear, food, and supplies that you probably haven’t seen before. I love learning about new gadgets. Also included in each Cairn box is what I’d call a ‘big ticket item’, worth $25 or more. In the past, the big ticket item has been a hammock, a lantern, or a high quality water bottle. Cairn subscriptions are $27/month.

Explore Local subscription box:

If you have a dad or grad who loves the idea of exploring the country but can’t quite get everywhere (yet), OR, if they’re planning a trip to a US city, an Explore Local box is a great way to learn about the country. Each Explore Local box is packed with local products from a particular US city, allowing you to get to know that location better either before a trip, after, or in case you can’t make it there yourself. We tried the Nashville Explore Local box, which was filled with artisan brands of popcorn, honey, soap, and cards all locally made. Plus, you can include a kid add-on if dad will be bringing kids along on the journey. Explore Local subscriptions are $35/month, or $45 with the kid add-on.

Try the World subscription box:

Have a foodie dad or grad? They’ll love the Try the World box, which features a different country each month, with gourmet goodies and unique food items ready for tasting. We tried the Korea box, which included Somyeon noodles and kimchi, plus suggestions for how to prepare them (essential!). There are also boxes for Greece and India currently. Try the World is available for $35/month.

NatureBox:

If dad or grad will be hitting the road and exploring this summer, NatureBox has subscriptions boxes of several sizes to keep them fueled with healthy snacks. This is a great box to keep giving to grads after they leave for college, too. We tried the medium-sized box, which lasted us about a day with teens in the household, but SHOULD last through a long weekend road trip. Each box has a selection of nuts, dried fruit, snack mixes, and trail mixes. We’ve liked everything we’ve tried. NatureBox starts at $30/month.

Three Aventura dresses for summer travel

June 2, 2017 By Amy Hagstrom

I didn’t used to be a ‘dress’ person, until I started traveling regularly. Suddenly, I understood the convenience and comfort of wearing dresses while on the road. Dresses take up less room in my bag than a top and pants, and they give me a pulled together look with little effort. Add a scarf or fun hat, and I’m good to go! Of course, any dress worthy of my carry-on has to be practical, comfortable, and made of quality material, ready for adventure.

Dresses for summer travel:

As an Aventura Clothing ambassador, I’ve had the opportunity to try many Aventura dresses. These three are my top favorites for this summer.

Lidell dress: The Lidell dress is your go-to casual summer dress, ideal for travel days that take you to the farmer’s market, the beach, or the boardwalk. I’ve used mine as a cover-up when wearing my swimsuit, as well as to a casual meal out (pair it with the cute Redford jacket on cooler evenings).

It’s made of 95% organic cotton, with just a bit of spandex for stretch. You get the popular ombre look with stripes, and the hem is 37″, which is pretty generous. My favorite feature is the bra-friendly tank bodice. Pick it up on aqua, dahlia (coral), or high rise (gray tones) for $79.

Garland dress: The Garland might be my absolute favorite, because it looks fitted and tailored, but is in fact soft and stretchy. The Garland is a combination of organic cotton and jersey, and feels very lightweight (I’m wearing last year’s chevron print in the photo below in humid Miami). You get cap sleeves, a faux wrap front, and cute keyhole and belt details. As I noted above, it looks really put together: feminine and sophisticated. The all-over medallion print is trendy and fun.

I really liked wearing the Garland on cruises this spring, and it was my go-to outfit for a semi-formal outdoor dinner event while I traveled last month. Pick up the Garland dress for $82 in Dutch blue, black, or cardinal (which is really more of a soft brick red).

Joni dress: The Joni is the only dress listed here that’s 100% organic cotton. Of course, each of my picks are at least mostly organic. That’s because organic cotton is not only great for the environment but also super soft and wrinkle-resistant. The Joni shines as a casual all-around-town dress with a space-dye fabric that creates a tonal striped look that’s understated. You can easily pair it with a scarf or even a wide belt since its pattern is really neutral. I like the Joni for city touring, and on long car or train rides when I know I’ll want to look nice when I arrive.

The Joni has a high tank upper design and comes in spiced coral, black (with some white tones), rock ridge (gray with white tones), and Viridian green (which is more of a sea green/blue combination). Pick it up for $77.

Don’t forget! We are still handing out 60% off coupon codes for any Pit Stops for Kids readers who want to try Aventura! Subscribe to our Pit Stops for Kids newsletter, or if that’s not your thing, just email us!