gear review - Pitstops for Kids

Adventure travel for your phone: Tech 21 case review

March 20, 2017 By Amy Hagstrom

Gone are the days when leaving your phone on the charging dock, at the ski lodge, in your backpack, or in the car is an option. I’m a big fan of outdoor adventure travel, but also a big fan of having my phone with me when I’m on vacation. It’s often my camera, my communication device, my note taker, and my navigator. But I hate it when I feel limited because I’m worried about my phone.

My phone ‘wears’ different cases for different activities, which protects it nicely from drops, spills, and any other silliness I may put it through. But when I travel outdoors, my phone brings along a second ‘outfit’. It’s essential that my phone owns a second skin that’s waterproof, dustproof, and generally adventure travel-proof.

Tech 21 Evo Aqua case review:

Enter the Tech21 Evo Aqua. Currently, we’re trying out the Aqua on my teen son’s iPhone 7+, but it also comes in the iPhone 7. Why test the Aqua on my son’s phone? Frankly, because it’s the phone that goes through the most ‘adventure’. Our first test came on a winter weekend at Mt. Bachelor, Oregon, a ski resort known for creating its own weather system due it its large, volcanic peak. When we stepped out of the car, the temperature was 14 degrees F, with the wind blowing.

My son’s phone likes to ‘die’ nearly immediately in very cold weather (it must have been fated for a life in Hawaii, not the Pacific Northwest), but right away, we noticed that the Aqua case protected the ports and speaker from the bracing cold, which I believe aided to a long day of battery life. (This is not a proven fact; just something we noticed.)

We then tested the Aqua in the snow, retrieving it from the protection of a ski jacket pocket often to take photos, take video while skiing, and take a few tumbles. We even dropped it from the ski chair, though I’ll admit that was an accident.

What’s comparable to other waterproof cases:

The Tech21 Aqua is waterproof to over 6.5 feet submersion, which, in my experience, is similar to a few other waterproof cases. It has FlexShock drop protection, comparable with others, and it retails for $89, which is a bit less, but fairly similar, to other waterproof cases I’ve tried. The Aqua also allows for full access to all your ports and buttons, which I’ve found to be true of other cases. It’s a bit harder to hear from the speaker, because it’s more securely closed off, but on the flip side, it’s easily to access my charging port on the Aqua than on other cases. All in all, it’s a pretty compatible experience.

What’s unique about Tech 21 Aqua:

When I first enclosed my iPhone in the Tech 21 Aqua, I did a double take. Why? The front of my phone was still unprotected! Then I looked more closely: while the front glass face of my phone was indeed ‘naked’, the waterproofing seal wrapped all the way around it. This is such a great benefit to the Aqua, because unlike other waterproof cases, this one doesn’t require me to practically beat my phone with my fists to get it to respond to touch. There’s no bulky plastic casing over my screen. Yes, it’s hard to trust this design at first, but once you do, you’ll love it.

The textured finish on the Aqua makes the case a little bit ‘grippy’, which is nice when your phone is wet. Combined with the open front face, I never felt like my phone was a slippery, plastic torpedo about to leave my grasp. We also tested the Aqua in the Narrows of Zion National Park, and I was grateful for its ‘grippiness’ there, too. Yes, it’s waterproof, but no, I don’t want to test that thoroughly (more on this below).

What to watch out for:

For this review, we didn’t submerge the Aqua all the way in water, but the phone certainly got wet, icy, and clammy, with no issues. We DID test it in water as instructed in the Tech21 instruction manual, which gets me to an important point: definitely, absolutely, no-joke, FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS when putting the Aqua case on your phone, especially for the first time. It seems self-explanatory, but it’s imperative that you know how to put the case on correctly the first time, so you can see how it feels and looks to be on the right way.

Basically, you place your phone in the front of the case and then attach the backing of the case by making sure each section securely snaps and seals, working your way around the phone as you go, but if it’s not securely sealed, water WILL get in. The instruction book recommends installing a plastic ‘dummy’ phone (provided) into the case first, then submerging it underwater for 30 minutes to make sure you put it on properly. I highly recommend this as well. This process really made us confident when we put the Aqua on the real phone.

Note: I personally do not submerge my phone completely in water in ANY case. I’ve just seen things go sideways too many times. Instead, I use an underwater or waterproof point-and-shoot camera for underwater photos.

Tech 21 cases for ‘low impact’ travel:

As noted above, you’re not going to use the Aqua for everything, or every day travel. On travel days, I use my earbud port and speaker more than usual, and I certainly don’t want to mess with a clunky case when my phone needs to be tucked away in my carry-on. I also use up a lot of battery on travel days, since I store my boarding passes and hotel reservations on my phone. For travel days, I tried the Tech 21 Endurance, which is a battery case that’s still streamlined and sleek. Not only is the Endurance a battery case, but it still provides protection from drops and spills. And unlike any other battery case I’ve tried, there’s no heat emission. That’s huge to me.

Don’t need extra battery power? For ‘low impact’ travel days (i.e., days I’m not hiking through rivers, skiing, or facing a thunderstorm or sand storm), I like the Tech 21 Evo Gem. It’s ultra-thin and lightweight, but still provides cushioning for drop protection. It’s the perfect level of case when you don’t need mega protection.

Travel Gear We Use: best carry on luggage for kids

January 20, 2017 By Amy Hagstrom

Welcome back to our Travel Gear We Use series. Today, we’re recommending best carry-on size luggage for kids. When packing for a family trip, we are big fans of using carry-on luggage (here’s an article on flying carry-on only). Why? Flying carry-on only saves money, helps kids become more responsible for their belongings, and keeps ‘baggage’ at a minimum…literally. Our favorite carry-on luggage for kids include models that are high-quality, adaptable, and of manageable weight for kids.

Eagle Creek Load Warrior:

The Load Warrior is a fully functioning wheeled rollie with the added bonus of super rugged construction. Our teen loves the Flip Switch because he can roll it through airports, then hold it by the oversized grip on the side when hefting into overhead bins. It comes in two sizes–22″ and 28″–and both feature quality ripstop nylon with two-way, lockable zippers and several organizational pockets.

Crumpler Spring Peeper:

The Spring Peeper (as well as the Crumpler Red Dry No 9 shown in photo) is one of the most sturdy, well-constructed rollie bags we’ve seen. It can, as they say, take a licking and keep on ticking. So by all means, hand it off to a kid who will roll it over curbs, hit it against pillars, and roll it over your foot. Inside, the Spring Peeper features multiple organizational panels and pockets, so kids can (hopefully) remember where they put things. The lightweight handle fully retracts, and side panels are perfectly sized for kids’ socks and underclothes The main compartment is roomy enough to store souvenirs on the way home. Best of all, the Spring Peeper is only $210.

amzn_assoc_placement = “adunit0”;
amzn_assoc_search_bar = “true”;
amzn_assoc_tracking_id = “pitstoforkid-20”;
amzn_assoc_ad_mode = “manual”;
amzn_assoc_ad_type = “smart”;
amzn_assoc_marketplace = “amazon”;
amzn_assoc_region = “US”;
amzn_assoc_title = “My Amazon Picks”;
amzn_assoc_linkid = “ff091f71741a3fbc1be67b0816ea564b”;
amzn_assoc_asins = “B011RY2X8E,B00XWCRCOK,B00E1O2Q9Y,B00M1P3EDM”;

L.L. Bean Adventure Duffle:

L.L. Bean classic adventure duffles have served us well for years (and none have needed to be replaced. We opted for the medium size when the kids were very small, and still use them for quick trips and adventure vacations to this day. Kids can pick their own color (and can have their name embroidered), and the padded shoulder strap makes minor commutes no problem for older kids (if you want kids to wheel their own, opt for the large size with wheels and handle). Best of all, the medium is under $50 and the large is under $100 at L.L. Bean.

Timbuk2 Co-Pilot:

Our teens love this rollie, which features skateboard wheels for a smooth, ultra cool glide over airport floors. I love the fact that it has multiple compartments inside: you can separate clean clothes from dirty, or shoes from clothing via two large mesh sections. Open half the bag without disturbing the other half! There are also two smaller compartments, which we use as built-in packing cubes. There’s even an outside pocket perfect for a TSA-friendly toiletry bag. Grab the Timbuk2 Copilot Luggage Roller for as low as $144.

More Travel Gear We Use:
Best Overnight Backpacks for Kids and Teens

Photo credit: Amy Whitley, via Go Green Travel Green

WiFi hotspot in your car: ZTE Mobley review

November 4, 2016 By Amy Hagstrom

AT&T reached out to us to product test their mobile hotspot, the ZTE Mobley. We said we’d give it a whirl on a seven-hour road trip, because I was curious about the pros and cons of having a WiFi hotspot in your car: after trying it out, would we want to keep it? Would we decide we needed it, or not?

We opted to set up the ZTE Mobley mobile hotspot in our Toyota van for use during a seven-hour road trip from Southern Oregon to Eastern Washington. I figured it was a good journey for testing: most of the route is on interstate, with plenty of cell towers close enough to be in range, with only occasional loss of coverage during mountain passes. It’s also a mixture of rural, suburban, and urban areas. It’s a typical road trip route for us here in the Northwest.

Note: this review is written for AT&T customers. If you’re not with AT&T, you can skip the set up instructions and scroll down to the part where we describe whether we think the hotspot is worth bringing on road trips.

Setting up the ZTE Mobley:

I tend to dread the ‘set up’ process when it comes to new technology, but as it turned out, setting up the mobile hotspot was easy-peasy. The ZTE Mobley is shaped a lot like an ink cartridge, and inserts directly into the OBD II connector port in your car (yeah, I didn’t know I had one, either). All you need to do is start your car’s engine, then connect your smart phone (or other WiFi-enabled device) to the network. To do this, you go through the usual steps: under WiFi on your phone, search for the WiFi network name and input password. Launch your browser.

Note: you can always manage your hotspot at http://attwifimanager.com.

On the road:

Once we were up and running, we could connect up to five wireless devices to the mobile hotspot, shared across main and guest networks. Parents: you can block certain devices from logging onto the WiFi, though it would seem to me that if you have activated the hotspot in your car, you’re ok with everyone using it. Just like any other WiFi network, you can change the password as desired.

The ZTE Mobley worked great for us on our road trip, during which we had three devices logged onto the WiFi. My teenaged sons streamed some Netflix TV shows, and I was able to work on my laptop, researching an upcoming travel story, when not in the drivers’ seat. Normally, we have a ‘no streaming’ rule on road trips, because we go through 4G data so fast when we allow it. The kids thought it was a nice treat to entertain themselves with Brooklyn Nine-Nine episodes.

Of course, there were a few places en route where we lost connection due to signal strength, but this was expected. We simply refreshed. I read criticism of the Mobley that sometimes, the signal dropped from LTE to 3G or lower, but we didn’t experience this problem.

So, do you need a WiFi hotspot in your car?

Potentially, a hotspot in your car can allow you or your kids to entertain themselves with gaming in the car, movies, TV shows, and other apps that require WiFi. I really enjoyed the ability to get work done. We were also able to stream audio books we didn’t want to have to download, saving us time and storage before our road trip. That said, in my opinion, a WiFi hotspot in the car is a nice luxury, but certainly not a necessity. We don’t personally allow screens in our car for short trips, but do allow them on long trips, making the hotspot desirable sometimes, but not all the time. With a two-year contract, however, you unfortunately can’t turn your hotspot on and off as desired.

My conclusion: I view car WiFi much like I view GoGo Inflight WiFi: well worth paying for when you need it, but not needed for every trip.

With a two-year contract, you can’t, unfortunately, turn your hotspot on and off as desired.

Cost:

If you decide a mobile hotspot is right for your family, it’s pretty affordable. If you’re an AT&T customer, the Mobley is free with a two-year contract. You can get 1 GB for $20/month or 3 GB for $30/month.

Disclosure: We tried the ZTE Mobley free of charge for six weeks, for the purpose of review. We are AT&T customers, and unfortunately for us, AT&T does not pay our monthly cellular bill.

Travel gear we use: packing cubes and TSA bags for the family

October 28, 2016 By Amy Hagstrom

Today in our Travel Gear We Use series, we’re talking about using packing cubes to make family packing easy! Below are the packing cubes we use for every trip, as well as the carry-on liquid quart bag we recommend. Many families consider packing cubes just for air travel, but we use them every time we pack. Most recently, packing cubes made our lives easier en route to a Lake Tahoe vacation rental.

Any packing cube is a good packing cube to use for family travel. Why? They make parents’ lives much easier on the road, and allow you to take much more in a carry on bag. Packing cubes keep kids’ clothing organized so they can find outfits and accessories themselves, and keep clean clothes away from dirty clothes. If you don’t have packing cubes and cannot buy them, use zip-lock bags! If you are planning to purchase packing cubes, here are our tried and true picks:

Eagle Creek Pack-It Specter Cube Set

Eagle Creek’s packing cubes with compression have changed my life. On a recent trip to Mexico, I knew we needed to bring light rain jackets for the family just in case, but hated the idea of dedicating the needed space to five coats. I was able to fit all five (three in adult size) into one compression cube! How they work: unzip the cube and fill it with clothing (roll clothes to fit the most). Zip up the cube, then zip the outer compression chamber. Packing with cubes already saves space, but these compression cubes also reduce the size of the cubes themselves, sealing in your clothes and giving you much more space in your luggage. We love them! get a set at Amazon for $38, or buy individually.

eBags Packing Cubes – 3pc Set

eBags packing cubes won’t set you back as much, but are still roomy and able to fit more than you’d think. We usually use the biggest for all the kids’ shoes (this works for young kids) and then use the smaller sizes to organize socks, underwear, and other smaller pieces of clothing that usually gets lost at the bottom of the bag. Packing cubes make for great stocking stuffers: get everyone a set for Christmas!

TSA Quart-Size Carry-On Toiletry Pouch

In addition to using packing cubes, we like to stay organized while going through TSA checkpoints with carry-on luggage by using reusable, clear quart-sized pouches. They’re easier to find and grab in your carry-on when you need to present them, and you already have them on-hand at home when packing. We’ve reused ours for years. There are multiple brands out there, but no need to spend much: we have a Timbuk2 version that’s hard to find these days, but the Louis and Clark version linked above is only $5 on Amazon.

More Travel Gear We Use:
Best carry-on luggage for kids
Best overnight backpacking for kids and youth

Photo credit: Flickr/angryjuliemonday

My oh my: Which insulated water bottle to buy?!

September 23, 2016 By Amy Hagstrom

At each season’s Outdoor Retailer show (where new products from outdoor and travel brands are showcased and introduced), one or two top travel trends always emerge. This summer, one of those trends was insulated water bottles. It started with HydroFlask, and now, it seems every water bottle company has their own version of a double-walled, vacuum-sealed, stainless steel water bottle. Which to buy for your next travel adventure? We’ll help you sort it out!

Which insulated water bottle to buy:

In addition to various sized water bottles, insulated water bottles come in various shapes and tend to serve various purposes, so we’ll break it down even further. In each category, I’m including all the brands I personally have used and tested. Are there others? Probably, but in my opinion, the following are the ones worthy of your purchase. All the bottles below are insulated, and all claim at least 12 hours of chill time (up to 24 hours).

Due to various sizes for each bottle, it’s hard to directly price-compare. I’ve linked to the lowest price for each type on Amazon. Affiliate links are present, which help fund Pit Stops for Kids at no added cost to you.

All-purpose insulated water bottles (various sizes):

HydroFlask:

We’ll start with the original, a brand that originates from my home state. I do love HydroFlask and have many bottles cluttering my cabinets. They come in various sizes, from growlers to toddler-sized. For travel days, I like the 21-ounce HydroFlask with standard mouth opening, and my sons prefer the larger bottles with wide-mouth opening for sports and around the house. Where HydroFlask shines: high quality you can trust. Where HydroFlask fails: I have yet to find a HydroFlask lid/opening I like. Sorry, HydroFlask! The straw tops don’t always work, and the wide mouths without toppers can’t control water flow. The flip caps (mostly for hot beverages) is best, but still can leak.

Takeya:

Takeya is a relative newcomer to the insulated water bottle scene, though they’ve been in the water storage game for a while. The Takeya ThermoFlask is similar to the HydroFlask, but in my unscientific opinion, it’s lighter, narrower, and thinner. It’s also a little bit cheaper. Where Takeya shines: the size is ideal for slipping into a backpack side pocket, and the spout lid is awesome: you get a wide-mouth you can unscrew to put ice in, but a smaller opening to drink from. Where Takeya fails: it doesn’t keep drinks cold quite as long as HydroFlask.

amzn_assoc_placement = “adunit0”;
amzn_assoc_search_bar = “true”;
amzn_assoc_tracking_id = “pitstoforkid-20”;
amzn_assoc_ad_mode = “manual”;
amzn_assoc_ad_type = “smart”;
amzn_assoc_marketplace = “amazon”;
amzn_assoc_region = “US”;
amzn_assoc_title = “My Amazon Picks”;
amzn_assoc_linkid = “b7e1058dcfd393a2b21031b5f8ec2a61”;
amzn_assoc_asins = “B01ACAS82O,B0188QBELG,B015DK02GS,B00M00OPZ4”;

Camelbak:

There’s lots to love about Camelbak water bottles, and certainly this brand has come a long way from its days as solely a hydration bladder company. The Camelbak Eddy and Chute have been in our cupboards for a long time in their BPA-free plastic version, and now, like everyone else, Camelbak is making insulated versions. You can get an insulated Chute in 20 ounce or 40 ounce, with the same lid I’ve come to love in the plastic version: like the Takeya, it’s a narrow opening that opens and closes, with a wider opening for ice. You can also now get the Eddy in an insulated version, with the same bite valve as the plastic Eddy. Bite valves can be easier for kids to drink from, but bear in mind that they’re pressurized, so they can leak during car or air travel. Where Camelbak shines: we love that each bottle has a place to clip a carabiner to attach to a raft or backpack…they’re great outdoor bottles. Where Camelbak fails: we would love more sizes.

S’well:

I have fallen for S’well, probably due it its simplistic yet elegant design. S’well bottles come in two sizes (that we know of): 17 ounce and 25 ounce, and you can get a wide variety of unique patterns and colors. If you want to stand out, S’well may be for you. We also like the simple and narrow opening, for ease of drinking. Where S’well shines: the narrow bottles fit nicely in side pockets, and the openings are simplistic. Where S’well fails: there’s no way to attach the bottles to anything, and they’re pretty darn expensive.

Klean Kanteen:

Klean Kanteen has been around a long time, much like HydroFlask, and has solid construction and design on its side. They make plenty of stainless steel bottles, but their insulated ones come in 16 ounce, 20 ounce, and 40 ounce, with a wide mouth. Where Klean Kanteen shines: clean design, solid color stories. Where Klean Kanteen fails: kind of boring.

Insulated bottles especially designed for hot beverages and insulated tumblers:

Camelbak Forge:

The Forge is a personal favorite of mine. What I love: the narrow but tall shape, which I can easily grasp in one hand, and the mouth opening, which features a locked position and a sipping position with a small bowl at the opening where coffee or tea can cool. It comes in 12 ounce or 16 ounce, in lots of sleek, metallic colors. Where Camelbak shines: the design is awesome. Where Camelbak fails: the design is complicated…if the multi-part lid breaks in any way, you’re toast.

Stanley Classic Vacuum Pint:

Yes, it’s a pint glass, not a mug, but I love this Stanley offering so much, and use it for hot beverages so often, it needs to be included. If you want a rugged, classic design and color scheme without frills (and a low price to match), the Stanley vacuum pint is for you. There is a lid, which works quite well to keep liquid hot for longer periods, but it’s not totally enclosed. Stanley also makes a classic vacuum bottle, but I have not tested it. Where Stanley shines: simplistic, classic designs. Where Stanley fails: no updated color stories.

Note: Klean Kanteen and HydroFlask both have sipping lids designed to fit on their wide-mouth bottles to convert any insulated bottle to a hot beverage bottle.

New to the market in recent months are an onslaught of insulated tumblers, designed for commuting and home use. I’ve started to really like these, taking them in the car, to the lake, on picnics, and for day-to-day use at home.

SIC Cups:

Use it for hot or cold beverages, I’m giving SIC a best-in-show here, because it keeps my drinks cold and hot longer than any other brand in this round-up. And it does this as a tumbler, with a plastic lid (vacuum-sealed) lid. They come in 20, 24, and 30 ounce models, and while expensive, SIC is worth it. Where SIC shines: there was ice unmelted in my cup 24 hours after I put it in there. Enough said. Where SIC fails: a SIC cup is expensive.

Takeya ThermoTumbler:

Like the Takeya ThermaFlask, their tumbler is affordable and fits nicely in the hand. Also like the ThermaFlask, it doesn’t keep beverages hot and cold quite as long as its competition. It comes in two sizes, 20 ounce and 30 ounce; the 20 ounce is a really nice size for a standard cup of coffee. Each have a plastic, sealed lid like the SIC cup. Where Takeya shines: the size of the cups are good, and the price is right. Where Takeya fails: just not quite the quality of the SIC. It will come down to budget.

amzn_assoc_placement = “adunit0”;
amzn_assoc_search_bar = “true”;
amzn_assoc_tracking_id = “pitstoforkid-20”;
amzn_assoc_ad_mode = “manual”;
amzn_assoc_ad_type = “smart”;
amzn_assoc_marketplace = “amazon”;
amzn_assoc_region = “US”;
amzn_assoc_title = “My Amazon Picks”;
amzn_assoc_linkid = “b7e1058dcfd393a2b21031b5f8ec2a61”;
amzn_assoc_asins = “B000FZX93K,B019D9HESO,B00G46CR00,B01018ANNY”;

Yeti Rambler tumbler:

We love our Yeti cooler (seriously, if you’re outdoors a lot or road trip often, invest in one), so I was happy to see Yeti come out with an insulated tumbler. The Yeti comes in three sizes; we found the 20 or 30 ounce to be best (the 10 ounce is just too small). It’s very similar to the other two tumblers in this list in design. Where Yeti shines: it’s a name you can trust to keep stuff cold. Where Yeti fails: it’s still not quite as high quality as the SIC, but it IS a bit more affordable.

Pelican SD32 Travel Tumbler:

Pelican’s offering in this category is just as no-nonsense as you’d expect from this rugged brand. We love that that the SD32’s tall, not fat (so it fits in car bottle holders), and it has a copper-plated inner wall. The most unique aspect of the Pelican tumbler, however, is the unique drink lid, which has a slide opening to prevent spillage. Where Pelican shines: this hefty bottle is substantial, and can stand up to lots of wear and tear. It also comes in a 22 ounce version. Where Pelican fails: the colors (silver, black, and green) feel kind of boring.

If you have a favorite insulated water bottle, let us know in the comments!

Subscribe to our Pit Stops for Kids seasonal newsletter, and get an exclusive travel ‘cheat sheet’, free! Click here!

Travel Gear We Use: GoTenna review

July 8, 2016 By Amy Hagstrom

When we visited Paris last winter, we spent a wonderful day in the Louvre. At least, it was mostly wonderful, except for the two hours we spent looking for each other. My husband had our two older sons in one section, and I had our youngest in another, and our plans to ‘find each other later’ went woefully sideways. We both had phones, but had put them in airplane mode to save on our international data plan. When I turned my phone on to contact him, he had his turned off, and vice versa.

Months later, I was introduced to GoTenna. The minute I saw what it did, I knew we could have used it in Paris. And in Rome. And in Costa Rica. And so on and so forth. GoTenna is a thin, 2-ounce wand that connects to a smartphone app via Bluetooth low energy (LE). It creates a low-frequency radio wave network for its iOS and Android app that reaches about 1 mile in skyscraper-filled urban areas, and, supposedly, up to 9 miles in most open outdoor areas (even longer on mountain tops).

How to use GoTenna:

When you buy GoTenna, it comes in a pack of two (for $199). I had ours set up in about two minutes. You just take the wands out of the package, and pull the little tab on each to extend the stick. When it clicks, you can see whether the GoTenna wand is charged by waiting for the light to blink. If it does, you’re in business. If not, charge the wands first using the included USB cords.

Once they’re ready, turn them off, and download the free GoTenna app. It will walk you through the activation steps, which, again, took me only a minute or so. You turn the GoTenna back on to pair it with your phone via Bluetooth (one wand per phone), add your phone number and name, and you’re in business. You can import your contacts, so it’s easy to find other people when you need to contact them (more on that in a minute) and download maps to use off-line (more on that, too).

Once you and a partner both have the wands paired to your phones, you can use them offline to contact each other. Each GoTenna has a nylon loop so you can attach it to a backpack, jacket, or hat. You don’t hold it; you need it to have a clear path to get a signal. Think of GoTenna like a messaging app: it has the capability to send messages and location, but not much else. You cannot use GoTenna to send photos or video, make phone calls, or scroll through social media. It’s like a walkie-talkie, only much better.

You do everything you want with GoTenna from the app.

Send one-on-one messages: this is the primary thing we’ve done with it. You can send messages to anyone in your contacts who also has a GoTenna (this is the reason for the pack of two).
Send Shout messages to everyone in the area with a GoTenna: A ‘shout’ message is basically a general message that will go out to everyone with a GoTenna within range. Not many people have these, so it’s not much of an issue right now, but in theory, you could use this feature to send out a general invite to meet up at a location at a concert or festival to meet other users, or send an ‘all call’ as an emergency.
Send emergency messages: this feature is deceiving, because GoTenna cannot actually connect with emergency services (a con to using it, for sure). It can only connect with other GoTennas (not satellites), so this emergency feature is just a ‘shout’ set in priority mode. If anyone nearby is also using GoTenna, they’ll get a message that someone needs assistance. I guess it’s better than nothing.
Use maps: I love this feature. While online, you can download tons of pre-existing maps in GoTenna’s app. (This feature is under ‘location’). Then you can use the maps while offline. We could have used this in Paris, and we will be using it in Central America this fall.

When and why to use GoTenna:

GoTenna is touted as a solution for communicating in the outdoors, when traveling without coverage, and during natural disasters other situations when off the grid. I initially thought I’d like using the wands while backpacking and camping, but in practice, we leave GoTenna at home during outdoor trips. Why? The range isn’t long enough for hikers or campers to communicate with family back at home (reason #1 I’d use it), and to use it hiker to hiker, we’d also have to carry multiple cell phones in the wilderness, which would require bringing solar chargers. While we might do this occasionally (I love the Waka Waka solar charger for this purpose), most often, we’re tech-free in the wilderness.

So what DO we use GoTenna for? International travel. We’re also glad to have it in case of a natural disaster when we may need to communicate off the grid, but primarily, it’s a wonderful tool for travel. When we travel internationally, we pay for limited service plans, so more often than not, we’re in Airplane mode and offline. With GoTenna, we can continue to communicate when we separate during the day, and we can use the maps. The teens and I used GoTenna last month in the Caribbean, when we were doing different service projects a few miles apart, and we’ll use it again in Costa Rica and Panama later this year. The only place we’ve used GoTenna where it’s only worked so-so was on a cruise ship. I think all the metal walls and doors messed with it.

Pick up GoTenna for $199 or look for it at REI. If you travel even a few times per year off the grid (or in Airplane mode), it’s well worth the investment.

Disclosure: We were given a GoTenna to test, for the purpose of review. As always, all opinions are our own.

Subscribe to our Pit Stops for Kids seasonal newsletter, and get exclusive tips, free! Click here!

Travel Gear We Use: Ecoths shirts for teen travel

June 3, 2016 By Amy Hagstrom

We’ve been singing the praises of men’s clothing line Ecōths for several years now. Part of my favorite clothing company, Aventura, Ecōths is all about comfortable, practical men’s wear that’s environmentally and socially responsible. Not only are many of the offerings made from recycled or organic materials, Ecōths’ GOOD SAM program has donated over 150,000 meals across the US to local food banks. How do they do it? Ecōths provides a minimum of three meals for every garment sold in America to someone in need. Make a purchase of Ecōths, and in turn you will be donating three meals to someone who truly needs it.

While my husband loves wearing Ecōths, no one is more excited about what this company is doing that the resident Millennial in our family, our 16-year-old. He’s all about environmental stewardship and the outdoors, and always needs quality travel clothing. If you have a teen boy who needs clothing that won’t wrinkle in the suitcase, will last through many washings, and will look good enough to pass the teenage test, read on!

My teen’s favorite Ecōths shirts for travel days:

Chandler Tee:

This raglan-sleeve tee is trendy and casual-looking, but made from an organic cotton blend. This means it’s very soft to the touch, and will not wrinkle…even when my teen balls it up and tosses it in his duffel. Pick it up in four neutral colors in sizes M-XL. Our teen is tall and slim, and the medium fits him nicely.

Hendrix:

Our teen is all about plaid. And flannel, but in summer, mostly plaid. He spends a lot of time in the outdoors, so he needs shirts that provide sun protection and breathability. The Hendrix short-sleeve is organic cotton and Coolmax polyester blend that ensures it’s moisture-wicking and wrinkle-resistant, even when my son is hiking or biking. As a bonus, he loves the built-in microfiber Handy Cleaning Cloth in the front interior of the shirt. It comes in two colors in M-XXL. Note: the Monroe is similar, but just a little bit more ‘rugged’ looking, in our opinion.

Beckett V-Neck:

The Beckett is 100% organic cotton jersey. This is as pure as it gets when it comes to a boy wardrobe, so pick up a couple (they’re on sale)! Our teen loves the Beckett because it’s fashionable with its horizontal stripes and V-neck, and I love it because unlike his other t-shirts, it’s high quality. No holes here! It comes in three colors in sizes M-XXL.

Ecōths discount for you!

I didn’t include pricing in this post. Why? Because I want Pit Stops for Kids readers to get 60% off! Hey, boys grow fast, and we need all the help we can get keeping them clothed, right? To get 60% off your entire Ecōths or Aventura clothing order, subscribe to our FREE travel newsletter email list (at the top of our page), then leave a comment below. I’ll email your discount code for ANY order up to $250 (while supplies last)!

#EcōthsLife:

Instagram users, share your photos of how you live an #ecothslife everyday! Each month, Aventura will pick one winner who has posted a picture using #EcothsLife and they will receive an outfit from Ecōths.

Coleman camping gear and #FindYourPark

May 11, 2016 By Amy Hagstrom

It’s camping season in most of the US and Canada, and I’m excited to spend time in the outdoors for the next few months. Most of us are now familiar with our National Park system’s #FindYourPark initiative, which is helping more families than ever discover outdoor recreation in state and national parks.

Most families are also familiar with Coleman, an outdoor gear brand with a long tradition of creating family-friendly camping equipment. We’ve been using Coleman gear since I was a kid. Right now, Coleman is partnering with #FindYourPark. Through 2017, Coleman will host a variety of outdoor experiences that will enable America’s youth and their families to connect with our national parks in unique ways.

Want more camping info? Get Pit Stops for Kids’ camping gear list!

To round out this partnership, Coleman will also offer a limited edition line of products including grills, stoves, lanterns and coolers that commemorate our national parks to ensure Americans are well equipped to head out to the parks. To kick off the camping season, we wanted to share reviews of some of our favorites, and let you know how to get them.

Coleman camping gear we’re using this summer:

Carlsbad Fast-Pitch tent:

The Carlsbad tent sleeps six and includes two living spaces: a 10 x 9 ft. tented space and a 10 x 5 ft. screen room. It’s roomy vertically too, with a ceiling of 5 ft. 8 in. Families can easily spread out, with extra sleeping space in the screen room if the weather is dry, or you can use that space for a few chairs, a game of Uno, or everyone’s shoes and gear.

A few features we love: The Carlsbad features Coleman’s ‘Dark Room Technology’, which means it stays darker inside than the average tent. When you have kids with an earlier bedtime or hope that you’ll all sleep in a bit, this is golden. You also get window awnings, which is more than just a cute feature: they allow you to keep windows zippered down, even in rain, which reduces condensation in the tent. Lastly, the Carlsbad is one of Coleman’s ‘Fast Pitch’ tents, which means that for its size, it’s very easy to set up. Forget the heavy, awkward set up stage: some of the poles are pre-inserted, and it really only takes five minutes to be up and running. Buy on sale for $169 on Amazon, or grab a 4-person model for only $134.

Big N Tall cot:

We’ve really fallen in love with cot sleeping when we’re car camping. To be honest, we sleep outside on cots much of the summer. Cots are more comfortable than air mattresses for us, and sleeping off the ground simply feels like a luxury when we’re camping. The Coleman Big N Tall cot is part of their Big N Tall line, which, in our opinion, isn’t just for bigger people. The oversized cot is simply more stable and wider, which is good news for anyone. It’s designed in a military style with an X frame, and is quick to set up.

A few features we love: The design on the Big N Tall cot is a manly yet understated topography map design in sand tones. I realize a cot’s selling feature isn’t its looks, but it’s always nice to have something nice looking in your campsite! It comes in a rolling carrying case, with is really good, since this baby is heavy! Pick up the Big N Tall for $135. You can also find standard-sized Coleman cots for $79 and under.

Mountain View Screen Dome Shelter:

Coleman’s 12×12 screen dome shelter went up in our yard in May and won’t come down until August, except to go camping! We use it daily for bug-free outdoor space and outside sleeping space throughout the summer months, and it’s a wonderful addition to car camping sites when you need a bug-free zone. It has an open bottom/floor, which means you can set it up around fixed picnic tables at campsites for mosquito-free eating or card games during the twilight hour. I won’t lie: set up takes longer than for your average tent (it took us about 15 minutes) and the poles are bulky and heavy.

A few features we love: You get 50+ UPF, and the roof is waterproof (we’ve tested it extensively). You get some side-panel ‘walls’ you can drape on one or more sides if you desire, which is helpful for keeping out sun on one side, privacy, or during rain storms. If you don’t need the shelter to be screened to keep out bugs, you can zip away the attached screens to use the shelter as just a sun dome (great for sporting events). The inside height is over 7 feet, so you won’t need to duck. Pick it up for $181 on Amazon.

Conquer 200L LED Headlamp:

Sorry, flashlights, but we’ve switched entirely over to headlamps for our illumination needs while camping. We love the hands-free convenience, and the way headlamps easily convert from pathway illumination to reading lights to lanterns (just wrap one around a large plastic bottle of water). The Conquer headlamp is bulkier than we’d like for backpacking, but ideal for car camping and for kids to take to camp. It’s rugged exterior can take a beating, and the headband can be adjusted to fit just about everyone.

A few features we love: The Conquer features BatteryLock, which stops battery drain. Believe it or not, you won’t be changing out the batteries constantly! It has five modes, including high spot, high flood, low spot, low flood, and red, and lumens ranging from 200 (high spot), 150 (high flood), 70 (low spot), and 20 (low flood). You need three AAA batteries, but the LEDs never need replacing. Pick it up for just $25. There are stronger, brighter models available as well, going up to about $45, but honestly, this is all you need.

Travel Gear We Use: best overnight backpack brands for kids and youth

May 6, 2016 By Amy Hagstrom

As an editor at Practical Travel Gear and a gear reviewer for OutdoorsNW, I test a lot of travel products and outdoor gear. Some of this gear we keep and continue to use as a family, and some of it gets pushed to the wayside. Some of the most-frequent questions I’m asked on Pit Stops for Kids is related to what to pack, what to bring, and what to wear. Our Travel Gear We Use series will address our most commonly requested gear recommendations.

Quality, backpack trip-worthy packs are hard to find that fit young kids and youth (tweens and teens). Many so-called kids’ packs are flimsy, or simply not designed for multi-day, serious hiking and trekking. It’s very important to find a pack for your kids that takes the weight off their shoulders and onto their hips, just like the grown-up models do. As with all travel-related activities, your kids will have better success and more fun when backpacking with the right gear. Here’s what we use when it comes to best overnight backpack picks for kids:

For young kids (ages 6-11):

Kelty Junior Tioga External Frame Pack

Why we use this pack: firstly, Kelty is a brand we trust to be of quality design at a reasonable price. Kids grow out of gear quickly and pack styles are improved upon often…no need to spend top dollar to hand-down something obsolete. The Kelty Jr. Tioga (shown in the photo above, worn by Toby, age 8) is 34L, which offers a large enough capacity to be helpful, but not so large that the child is over-burdened with too much weight. (Tip: our young kids carry only their own clothing, their own sleeping bag and pad, and lightweight food items, such as freeze-dried meals).

While the Jr. Tioga isn’t too large, it still offers a secure waist belt and sternum straps, allowing weight to be carried on the hips. The external frame is nice at this age, because the pack is more highly adjustable than most with internal frames. Not only can the waist belt and shoulder straps be adjusted to size, but the frame can be made larger or smaller. This pack has grown with our kids from age 6-11. Buy at sale price on Amazon.

Deuter Fox 40

Why this pack: once kids have outgrown the external frame pack above, enter the Deuter Fox. We tried many internal frame packs for kids in the 40-45L range, and found the Deuter to provide the best ‘adult’ features in a kid-friendly package. There’s a dedicated sleeping bag compartment and an adjustable torso, and good ventilation on the back panel and hip belt. We kind of wish it wasn’t top-loading, and kids tend to toss everything out of the bag to find that one thing at the bottom, but this is a feature we can live with. Buy on Amazon for $109.

Note: if you find you simply can’t find a narrow enough hip belt for a thin child, try the REI brand Passage 38. It was the only pack to properly fit our narrow-hipped child!

For tweens and teens (ages 12-17):

Mountainsmith Youth Pursuit

Why we use this pack: It is so hard to correctly size tweens and teens! They may be ready to carry the load of many adults, but for most teens, adult packs are still too large-framed, either in torso length or sternum/waist belt width or both. The Youth Pursuit is 45L (a nice in-between capacity) and offers an internal frame that’s fully customizable by velcro adjustment (for torso length). The waist belt fits our 12-year-old and our 14-year-old, and there are plenty of organizational pockets so older kids can be in charge of packing and using their own tools and gear. Kids get adult-pack quality ventilation on the pack pads, and pack material is equal to that of mom’s and dad’s. Read a full review here. Buy at sale price on Amazon.

Granite Gear Leopard

Why this pack: the Granite Gear Leopard is our older teen son’s all-time favorite pack. Yes, he’s in a height category that opens up his options to include any men’s pack, but with a thin waist, it can still be hard to find a proper fit. The Granite Gear Leopard fits perfectly, isn’t too big at 58L (most men’s packs are 65 L or more), and doesn’t break the bank. It also comes in a minimalist 46 liters! He loves all the pockets and included loops for his accessories like an axe and a collapsible shovel, and how easily it can be cinched down or expanded. Buy on Amazon for under $150.

Top youth backpacking packs at a glance:

amzn_assoc_placement = “adunit0”;
amzn_assoc_search_bar = “true”;
amzn_assoc_tracking_id = “pitstoforkid-20”;
amzn_assoc_ad_mode = “manual”;
amzn_assoc_ad_type = “smart”;
amzn_assoc_marketplace = “amazon”;
amzn_assoc_region = “US”;
amzn_assoc_title = “My Amazon Picks”;
amzn_assoc_linkid = “2b3ff3efebcf632ee007032e7c7a5424”;
amzn_assoc_asins = “B00CQ9L2X2,B013FUTBAG,B009407Y60,B00BU96YIM”;

Travel Gear We Use: Camping Comfort Items

April 20, 2016 By Amy Hagstrom

We used to be hardcore minimalist campers…until we starting reviewing camping gear. Then we realized there’s a whole slew of fun, convenient camping items we now can’t live without. Turns out, we like to be comfortable! While we still camp in a minimalist fashion when it comes to backpacking gear, we’ve added the following camping comfort items to our car camping experience.

Big Agnes Helinox Chair:

This lightweight chair weighs in at only 1 pound, 3 ounces, so you could conceivably take it backpacking. (It stuffs into it’s own sack). However, we bring it to the campsite for car camping, and it plays double-duty as a soccer game-viewing chair during my kids’ season. I love how easy the Helinox is to clean (spills wipe away) and to stow (simply fold the corded poles and wrap the mesh sling around it). A Helinox chair sets you back further than your standard foldable chair, but you absolutely can’t beat it for weight and convenience. You’ll barely know it’s packed in your car! Pick up the Helinox Camp Chair on Amazon for $99.95, or find it for a few bucks more at most outdoor retailers.

Grand Trunk Goods Double Hammock:

Grand Trunk Goods make some of the highest quality outdoor luxuries on the market (I love their travel pillows and sleep sacks). Naturally, when it comes to making a hammock, they excel…and for a very reasonable price. Their double hammock fits two adults (or three squirmy kids) and can be hung anywhere, using the included rope and carabiners. The hammock is made from parachute nylon, and stuffs into a small stuff sack for easy transport. We’ve taken ours on camping trips as well as vacations to condos and vacation homes. The most fun part of a Grand Trunk hammock: picking your color. The site offers over 20 color combinations. Pick up yours for only only $45 on Amazon. You can also upgrade to a Grand Trunk Skeeter Beater, which comes with a built in bug net!

amzn_assoc_placement = “adunit0”;
amzn_assoc_search_bar = “true”;
amzn_assoc_tracking_id = “pitstoforkid-20”;
amzn_assoc_ad_mode = “manual”;
amzn_assoc_ad_type = “smart”;
amzn_assoc_marketplace = “amazon”;
amzn_assoc_region = “US”;
amzn_assoc_title = “My Amazon Picks”;
amzn_assoc_linkid = “2b3ff3efebcf632ee007032e7c7a5424”;
amzn_assoc_asins = “B007ZGOWZQ,B001AIFLX2,B00EI3L1Q2,B00H5PUMFG”;

Eureka Cook Table:

We didn’t know we needed a camp table until we tried it…then couldn’t go back. Why? The Eureka Cook Table fits a double camp stove perfectly, and comes with an organization center below. This section zips closed to keep dust and dirt off your plates, utensils, and kitchen tools, and keeps small animals out. Where we camp, we almost always need a bear locker, so our food does not go in here, but it would be entirely possible to store food in the camp table if you’re in a safe area. With our stove on the table, we are free to spread out more on our picnic table, using it for card games, art projects, and board games after dinner. I worried the camp table would be bulky to pack and heavy to carry, but with it’s own carry case and easily folding legs, it’s been a breeze. I wouldn’t want to carry it far, but for short distances, it’s no problem. Pick up the Eureka Cook Table for $99.

Kelty Camp Pillow:

We can’t camp without pillows. Even while backpacking, I bring along a very small one. The Kelty Camp Pillow is compressible, fits into its own stuff sack (which is also handy for keeping it clean as you pack and unpack camp), and has an extra sleeve where you can stash extra clothing (socks, anyone?) or a lightweight jacket for added volume. They come in a variety of colors, so everyone can have their individual one. The Kelty Camp Pillow is only $16.

Coleman Trailhead II cot:

Until recently, I hadn’t slept on a cot since summer camp as a kid. When I tried Coleman’s Trailhead II cot, I was amazed how rested I felt! You’ll stay warmer off the ground, and since the Trailhead is designed in a ‘military’ style, it’s very sturdy, even for bigger adults. You get multiple side pockets down the length of the cot, where we like to stow flashlights, books, and small items like watches or lip balm. Best of all, it folds down small and stows in a carry case for storage. The Trailhead II is under $45 on Amazon.

amzn_assoc_placement = “adunit0”;
amzn_assoc_search_bar = “true”;
amzn_assoc_tracking_id = “pitstoforkid-20”;
amzn_assoc_ad_mode = “manual”;
amzn_assoc_ad_type = “smart”;
amzn_assoc_marketplace = “amazon”;
amzn_assoc_region = “US”;
amzn_assoc_title = “My Amazon Picks”;
amzn_assoc_linkid = “2b3ff3efebcf632ee007032e7c7a5424”;
amzn_assoc_asins = “B0038M659C,B003696236,B007RFG0NM,B012EVS48C”;

Klymit Static V and Static V Jr:

A cushy sleeping pad is essential for me when I backpack and camp. I know there are those who swear by minimalist pads, but I just can’t do it. The Klymit Static V feels downright luxurious with its air chamber design. It inflates and deflates in seconds, and is still only 18 ounces. Plus, it rolls into its own stuff sack that’s a quarter of the size of my other sleeping pads. It also limits air movement, which means you don’t lose heat while sleeping. With Klymit, I can be an ultra-lightweight camper and live in comfort! There’s also a Klymit Static V Jr, which is 3/4 length for adults, and weighs only 13 ounces. We have one for our 11-year-old, and my teens use it as well when they really want to shave off ounces. The Klymit Static V is under $50 on Amazon, as is the Jr model.

Want more camping info? Get Pit Stops for Kids’ camping gear list!

GSI Java Press:

Can’t live without a good cup of joe in the morning? Me, neither. I love, love, love the GSI Java Press, which travels well and still provides a great cup of coffee (or two) during camping mornings. Maybe I’m a snob, but I will not drink instant coffee, and the java press is lightweight, indestructible, and easy to pack with the rest of our kitchen gear. It’s double-walled and insulated, BPA-free, and brews a strong cup of coffee or tea. Pick it up on Amazon for under $30.

amzn_assoc_placement = “adunit0”;
amzn_assoc_search_bar = “true”;
amzn_assoc_tracking_id = “pitstoforkid-20”;
amzn_assoc_ad_mode = “manual”;
amzn_assoc_ad_type = “smart”;
amzn_assoc_marketplace = “amazon”;
amzn_assoc_region = “US”;
amzn_assoc_title = “My Amazon Picks”;
amzn_assoc_linkid = “2b3ff3efebcf632ee007032e7c7a5424”;
amzn_assoc_asins = “B00UTKNX64,B00OM1JJ3W,B00TY2HXE6,B002YT4DPS”;

Waka Waka Power +

Normally, we like to unplug when we go camping. But let’s be real: sometimes you simply need or want to have a source of power for your phone or other device. When we’re not backpacking ultra lightweight, I like to carry my phone for safety purposes (GPS positioning, etc) and when we’re luxury car camping, it’s nice to be able to watch a movie on the iPad. What? I told you this was a post about camping comfort. The Waka Waka Power+ is awesome because it’s a charger that’s powered by the sun. It’s small solar panel charges virtually any type of small electronic device within just a few hours. Plus, it has a light, so you can get up to 150 hours of illumination. When we tried it out, we had trouble at first finding a sunny spot to put the Waka Waka to charge. Once we’d gotten the knack, however, it could charge fully after a day outside (breakfast until dinner). There are multiple light settings (so you can save battery when needed), but we found we hardly use it for light. Instead, it’s our go-to phone charger. The design is flexible, so you can set it upright on a table, or hang it from the ceiling of a tent. There’s even an SOS emergency beacon. The Waka Waka isn’t packed for every trip, but when it stays home, it’s in our emergency supply box, for those ‘just in case’ moments. Grab the Waka Waka on Amazon for $79.

What item can’t you live without while camping? Find more Travel Gear We Use!

Disclosure: We received some of these items for the purpose of review. Without product reviews, Pit Stops for Kids would not be able to keep you informed on the latest gear.