travel gear we use - 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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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:

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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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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

Find more Travel Gear We Use!

Travel Gear We Use: Top sleeping bags for backpacking families

April 28, 2017 By Amy Hagstrom

It’s time to think family camping! Get your family geared up for the summer camping season by snuggling up in a down or down-alternative sleeping bag! Today on Travel Gear We Use, we’re listing our favorite sleeping bags for backpacking and camping families, with lightweight and kids’ picks.

Best sleeping bag we use for kids:

We love our son’s The North Face Dolomite 20F Youth Sleeping Bag. No, it’s not the most compact bag on the market, but that’s ok with us. Kids’ bags, by definition, are smaller, so it’s possible to get away with a bulkier model and still fit it into smaller sleeping bag compartments in youth-sized backpacks. The Dolomite is rated to 20 degrees, plenty warm enough for us, and ours has lasted through three kids and counting! The price is right, too, at only $119.

Best sleeping bag with a larger toe box:

If you’re wondering what a ‘toe box’ is, you either haven’t used a ‘mummy’-style sleeping bag, or don’t mind its restricting nature. I fall in the latter category (I actually love the tight space that warms me up faster), but some members of our family hate it. They’ve been looking everywhere for a sleeping bag made for backpacking that offers a roomier toe box, and we finally found it. The Big Agnes Lulu 15 stuffs into a compression sack and is lightweight enough for carrying long distance (it weighs in at just over 3 pounds), but features a wider bottom half that most bags. It’s rated at 15 degrees, with a fill weight of 24 ounces. Pick one up for as low as $139.

Best sleeping bag for ultra-light backpackers:

Maybe you’re not trying to beat any ultra-light backpacking records, but you’d still like to carry one of the lightest sleeping bags on the market. Or maybe, you’d like your older kids or elderly parents to carry a lighter bag. We love the Kelty TrailLogic Kelty SB20 delivers, with a weight of two pounds. The best benefit of a lighter bag? It fits into a stuff sack roughly half the size of its counterparts, which means more room in your backpack. Hey wait a minute…that means I carry more gear, doesn’t it? The SB20 will set you back $299, but you’ll see why once you pick it up.

Best sleeping bags for those who prefer a quilt:

Did you know there was such thing as a sleeping quilt or backcountry quilt? These ‘sleeping bags’ don’t zip all the way around, which prevents that clammy, enclosed feeling some of us just can’t stand. If you’d rather sleep outdoors under a blanket or quilt than in a sleeping bag (but still need the warmth of a bag), Sierra Design’s Backcountry Quilt may be for you. You still get the 2-season warmth of 800-fill synthetic down, plus a hide-away hood and hand pockets to keep extremities warm at night. But the design remains open on the upper half, which allows you to feel like you’re under a blanket, not wrapped like a burrito.

The Backcountry Quilt is sold for as little as $150 for a 1.5 season weight, but you’ll want to spring for the $250 version to ensure you can use it in almost all conditions.

Our other favorite is the new Big Agnes Big Pine bag, which works with any pad size and is a great quilt option for road tripping, couch surfing, hotel stays where perhaps a child is on a rollaway bed, and the like. It can be used as a quilt or can be zipped to be a sleeping bag. It’s also great for summer season camping and backpacking. Our favorite feature is that it’s made with DownTek, which is sustainable down that’s water repellent. You can even zip two together for a double sleeping bag! This is by far the most versatile quilt option we’ve tried.

Best budget sleeping bag:

If you need a solid sleeping bag for a family member that is rated to 20 degrees for three-season comfort in the backcountry, you don’t have to break the bank. The Kelty Cosmic 20 gets our pick for the best bag for your buck. It’s only $149, and while a little heavier than most bags, you still get DriDown, Kelty’s down blend that resists moisture (so you don’t get that soggy, damp issue with your down sleeping bag after being dusted with morning dew). You also get a draft collar, a feature that used to be found only on more expensive models. It packs down into a stuff sack, though again, it won’t be as compressible as it’s more expensive cousin, the SB20.

Best luxury car camping sleeping bag:

The Sierra Design backcountry beds are so comfortable, you’ll think you’re sleeping in a bed…really. They’re not as lightweight as some, so we think they’re best for car camping and road tripping, but they’re ultra-plush and fit nicely on or over think pads and cots. They come in single or duo size, with two basic designs: front country (rectangular for comfort) or backcountry (mummy-style and more packable for backpacking). They all come with an extra blanket flap that makes the sleeping bag feel more like a made bed, as well as hand pockets and slips for your pad. We love them!

How to choose sleeping bags for your family:

Start by deciding whether to go with down or a down alternative. It’s hard to ethically harvest down for sleeping bags, and since the synthetic version is arguably just as good, it’s easy to go without. Not sure which is best for you? We like this down vs synthetic guide from Sierra Trading Post.

Next, access your temperature needs. Will a bag rated at 30 degrees be enough for your use? Will you need a zero degree-rated bag? Determine where you’ll be using it, and in which season.

Finally, make sure a ‘youth’ sized bag will fit your kids (tweens may fit better in adult bags). Go into your local outdoor store to try out bags, and while you’re at it, bring your backpacks so you can be sure the sleeping bag of your choice fits into the sleeping bag compartment (if you care about that).

Once you’ve bought your bags and brought them home, remember to store them in a space where they can remain free of their stuff sacks. This is better for the bags. We hang ours from pegs in our garage, with each bag’s stuff sack set inside.

Find more gear in the Travel Gear We Use series (click below):

Travel Gear We Use: Best day pack for international travel

February 10, 2017 By Amy Hagstrom

I’ve been conducting travel bag reviews here and at Practical Travel Gear since 2009 and 2011 respectively. That’s a lot of reviews! I’ve tried crossover bags, messenger bags, backpacks, totes, and roller bags. Finally, I think I’ve nailed it. I think I’ve found the best day pack for international travel, especially with kids in tow. That’s right…

Best travel bag for international travel: we reviewed it!

The Eagle Creek Catch All Courier Pack RFID

What is it: The Catch-All Courier is a courier bag (with shoulder strap) that converts to a backpack with the ease for just two clips. It weight just over one pound, and the capacity is 12L. It’s made of tough poly ripstop, and has several compartments, or zones. The first zone is the outside zippered pocket, which is pretty straightforward. The next is a zone under the flap. This zone is the main organizational section, with several sleeves, a key fob, and slots, plus a passport-sized RFID paneled pocket. The zipper on this compartment is lockable in two ways (more on that below). The largest zone is the central interior of the bag, which is roomy enough for some layers, a large camera, snacks, and a 13″ laptop (in padded sleeve). To convert the bag to a backpack, unzip the backpack straps from the back panel (they’re zippered in when not in use), and snap them by a simple clip to each side of the bag. You’re done.

What makes it great: It’s exactly the right size (and no bigger) for day use while city touring, with just the right amount of pockets and organization panels. We appreciate the security of the RFID panel when we’re traveling with important documents and credit cards, and I love the way the zippers lock. In addition to being lock-ready (with your own small padlock) like most bags, they also have a built in toggle which you can slip into a slot, ensuring the zippers cannot be pulled by anyone around you while you’re wearing the pack. The front panel additionally locks with two snap closures. You can access the ‘zone 2’ panel really easily without opening the main section of the pack, which is nice when you need to get out a wallet or cell phone. There’s a water bottle sleeve, too (though I wish there were two!). There’s a nice handle at the top for easy grabbing, and the bag fits under airplane seats nicely, and isn’t too heavy to wear around a city.

Grab your own for around $70 on Amazon.

Honorable mentions:

Fjallraven Tote 2: This tote is really pretty, and functional, too. You can read a full review on Practical Travel Gear, but essentially, the selling points are the waxy, weather-proof material, the classy canvas look, and the ease of converting between tote and backpack. The downside: the backpack straps are not comfortable enough, leading to a sore neck if the pack is pretty full.

Osprey FlapJill: I really love Osprey packs, and the FlapJill delivers with a nice grab handle, a secure flap opening, and a roomy interior. The best thing about Osprey packs…the comfort of wearing them. The shoulder straps are the best of any of these picks, by far. The only reason the FlapJill is an honorable mention: it’s just a bit bulkier than the Catch-All, lacks RFID, and is more expensive.

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.

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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