travel gear we use - Pitstops for Kids

Travel Gear We Use: Eagle Creek USB Universal Travel Adaptor

February 26, 2016 By Amy Hagstrom

Twenty-five years ago, I went on my first international trip on my own. One of my first purchases for my journey through Europe was a travel adaptor. It came in a big bag with lots of various-sized plug adaptors. A few months ago, I finally upgraded. As it turns out, gone are the clunky, multi-piece travel adaptors. Instead, adaptors now come in one sleek unit, and include USB ports.

I chose to purchase my new travel adaptor from Eagle Creek, because apart from one item*, I’ve always found their travel products to be high quality, practical, and affordable. In fact, we love their wheeled luggage lines so much, we were all carrying Eagle Creek bags through France and Italy.

Eagle Creek offers three travel adaptors, ranging from a bare bones model for $25 to a pro model for $65. I chose the one in the middle, the USB Universal Travel Adaptor for $50. Like it’s ‘pro’ counterpart, this adaptor comes with a detachable USB section with two ports. It’s a two-prong design that works in 150 countries. We appreciated that you simply slide the appropriate prongs in or out as needed. This way, in France we could use one adaptor type and in Italy another, all on the same unit, without needing to remember which types to pack. Because it’s a two-prong design, it accommodates US plug-ins directly. In other words, I can plug my US appliance directly into the adaptor, then plug the adaptor into the wall, using the appropriate prong type.

The whole unit is smaller than my fist, and I had no trouble with its durability, stashing it in various places in my carry on and in my day pack. It comes with surge overload protection, which is good insurance just in case your US devices aren’t approved for use at higher voltage.

The USB port section slides right into the main unit; you can take it on or off. I found that we used the USB unit at night to recharge our phones, then I’d just slide that section off (with the USB cables still attached) and use the adaptor solo for items like my hair dryer or my laptop. I debated getting the cheaper model without the USB ports; after all, it’s possible to simply bring a US plug for the USB cables and charge the phones one at a time. However, I’m so glad I splurged. If anything, we could have used more USB ports, not less!

Pick up the USB Universal Travel Adaptor on Eagle Creek, or save a few bucks and buy on Amazon.

*The only Eagle Creek product I’d avoid: their $6 travel sacks (3-1-1 bags) are not durable. We bought five, and four ripped before we’d even left the US.

Travel Gear We Use: Fall styles from Aventura Clothing

September 18, 2015 By Amy Hagstrom

I’m happy to announce that once again, I have signed on to be an ambassador for Aventura Clothing. What does this mean to you? Just like last year, Pit Stops for Kids readers will get 60% off all Aventura Clothing. To get a 60% off Aventura Clothing code, leave a comment and it will be emailed to you, or opt in for our quarterly newsletter (see banner on homepage).

I also get to tell you what’s new at Aventura each season. Clothing lines vary by year, of course, and this year, I have to tell you I am in love with every item I received. That almost never happens! I love each item because everything I picked out A) feels as comfy as wearing sweatpants, and B) does not look like I’m wearing sweatpants.

Jaylee Dress: I am a big fan of wearing comfortable dresses and tights on travel days. It’s important to keep circulation going on airplanes, and who likes to feel their waistband of their jeans dig into their stomachs on road trips? The Jaylee Dress is a knit sweater dress that is fitted but not clingy, and oh-so-soft. It’s 90% organic cotton, as most Aventura items are, with indulgent cashmere (7%) and some nylon mixed in for stretch. The length is 37″, which means the hem hits just about at my knee. It pairs great with leggings (I wear Aventura’s Bienne legging), and the design and colors are very simple, which I appreciate. I can add a scarf to dress it up, or pull on a hoody to dress it down. As the weather starts to turn, the Jaylee has been my go-to dress.

Keltie skirt: Skirts are perhaps even more versatile than dresses for your fall travel wardrobe. You can pair with the same leggings or tights, and wear the same skirt with multiple blouse and tee options. One solid skirt usually helps me create 3-4 outfits while away from home. The Keltie skirt is super classy-looking, made of an organic cotton/viscose blend. It’s knit, which means it will keep your bum warm on cold seats, yet not at all bulky (it can easily go from outdoors to dinner, for instance). It comes in three muted colors to go with everything. I might get one more, come to think of it. The only downside of the Keltie: it’s hand wash or dry clean only. Uh oh.

Spectra Dress: With its sporty, drawstring waist and sweatshirt-like feel, I wasn’t sure about the Spectra when I ordered it. Would it be too casual even for travel days? Nope…it’s my favorite piece in the fall line! It’s a cotton/poly blend, machine-washable, and looks adorable with a simple pair of boots or mules.

Farrah Cowl Neck sweater: I love sweaters, but rarely travel with them. They’re just too bulky in my luggage. The Farrah sweater is the exception to this rule, because it’s thin while still being substantial enough for fall travel in northern climes. Plus, the cowl neckline gives the Farrah a sophisticated look without adding any pieces, which makes me look dressier than I am (always a plus). It’s a poly/wool blend, and while it’s also hand-wash only, it seems to be able to go through quite a few wearings before it needs to be cleaned.

Want an Aventura code? Leave a comment!

Travel Gear We Use: One really good shell

August 28, 2015 By Amy Hagstrom

With the arrival of fall, now is a great time to talk about one travel gear essential every person should have in their closet: a really good, high quality shell.

A shell is not an insulated jacket, nor is it a rain jacket, though it does need to be waterproof. It goes over a base and mid-layer in winter, or can stand alone over a t-shirt or light cotton layer in summer. Shells pack down small and are very lightweight, making them the perfect travel accessory for your suitcase.

Everyone in the family should own a quality shell to wear in all seasons, and while a good shell will set you back, they are used year-round. We definitely get our money’s worth out of ours, using them in ski season as an outer layer, during summer as a backpacking rain layer, and in fall and spring as a precaution (often, our shells are rolled at the bottom of our backpacks or roller bags). Here’s our pick for adults and kids:

Adult shell: Arcteryx Zeta LT

Arcteryx has long been a favorite brand of mine due to its high quality. Make no mistake, the price is high too, but as noted above, a quality shell will be highly used and will last many seasons. The Arcteryx Zeta LT stands out for me because it’s not just made for winter. It’s flexible and breathable, which makes it shine during hiking and backpacking season, too. It’s only 10 ounces, and folds or rolls very small. The storm hood is adjustable, so you can fit it over a helmet in winter or a beanie hat during summer camping trips when the weather turns on you. You also get an internal laminated pocket for your smart phone, and seamed pockets on the outside. The ‘lip’ at the back of the jacket is longish, which means it covers below your waist, and the cuffs at the wrists are adjustable to keep out sleet, snow, and rain.

My Zeta has been on ski trips, camping trips, autumn weekends away, and will soon head to Europe when we visit in winter. It has kept me dry while kayaking in the San Juan Islands and while skiing in Utah. Pick one up at Arcteryx for $399 (a one-time investment you won’t regret), or look on Amazon for a deal.

Kids’ shell: Marmot Southridge

This shell is a solid choice for kids, and even better yet, it’s currently on sale. The Marmot Southridge is fully waterproof and sealed, but still breathable, and like the Zeta, it’s lightweight enough to stash in a backpack when not in use. The cuffs at the wrists are elastic (we wish they were adjustable) and the hood is oversized. Pick one up for less than $60 or look on Backcountry.com.

Want something a bit simpler? The Columbia Trail Trooper is a waterproof outer layer that retails for even less. It’s less breathable than the Southridge, but every bit as waterproof and just as light.

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What about ‘soft shell’ jackets? They’re just fine..for winter sports. It’s a matter of preference during the winter; one of my kids vastly prefers his soft shell jacket (also waterproof) to his Goretex shell. However, for four-season use, soft shells are too bulky and not breathable enough for travel or trekking.

Read about more Travel Gear We Use!

GetOutfitted camping gear review

July 31, 2015 By Amy Hagstrom

Remember our #1 ski tip from last winter? We described how to use GetOutfitted to outfit yourself, or supplement your outfit, for winter sports. We used GetOutfitted to ‘rent’ a pair of ski pants for my husband, who didn’t want to invest in a new pair mid-way through the ski season. Now, GetOutfitted is also renting camping gear.

I am in love with this idea. Even though we personally own all our own camping gear, we know many families who do not, and I have seen how it limits their ability to explore the outdoors. After all, who wants to buy the entire collection of gear needed to go camping when they’re still trying it out? With GetOutfitted, families can rent a ready-made camping package that includes a tent, sleeping bags, and sleeping pads, or rent things a la carte, like lights, stoves, backpacks, and trekking poles. Backpacking packages are also available (they include the same basic items as in the camping package, plus a backpack).

Kelty quality:

One potential problem of a system like GetOutfitted is that families new to camping may not know if the gear they’re renting is quality stuff. Thanks to my job as an outdoor gear reviewer and decades of outdoor experience, I can tell you GetOutfitted is using good gear. Their tents and bags are new Kelty models; in fact, the Trail Ridge tents and PDa pads are the exact items we have at home. They trade out their gear regularly, upgrading just as they do their ski gear.

Cost:

Packages vary, obviously, but a basic camping package for a family of four comes to $159 for a three-day rental. Should a family buy each item, the cost would be well over $1000. If you decide to camp regularly, I’d recommend buying your own equipment, of course, but if you just camp once a year, GetOutfitted is the way to go. Plus, if you rent, you don’t have to store all this stuff in your garage or basement all year!

How it works:

Even though we have gear, we wanted to try GetOutfitted’s summer stuff before recommending it. Last week, my oldest son and I hiked 65 miles along the Pacific Crest Trail, and we decided to supplement our gear with an item I’ve been wanting for a while, but haven’t bought: trekking poles. We rented trekking poles from GetOutfitted, which are only $9 for a three-day rental. After ordering online, I got a tracking code immediately, and they arrived in just a few days. There’s free shipping both ways, and when we returned, we simply put the poles back in the supplied packaging and sent them back.

It was a great way to try out trekking poles and decide if they’d be worth the investment. Our verdict: my son and I both loved them and will plan on buying pair of our own. The best part: at the end of each season, renters have the option of buying the gear they used. We bought our trekking poles at a discount off the retail price.

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

Disclosure: We were invited to try GetOutfitted’s summer camping line free of charge, for the purpose of review. All opinions remain our own.

Travel Gear We Use: Best water bottles for kids

May 29, 2015 By Amy Hagstrom

Next up in the Travel Gear We Use series: best water bottles for kids! We go absolutely nowhere without our water bottles…one per family member. They need to be durable, spill proof, fit in car cupholders and backpack water bottle pockets, and be fun or trendy enough that my kids (ages 14-8) will actually want to keep track of them. Here’s which water bottles for kids make the cut:

Sigg kids’ bottle:

The Sigg Primeval Glow Water Bottle is just the right size for young kids at .4 L (and they’ll fit in backpacks for school, too). They come in a wide variety of styles, but we’re partial to the glow-in-the-dark option. More important than the cute designs, however, is the spill-proof top: the kids like that it has a valve they can easily sip from, and I like that it closes completely (no more germ playground). Sigg bottles are lightweight, and of course BPA-free. Pick up a kids’ Sigg for $14-16 on Amazon.

Liberty Bottleworks sports bottle:

If your kids like drinking from a straw instead of a valve, but you’re sick of the sight of chewed, gross straw tops (you know it happens!), check out the Liberty Bottleworks Sport Water Bottle. The straw on this aluminum, USA-made bottle flips up only when needed, and it’s very thick and substantial. No harm can come to it, I promise! The size is just right for school-aged kids at 12 oz or 16 oz, and like the Sigg, there are tons of fun designs. I like that carrying the Liberty bottle is easy, too, due to the hook at top (which clips onto any backpack). Pick one up for $15-17 on Amazon.

Hydro Flask standard bottle:

If your kids kick it old-school, and like standard, screw-top water bottle tops without bite valves and straws, opt for my personal favorite bottle: USA-made Hydro Flask. They come in many sizes, but for kids the Hydro Flask Stainless Steel 12 ounce wins the day. What’s best about Hydro Flask: all their bottles are highly insulated. This means they’re heavy, but they will keep cold liquids ice-cold for hours, and ditto for hot liquids. Nothing beats a Hydro Flask for summer road trips, when everyone can sip cold water in the car! Pick up a 12 ounce Hydro Flask for around $18 on Amazon.

Camelbak Eddy and Chute:

We’ve fallen in love with Camelbak bottles when we want something lightweight, spill proof, and ready for adventure. Since both the Eddy and the Chute are designed to use with a carabiner when needed, they work wonderfully to clip to rafts or kayaks. We’ve used only Camelbak Eddys for both our OARS rafting trips. Because the Eddy has a flip-open straw top, we avoid spills when young kids are drinking out of them, and for those among us who like to gulp our water (er, that would be me), the Chute has a wide spout that doesn’t restrict the flow of water like other bottles do. Snap the Forge lid onto a handy holder when you’re drinking, so it won’t bop you on the nose. (Trust me.) Pick up the Eddy in multiple colors on Amazon for just $11 or the Chute for about the same price.

Avex Brazos:

Avex water bottles have one of the most innovative designs for water consumption we’ve seen. The Brazos gets our pick because it’s insulated for double-walled coolness of the water inside, along with a way to clip it to packs or kayaks and a slim design that still fits in side pockets. It does have some weight, however, so little kids may prefer the Avex Kids’ Freeride. It features the same open/close design, which opens at the press of a button and will not spill. Pick up the Brazos on Amazon.

Need a family thermos option for winter travel and ski days? We love the Sigg Thermal Classic. Fill it with soup or hot chocolate, and use the top as a cup!

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

Photo credit

Travel Gear We Use: Best diaper bag for active families

March 6, 2015 By Sharlene Earnshaw

Today on Travel Gear We Use, we’re excited to showcase the best diaper bag we’ve seen in a long time. The Timbuk2 Stork looks and acts like a rugged messenger bag, but has everything families with babies need while on the go. When my kids were babies, this bag was not yet available, but ironically, I used a standard Timbuk2 bag as a diaper bag, because it was tough enough for our travels and ‘manly’ enough for my husband to use too. Now one of my Pit Stops for Kids baby gear reviewers has the real thing! Here’s what Karyssa, mom of baby Deklan, has to say.

A diaper bag is an everyday essential for babies that can be utilized for the early years. Finding the perfect bag that is both functional and stylish can be like searching for a needle in a haystack. It is important to have a bag that will hold up to daily wear, and won’t fall apart prematurely.

I was excited that the Timbuk2 Stork could be completely customized (it comes in standard colors or a build-it-yourself customizable option). I could create a bag by choosing fabric colors, trim and even liner colors. I chose to design a bag that my husband could also carry around without feeling like I was stripping him of his manhood. Some diaper bags are too much like a purse. If I wanted to carry around a purse for a diaper bag I would throw some diapers in a purse!

Other diaper bags scream cheap because they are made of plastic vinyl and lack quality construction. TimBuk2 doesn’t skimp on color and fabric options. There were probably over a hundred different options for mixing up the colors and design of the bag. Options were endless including herringbone, pink, blue, yellow, and trendy prints. It took me a couple of hours to make a final decision. Including my husband and best friend in the decision without dragging anyone to the store was a definate plus!

I really wanted a bag that I could use to organize all of the little things and still have room for the big necessities. The Timbuk2 stork messenger has an amazing ability to stay compact while making you feel like you can fit everything you need to keep your little one happy.

There are a lot of pockets…more than I could actually fill. I loved the individual interior pockets, which are the perfect size for things like tylenol, lotions, nail clippers and toys. There are additional zipper and velcro pockets on the outside under the main flap for items like keys, sunglasses etc. The big interior pocket is for a nice sized changing pad. I had enough room to store everything in the main portion of the bag with plenty of room to spare. With other diaper bags I have had the issue of having to pull everything out just to get to a pair of pants or the wipes (always at the bottom).

When the Stork Messanger is opened, it is wide enough to see and grab any items you need with ease. I didn’t need to pull everything out to find what I was looking for. I chose a dark color for the interior; it is a very soft waterproof fabric that can easily be wiped clean. The exterior fabric is very durable and very high quility that will last for years to come. The colors that I selected ended up being vibrant and crisp. I was so happy with the custome trim and colors right down to the embroidered logo.

There are two types of closure on the bag: two strips of velcro and two clips to snap it closed. The velcro is pretty sturdy, but I was able to open up the bag fairly easily while holding my son and having my hands full.

Another plus is the bag is very lightweight even when it is packed full. I was suprised how comfortable the strap was while I was wearing the bag. Using the crossbody option I didn’t have to deal with the bag falling off my shoulder as some heavy bags have the tendency to do. Using the adjustable clip the strap will fit parents of all shapes and sizes.

Pick up the Timbuk2 Stork at the official site to chose the customized option for $184, or save some cash buying on Amazon for $149.

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

Disclosure: Our Pit Stops for Kids reviewer received a Timbuk2 Stork for the purpose of review. There was no obligation of a positive review.

Travel Gear We Use: Child Safety Products

February 21, 2015 By Amy Hagstrom

There’s nothing quite as stressful as keeping an eye on a child in a big crowd. Whether you’re in a theme park, on a crowded city street, or in a busy national park, these child safety products will give you some peace of mind.

Every child safety product listed below has been reviewed and/or personally used by me or my East Coast editor. While we do accept product advertising on Pit Stops for Kids, editorial reviews are separate and distinct. We never accept “advertorial” or pay-for-positive consumer product reviews, so you can be assured of our honest and genuine endorsement.

SafetyTat Child ID Tattoos

We used these easy stick-on child safety tats while on a vacation to Great Wolf Lodge; not only did they stay on in and out of water, but they were fun for the kids to wear. I liked that I could feel more confident about high-crowd situations, especially as they worked together to solve wand quests throughout the lodge!

Me Finder Safety Wristband

This cool device is actually quite simple: all parents need to do is input up to five mobile phone numbers. When the child is wearing the fun wristband in public, the parent selects the number to be displayed, which kids can show a safe adult should they get separated. I like that the Me Finder comes with instructions on how to explain its use to your child, and that it’s a low-technology item, which ensures it works with consistency!

BubbleBum portable travel booster seat

Whether you’re on a crowded bus, in a taxi, or on a shuttle van ride, this is a genius of a booster seat: bring it along in your carry-on or checked luggage (packed in it’s own small cinch bag) while on vacation for a car seat that meets all safety regulations. The BubbleBum is also great for car pools, trips to Grandma’s, taxi rides, and any time you need to fit three car seats across in the back row of a car or van.

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

Travel Gear We Use: Ski day accessories

January 23, 2015 By Amy Hagstrom

Today on Travel Gear We Use, we’re talking ski accessories. The following ski gear items are products we use either to make ski days more fun or more affordable. Both are high on my list when planning ski trips!

Goggle Graffiti:

Haven’t heard of Goggle Graffiti, or seen it on the slopes yet? Neither had we, until we tried it out. These fun labels attach to your kids’ goggles, and add both personality and practicality to your ski day. With various messages, kids can customize their sayings to suit their interests and personalities, which make the labels fun conversation starters on the ski lifts. (We have one that says Ski Happy, plus additional ‘tags’ with logos from some of our favorite ski resorts.) Plus, Goggle Graffiti make it easy for kids to identify their goggles in a pile, and help to keep them from being lost. You can even add an ID tag to your Goggle Graffiti, so you can write in your kid’s contact information. Buy at GoggleGraffiti.com for $8.95 each, or find a deal at Amazon by following the button below.

Turtle Fur Clavas:

There are a lot of different face masks and bandanas out there, and it feels like we’ve tried them all. For the best fit and least amount of adjustments/hassle/discomfort, Turtle Fur clavas win. These fleece neck gaiters feature a lighter weight full hood as well, which means kids’ heads stay warmer in their helmets and the ‘scarf’ portion of the clava doesn’t fall down off their faces. Pick one up for as low as $12.

Hand warmers:

Don’t buy them at at the slopes! Do yourself a favor and buy hand warmers by the box before your ski trip. We never–ever–go skiing without hand warmers at the ready in everyone’s jacket pocket. On days we don’t need them…yippee! But we’re always ready for when we do. And my kids’ attitudes while skiing are greatly heightened by this small addition to their ski day ‘wardrobe’. We’re not partial to any particular brand, but HotHands seem to be the most widely available. Where to buy: you can pick up hand warmers (and boot warmers) at most outdoor stores and even Costco, or buy on Amazon for as little as $19 a box (expect to pay $2-3 a warmer on the mountain).

Darn Tough Vermont socks:

Do yourself a favor, and don’t skimp on the kids’ ski socks. Darn Tough Vermont socks outlast all our others, and are the coziest and warmest for the kids. They are priced compatibly with other high-end wool sock brands designed for ski days, such as SmartWool (also good). Darn Tough socks are made in America and are Merino wool with a bit of stretch, which kids appreciate. Buy them for as low as $16 on Amazon.

Punkrox Fohawx

Never lose sight of your kids on the ski hill again when they’re wearing these easy-to-attach helmet accessories. Comes in mohawk, dreadlocks, and crown, and they’re easy to take on or off. We get more compliments and questions about fohawx than ANY other travel or outdoor gear!

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

Travel Gear We Use: Sony Alpha a5000 review

July 11, 2014 By Amy Hagstrom

For most family travel situations, I strongly advocate using a quality point-and-shoot camera so you can easily take shots on the fly (in water, on sand, where ever, whenever). However, there is a time and place for a DSLR. For today’s Travel Gear We Use segment, we recommend the Sony Alpha a5000 for those trips during which once-in-a-lifetime photo opportunities will present themselves.

The part in which I admit I’m not a photographer:

It’s true. I’m a writer, not a photographer. But I’m complimented frequently on my photos. I attribute my success to two things: 1. taking copious shots from all angles (and deleting most later), 2. using quality gear.

What I love about the Alpha a5000 is, you don’t need to know a lot to use it. Don’t be intimated by this high-end camera (that actually sells for under $500!). Just like on your point-and-shoot, it’s possible to set the Alpha a5000 to one of several automatic shooting modes, and learn to adjust manually as you go. The a5000 comes with tons of scene selection options, plus apps you can add as desired. You can edit as you go (on the camera) and take video, of course.

The a5000 is mirror less, with a 16-50 mm lens. I suggest buying a second lens as well, if possible, to expand your reach, so to speak. I added the E-18-200mm to mine. Find lenses that fit here. I love the flip screen on the a5000, which allows me to find new angles without getting on the ground, and makes for easier video taping. The a5000 does give you the option of using PlayMemories Camera Apps and transferring photos instantly via WiFi, but I personally rarely use these features, preferring to edit on my computer. For fast social media sharing, my phone is still king.

Where I see the difference between my Alpha a5000 and my point-and-shoot:

long distance shots: you just can’t zoom like this with a point-and-shoot!
nighttime shots: you get several scene selections that work at night
portraits: I love, love, love the a5000’s soft skin effect!

Trips where the a5000 rocks:

A cruise
A safari
Any wilderness venture during which you have time to set up shots and are reasonably sure you won’t get wet

Trips on which I was glad to have my point-and-shoot:

River rafting trips
Beach trips
City touring
Backpacking

Pick one up for $449 (on sale!) at Sony, or grab the Sony Alpha a5000 on Amazon for a few bucks less.

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

Disclosure: Pit Stops for Kids frequently tests and reviews Sony products, for the purpose of review. This partnership comes with no expectation of a positive review.

Travel Gear We Use: Favorite organic travel clothing for women

March 28, 2014 By Amy Hagstrom

When I travel, it’s crucial for me to have an easily-matching, comfortable, stylish yet utilitarian wardrobe in my suitcase. Because I believe in the brand and wear it regularly, I recently became an ambassador of Aventura Clothing. I’m excited to devote a Travel Gear We Use segment to a few of my favorite Aventura travel outfits for spring and summer. If you’re not familiar with Aventura, as many are not, they take environmental stewardship seriously, from box and toner recycling in their warehouses and offices to their organic materials. I love their cotton blends for four-season travel, and because Aventura clothing is so versatile, I can pack less and still look good while on trips. Three Aventura pieces I’ll be wearing this spring (and why):

1. Audra Dress paired with a fedora:

I love packing cotton dresses for travel. Why? I have a complete outfit with only one piece instead of two or more, and the right dress can be dressed up or down, ensuring multiple uses. The Audra Dress is my new favorite because it’s flattering while still loose on the body, which means I can feel comfortable during a full day of museum touring or city walking with the kids. It’s casual enough that I can slip it on over a swimsuit for a trip to the resort pool, but pair it with a scarf and fedora and nice sandals, and the Audra can go out at night, too. Pick up the Audra Dress for $67: a good price for a dress you’ll use all summer.

2. Newberry sweater and Arden Capri:

Next to a light cotton dress, a basic pair of capris are my favorite spring and summer travel piece. The Arden Capri is extremely soft and light, but comes to mid-calf for almost full coverage (or buttons up for warmer weather). I always need a good layering piece when I travel, and the Newberry Sweater fits the bill by being stylish, extremely soft, and of a good medium weight. I pack mine with a few camisoles, and have a warm cover up for spring days that could go either way. Tip: the Newberry is also my new best friend on chilly airplanes. Pick up the Newberry Sweater for $82 and the Arden Capri for $56.

3. Mayfield Top and Georgia hat:

Everyone needs at least two solid-colored, flattering sleeveless or short-sleeved tops in their luggage. My pick is the Mayfield Top: it’s long in length so it doesn’t ride up when I bend for suitcases or reach for my kids’ gear, and it’s just tailored enough to look fantastic under a dressy jacket or cardigan. I have worn the Mayfield to professional conferences paired with slacks and at roadside BBQs with my kids. Win-win! The Georgia hat goes with everything, shields me from the sun, and is perfect for uh-oh-I-can’t-wash-my-hair days (with happens to me a lot). The Mayfield is $47 and the Georgia hat is $29.

If you’re looking for additional eco-friendly, travel-friendly women’s clothing brands, I recommend MountainKhakis and Horny Toad. As stated above, I am an Aventura Ambassador. What this means: I am able to sample Aventura clothing picks and pass along my favorites to my readers. I am not paid for this position.