Right now the warm water is pressing up to my toes, as my heels sink down in the sand. The mountains are green from the fresh snowmelt and somewhere in them are my two oldest children, away at their first overnight camp. I am not gonna lie, we’ve been struggling with our kids getting older….

We are often asked about what sleeping bags we prefer for our kids when camping or backpacking, and our experienced with the variety of brands on the market. So here are all my answers regarding synthetic bags. But first some broad spectrum tips regarding kids sleeping bags for outdoor adventures. Tips for purchasing a kid’s…

There is no better time to hit the open road with your family then during the summer. In fact, I am going to order you to pack your car. Grab the family. And just go. Below are a collection of favorite summer road trips from families that travel a lot with their kids. They’ve done…

For many people, a summer road trip through the inspiring desert landscapes of Southern Utah is a life dream. And I am not here to argue. It should be. Below I highlight our favorite locations, the best hikes, and epic adventures for families in Southern Utah. Itinerary: The route I chose could be followed in opposite…

We hike alot. And backpack alot. Over the years, I have become increasingly frustrated with the lack of quality kid’s backpacks for ages 5-10. Once you hit the “tween” years, most children will fit into an adult pack or what is often called a youth backpack. But what about all us families that hike before…

Spring and fall are the perfect time for hiking and exploring in southern Utah. If you missed our guide for camping, click here for our favorite places to camp in Southern Utah. We have spent many weekends, hiked hundreds of hours, and explored many of southern Utah’s treasures. These are our favorite family hikes. Please remember…

Hi friends! This is a bit of a different post for us, but it is on my heart to share. What is the point of building a community of like-minded adventurers, if we don’t support and love and hold up our fellow adventure families when their world is falling apart? A few weeks back I…

Every year, March emerges like a butterfly from a chrysalis, and everyone (from Utah and beyond) starts dreaming of heading to southern Utah. And for good reason! Southern Utah is like the sweet taste of summer in March-May. Bluebird days in the mid-70s, a unique and wild landscape, and endless opportunity for adventure. Below are…

Every year for the last 3 years, I’ve wanted to take my kids on a backcountry yurt trip. And every year the reservation period flies by and soon there are no nights left available. This year I was still late to the party, BUT I did get the last 2 nights available for the Bear…

We have backpacked for many seasons now with our kids. And after successfully mastering our packing for summer trips, this winter we decided to embark on our first backcountry trip with the kids. Not wanting to winter camp in a tent (been there, done that), we reserved a yurt in the Lily Lake Yurt System…

Hi friends! Man, it has been a rough week. If you missed our adventures – you can read about them here: Instagram But I figure it is the PERFECT opportunity for a giveaway. AND I get to introduce you to some of our favorite brands that we are working with this year! The winner will…

Even now, I sit in front of my computer, fretting over what to say and how to say it. While I love writing, sometimes I just wish I could sit across the table with you and a warm cup of coffee and just chat. Chat about having kids and loving the outdoors. About awesome trips…

  This review is for the women out there (and maybe the occasional husband/dad looking for a privacy solution for the woman in his life). Not very often do I get the chance to try a product that promises to make going to the bathroom in the wilderness easier. What makes Andie’s Outdoor Undies unique…

Hi friends! I have been asked this question, How do I teach my child to turn on their skis?! And I have been procrastinating on my answer for far too long. Why? There is no easy answer to this! Sure, I can get into the technical terms for pressuring your skis to make a turn….

  7 Years. Wow. 7 years ago I forever ditched the whole “New Years resolutions” thing and began choosing a word for my year. My yoga instructor challenged us to set an intention for our year – a focus on how to be rather than on things to do. Especially now, as a mom, a writer,…

Huge announcement friends! We are teaming up with our friends from Go Adventure Mom, Tales of a Mountain Mama, and Hike Like a Woman to create a year-long challenge: 365 miles. 1 Year. If there is one thing I have learned from endurance sports [and parenting], is that small deliberate steps can get you to…

The day dawned dark and blustery. They issued a winter storm warning. High winds, thunderstorms, heavy snows starting at lunch as the second part of the storm moves through. I thought for a minute that maybe we should cancel our ski day at Solitude Resort with my parents. But hey, what did we have to…

Last week we received the question: When should I introduce poles for my young skier. I will attempt to shed light on this tricky question! The truth is, there is no magic-bullet answer. So much of this decision depends on child’s ski technique, ability to multi-task, handle added responsibility, and also their desire. Don’t fall…

We are thrilled to be representing Sunday Afternoons as ambassadors in the new year! Their sun hats have long been a staple on all of our summer adventure. This season, we were able to try out a few of their winter hats, a collection that is perfect for winter hiking, skating, sledding, ice fishing, and…

Kids are constantly growing, and every year we find ourselves battling the “does the gear fit” problem! A few weeks ago we addressed how to fit your kid’s ski boots. We hope this helps you find good boots for your children, whether they are new, ski swap specials or hand-me-downs. But what about the skis?! Sizing…