the kid project 
Since the moment our kids could hike on their own two feet, we’ve been searching for the right kid pack. And we’ve had mixed success. But at least I can say we’ve tried a ton of backpacks…and I now know exactly what we want in one. As part of our Backpacking Project 2013, we are…
It seems fitting to write this review of the Canada Goose Moraine Shell on National Polar Bear Day. Canada Goose is largely known for their high quality down outerwear. Gear for arctic expeditions. Gear for the highly committed. Gear for the cold, from a country where cold weather is a part of their national identity….
Tested in: Wasatch Range, UT; Fall and early Winter conditions Cost: $100 Best Use: Casual Outdoor Wear in Fall/Spring or locations with semi-mild Winters. Significant Specs: Rated from temperate to 14°F/-10°C Crafted from super-soft, 100% waterproof fabric with plush Vegan friendly lining for extra warmth. The Summit features 2mm of Neo-TechTM insulation, a dual-density, contoured…
Burley is launching 3 awesome new, top of the line, child bike trailers on March 1, 2019: the Cub X, D’Lite X, and Encore X. This is what Burley has to say about the Encore X: “Perfect for the active family, the Encore X kids bike trailer and double stroller with suspension provides smooth rides on gravel…
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In 2010, I saw my son, Abishai, fall in love for the first time (aside from the love for his mother and food of course). I think this is a little earlier than most; he was 22 months old, and we’d bought him his first bike. It was a Strider balance bike, and it was…
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A note from my family to yours: Hi friends! Every November comes around and I find myself with less time for outdoor pursuits, and overwhelmed by the impending business of the holiday season. I also find myself looking for unique but also useful gifts, realizing that truly my family doesn’t really NEED anything. So below…
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Every year we partner with specific outdoor companies – either for certain projects or as year-long ambassadors as we adventure as a family. We are picky over who we partner with. The gear needs to be tried and tested – either personally or from other families we know and trust before we will willingly promote…
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Big Agnes has long been a trusted brand for our family when we are in the backcountry. The Air Core Pads have been our favorites for the last 5-6 years, as well as their integrated sleeping systems and kid’s winter jackets. In fact, their gear is of such high quality, I would trust it across…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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Hi! I am Christine, part of the Kid Project Gear Review Team. I am always on the hunt for the perfect winter boot. With all my kids I want something sturdy and warm but I also have a child with Spina Bifida and finding boots to fit over orthotics is no easy task. Today I’m…
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The holidays are upon us, and while the snow has yet to paint our mountains white, I have still started my Christmas shopping. This year, instead of a normal gift guide, I wanted to focus on companies and organizations that also give back to communities in need or for causes that are significant to the…
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When you find something you love. Stick with it. It is true in all realms, but especially women’s clothing. These words are something I believe strongly in and I feel so lucky to partner with a company that is only getting better with time. This is my second year as an ambassador for Aventura Clothing….
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We don’t do a ton of sponsored posts around here. And my bar is pretty high when it comes to products we would use and buy with our own money, without being coerced by some company. However, recently we were approached by Sharpie (yes, the marker company) about their new product – Sharpie Extreme. See,…
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A while ago we made the great transition from our heavy and cumbersome Canon DSLR camera body and lenses to the Sony A600 and new lighter lenses. It wasn’t a change made quickly and to be honest I am still adjusting. But in the end I just wasn’t bringing the camera gear on adventures as…
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When it comes to sun protection, our preference over sunscreen is simply to keep the kids covered (ie. hats) during the hottest parts of the day. But we learned early on that not all hats are created equal. Some are sized better, stay on well, provide greater shade, and are cooler. Sunday Afternoons is our…
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I was thinking back a few years… to a time when my largest battle was trying to keep sunglasses on my infants and toddlers. We tried everything, the bungy strap, the velcro strap. In the end we had the best luck with the Julbo Looping 3. Next we moved onto the cheap $5-$10 sunglasses found…
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A good pair of water shoes is one of our “family essential items” in the summertime. Whether wearing them just to the pool or waterpark or using them on the trails and lakeside, we are always looking for water shoes that have good traction, durability, and comfort for our kids. M.A.P. Footwear, a children’s shoe brand…
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This year I was selected to be an ambassador for Aventura Clothing again. I am stoked, as I love their products but also the ethics behind their clothing. The best news? They are killing it with their tank tops this season, adding new styles, sporty styles, breeze styles, and all around awesomeness. Simply put I cannot…
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We are totally stoked when we get a chance to try out a new (to us) brand making quality gear for kids. I only recently learned of Showers Pass, a company born in the Pacific Northwest, and rooted strongly in the cycling community. Having a husband from Oregon, I understand the deep “wetness” of the…
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We took a different approach this year to our gear guide. Rather than share the latest and greatest from brands across the market – we took a good look at our adventures over the last few years. We then compiled a list of our favorite items, the ones we’d buy again, and often have bought…
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As our kids have grown from infants to toddlers and now to ski ages (4 and 6 years old), we’ve gone through many trials keeping their hands warm and dry in the snow. The first battle was simply keeping the kids from taking their mittens off! Our best solution, at first, was using duct tape to attach the…
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When I was a teenager, skiing and living in Colorado, my friends used to tease me that I was more coordinated on my skis than walking on my own two feet. Every day, walking on the snow and ice, I’d slip and crash to the ground. I began to suspect the most dangerous activity every…
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We are eeking out of the bunny-hill years but honestly the most questions we receive regarding teaching kids to ski is about how and when to teach your young kids. We started all our kids when they were 2 years old, something I was comfortable with, having also been taught to ski when I was…
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Truthfully? Summer has over stayed its welcome here in Utah. Being in the paradise of Lake Tahoe, California as the summer nights chilled down to 40 degrees and day times temps settled in the 60s and 70s didn’t help either. We settled into our front row seat and watched fall put on its display. …
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Happy back to school season, parents! Honestly, I have some mixed emotions about the whole affair. Maybe my inner child never really grew up because I love summer break as much as the kids do. We do a decent amount of biking, mostly around the neighborhood, often on dirt trails. And every year the risk…
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The more miles our kids hike, the greater the need for good shoes. We’ve found the actual type of shoe depends largely on our kid’s preference. Our boy loves trail runners and doesn’t seem to notice if his feet get wet. But our daughter is more, shall we say timid? She likes her feet dry…
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Second to asking for more trail bait (ie. candy) while on adventures, are the never ending requests to “take pictures” with my phone or camera. Most the time I oblige, but inwardly I cringe at the knowledge that when I get home I’ll have 500+ photos to delete. 🙂 To be fair, they DO get…
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We have loved Deuter packs for many years now, using their ACT and Lite series for backpacking, the Comfort Air kid carrier and many of their kid’s backpacks for a variety of adventure. So when I was looking for a day pack that would work for Backcountry ski touring as well as day hikes in the…
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This last spring I had the honor of becoming one of Aventura Clothing’s new 2015 Ambassadors. I was majorly stoke… in fact I still am! It isn’t too often you get the chance to team up with a brand that you love and practically live in. I say “practically” because I also spend an embarrassingly…
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As a jack-of-all-trades family, our collection of eyewear is impressive. Between the five of us, sunglasses, goggles, running sunglasses, work glasses, etc litter our house like my son’s lego collection. But our eye wear has become increasing important to us. And although I’d long given up on glasses or goggles with interchanging lenses (it simply…
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If you have engaged in the running or triathlon community for even a little while, you will undoubtedly have heard of Headsweats brand headwear. They are, after all, the official visor brand for Ironman branded races, amongst many other well-known events. I was first introduced to them last year at the Outdoor Retailer show (not being…
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Ecōths as a brand has jumped highly in our opinion over the last year. In fact, we’d be silly to turn down a sample from them. If you are looking for slick and comfortable men’s casual wear. Check them out! Tested in: Casual Wear for Fall and Winter Cost: $89.00 Best Use: Casual pant for…
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Us parents we are always looking for great winter boots. Even better if the boot is three-season, meaning my kids can wear them as rain or snow boots. But I have more unique issues as a mother of a special needs child. My son’s feet are very small for his age. And any boots we…
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Stonewear Designs is on my top 5 women’s apparel companies. Plain and simple, they make fantastic clothing that is flattering and high performing. But more than that, I love the women behind the clothing and the community they are building and using to promote women in the outdoors. While I’ve tested a few pieces for…
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Other than aquiring the gear needed to adventure with kids, the largest obstacle for most parents people is organizing it. Or packing it. Or both. So naturally we are up for trying out every “good idea” of a travel bag that we find. Granite Gear Packable Duffles Tested in: Road Trips, weekend travel, gear organization…
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Larkin Pack by Boreas Tested in: Alpine day hikes, city bike commuting, slot canyons. Cost: $79.99 Best Use: 18-liter Day pack for hiking, bike commuting, or travel. Selling Points: The sleek styling and compact design of the pack will appeal to both the adventurer and city slicker looking for an easy access, multi-use pack. It has…
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Kai is my best running buddy. No matter how slow I go, he is always there with a cheerful smile. He doesn’t push or pull. He doesn’t nag. He doesn’t complain. Running with your dog really is a blast. Now only for the annoyance of the leash, eh? If I had a preference, I’d be…
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A few months ago I became acquainted with Skida through the Instagram photos of many of my favorite female skiers, boarders and mountaineers. I guess you could say marketing through influential athletes works because I immediately checked Skida out. Skida Skida hats and headbands are homegrown with a passion for taking a fresh perspective on…
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This will be my second time taking a critical eye to Aventura’s clothing and I am a quick learner: there isn’t much to hate and there is a ton to love! Aventura, an eco-friendly women’s clothing designer is also a designer after my own heart -the heart of comfort. They have a variety of tops and…
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A good approach shoe will quickly become your most used shoe in your arsenal. Great for easy climbing and scrambling, they [usually] are also great for urban adventures, hiking, backpacking and for wear in the winter or shoulder seasons. After previously wearing out my Camp Four approach shoes by Five Ten, I’ve been on the…
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I honestly cannot believe it is the back-to-school time of year. Quite literally I am in summertime-travel mode, backpacking in Wyoming with a group of girlfriends while you read this post. But I am going to have a rude reality-call when I get home, three kids in school and my time spent in a whole…
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Tested in: Northern Utah, Wasatch Range Cost: $14 / 8 oz. bottle Best Use: Mosquito repellant for those looking for an all-natural option, especially for use on kids or pets. Mercola All-Natural Bug Spray Selling Points: All Natural, no DEET: I am not one of those “anti-chemical” people… especially when a herd of blood sucking…
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Ok, I should straight up say this review isn’t going to be unbias. First, I haven’t used any products similar to Lifestraw, with which to compare. But secondly, a Lifestraw came as close as I want to get to saving my life last summer while summiting two fourteeners in the Sangre de Cristo Range of…
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As an athlete and outdoor enthusiast, I’ve become quite the clothing snob. My mom always said I was motivated by comfort and it has only gotten worse. I want all my clothing, casual wear, business, etc to feel like heaven. So when travel, adventure, and life culminated in one trip (Big Sur California, Yosemite National…
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Today we get to introduce you to new clothing line called Ecoths, pronounced “Ecos”, for all you men. Their clothing is 100% natural and blends elements of style with practicals from the rugged outdoors. One of the things that caught my attention about this company was their desire to give back – for every garment they…
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We are outdoors A LOT. And fair-skinned. At the end of the day, I really would like to limit the amount of chemical sunscreen we use as a family. And one very realistic way to do this is to keep our skin covered with quality sun wear. We’ve been testing out the Sunday Afternoons sun…
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As our kids get older, we have gotten bolder. Our adventures have migrated from family car camping to multiple backpacking trips a summer. But always the gear… sleeping bags that are heavy and bulky. So we jumped at the opportunity to try out backcountry quilts by Enlightened Equipment. And I must say, we’ve been won…
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There are so many great kid carriers on the market. But when it comes to cargo space, the Kelty Pathfinder 3.0 is one of our favorites. Tested in: Nearly everything; hiking with child 25-35 lbs, summer and winter conditions. Cost: $300 Best Use: A kid carrier for long distances and/or hikes where you need lots…
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Ever drop your sunglasses off a climb… nearly hitting your belayer? Yeah… That was me. So I figured giving Cablz a try was more than just for me. 🙂 Tested in: Hiking, Biking, Climbing, Backcountry Skiing Cost: $12-$15 Best Use: When you want eyewear retention without noticing you have eyewear retention. 🙂 Selling Points: Unlike…
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Every good summer adventure starts with a few good precautions. For our family of fair-skinned explorers, sun protection is a must and so I am always on the lookout for good sun hats. Yes. There are good and bad sun hats. Sun hats with vents for hot days. Sun hats without… meaning my kids will overheat…
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Tested in: Hiking, walking, & swimming with 20 lb. Toddler and 40 lb. Preschooler Cost: $65 Availability: Boba provided by GoTikesGo.com Best Use: Short hikes, around town use, in the water, backpacking (to pack along for day hikes). For children 3-48 months and 15-45 lbs. Selling Points: The BobaAir is ultra lightweight, ergonomic, & machine…
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A good kid carrier is a must-have for any outdoor family. And having one that suits your needs might not be as straight forward as you think. So we jumped on the chance to review the new Deuter Comfort Air. Deuter Kid Comfort Air Tested in: Hiking, snowshoeing with 35 lbs toddler. Cost: $239.00 Availability: Exclusively…
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As a family we haven’t been much into trekking poles. But this last winter my husband invested in a pair and has loved having them, especially when there is tricky footing and he has a kid on his back. So we began wondering how poles would work for our kids. And so far, especially on…
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It seems fitting to write this review of the Canada Goose Moraine Shell on National Polar Bear Day. Canada Goose is largely known for their high quality down outerwear. Gear for arctic expeditions. Gear for the highly committed. Gear for the cold, from a country where cold weather is a part of their national identity….
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My boy is a toy kid. Some kids aren’t that into toys (my daughter) but my boy is obsessed and motivated with toys of any kind. So naturally, as an outdoor loving mom, I look for toys that motivate him to head outdoors instead of staying in. The Shredz Terrain Park toys are perfect for…
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Last week we went to the Outdoor Retailer Winter Market. And while we only spent a brief afternoon at the show (other more important things to do, like skiing) we cruised the floor looking for gear that pertains to adventure parents. Below is a brief list of what to look for in the next year….
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This year, Canada Goose came out with a line of outer-wear for kids, taking all the aspects of warmth and protection for adults but miniaturizing it for the smallest of adventurers. The Bobcat Hoodie is their quilted 625-fill down jacket. It is great as a stand alone or layered under a shell for rugged exploration. Tested…
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That is such a cute print! I hear this every day, every time we take out any gear we own by Ducksday. Mittens. Jackets. Rainsuits. Ollie and Stella Outfitters truly has some exceptional colors and designs. But I was excited to see how their newest addition to their kid’s line would handle the ins-and-outs of…
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Kid’s look really cute in rain boots. Yellow. Pink. Blue. Cute. That is why I agreed to test the Stonz Wear Rain Bootz out as ambassadors this fall/winter. But I am finding out they have more uses than just cuteness. 🙂 It turns out I am still learning of new things and new awesome brands….
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Our kids live in their winter boots for four months out of the year. So naturally we have a high bar on traction, performance, and cost. Today we are reviewing Stonz Winter Bootz for kids. We’ve been nothing but impressed with these! Tested in: Wasatch Range, UT; winter conditions Cost: $54.99-$63.99 Best Use: Winter boot, sledding,…
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Tested in: Wasatch Range, UT; Fall and early Winter conditions Cost: $100 Best Use: Casual Outdoor Wear in Fall/Spring or locations with semi-mild Winters. Significant Specs: Rated from temperate to 14°F/-10°C Crafted from super-soft, 100% waterproof fabric with plush Vegan friendly lining for extra warmth. The Summit features 2mm of Neo-TechTM insulation, a dual-density, contoured…
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A good mitten is priceless to our ski family. We spend a lot of time outdoors in the winter. And the wrong gear can mean we are spending a lot of time fussing. Today we are reviewing the Stonz Mittz. Having trouble keeping your kid’s mittens on? Check out this post after reading our review! Q&A: How…
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Merino is all the rage, right? Australian merino is even more so. But why? I am not really “up” on my merino hype and only know that I simply love the stuff. But here is what I learned about I/O Merino: Australian is known for having the world’s best and most advanced wool in the…
Continue Reading →![Being a dirtbag mommy/ hiking in forest [BW]](https://kidproject.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/IMG_3074-001-640x213.jpg)
I have a love affair with this Stonewear Designs Dryflex Double Cross top. And a funny laundry rotation going with it right now. It looks like this: Wear under a cute black hoodie as casual day wear. Wear as a baselayer on a “low-sweat” adventure. (Ie. Skiing, climbing, hiking) Wear to a “sweat-a-thon” at the…
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“In The Open 2014” consists of the gear we choose, use and abuse every time we step out the door. It is the gear we love and need. The gear we’d recommend. This is by no means a comprehensive list, and we have by no means tested or tried every great piece of gear out…
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I was first introduce to Pakems on the twitter-sphere of all places. A lightweight, water resistant shoe that packs down small initially designed for après-ski adventures. At the time I had my backpacking brain on and I thought, “lightweight, adventure slippers?” Sounds good to me. I was excited to give these a chance, as I…
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Finding a good seat in the backcountry can be hard. (Pun intended.) I’ve tried sitting on 3 legged stools, the ‘convert a therm-a-rest to a chair’ thingamabops and have generally settled on using a tree. None of them are very comfortable. When Alyssa said we were going to be testing the Joey Chair by Travel…
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Recently I had the opportunity to try out Chrome Industries’ Cobra Hoodie. The Cobra Hoodie is a 100% merino wool hoodie that is designed for an urban cyclist to be worn all day. First off, I have to be honest. I was biased before I even got to try the product. I love hoodies. I…
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In the fall/winter our choice of footwear for the kids becomes less…forgiving. The low-top hiking shoes and sneakers we usually grab are not quite suitable for our messy, muddy, and snowy adventures. Our first experience with this was last winter when we took the kids snowshoeing for the first time. Well…we strapped that snowshoe onto…
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Ollie and Stella Outfitters have been generous with me as I’ve tested their one-piece rain, wind, and snow suit during each of the four seasons. You might recall this item making it in our “Multi-Tasking Must-Haves” series last spring. And after 5 more months of having this piece of gear around, I still agree. While…
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Softshell is the garment of fall in Utah. Breathable. Stretchy. But wind and water-resistant. This is the first time I have tried a vest. My original hopes were to wear it for cold weather running and while I believe it will be awesome this winter when I am pounding out miles in twenty degrees, it…
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Another super snuggly performance top to keep you covered this fall/winter! Toaster Zip Top Location: Wasatch Range, UT Activities: Hiking, Climbing/Bouldering, Daily Living Best Use: Skiing, Snowshoeing, Backpacking/Hiking, Casual Wear Yays! Fit: Sleeve length was near perfect for me, not too long. But then I am short with short arms… The fit is relaxed in the…
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I think I found a pant designed for the iPhone 5. But that is just one of the many things I love about the Rockin’ Pant. More on that later. 🙂 I am hard to please when it comes to pants. I’d say I have a hard body to fit – round hips, short legs….
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Tested by: Alyssa and 7 yr-old daughter Location: Camping and Biking / Bear Lake, Wasatch Range, UT Season: Late summer / Fall Best Uses: Running, Biking, Yoga, casual wear, but honestly works for EVERYTHING! Sizing: True to size Yays! Fit: Very comfortable a-line cut. Loose (but not too loose) around the hips and legs. Dress…
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Fall is here! And that means the most reached for clothing item in our closets is our softshell jackets. We have a variety of brands we love, but this is our first time getting to try out a softshell for our toddler. Let’s just say the other kids are a little jealous… Girls Ice Plaid…
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Hi Tec has graciously allowed us to do an extended test of the Timaru Down jacket for women. We received this jacket last spring and while I enjoyed getting to use it in the snow and cold, I was also significantly interested in how it would perform on our many high alpine backpacking trips this…
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Kid’s Love to create. It doesn’t matter if it is with sticks, legos, or massive amounts of paper, glue, and stickers. So when Nike contacted us to be part of their #FreeYourMoves campaign and design our own shoes, we jumped at it! Free Your Moves I’ve become more sentimental with age. Meaning a company with…
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Honestly, until this summer I haven’t been all that worried about my kid’s eyes when we are out adventuring in the sun. Probably more out of ignorance than anything. But I wear sunglasses ALL THE TIME…well most-the-time since we live in sun-drenched Utah. And so I’ve been working on getting my kids to wear them…
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Recently I had the opportunity to try out the Deuter ACT Zero 50 + 15. (Wow, that name is a mouthful). It is a somewhat minimalist 50-65 liter pack from Deuter. I was really intrigued to try it out since it weighs in at a scant 3lb 4oz and has the same spec’d volume as…
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Campfire roasting logs? If you in our same line of thinking a real fire has real wood. But Chris and I have a funny history with Duraflame and their distant cousin the Fireside Supreme. Long before we were dating, even before we were friends we ended up on the same ill-fated backpacking trip. After realizing…
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As a family, we’ve tried out a ton of different sleeping bags over the years. And for the vast amount of families, you cannot go wrong. Well…too wrong. Most sleeping bags on the market will keep your kids warm in moderate to warm temperatures. But there are significant differences that can affect a good night’s…
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Duration: A total of 5 nights and 7 days on the trail so far. Location: Testing in the Wasatch and Uinta Ranges Best Uses: Backpacking, Multi-day trips for those looking to go “light weight” or even climbing day trips where a larger pack would be needed. Yays! Size is great. I could easily fit a…
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With the Fourth of July staring us in the face, I figured I would share some of our favorite camping items for family fun! These range in price and size but have each added tremendous value to our camping trips. 1. BugLit This little LED “buggy” looking light is my newest favorite piece of gear…for…
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The emergence of the barefoot movement has been met with a lot of hesitance from people like…well, me. I am straight up old-fashioned. And have had years honed in athletics with the gooshy-supportive-shoe stuff thrown at me. Then last year, as I spent more and more time rock climbing (ie. minimal shoe) and doing yoga, I noticed…
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I read a great article by my fellow blogger, Cragmama, about the benefits of letting your kids go barefoot indoors and out. I’ve heard the stats before, benefits that include: Promoting natural development Increased body awareness relative to its space Increased strength and agility in the feet, ankles and legs. I love the lifestyle bare feet…
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I have several backpacking pet peeves. Bad (or not enough) food, bad sleep. They can take what would be the most amazing experience and make it unenjoyable. The first time I saw an ENO hammock was about ten years ago on a group camping trip. One of the guys pulls out this hammock that is stuffed…
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Gosh, when looking for a tent, where do you start?! Honestly, when we first had kids I wished we had started here. I never really considered Kelty as my brand of choice when tent shopping but I have been more than pleasantly surprised! We sort of figured we only use it backpacking when the kids…
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The #1 gear item on our list for this summer’s Backpacking Project 2013 was kid’s backpacks. Now I don’t expect them to carry much…but I NEED them to carry something! But in my opinion kid’s packs are tricky. Most are designed for school, for obvious reasons. But we needed and wanted something with a little…
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Footwear for kids is tricky… Do you go with a stiff sole or soft? How about traction? And if I finally settle on a pair of shoes, will I have to buy new ones in three months because they’ve already grown out of them?! We’ve put most of the major outdoor brands through the paces…
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The sun warmed my skin and the crisp breeze brought a smile to my face. Spring in Telluride. Just talking about it makes me want to go back! My [new] husband and I stumbled into some random store and low-and-behold I found the down vest I’d been looking for, waiting for in fact. Eight years…
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There are outdoor brands for every body shape, but rarely is there a brand that fits every body. When I got married, my husband was blown away by how difficult it was to shop for pants with me. I think we both dreaded it more than the dentist. And when we found something that worked,…
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Happy Earth Day everyone! In honor of our life-filled-spinning-orbe I figured I’d cover a company that cares as much about the natural products their shoes are made of, as they do how comfortable they are. They strive to use natural products like leather, rubber and Jute in the construction of their shoes. Birki’s, known by us…
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Since the moment our kids could hike on their own two feet, we’ve been searching for the right kid pack. And we’ve had mixed success. But at least I can say we’ve tried a ton of backpacks…and I now know exactly what we want in one. As part of our Backpacking Project 2013, we are…
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For years we’ve been trudging along in stiff, hard, HEAVY hiking boots. And then trail running emerged on the scene. Along with it, the shoes began to change. People needed/wanted the lightweight comfort of a running shoe but with more stability and traction. Personally, I think this might be one of the best advancements in…
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We’ve gotten a fair chance at testing out the Strom snowshoes through the last month or so…but this last week they were put through the ringer. Along with a few adventurous moms, we took our twelve kids on an introductory snowshoe / winter hike in the beautiful Wasatch Range. It was every gear tester’s dream….
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We’ve just recently been introduced to DucksDay kid’s clothing products. Our two-year-old is pictured here in the kid’s mitten and DucksDay snow/rain/wind suit (review coming soon). And we are pretty stoked about these products! As an outdoor blogger, I get a LOT of questions about how to keep kids warm, and “are there any mitten…
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Is a water bottle just a water bottle? Should it be? I’ve never thought about it all that much till I stumbled across my first Hydroflask at Outdoor Retailer. It is my first multi-tasking tumbler. Well sort of… But I’ll get to that in a minute. What is a Hydroflask? Ready for this mouth full?…
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My experience of snowshoeing is limited and…old school. The snowshoes I frequented most often before a month ago were at least 10-12 years old. And for quite a while now I’ve thought, “A snowshoe is a snowshoe. How can they improve on the design?” But Tubbs has worked for over 100 years to make walking on…
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What is an Edgie Wedgie and what does it do? The Edgie Wedgie (or ski tip connector), is simply a rubber tube with clips on each end that keep your child’s ski tips together. The reason? Keeping the ski tips together aids in teaching a wedge, essential in stopping. A secondary use is for those young…
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Better late than never, right? Well, that is my theory for this post. A week and a half ago we scavenged the Outdoor Retailer Winter Market in Salt Lake City. What was so fun this trip was that I got to try out a bunch of gear, that ended up being awesome. (Yes, we’ve tried…
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Each kid is different. Hense each skier is different and what works with one, might not with another. Well, today we are talking all about using a ski harness when skiing with your little ones. If you’d like to see a previous review of the Lucky Bum ski harness, you can find it here: Ski…
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There isn’t a parent out there that doesn’t worry about their kids. Kid safety is something we all toss around inside our heads, but often do nothing about. Recently my husband received a RoadID Slim wrist bracelet for running. You know…running lots of miles in the early morning darkness? What if you keel over on…
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For years now I have been a big believer in investing in more expensive, high quality kid’s shoes for outdoor activities. If you wonder why, you can visit my post here: Why Investing in Your Kid’s Shoes is Important! But in the next breath, I have been caught (more than once) saying the same was not…
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Every once in awhile we have some great idea, an invention so to speak… We share the idea with all our friends. Sometimes jokingly. Sometimes seriously. Like last weekend… we went skiing and my son wore this shirt: It is a cheap Old Navy shirt we got on clearance, nothing special. But when he spilled…
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Giddy. Excited. Inspired. Motivated. All might be feelings after plunking down several months of hard-earned cash (or credit, but hopefully not) on a piece of life-capturing electronic gadgetry. Your first (or second, or third, …) SLR camera. It is a sight to behold, or should at least help you capture some. In the box you find…
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You already know what we think of Chacos. We made their factory in Paonia, CO part of our honeymoon tour…and our friends long ago gave up on us “shutting-up” about their shoes when they showed up in Tevas. Z1, Z2, Hipthong. They rock. I’ve even moved into the more controversial shoes (not sandals) and have…
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Hi everyone! Expect[ing] to Thrive has had an awesome week, two weeks really and today I get to introduce to you our go-to piece of baby gear. If you know us, well…you’ve heard our spiel. If not, then know this: If there was only one piece of baby gear I could recommend, it would be…
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Do you have a case of the Mondays? Even though we had a long-ish weekend, it still went too fast. But we have an action packed day around here for you! We have a winner from our first giveaway, another giveaway starting today AND an awesome park/anywhere workout that will bless your socks off. Or…
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Oh, the clothing I WISH I had had during my pregnancy and nursing days… I am about to share a hilarious photo with you. Hilarious in the I-don’t-want-any-one-to-see-this type of way. But I love you guys, so I will… I am 8 months pregnant, attempting to snowshoe in Winter Park, CO and it is a…
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It is a little easy at Outdoor Retailer to get the glassy eyed, overwhelmed sort of look and go into autopilot. So much great outdoor great, flying at you from every angle. But as I was chasing my little ones around, something green caught my eye: Edelrid Kid’s Fraggle Harness Why? Other than the bright…
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This was our first trip to the Outdoor Retailer Show. A little overwhelming for us newbies and inspiring all at the same time! But one of the things I (and most my fellow bloggers) want to do is share the outdoor gear we are most excited about. Here is what caught the Kid Project’s eye:…
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So, this isn’t really an “outdoors with kids” topic, but rather a, “I’m a dad that likes to be outdoors with kids and wear clothes while doing so” topic. I don’t know about you [or your husband], but finding shirts that don’t suck is a challenge. Old Navy sells crap shirts that don’t fit and…
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Something about me: I hate sunscreen. I hate bug spray. Hate. But of course I hate sunburns and skin cancer and bug bites too. And all of the above is a natural evil when one is accustomed to being outdoors SO much. And not just a nuisance, as recent history has shown, bug bites can…
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OK, it is spring! While the breeze is still chilly, the sun is warm. And kids are swarming the neighborhood on nearly every imaginable thing with wheels. And we are joining in on the fun. So, I thought, “Why don’t we pump out some biking posts?” Since we are all in the mood… We LOVE…
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OK Moms, this one is for you. And for me. And maybe any husband who needs gift ideas :). But really, with spring making its entrance, REI dividends coming out, and warm weather fever in the air – we all want a few new things to get us going. Mommy-wear is hard to find. Correction. Cute and…
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I don’t really know how to start this review because it is SO subjective, and I really have no proof. So instead I’ll tell you the story of how I stumbled upon the Amber Artisans and their teething necklaces for baby. At the beginning of January another attack of the teething monster erupted in the…
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Here is the truth: My chalk bag is cooler than your chalk bag! OK, that isn’t exactly correct. My kids chalk bags are cooler than your kids chalk bags. 🙂 But not for long. I want to introduce you to Practical Climbing today. Why? Because I am always looking for a chalk bag that isn’t like…
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Today, we are addressing the awkward subject of breastfeeding and specifically how to do it in the outdoors. In case you are just joining us, this is the third post in a series all about newborns! We’ve already addressed those hard and sleepless first weeks. Truth: breastfeeding isn’t easy. When they first brought my baby…
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So, I [Chris] recently had a dilemma. My sunglasses went missing. First, let me explain my sunglasses history, as sometimes context and history proves everything. After all, if someone says, “They are the best sunglasses I’ve ever owned” and they are the only sunglasses ever owned by said person, the statement can be generally discarded….
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Oh Edgie Wedgie The name reminds me of pre-pubecent torture. But none-the-less, one of the most used toddler ski aids is named this. It is simply a rubber tube with clips on each end that keep your child’s ski tips together. The reason? To aid teaching them to wedge or for the really young ones…
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Let me just say this: around 28 years of skiing under my belt and two parents that have taught skiing for longer than that – and I was still not prepared for how difficult it was going to be to teach my kids how to ski. Frustrating at times, exhausting, hot [cause you’re doing most…
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When I became a mom, winter brought a whole host of worries. See, babies cannot really tell you when they are cold. They are also much more difficult to keep warm when outdoors, because unlike us, they aren’t skiing or snowshoeing or burning massive amounts of energy. Here is what works for us: JJ Cole…
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This post sort of has to do with keeping warm, sort of. [And I know I promised a weeks worth of “staying warm” posts.] But lets face it- this is more than a gear review…cause there is only so much you can review about a hat. Either it fits, or not. Either it itched, or…
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This week has been cold! And in honor of the season we are posting a weeks worth of reviews, tips, and info on keeping the kids and babies warm! I grew up skiing. I would venture on saying it was a family religion. And because of it, winter was always my favorite season…until I had…
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A few things about us: 1. we aren’t a stroller family 2. we are habitual “baby-wearers” when the kids are young but 3. I am a sceptic when it comes to baby slings. I learned this week, though, that the Seven Sling has a place in my baby gear repertoire! (FYI, my youngest child is…
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Christmas comes every year and grandparents start asking what to give the kids, and I start wondering what to do after I’ve given them all my ideas. This year I made a list of useful things – not to expensive – that the kids would love but also satisfy some need in their outdoor gear….
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We told our daughter that if she made it to the top of the wall, we’d get her climbing shoes. And so, we very quickly found ourselves trying on shoes. “Are they comfortable?” “Oh Mom, these ones are really great, they look so cute on me,” she responds. She is such a girl… To say…
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We’ve gotten a lot of questions regarding kids climbing harnesses. There are two harnesses I would suggest- though I am certain there are many others that are great. Please leave your comments if you’ve found other great ones. These are the ones we have experience with: 1. Petzl Simba Full Body Harness We love this…
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Mixed bag… Product features: Zippered main compartment, zippered small front pocket, mesh pocket interior for 1 liter hydration reservoir, mesh side pockets, reflective piping and 1 liter hydration reservoir with bite valve. We got one of these for my daughter’s birthday and overall I have mixed feelings about it. It is great for hiking, with…
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Product Features: Removable diaper pad 2 Water bottle holders Insulated bottle holders Internal organization Internal waterproof pocket Floral fabric interior Nylon fabric Top zipper for easy access to internal compartment 7 x 13 x 18 inches I received this diaper bag with our third child and it is versatile, easy to organize, and fits a…
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It sounds like a gimmick right? Some stupid rubber bracelet that you strap on your kid and when you get home he’s covered in bug bites. I was pleasantly surprised by the effectiveness and scent of this product. At one point the mosquitoes were swarming around my son’s head like he’d been dropped in a…
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Fleece is everywhere. From cheap fleece pajamas from Target to Performance Fleece from Old Navy to higher priced fleece from say North Face, REI, or Patagonia. But are they equal? Will cheap do just as good as the most expensive versions? Fleece is my fabric of choice for layering my kids at night camping. Also…
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We encountered a new kind of mutant mosquito this weekend. The kind that can sniff out the one square inch of skin that doesn’t have repellent on it, and bite… Maybe you’ve met them before. They bit through clothing. They flew up pant legs. But most of all they like to bite your scalp and…
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For those serious hikers out there who love to bring their kiddos along, this backpack is perfect for you. There are a lot of backpacks out there to choose from and it can be overwhelming trying to find one that works best. We tried going cheap and used hand-me-down packs that squeaked with every step and sent us…
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We love our Striders and they go everywhere with us. They are marketed as a “No Pedal Balance Bike” teaching kids to balance and steer before the complicated task of pedaling. We got our first Strider for our son at about 22 months old. One plus: as they transition to pedaling, they never need training…
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We have three kids. But the number of kid transportation devices we have is simply ridiculous. We have had: an umbrella stroller, a single jogger and a double jogger, a double sit/stand stroller, two bike trailers, a co-pilot bike seat (kind that mounts behind), a Bjorn, a REI framed kid backpack complete with Camelbak pouch…
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