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Gear That Just Fits: Sensory-Friendly Outdoor Clothing for Kids and Adults

Helping outdoor adventures feel accessible to everyone starts with making sure they can comfortably join us! While some adventures are as simple as neighborhood park visits or walking in the backyard, others take more preparation and that’s when clothing and gear begins to make a huge difference on the overall experience.

Sensory-friendly clothing and gear exists more than ever - this article covers what to keep in mind while shopping for sport-specific activities and sensory needs. Happy adventuring!

It happened again. I was standing in the kitchen when The Dude came around the corner with scissors in one hand and a vice grip on a tag stitched into the inside of the shirt he was wearing.

“Cut it off, please.” He didn’t even have to say it, though. I knew as soon as I saw the tool in-hand what the request would be. It’s not the first time and it won’t be the last. With a surgical precision and a concerned kid who didn’t want the shirt to be damaged (because he liked it except for that darn tag), it snipped the tag away.

A pair of scissors - tool for trimming the pesky tags.

Get the scissors, for the love of all that’s scratchy…!

For a lot of us, the hardest part of getting outside isn’t the trail, the water, or the miles - it’s the getting dressed part. A scratchy tag, a seam pressing across the toes, a helmet strap that pressed around an ear in a weird way, a swimsuit that grips in all the wrong places: any one of these can end an adventure before it begins. And it isn’t only our kids. Plenty of adults quietly skip activities they’d otherwise love, simply because the gear is unbearable against their skin.

Sensory sensitivity shows up often in autistic and ADHD folks and in anyone living with Sensory Processing Disorder, but none of us needs a diagnosis to loathe a bad seam. The good news is that the outdoor and apparel worlds have caught up. There’s a real range of clothing now built to blend in the moment it goes on. Here’s what to look for, along with the brands and specific pieces worth knowing, organized around the activities we love.

What Actually Makes Clothing Sensory-Friendly

Before we get to brand names, it helps to know which features matter. When we can read a product page or feel a garment in a store, these are the green flags:

- Tagless or printed labels. Traditional neck and waistband tags are one of the top offenders. The best pieces print the care information directly onto the fabric so there’s nothing left to itch. If a tag does exist, look for one that’s been heat-pressed flat - or plan on carefully removing it.

- Flat, external, or seamless construction. Raised interior seams rub, especially at the shoulders, underarms, and toes. Sensory-focused brands use flatlock seams, move the seams to the outside of the garment, or knit pieces seamlessly so there’s no seam at all.

- Soft, breathable fabrics. Organic cotton, bamboo, modal, and Tencel are naturally smooth and gentle. Patagonia has Capilene, a silky synthetic fabric. Fine merino wool works beautifully too, and the trick there is fiber diameter. Anything under about 18.5 microns bends on contact with skin instead of poking it, which is why fine merino doesn’t feel like the itchy wool many of us remember from childhood (this still really depends on the person’s sensitivity level, though).

- Simple, gentle closures. Metal buttons, stiff zippers, and tight elastic can all be triggers or even challenges for people with finger dexterity or strength issues. Velcro, magnetic closures, encased soft waistbands, or no closure at all tend to go over much better.

- Solid colors and minimal print. Heavy screen-printed graphics and dye-stiffened patterns can feel rough, or just plain loud. Many sensory-sensitive kids prefer quiet, simple color schemes.

- Compression, when it helps. This one is a bonus rather than a requirement. Snug compression garments provide deep-pressure input that many may find genuinely calming and organizing, and they layer neatly under other outdoor gear. The opposite can also be true - again, it really depends on the person and trying options to see what works.

One note on fit: with swimwear and anything worn wet, buy snug. Suits loosen in the water, and a secure fit often feels safer and less fidgety, not more.

Trail Clothes and Base Layers for Hiking

Hiking is mostly a base-layer-and-socks game, which makes it the easiest activity to solve.

Socks come first and this is a big one. Seams across the toes can cause more discomfort than nearly anything else in the drawer. SmartKnitKIDS seamless socks are knit from the toe up with no seam at all, hug the foot so they don’t bunch, and wick moisture, which matters on a sweaty trail. For the kids (and adults) who genuinely hate socks, FLAT SOCKS take a different approach - a trimmable, no-show insert that sits inside the shoe, so feet feel bare but stay dry and blister-free.

Bamboo-blend sensory socks from CalmCare and Parker & Talia are another soft, moisture-wicking option. For cold-weather hikes, fine merino socks regulate temperature without the itch. Minus33, Darn Tough, and Smartwool all have versions of seamless or “virtually seamless” comfortable wool socks for kids and adults. They also last a long time.

For everyday tagless kids’ clothing, Primary is a fan favorite: solid colors, no logos, no scratchy graphics. Cat & Jack Adaptive at Target offers tagless, flat-seam, soft cotton-blend pieces at approachable prices, and Kickee Pants and Lucky & Me are both beloved for their buttery modal and bamboo blends. We’ve also had luck with Patagonia’s Capilene clothing over the years, though we do end up cutting the tag out of the side seam of the shirts many times.

When we need a little extra regulation on the trail, a compression base layer can take the edge off. Kozie Clothes (designed by a pediatric occupational therapist) and JettProof both make four-way-stretch compression shirts and undervests meant to be worn under a regular hiking shirt, with external stitching and stamped labels so there’s nothing rough on the inside. JettProof’s fabric wicks moisture too, which matters once we’re moving.

Adults, don’t skip yourselves here. Fine merino base layers from Smartwool or Meriwool are soft enough for next-to-skin wear (look for roughly 16.5 to 18.5 micron and OEKO-TEX certification). Tencel and silk are excellent smooth alternatives if wool isn’t your thing, and both JettProof and FLAT SOCKS make adult sizes.

On the Water: Paddling, Swimming, and Beach Days

Water gear is uniquely tricky. Wet fabric grips, mesh liners scratch, and everything feels more intense against the skin.

NoNetz was created by a mom whose son couldn’t tolerate standard swim trunks. Their suits skip the scratchy mesh liner entirely, use anti-chafe fabric inside, and place seams flat or on the outside. They make kids’ and adult sizes, and their designs are tested with the autistic community before they go into production. For sun protection and a feeling of security, a snug long-sleeve UPF rash guard works well - it gives that gentle all-over pressure many kids find reassuring, and it layers nicely under a paddling PFD. Target carries a sensory-friendly swimwear line too, with flat seams, no tags, and adaptive suits with easier closures. We’ve liked the silky liner inside of Eddie Bauer’s kids comfort liner swim shorts.

If our kids resist water on their faces, Frogglez goggles are worth a look. The soft fabric strap slides over the head without pulling hair, which is a common sticking point with traditional silicone straps. Water shoes are worth adding as well, to protect against rough launch sites, creek beds, and hot docks. That transition from land to water is so often where the sensory friction shows up.

Full wetsuits are a bigger ask. If we’re heading into colder paddling, size for a snug-but-not-crushing fit, look for flatlock or glued-and-blind-stitched seams rather than raised overlock seams, and consider a thin sensory-friendly rash guard underneath as a smooth barrier against the neoprene. Especially for kids whose bodies may have a harder time regulating temperature, a “shortie” wetsuit might be something to consider.

As a side note for days in the sun, a long-sleeved synthetic shirt or rash guard and a wide-brimmed hat can help reduce the amount of skin that requires sunscreen (if that’s an issue for you or your family member).

On Two Wheels

Biking adds a couple of wrinkles: the helmet and the seat.

The helmet can be a battle for some. A good sensory fit is snug enough that it doesn’t rock forward, back, or side to side, with a chin strap that holds without digging. Nutcase and Lazer both come up often for softer padding, adjustable systems, and smoother interiors. The removable pads inside most helmets are our friend here - we can swap or adjust them to fine-tune both the fit and the feel, and wash out the sweat that makes them scratchy over time. One classic occupational therapy trick for helmet resistance: desensitize the head first with gentle massage or vibration before the helmet goes on, and build up wear time gradually rather than all at once. Wear helmets around the house together as a family for a little while as a “silly” activity to take the newness away.

Padded cycling shorts are notorious for seam irritation, but can make a big difference on saddle soreness. A smooth compression base layer (Kozie or JettProof again) worn underneath creates a friction-free barrier. For kids who are still learning to ride, long sleeves and long pants both cushion the inevitable falls and, for many, simply feel more contained and secure than bare skin. Keep the same tagless, flat-seam rules in play for jerseys and tops, and remember that quiet solid colors usually beat loud graphic prints.

And if your kiddo or family member is ready for longer rides, consider Chamois Butter or something similar in those high-friction saddle areas so that they avoid too much soreness. We swear by that stuff!

A Few Shopping Tidbits Worth Keeping

Fabric tolerance is deeply personal. Even the softest merino bothers some of us, so introduce new textures gradually and watch the reaction rather than assuming a sensory-friendly label guarantees a win.

Let our kids have a say. Being able to choose the color or the style, even just between two solid options, turns getting dressed from a fight into a decision they own.

Buy from places with easy returns. Shopping online means we can’t feel the fabric first, so brands offering free, no-questions returns for surprise irritants (several sensory-focused makers do) are worth prioritizing.

And we can always go inside-out. For socks and simple tees, wearing a garment inside-out to escape an interior seam or a loose thread is a perfectly legitimate solution. With solid colors, nobody can tell!

Finally, we bring a set of “regular” clothes to change into when we’re back at the car (or camp). Whether we’re damp from water, weather, sweat, or its simply time to change sensations, we have the comfy clothes to change into and round out the end of the day’s adventure with feeling great in every way possible.

Getting outside should be about the time together, the experience, and the fun - not about a tag someone can’t stop thinking about. Gear now exists to make the outdoors genuinely comfortable for sensory-sensitive kids and adults alike. Sometimes inclusive outdoor access looks like a wide, well-graded trail. And sometimes it’s just a seamless sock.

A mom helps her young son adjust his shoes for better comfort as he sits on a rock, eating a snack, during a hike.

Sometimes you just have to stop and adjust things for better comfort (and have a tasty snack).

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Cristen Jester Cristen Jester

Leave No Trace Principles for Your Family

Leave No Trace is a set of 7 principles of outdoor stewardship and ethics for your enjoyment in nature and for future generations’ continued appreciation of natural places. Here’s a quick overview for your family to learn the basics!

The Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics logo.

Leave No Trace for your enjoyment and for future generations.

I'm a Leave No Trace Trainer, and this ethic shows up in nearly everything we write here, usually in passing, or just as a given. Maybe we mention “packing it out,” staying on trail, or camping on intended, established sites. I've never actually given a formal overview, so here it is: the seven principles as I would tell them to a family new to this!

1. Plan Ahead and Prepare

This is the strategy and logistics that help us build a solid foundation to avoid or prevent most of the other problems. Know the regulations and special concerns for the location you’re visiting, check weather, pack appropriately, and travel in small groups when possible. A well-prepared trip creates less impact almost automatically, because prepared people make fewer panicked, high-impact decisions.

2. Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces

Stick to established trails and designated campsites. Walking around a mud puddle instead of through it seems considerate, but it widens the trail over time and damages surrounding vegetation. In truly pristine backcountry areas (bushwhacking), spread out to avoid creating new social trails. In popular areas, concentrate use on already-established paths. The rule flips depending on how developed the area already is, which surprises people the first time they hear it. Remember: your boots were made to be muddy and they’ll recover if that’s the trail condition that day.

3. Dispose of Waste Properly

Pack it in, pack it out… including things like fruit peels, which are not native compostables everywhere and take much longer to break down than people assume. Seriously. That orange peel will be there for months. For human waste in the backcountry, that means either using a cathole dug 6-8 inches deep and at least 200 feet from water, trails, and campsites, or packing it out entirely where required (yes, this is a real requirement in some heavily used areas, and it's not as bad as it sounds with the right kit). Plan to pack out toilet paper regardless: a Ziploc bag in a non-see-through dry-bag, sealed up and clipped on the outside of a backpack is the way to go. Throw away the Ziploc when you get back to civilization.

4. Leave What You Find

Rocks, plants, artifacts, antlers: it can be hard, but leave them where they are. This one carries extra weight in places like Bears Ears, Mesa Verde, and Grand Staircase-Escalante, where "what you find" can include genuinely irreplaceable cultural artifacts and rock art that belong to the ongoing story of Indigenous nations, not to whoever picks them up first. And because of the Migratory Bird Act, you’re better off leaving those feathers alone, too - it’s a federal offense if the feather comes from a bird that’s protected.

5. Minimize Campfire Impact

Use existing fire rings rather than building new ones, keep fires small, burn only small sticks that can be broken by hand, and make sure a fire is completely, coldly out before leaving it (drown it). Check fire restriction and burn bans everywhere you go. In many increasingly fire-prone regions, a camp stove is simply the better choice over an open fire, and it's worth checking current fire restrictions before assuming a campfire is even an option. Anymore, so many places across the US are experiencing drought conditions, we forego any fire if we’re not in an established campground and, even then, we’re going to use something like a Solo Stove.

6. Respect Wildlife

Observe from a distance, never feed wild animals, store food securely, and control pets at all times. Feeding wildlife, even accidentally through careless food storage, changes animal behavior in ways that often end badly for the animal, not just the person. This is the principle we lean on most in our injured wildlife guide: distance and restraint protect animals better than direct interaction almost every time.

7. Be Considerate of Other Visitors

Yield appropriately on trail, keep noise levels reasonable, and let nature's sounds be the soundtrack rather than a speaker. This one seems minor compared to the others, but it's a huge part of why shared public land actually stays enjoyable and welcoming for everyone using it.

Why this matters more than a rulebook

None of these principles are really about rules for their own sake. They're about a mindset: that the outdoors isn't a resource to consume, it's a shared space to move through gently, whether you're there once or every weekend. Teaching kids these seven principles early (even in simplified form, even just in a backyard) builds the instinct before it ever needs to be a rule they're told to follow.

If you only remember one thing from this whole list: leave a place as good as or better than you found it, and you'll naturally be doing most of this right already.

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Matt Plank Matt Plank

Review: Deuter Kid Comfort Series Carrier

Our take on Deuter’s Kid Comfort carriers — the Venture, Active, Active SL, Kid Comfort, and Pro — with notes on fit, storage, the beefy load system (up to 48.5 lbs), warranty, and which ride suited our family best.

This post contains affiliate links. If you buy through our links, we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you!


An adult in a rain jacket carrying a child in a Deuter Kid Comfort backpack carrier with the rain canopy keeping the child dry..

The Deuter Kid Comfort series was actually the second backpack carrier we tried in our toddler-hiking days. To be honest, it’s a strong contender for “favorite” — Matt preferred this Deuter while Cristen preferred the Osprey Poco (read about that one here) — but we were equally happy to carry either.


There are five versions within the series.


Kid Comfort Venture. This is their most basic pack, scaled to only the must-have features and at a lower price point. It gets the job done well, no complaints. It has the same hip belt and shoulder strap system as the other backpacks, but not the extra storage pockets and space you might want for longer or solo-with-the-kid treks. The sunshade can be added as an accessory.


Kid Comfort Active. This pack is actually a little lighter than the Venture, which is interesting. They start applying some better tech to the back with ventilation and adjustment abilities, and there’s a bit more storage. It’s a great option for not much more money over the Venture. The sunshade can be added as an accessory.


Kid Comfort Active SL. This is the Active pack, but sized for women. Not having tried this one directly, I’m not sure how I feel about it. Normally I’m all about women-specific gear, because we’re just built a little differently — but unless I knew I’d be the main person carrying the pack, I’d opt for the Active version that adjusts to fit a variety of people comfortably. For much shorter torsos, though, this could be a great option.


Kid Comfort. This pack has all the features of the Active version, but starts to beef up the comfort and add more pockets and storage. The biggest difference is that your little passenger gets a much cushier ride with the squishy pad in front. That can make a real difference for your child: as we hiked with The Dude in a backpack, he’d almost always fall asleep, and having this pad gave him support and a comfortable position no matter what the trail was like under mom or dad’s feet. The sunshade comes standard.


Kid Comfort Pro. This is the big dog of the fleet. It’s slightly heavier, but it adds the most storage for longer hikes, including a detachable daypack. That might not seem like much, but if you’re base-camping and making short, toddler-friendly “feature” hikes, the daypack is a nice bonus when you don’t want to carry the whole rig. It’s the coziest ride for the kiddo with a taller back and headrest, and it has space for a water bladder. Of course, the sunshade comes standard.


Each of these has the standard aluminum kickstand, so you can reach back, pop it into position, and set the backpack down safely on the ground without it toppling or having to keep a hand on it.


Our experience with the Deuter Kid Comfort Pro was that it somehow felt more heavy-duty than the Osprey Poco Plus. Heavy-duty wasn’t essential for his youngest years in a carrier, but this was the pack we reached for when our son was bigger and heavier and we needed a really beefy hip belt and load system. It did the job — we were able to carry him (plus gear) up to the pack’s max load of 48.5 lbs / 22 kg.


As for warranty, Deuter warrants its products against defects in materials and workmanship for the lifetime of the product (this doesn’t cover damage from extreme use, improper care, or the natural breakdown of material over time). If a product is deemed defective, Deuter will repair or replace it, and for damage not covered under warranty, they offer repair services calculated at the time of evaluation. As with any warranty, there’s some gray area around what counts as “extreme” or “natural,” so I’ll let you decide on that — but we’re very glad they offer repair services. Check Deuter’s site for the current, exact terms.


Deuter has been around since 1898, proudly making adventure gear for all manner of pursuits. They’re also quite committed to the planet and have been a bluesign system partner since 2008.


Finally, when your child has outgrown the carriers, Deuter offers comfortable, adventure-ready backpacks for them to get excited about carrying all by themselves.

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Matt Plank Matt Plank

Review: Osprey Poco Series Kid Carrier Backpacks

Our years-long take on the Osprey Poco family of kid carriers — the LT, Poco, and Poco Plus — covering fit, comfort, features, the 7-year guarantee, and how it doubled as our stroller on the trail and on the go.

This post contains affiliate links. If you buy through our links, we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you!


An adult in a ball cap carrying a toddler in an Osprey Poco child carrier backpack on a clear winter day.

When it comes to longer-ranging kid carrier backpacks, it’s hard to beat the Osprey Poco family of packs. The Osprey Poco Plus was one of the main items on our “desired” list, and I’m going to tell you why. As soon as our son was big enough — and his neck muscles strong enough — to sit in this pack, we were adjusting and fitting it to him to head out on hikes.


First, let’s talk about our reasons for this pack, then we’ll get into features. I had a sling and a front baby carrier to begin. They were wonderful when The Dude was teeny tiny, but as he grew, so did my back discomfort. I was already toting more weight on my chest than usual (cough, cough…), and adding another front-focused carrier just added to posture strain and muscle aches. For short periods — say, going to a farmer’s market — these worked fine.


Once he was big enough for the Poco carrier, though, there was no looking back. We were never fans of strollers, for many reasons, and we wanted something multi-use, regardless of where we were or what we were doing (you’ll see that’s a theme with us). So while we used the Poco for hiking and backpacking, we also used it in place of a stroller when we traveled: on the beach, in shops, through historical sites, you name it. We can’t even count how many times people stopped — even pulling their cars over — to ask what the backpack was because they wanted to find one.


Let’s talk about the Poco features and pros.


It’s adjustable for everyone. Both of us could use the same carrier, adjusting the torso length, shoulder straps, and hip belt to fit (Cristen’s 5’6”, Matt is just under 6’). It’s also very adjustable for the kiddo riding along, with foot stirrups and shoulder straps for them, too. When he was very little, we’d tuck a small blanket or stuffed animal around him to fill the space and create a comfier ride. The seat and straps also adjust for your child as they grow, accommodating a range of ages and sizes. From six months to three years old, this was a necessity in our gear packing — we were all sad when it was outgrown.


It’s lightweight. There are three options in the Poco family: Poco LT (lightweight), Poco, and Poco Plus. I’d look at Osprey’s site to compare the three and see what fits your needs best. Each has a different price point and is geared toward different levels of use — the LT is lighter, but the suspension system for back support is a bit heavier-duty in the Poco and Poco Plus. One note: take their Trip Length (Volume) measure with a grain of salt… it’s a kid carrier. Storage in the pockets is great compared to other carriers, but lacking compared to a standard multi-day backpack. If you’re backpacking with a baby or toddler, one person will focus on carrying the child and some essentials while the other carries most everything else. That’s just the nature of it.


Great warranty. Osprey has always been known for their “All Mighty Guarantee” — one of the reasons we look strongly at Osprey when we need a backpack. Wouldn’t you rather repair something that’s served you well than add to a landfill? The guarantee is adjusted a bit for their child carriers (safety standards necessitate different guidelines), yet it’s still quite generous: Osprey will repair any damage or defect for any reason free of charge during the first seven years from the date of manufacture, and if they can’t perform a functional repair, they’ll replace it. Check Osprey’s site for the current, exact terms.


Longevity. Did you catch that seven-year guarantee? Seven years, on a product that’s typically heavily used and still has life in it. When our boy outgrew the Poco, we gave it to friends having their first child. The thing is tough, hiked hundreds of miles with us, and still had more to give.


Special features. Some of this depends on which Poco you choose (these would all be on the Plus version): built-in sunshade, removable/washable drool pad, mesh side pockets for easy kid access, dual grab handles, external hydration sleeve, zippered hip-belt pockets for mom and dad, ventilated back panel, a collapsible kickstand (push it out for a stable base when you set the pack down, push it in to stay compact on the move), and lots of storage pockets.


Comfort. Truly, this thing is comfortable. The way it sits on your hips — just like your larger backpacks — distributes the weight off your shoulders and onto your lower body, so your center of gravity feels good and you’re not tempted to lean forward. You can hike miles and miles in this pack and still feel good at the end of the day. We strongly recommend hiking with trekking poles, because you have a baby strapped to your back and stumbles can happen.


Extras. Osprey also makes a rainfly for this pack that allows ventilation and visibility for your little one, plus a carrying case if you want to protect it as a checked bag on a flight.


Now, our limited list of cons.


It could be considered bulky. Yes and no. Compared to other backpack carriers, it’s no different, and we think it’s less intrusive than a stroller. Of course it’s not as small as a sling or front carrier, but your back will thank you for sacrificing the space in your car for the Poco.


It’s pricier than other carrier backpacks you might find at box stores or online. But those carriers aren’t going to have the kind of engineering Osprey has put into the Poco series. As always, find what works in your budget — but if you plan on using this carrier most of the time, try to find a Poco that fits you. You might even get lucky on one of the pre-owned or discount sites we talked about in our “8 Places to Save Money on Outdoor Gear” post. The other backpack carrier we’ve had experience with is the Deuter Kid Comfort series — read that review to compare!


The Osprey Poco Plus was our first child carrier backpack, so it stays dear to our hearts. We often think fondly of the long hikes we used to do with The Dude strapped in, singing along and asking to touch the trees as we strolled. Like many parents, we’re happy to see our boy growing strong enough to join us on his own two feet — but we have great memories of pulling the Poco out for a new adventure. Hopefully you’ll have the same experience if you decide this carrier is right for you. And when your kiddo is big enough to hike independently, have them help carry, too — Osprey makes a wide range of kid-sized backpacks for them to begin adventuring alongside you.

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Matt Plank Matt Plank

(Podcast) Season 3, Episode 9 - Layering Basics: An Interview with Lawson Glidden of Minus33

Join us as we interview Lawson Glidden of Minus33, makers of soft, warm wool products of all kinds, as we talk about their business and the art of layering for cold weather.

A main in warm layers of clothing and a beanie quirks a smile at the camera. Text announces an Interview with Minus33.

Season 3, Episode 9. We've got a guest! Lawson Glidden — President of Minus33 Merino Wool — joins us for a deep dive into the world of layering. Minus33 is a family business out of New Hampshire with over a hundred years of textile history behind them, and Lawson knows his stuff. He walks us through why merino wool is such a game-changer as a base layer — it wicks moisture, regulates temperature, and (here's the big one) doesn't stink after a few days on the trail. We talk through their full product range — socks, base layers, mid-layers, shirts, hats — and Cristen and I share our own layering wins and fails over the years. This was actually Minus33's very first podcast appearance, which is pretty cool. Full disclosure: we're affiliates (not sponsored), so if you grab something through our links, we earn a small commission — but we genuinely love the gear.

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Matt Plank Matt Plank

(Podcast) Season 3, Episode 8 - Campsite Cooking for Every Type of Chef

Cooking at the campsite for every kind of chef! What’s on your menu and how are you going to make it?

A red camping stove with a metal kettle sits on a table in front of a desert view. Text announces Campsite Cooking for Every Type of Chef

Season 3, Episode 8. Time to eat! This episode covers campsite cooking from one end of the spectrum to the other — we're talking everything from boiling water over a fire to full-on propane pizza ovens and gourmet meals under the stars. Cristen and I break it down by skill level, so whether you're the person who burns instant oatmeal (no judgment) or the one showing up with a cast iron skillet and a spice kit, there's something here for you. We swap some pretty good stories about campfire mishaps along the way — let's just say fire and cooking don't always cooperate the way you'd hope. We also get into the practical side: what setups make sense for car camping versus what you'd actually want to haul into the backcountry. Spoiler — the pizza oven stays at the car.

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Matt Plank Matt Plank

(Podcast) Season 3, Episode 7 - Adult Weekend Adventures (The Kids Will Be Ok)

Sometimes the adults need to get away and play, too. Kids, it’s time to stay with the grandparents or buddy-sitter… Mom and Dad need to have some reconnection time - it’s healthy for everyone.

A couple stands on a rocky overlook, backpacks full of rocking climbing gear on their backs. Text announces Adult Weekend Adventure and that it's healthy to spend time together as a couple.

Season 3, Episode 7. Okay parents — this one's for you. We're talking about getting outside without the kiddos. Solo trips, couples getaways, weekends with friends — all of it. Cristen and I dive into why it's so important to carve out that adult time in the outdoors, even when it feels impossible to step away. Turns out, absence really does make the heart grow fonder — you come back recharged, more patient, and honestly a better partner and parent for it. We share some of our own experiences sneaking away for a night or two, and we talk about how to make it happen without the guilt. We also mention Eddie Bauer's gear rental program — a great option if you want to try something new (kayaking, backpacking, whatever) without dropping a fortune on gear you're not sure about yet.

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Matt Plank Matt Plank

(Podcast) Let’s Talk Camping Tents

Season 3, Episode 3: let’s talk camping tents — tent advice, camp furniture, keeping bugs at bay, where to pitch (and hazards to avoid), organization tips, and dad jokes.

A backpacking tent is set up in the mountains next to a lake. Text announces Lets Talk Camping Tents: Sit back, grab a drink, this is going to be fun!

Season 3 Episode 3.

Grab a drink, sit back, and listen to Matt and Cristen talk about pitching a tent… Guess who wrote this? LOL.

In this episode, we talk about what has worked for us when we go camping: tent advice, camp-furniture favorites, keeping the bugs at bay, where to pitch your tent (and some hazards to avoid), organization tips, and dad jokes.

We hope you love this episode — and don’t forget to get out there and enjoy the outdoors as a family!

Gear we mention: the REI Kingdom 6 tent, an REI camp table, the Kelty Loveseat camp chair, bug sprays, and the Ruffwear Knot-a-Hitch dog run.

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Matt Plank Matt Plank

(Podcast) Tent Camping Starter: From Living Room to the Backyard

Season 3, Episode 1: tent camping starter — laying the foundation for a great family camping experience, from the living room to the backyard, so the kids are comfortable and the pressure’s off you.

An orange tents glows in the middle of a living room at home, a dad and son are snuggled inside in their sleeping bags. Text announces: Tent Caping from the Living Room to the Backyard.

Welcome to Season 3 Episode 1! We’re so glad you’re here.

The Season 2 wrap is complete, and we’re excited to embark on a new season geared more toward helpful steps to get you into your adventures. Season 3 Episode 1 is all about starting out.

Perhaps you’ve wanted to try camping and never had the know-how. Maybe you have experience camping, but not with kids. Or maybe your kids are even asking to try it out, and now you’re doing your best to figure out just how to make that happen.

This episode is all about laying the foundation for a good experience camping in tents with your family — particularly how to set it up so your kids are comfortable, have fun, and it takes the pressure off you. Our goal is to give you tips and tricks to get started in the comfort of your own home. Visit our website and sign up for our newsletter to be one of the first to access gear, discounts, checklists, and more.

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