Taking Kids Paddling: Gear and Tips

Taking our kids paddling at a young age is a ton of fun, and it takes a little planning to make sure everyone has a good time. The first time you take your kiddo out on the water can feel a bit overwhelming — for them and for you. But you can do it! Here’s some advice to make it a fun, safe time outdoors that builds a foundation for a lifetime of playing on the river.

Personal flotation devices (PFDs). As the saying goes, safety first. On your first trip out, start with a PFD. They’re required by law: everyone in a watercraft must have a PFD available, and kids must be wearing theirs. A well-fitting PFD helps keep a child floating face-up even before they know how to maneuver their body in the water. A good fit includes a recommended weight range for the intended user and a rating from the U.S. Coast Guard — infant vests carry a Type II rating, for example, while most others are Type III or IV. Be sure whatever you buy meets or exceeds these requirements, and once they’re more mobile and comfortable in the water, update their PFD to match their changing needs.

Sun protection. Sun protection around water is as easy as sunscreen or a long-sleeve sun shirt, hat, and sunglasses. Sunscreen should be waterproof and applied 20 minutes before going in so it doesn’t wash off, and reef-friendly formulas help protect our rivers, lakes, and reefs (they’re often better for your skin, too). If you’d rather not smear yourself or your kid with sunscreen, there’s a great second option: swim clothing with a sun-protection (SPF) rating. It should be reasonably close-fitting, and it’ll keep you cooler out of the water and warmer in it. Avoid cotton and loose-fitting clothing. A bonus: most of these double as a rash guard, protecting sensitive skin from the chafing that can happen when a PFD is worn for long stretches and things get wet, sweaty, and rubby during play.

Foot protection. Good-fitting foot protection is a key safety item on the water. If your little adventurer is still an infant, this matters less — but for the mobile, tadpole-chasing, rock-skipping, splashing bundle of energy, they’ll need something on their feet to keep the fun going all day. Water shoes come in all shapes, sizes, and price points. I could write a whole article on this one topic, but I’ll keep it simple: they have to fit and stay in place. Flip-flops are fine for the pool or maybe the beach, but on rivers, streams, or any rocky, uneven terrain with moving water and unsure footing, nothing is more useless than something that floats away or rolls your ankle. Sandals that actually stay on are great — Chaco, Keen, Columbia, and plenty of others make good ones that stay put and protect. A pair of river shoes that keep out gravel and fit well will also do the job. Keep those tootsies protected: too often the easiest water-access points have broken glass, metal, and fishing hooks lying around that can ruin an otherwise fun day.

Let the floating begin! You’ve checked the safety boxes, so now you’re ready to get moving on the water. It can feel like a lot to manage, but the best advice I can give is: make the trip about the kids, keep it short, bring lots of snacks, and if they’re having fun, you will too. We love our paddleboards for their versatility — you can sit, stand, or kneel depending on the situation, and SUPs make great swimming platforms when you need to cool off. Ours are inflatable and roll down to about the size of a suitcase, fitting in the trunk of the car. If you go that route, look for one that includes a pump and is made with durable drop-stitch construction. Kayaks and canoes are also great tools for getting on the water, each with their own challenges and benefits (I can go on about this for hours — fair warning).

A few safety tips to close.

Practice paddling before you take your kid out. You’ll be more confident, and that translates to a better experience for everyone.

Watch for hypothermia. It happens when exposure to cold is prolonged — in the water, or just from cold wind when someone is wet. A rain jacket or a towel can go a long way toward keeping someone warm. (Reminder: cotton is not your friend when it’s wet.)

Tie down your cooler — but never tie your child to anything. In a tip-over, you don’t want your kid tied to something they could get entangled in. Yes, that includes being tied to you.

Don’t forget the snacks. Snacks and water while floating keep energy up and hold off the Hangry Monster.

Save the party for another time. Alcohol is a leading contributor to deaths on our rivers. Save it for later.

2021 Gear Gift Guide

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Do your friends have the tie-down straps they need to get that tree home? Read on for more stocking-stuffer ideas.

A spectrum of our favorites, collected and coddled through the year: here’s our Gear Gift Guide. These are items that really stood out to us or made our adventures better in some way. If you’re looking for something that isn’t a tangible item wrapped in a box, check out our “No-Box” Holiday Gift Guide, too.

Minus 33 Midweight Merino Wool Beanie. We met these folks at the Outdoor Media Summit, and — wow — their merino is amazing. They brought these beanies as swag, and it’s the softest wool we’ve ever felt. Well-made, with a great family start-up story behind the company.

REI gift card. Such an easy, no-brainer gift. Write a heartfelt message and let them choose from the candy store of outdoor gear. (For the women in your life, a Title Nine gift card is a great option too.)

MPOWERD solar lanterns. We talked about these in our multi-purpose gear post, and they’re back for the holidays. They shrink, glow, float, clip on, travel, and self-charge by solar. Tent, backyard, boat, or elsewhere, these will light the way.

Sea to Summit hanging toiletry bag. This was given to us a couple of years ago, and Cristen commandeered it — she hasn’t looked back. It has a ton of storage for its compact size and lots of organization, from hotels to sailboats to campground showers.

Kammok Roo Double camping hammock. We love hammocks and take them everywhere. If you have an outdoor lover who hasn’t yet enjoyed the bliss (and usefulness) of a hammock, this is a great one to stick under the tree.

Rab Dispatch 50L duffel. This duffel will get you there — and get all the souvenirs back, too. It’s sharp-looking on the baggage carousel, has thickly padded shoulder straps for the trek to your hostel, and is heavy-duty and water-resistant.

Osprey Transporter bags. We’re thinking of their commuter-style, laptop-carrying bags for folks getting back to the office or telecommuting from home or the local coffee shop. Padded laptop and tablet pockets, tons of nooks for pens, notebooks, and cables, and comfy straps that cinch close if you’re riding a bike to work.

Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite sleeping pad. We touched on these in our podcast episode about camping sleep systems. Your sleeping pad can mean the difference between a night and a great night — and Therm-a-Rest has led the charge on pads for decades.

Thermacell MR300 portable mosquito repeller. Our caveat: we use this on our sailboat, anchored near mangroves along the Florida coast in spring. If that’s not endorsement enough, it’s the size of a flashlight, lays on any surface, and works.

AeroPress coffee maker. We drink plenty of coffee — if you’ve listened to the podcast, you know local coffee shops are one of our favorite things to seek out in new towns. Our brewing evolved from an electric maker to a pour-over until we found the AeroPress. Now we can make coffee or great espresso, and it packs tight and goes everywhere. We’ve added a reusable metal filter and a USB-rechargeable frother over time.

Hiker’s Brew sampler and an insulated mug. While we’re on coffee, let’s complete the kit. Hiker’s Brew focuses on sustainable coffee in a small, multi-use, compostable package that keeps it fresh for the trail — and it’s some of our favorite. Add a two-cup insulated mug (we don’t mess around in the morning) and you’re set.

A clip-on safety light. A small clip-on that glows or flashes — perfect for a late run or trick-or-treaters, but we love putting one on our dogs’ harnesses when we walk them at night in campgrounds or marinas, so others can see them coming.

Upcycled bicycle-tube jewelry. Delicate designs made from discarded bicycle inner tubes — weightless, waterproof, upcycled jewelry, hand-drawn and laser-cut. Earthy accessories with unique flair, for bike lovers and beyond.

Sea to Summit Stretch-Loc straps. These. Are. Amazing. In lengths from 12 to 30 inches, they secure almost anything — bikepacking gear, SUP paddles, even roof racks. Talk about multi-use; it never hurts to have a couple in a pinch.

Eddie Bauer Kids CirrusLite Down hooded jacket. It’s tough to buy solid (and necessary) gear for kids when they grow so fast, but cold weather is nothing to mess with. Eddie Bauer’s kids’ winter coats fill that gap, and the CirrusLite has become our son’s favorite. It doesn’t hurt the wallet either, and there are lots of colors.

Therm-a-Rest Stellar tech blanket. Packable, fast-drying, warm, and lightweight, this one made our multi-purpose gear list, too. You might think you have enough blankets at home — but we daresay this replaces at least three of them. It’s so nice, even our dogs try to steal it.

Ruffwear Knot-a-Hitch dog tether system. We can’t leave the pets out. Our tail-waggers go almost everywhere with us, but many places require leashes, and a campsite can become a tangled mess. String this between two trees, clip on the lead, and the pups can move around camp safely while you set up and make dinner.

A cat travel tent. We can’t leave out the cat, either — he travels with us too. He’s not cooperative on a leash, so we make his RV life as interesting as possible. Seeing tiny dome tents made for cats finally hit the market makes my heart happy; now your cat can have their own basecamp on the road or at home.

Stasher reusable silicone bags. Sick of disposable plastic bags? Reusable silicone bags are our go-to at home, at school, on the road, and in the boat. They save money and landfill space, wash easily, and are easy for little fingers to open and close. We use them for food, crayons, magnets, and small toys.

REI Multi-Towel Lite. Once, we had a water leak in a small space and grabbed the nearest towel — this one. It holds eight times its weight in water, wrings out nearly dry, and goes back for more. It’s also so soft it nearly feels like a blanket, whether you use it for camp showers, hair, the beach, or hot yoga.

Hydro Flask Cooler Cup. Our quick-grab item this summer. It looks like a metal koozy for a can, but it also switches into a cup for hot or cold drinks. Every trip to the lake or pool, we stuck a cold can inside and that refreshing temperature lasted much longer.

Zippo HeatBank 9s rechargeable hand warmer. A winter item. Many of us have used chemical heat packs that last eight hours and get tossed. Now there are USB-rechargeable hand warmers (and versions that run on lighter fluid). For anyone who wants to get out on winter trails or slopes, having one in a pocket warms you up fast on the chilliest days.

Minus 33 merino socks. Beanies for your feet. Like the head version, Minus 33 didn’t skimp on quality or softness, and the padding under the heels and toes really stands out — perfect on hikes or while staying cozy on the couch.

Outdoor Research Gripper sensor gloves. Grab these on the way out the door and your hands stay warm all the way to school or the office — and you can still scroll, text, and check email with them on. Windproof and water-resistant, too.

Outdoor Research Kids Adrenaline mitts. We can’t leave the kiddos out. The snowball-shaping palm seems made for snow, as do the insulation and waterproofing. A longer collar and two cinch points keep them where they belong and the elements out, so the adventure lasts. (At least two candy canes fit in each mitten, safely, when hung by the chimney with care.)

Buffs. We’ve always loved Buffs for hair control, sweat control, style, and function — and shaping one into a balaclava makes even more sense than it used to. Stick one in a stocking and your loved ones will stay stylish and warm on runs, rides, hikes, and while shoveling snow.

Nemo Moonlite reclining chair. Imagine enjoying a lunar eclipse or a summer meteor shower from a steady camp chair that reclines — or kicking your feet up at a backyard fire ring with friends. Nemo makes a very comfortable chair. Pair it with a warm blanket and a hot drink and you’ve got a cozy night ahead.

Nemo Helio pressure shower. We don’t talk about this one enough. If you kayak, SUP, sail, take pets on trails or water, get muddy or dusty, mountain bike, rock climb, or van-life and boondock — anywhere it’d be nice to rinse feet, face, hands, or body without running water — you’ll love adding this. Even with the stickiest sand or dust, the pressure behind the spray gets you, the kids, and the pets clean enough to feel great before a long drive or turning in.

Ruffwear Highlands dog sleeping bag. Our dog, Jack, believes his body was made for soft things. Like the cat tent, this may be indulgent, but it makes us smile — and makes the dog feel special with his own matching, squishy bed. He’s one of the pack, after all.

MyMedic medical kit. Update those first-aid kits and keep them ready for the backcountry. There’s a size and arrangement for every activity, from road trips to day hikes to expeditions.

We hope our Gear Gift Guide helps! It’s always fun to put together — both to help with your holiday shopping and to look back at the creativity the outdoor industry keeps coming up with to make getting outside more comfortable and fun. All the best in your gift gathering, and happy holidays from Keyword Adventure!

2021 “No-Box” Holiday Gift Guide

Whether you’re reducing the amount of “stuff” you exchange with family and friends this year, you’re a last-minute shopper looking for something thoughtful for your active or outdoorsy loved one, or supply-chain wonkiness is affecting how you shop, thinking outside the box for holiday gifts can be tough. Time, money, and connection are the main things we’d all like more of, right? And it’s a very personal way to shop, since we each have different ideas about what that time, money, and connection can offer.

Here are some ideas for the intangible gifts we’ve shared over the years.

Plan and execute an excursion. Is there someone in your life who would love to get outside and do more, but doesn’t know how or never seems to have time to plan ahead? Be their guide. You take the lead on the activity, the where, the packing, the food, even the when — all they have to do is show up. That’s a huge relief to someone who’s raring to go but struggles to carve out the planning and packing time.

Repair something for them. Kayak have a gouge? Backpack zipper blowout? Puncture in the sleeping pad? A warranty issue on a favorite piece of gear? Help them out. If you can DIY the repair well (keyword: well), it’s easy. If you can’t, find a reputable person, price it, and get it done. For warranties, make the calls or write the emails we all put off, then package up the item and send it in so their gear is ready for the new season. Sometimes the gift is just managing the details.

Detail their car. Who wouldn’t love this? If you’re detail-oriented, spend a day loving on their car — one of the most expensive things a person buys — and make it look new for the New Year. We spend a lot of time in our vehicles; a thorough inside-and-out cleaning can genuinely improve that space and their outlook.

Gift certificates. Whatever anyone says, we love gift cards — especially when style, size, or bigger items (bikes, racks, etc.) are in limited supply. Give your loved one the gift of choice.

Training or coaching. Are they training, or wanting to get into ultrarunning, triathlon, weight training, or nutrition? If you (or they) know a great coach, gifting a first session or two — or a package if you can splurge — is a great step forward.

Online subscriptions and memberships. Think Masterclass, AloMoves, the Access Fund, American Whitewater, Strava, Outside+, and the like. We used to gift magazine subscriptions; these days everything’s digital, and those subscriptions add up. If there’s one your person has talked about but hasn’t pulled the trigger on, beat them to it.

Personal assistant for a day. “How can I help?” is often asked with little follow-through, or leaves the person wondering what to even ask for. Make it actionable: sit down and ask what’s on their plate. Would a day of housework be the biggest relief? Could you sort unopened emails, make phone calls, or handle client replies on social media? They have to be willing to hand over some control, but with that trust they’ll relish the relief.

National Parks pass. Making travel plans this year? A National Parks pass gets them into more than 2,000 federal recreation areas across the US — and chances are there’s a destination close to them, too.

Local flavors. A tour of the local scene is always appreciated: wine, beer, kombucha, chocolate, coffee, cheese, baked goods, crafts, honey, soaps and lotions. There’s such a wealth of talent and tastiness in most communities — you might be surprised by the gift basket you can put together.

Gait analysis or bodywork. Wanting to start running, fine-tune their stride, or recover from training? A gait analysis can reveal nuances that level up their running. And here’s my favorite: recovery matters even more than training, so treat them to a session with a favorite massage therapist, acupuncturist, or neuromuscular therapist. Massage is good for anyone, whatever their activity level.

Race, event, or course entry fee. Do they have their sights set on a race, conference, or event this year? Cover the entry fee and let them dive into getting ready — it’s something to look forward to, and hopefully you can get out there to cheer them on.

We hope this warms up some alternative gift ideas. While it’s fun to unwrap something (we have a Gear Gift Guide for that, too), the real magic is the time, connection, and flexibility to have these experiences or reach these goals — and it means a lot when someone supports their friends and family in those pursuits. Do you have any outside-of-the-box ideas to add? Happy holidays from Keyword Adventure!

(Recipe) Campfire Stew: Simple, Quick Comfort Food

A camping recipe made easy — warm on cool nights, fast after a long day out, with easy ingredients that travel well and plenty for everyone.

Yes, this is an adventure recipe blog. Aren’t all the senses involved in exploration and delight? If you’ve listened to our podcast, you’ve probably noticed that we love finding interesting places to enchant our sense of taste — sometimes we seem to eat our way through new places (like Key West, Florida).

Today’s post, though, is meant to bring a little culinary comfort whether you’re camping out or just needing some easy satisfaction at home. The whole “chicken soup for the soul” idea definitely applies when someone talks about their favorite food to cook while camping.

For me, this campfire stew brings to mind camping along a cold river as a nine- or ten-year-old boy with my family. After a day of paddling on chilly spring-fed water, we’d light a fire and cook this super-simple, one-pot meal — warm and filling at the end of the day. Since then, I’ve shared it with others, and they’ve shared their own campfire stew recipes with me. What’s most consistent is this: the ingredients matter less than the warm feeling served up at the end of the day while camping under the stars. Felt as both a reward and a comfort, it’s these small things that create good memories when we’re young.

My campfire stew has lasted a lifetime and will outlast me, because my son delights in cooking it too. The ingredients are purposely simple: a can of cut green beans (not French-cut), a can of diced new potatoes, a sliced smoked sausage, and a little Cavender’s Greek Seasoning. Once everything’s in the pot, add water and bring it to a boil — the boil draws the oils out of the sausage and gives the stew most of its flavor.

Like any food cooked outdoors, I think it always tastes better over a campfire. But it’s become a favorite cold-weather recipe for our family, giving us that little taste of the outdoors even when we feel trapped inside. We usually have the canned items in the pantry anyway and keep some sausage in the freezer.

Campfire Stew

1 can cut green beans

1 can diced new potatoes

1 smoked sausage, sliced

About 2 cups water

Season to taste (I like 3 tsp Cavender’s Greek Seasoning)

Bring to a boil for 5 minutes, then serve it up. Add your favorite crusty bread or crescent rolls to round it out.

Classic campfire comfort food might even include those Americana favorites: s’mores and hot cocoa. Would you believe I keep packets of hot cocoa in my kayaking gear? I’ve done it as a day-saver, or in the case of a really cold swim for myself or anyone with me. It helps warm the body’s core, the chocolate helps release endorphins, and the sugar gives a little extra carb kick to recover from the cold. With a Jet Boil or another micro-cooking system, it’s an easy, packable part of my emergency kit.

It’s just another example of how the right food at the right time makes a difference. It helps on three fronts. First, warmth — one of the hardest things for your body to regulate outdoors, and in the case of an unexpected cold-water swim, it can literally be a lifesaver. Second, the chocolate releases endorphins for that “feel good” lift while your body temperature climbs back up. Third, it gives your body some sugar to burn, for a much-needed energy boost to finish recovering.

The great thing is you don’t have to have a cold swim or a brush with hypothermia to get that boost. It can rescue a kid’s day, too, when they’re cold, tired, or irritable after a lot of sledding or hiking. Sometimes children get down or feisty when they’ve burned through their energy reserves and are getting “hangry” (hungry + angry). I won’t say adults get that way too, but we all know the truth. Lift the vibe quickly — and look like a seasoned superhero — by whipping up a little hot cocoa. Not only does it create another good memory, you might just start a new tradition.

Riding Johnson Canyon Road (Utah) on a Gravel Bike

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When I was a kid, I used to look out at the odd road or random trail disappearing into the countryside as our family car passed on the highway and wonder… “where does that go?” As I got older and found myself with my own car, backpack, and bike, I realized I could finally explore some of those whims. With that delight, I also quickly learned that a little bit of a plan goes a long way — and that learning a route ahead of time, to plan food, water, and supplies, could keep the adventure going.

When Matt, our Dude, the pets, and I pulled into a campsite at Bauer’s Canyon Ranch RV Park in Glendale, Utah — north of Kanab — we delighted in the apple trees dropping fruit all around us in the old orchard. While walking the dogs morning and evening, one road kept grabbing my attention. On its west end it’s called Glendale Bench Road, and by the time it winds east, then south, it ends about 34 miles later on Highway 89, just east of Kanab.

It’s an unsuspecting-looking road, starting with nearly fist-sized gravel and heading straight up the “bench” from the town of Glendale. There wasn’t much written about it at the time, but I couldn’t resist — so I started googling it, looking at maps and satellite images, and decided I needed to ride this stretch on my bike.

I had no idea what I was in for.

On the day I departed, I left just as the sky was lightening. I packed my normal riding kit — water, food, energy chews, tools, and a flat-repair kit — but because it was remote, I also took a walkie-talkie (we didn’t have the Garmin inReach yet, and I definitely would have brought it on this ride), a headlamp, an external battery charger, an extra layer, and offline maps downloaded so I could access them without signal.

Matt and I made our plan: I’d head out and ride for a few hours, and he and Eric would have an easy morning and then take the truck up the same route to see when and where they’d catch me. I’m really glad we planned it this way, for two reasons. First, once I got a few miles out, I lost all cell signal and the walkie-talkies wouldn’t connect unless he was getting close. The second reason would come at the end of my ride.

Those first few miles were enough to make me question what in the world I was doing. In less than three miles, I climbed nearly 1,500 feet. I think I walked my bike as much as I rode it — the inclines were steep, followed by flatter sections, with plenty of “teaser” peaks: hills you climb hard thinking you’re almost there, only to reach a flat and see the next climb waiting. Ugh.

Once I finally reached the peak of the peak of the peak, the views opened up and I realized I was looking at the backside of Bryce Canyon National Park. The gravel at the start was brutal — huge chunky rocks that bounced everything and made it nearly impossible to ride in a straight line. But what I didn’t realize until I saw the sign was that I was about to ride straight into Grand Staircase–Escalante National Monument.

Almost instantly, the gravel got smaller, completely bearable, and a whole lot more fun. This section was beautiful, with vast stretches of views and small canyons starting to open up. At this point I was texting Matt to tell him to leave plenty of time to enjoy the drive — hoping the message would send if I picked up a whiff of cell signal.

This is clearly a popular area for off-road enthusiasts, too; many were packing up their ATVs, RVs, and campsites from the weekend and heading home as I rode past. But the beauty of this road wasn’t over.

The brownish-red colors began to morph into chalky white rock outcroppings: I was entering Johnson Canyon. It’s an underrated drive — well, maybe not underrated, but definitely not talked about enough. Not only are the swirling white craggy bluffs easy on the eyes, but as I wound through farmland farther down the canyon, I stopped the moment I saw the wooden sticks of a ghost town. By then I had cell signal, and while I still hadn’t heard from Matt, I knew they’d have started by now. I googled where I was to learn the ghost town’s name — only to find it was the old movie set for Gunsmoke. It’s on private land, off-limits to curious tourists, but easy enough to see and photograph from the road.

Now came the hot stretch. Officially out of the rocky canyon and committed to a hot, straight, flat run of pavement through farmland, I sweat through my shirt while soaking up the colors, cows, and speed. This was when I caught sight of Matt and Eric, and we planned where to meet at the end of my ride.

Here’s where my second reason for appreciating a plan — and being willing to change it — comes in. From where Johnson Canyon Road empties onto Highway 89, it’s only about four miles into town. I figured I’d just ride the highway shoulder in and meet them at Willow Canyon Outdoor (a gear shop AND a coffee shop — can it get any better?). But once I rode out into the open, away from the canyon and valley, the wind picked up dramatically. I didn’t even mind the building rain, but as I entered the highway shoulder that strong wind became a crosswind. Add semis passing at 80 mph, with the push and suction of their wind currents, and riding the shoulder got sketchy fast.

Fortunately, Matt read the situation from the truck and stopped about a mile up the highway on a pullout to wait for me. I was happy to call it a day rather than get beat up by wind and traffic after an already epic — and tough — ride.

Would I do it again? If someone could drop me off after that first 1,400-plus-foot climb, you bet. Truly, though, this was a memorable, gorgeous backdrop for a gravel ride close to Kanab, with plenty of neat geology, public-land appreciation, wildlife, and history.

Self-Care In Small Spaces (Part 2)

Get ready for a dive into the sensory side of self-care in small spaces! Building on Part 1, we couldn’t resist talking about how each of our senses contributes to our stress or our well-being. Researchers have noted that the multi-sensory quality of nature matters precisely because monotony of stimulation can itself be a source of stress — in other words, our senses need nature in our lives. Let’s go.

Sight. Have you heard the saying “a sight for sore eyes”? It’s all about what relaxes your eyes. Most of us don’t think of our eyes needing rest unless we’ve been in front of a computer too long. But our faces, scalps, jaws, and necks hold a lot of tension, and all those tiny muscles push and tug on each other as one webbed unit. Try this: close your eyes, let your jaw relax enough to leave a little space between your teeth, let your tongue rest low instead of pressing against the roof of your mouth, and — here’s the part you’ve been waiting for — let the muscles behind your eyes relax. Even just becoming aware of those muscles makes an instant difference. Beyond closing your eyes for a while, you can ease into the day with dim light that brightens gradually, and dim the lights for the last hour or two before bed. Candlelight, anyone?

Hearing. Until I had a child with sensory sensitivities, I didn’t realize I have some of my own. For example, there’s a comfort for me in having the laundry running in the background — a warm, homey feeling. But there’s also a subtle tension that builds in my whole body throughout the day until the moment the dryer switches off and the house falls silent. My entire body relaxes and I usually sigh with some subconscious relief. I don’t know what it is about that mechanical hum, but I feel a release when it stops. Now think of all the sounds around us each day, subtle and not: air conditioners, computers, cars, music, television, voices, pets. This is where silence and time in nature come into play again — and if you play your cards well, going outside can soothe several senses at once. It’s a great case for forest bathing, which Time Magazine featured well.

Smell. You don’t think about smells in everyday life until you’re hit by one extreme end of the good-smell-vs.-bad-smell spectrum. Wet dog and spring flowers both make us aware of smells, obviously with very different reactions. The idea here is that the smells around us — particularly in boats or RVs — can start to hint that life’s been going on a while and it’s time to do laundry, wash the dogs, or deep-clean. Maybe you can’t do it all in one night and need to give your schnoz a break. Certain essential oils can help if you have them; a couple of our favorites are lavender and bergamot. Baking bread or cookies, brewing coffee, even burning sage can freshen a space. And opening the windows to the smell of rain, river, ocean, or just plain nature instantly lifts the scents and changes the whole tone.

Taste. You’ve heard the phrase “leave a different taste in your mouth.” That’s just it: sometimes we get desensitized and homogenized in our sense of taste, falling into a rut with the food we buy and eat. So start simple, with water — a palate cleanser and instant hydrator that tastes subtly different from every place it comes from. I can tell you the tap water in Phoenix tastes drastically different from water straight off a glacier in Montana. More than any specific taste, though, it’s about slowing down to study and savor the flavor and texture of easy-to-find things: an orange, chocolate, cheeses, coffee. Remember the scene in “Into the Wild” where he tells an apple how amazing it is? That’s zen-level food appreciation.

Touch. Check in with your body. Do your clothes feel tight or itchy? Have you been “touched out” for the day, parents and caregivers? Switch what you can: change clothes, declare a space bubble for a while, get comfortable in soft, satiny, or fuzzy materials — or just go bare, for Pete’s sake. (Skinny-dipping, admittedly, is more than the thrill of being naked outdoors; it’s a completely different sensory sensation.) When my dad passed away, there was a lot of pressure on my sister and me to wrap up his estate and funeral planning, on top of the grief and loss we were processing. I found myself craving a cold-water plunge — it was as though I’d gone so numb and shut off to feeling anything else that frigid water was what my body needed to reset and feel semi-normal again. When I found that perfect cold body of water, I did exactly that, and it gave me the kind of touch sensation I needed at the time. An instant shock, yes, but the zap of sensation snapped me awake again on every level.

Self-care might seem like a buzzword these days, a partner to the mindfulness movement. Whatever you call it, taking time to care for yourself in a comprehensive, whole-being way can make a big difference in your daily pleasure and your enjoyment of travel. Plus, when you fill your own pitcher, you have more to give the people traveling alongside you — and everyone benefits. Enjoy your adventures!

Self-Care in Small Spaces (Part 1)

Living with family, friends, or travel companions of any sort is a dream many are striving toward. And while full- or part-time travel together in small spaces is full of incredible high points, it has inevitable challenges too. One of those is how a person manages personal, peace-reaching self-care while on the move. It’s not always possible to get away for a day, so here are some ways to tend your patience, peace, and serenity for the long haul. Let’s start outward and move inward.

The environment around us. Consider the place that surrounds you — everything you see and touch every day. If you live with other people, some of it is yours and some is likely someone else’s. Do you feel relaxed and peaceful in your living and working spaces? If not, try this quick exercise: sit down where you normally do, close your eyes, and take a deep breath. With your eyes shut, picture the space around you and what fills it. First, notice what you really love and what makes you feel good there — objects, people, feelings. Then ask which objects don’t feel like they belong or don’t make you feel good. Get up, gather those objects, and move them outside for the rest of this exercise. Sit back down in the same spot, close your eyes again, and notice how it feels now. Are there feelings in the space that make you feel less than good, and is there a way to change that? Music, a lit candle, a conversation, open windows, or a quick tidy might help. Maybe those objects outside just belong in different places, put away completely, or let go for good. This is a quick way to refresh the environments you spend the most time in — and it can make a huge difference in how you feel, how your relationships connect, how productive or creative you are, and especially how you rest.

Social sprucing-up. Is there someone you look forward to seeing because you always walk away energized? Or a setting full of people and interactions that inspires you? Take a break — away from the people you live with — to connect with that person. Self-care in the social realm is just this: pick up the phone, buy the ticket, go to the class. Whatever it is for you, taking time to connect with another person is sometimes even more refreshing than a day of meditation. They’re different, and both quite potent. It starts with reserving the time and taking the first step.

Getting physical. In small spaces like an RV, boat, or tiny home (or, let’s face it, during quarantine, any space can start to feel small), getting exercise can be a challenge unless you go outside. But that’s good! Time in nature has been found to benefit our well-being on every level. A Yale ecopsychology review noted that the body of research on nature’s health effects is approaching a thousand studies, all pointing the same direction: time in nature isn’t just nice to have — it’s essentially a have-to-have for physical health and cognitive functioning. If you have a regular workout, take it outside for fresh air and sunshine. If you don’t, a walk around the neighborhood or a local trail is perfect. When you’re not up for active movement, take a towel or blanket outside for some slow, easy stretching — you’ll be amazed at the difference. Weather doesn’t always cooperate, so if that’s a factor, getting movement in might take creativity: wall off a small corner of your space and declare it a temporary 10-minute fortress, or, if the family is your only option, throw a dance party for a few songs followed by a quick stretch.

Letting the monkey mind out of its cage. Your mental and emotional health can be complex. Think of all the moments in a day or week that linger in your mind and affect how you feel, not to mention longer-term stress and future what-ifs that swirl. Journal all of it. Write it down so it can sit somewhere besides your brain — you’ll be amazed how good it feels to set that weight on the paper, and it might not feel nearly as burdensome the next day. Reading something, especially fiction or light non-fiction that pulls your mind away from what you’re in the middle of, can be the breath of fresh air your mind needs. And finally, music: turn up some favorite songs, jam out, and dance your way out of your funk. (By the way, “dance” is a very loose term — wiggling, flinging, head-throwing, arm-flailing, fast-footed jumping all count. Move to those tunes until you feel better.)

Lifting your spirit. I once heard someone say, “prayer is speaking to the Higher Power; meditation is listening.” Have you sat somewhere silently and listened lately? Sacred silence, or meditation, is considered by many to be part of their spiritual hygiene — essential and necessary every day. For those of us who struggle either to commit to meditating or to find a quiet time and place, we have to find alternatives. Again, nature and music are great places to start. Staying up late or waking earlier than the rest of the family can work, though it’s not always sustainable. One quick method I’ve learned is the single-sound meditation: sit somewhere comfortable, close your eyes, take five to ten deep breaths to slow down, and in the hum of life around you, single out one consistent sound and focus only on that — the refrigerator, a wind chime, whatever. When your mind wanders or thoughts appear, come back to that single sound. The point isn’t to catapult into a guru’s empty-mindedness for all of life’s answers; it’s simply to guide a busy mind to focus on one thing for a few minutes and give your soul some relief from all the multitasking.

We hope your travels take you on many new adventures with people you love being around. Taking time to care for yourself will extend your travels, expand your happiness, and feed the longevity of your journey. Do you have any self-care tips to add? What are your challenges around sharing small quarters with other people? Part 2 of this list — five more “roads” — continues from here.

Alternative Schooling: The What and Why

We know a lot of people are grappling with decisions about what the school year will look like, and whichever direction you’re leaning, it can feel like a really tough choice. We want to share some of the nontraditional, alternative types of schooling we’ve come across while educating our son over the last few years — options you may have started hearing about as you look into alternatives.

A little background on our situation: Eric has autism and attended our public school district’s wonderful early-education preschool program. We saw great strides with him there educationally, therapeutically, and socially. It wasn’t always easy, but the people on his team were one-of-a-kind and talented.

When he aged out of that program, it was time to make a choice. In some ways, a traditional public-school kindergarten would have been just fine for him, if challenging — he’d have been part of the special-education program while attending a typical classroom, but would have needed a para or teacher’s assistant for much of his day. Eric is an astute, distinctly unique kid who’s highly aware of the people around him and the words, curiosities, and feelings directed his way — and he’s quite sensitive to it. At times that’s made socializing with kids his age hard. (Would you want to go to a birthday party, day camp, or park if you felt like everyone was staring and asking aloud why you do things differently?)

We also felt he was somewhere between preschool and kindergarten, both socially and educationally, so we chose to homeschool him for a couple of years. Now, it seems, we’re homeschooling well beyond that original timeframe.

At the same time (because life rarely hands you one good-sized challenge at a time), we were at a point in our adult lives and business where a change was becoming both needed and wanted. After a lot of late-night conversations and daytime shuffling, we took the plunge into a nontraditional lifestyle that involves Eric’s education, too.

So here’s a “quick guide” to some of the alternative-education styles we’ve personally run across and experimented with, in hopes it shortens your own research while you juggle the bigger parts of managing life right now.

A variety of schooling types

Homeschooling. We all know this one: kids educated at home, usually by a parent. When we were kids there was quite a stigma around it, but times have truly changed. The resources, curriculums, online offerings, and even out-of-the-home classes for homeschoolers at museums, zoos, and science centers are better than ever. If one parent has the gumption to be both parent and teacher while the other’s income can support the family, it might just work. It also depends on how your child does being home more, self-motivating, and learning from Mom or Dad (a big one). Switching hats between parent and teacher — both for you and for how your child sees and interacts with you — is one of the biggest challenges, but it can work, and some kids thrive in it. There are also plenty of extracurricular sports, social opportunities, homeschool group get-togethers, and co-op options (where different parents teach several kids a course in their area of expertise).

We’ll lump hybrid learning (a mix of homeschool and classroom time) and fully online schooling in here too, since a lot of the learning happens at home. Both are woven into traditional school in some way — through setting, time, or curriculum. Special-needs kids can find therapies at private practices or still access them through the public schools. This, and how you report your child’s educational records, depends on your state, so make sure you fully understand what your state requires if you choose to homeschool. A great place to start is with blogs devoted to the art of homeschooling; many also review a variety of curriculums if you’ve decided to homeschool but don’t know where to begin.

Unschooling. You might hear this and think it means going completely hands-off and letting your kid go feral. Nope! Unschooling is actually pretty cool: it lets the student’s interests and curiosities drive the learning. You still cover all the subjects — it just might look different than working problems in a book or following a formal curriculum each day. We do a structured form of unschooling with Eric because, frankly, he learns differently. For a kid who needs motion or activity, we integrate that into the subject. When he got really interested in bees, for example, we learned about bees’ lives (science), turned it into a counting game (math), worked on spelling and reading bee words (English and handwriting), created an imaginative beehive (art), and went out to find bees in the yard (field trip!). He knows a lot about bees and elevators right now because he’s fascinated by them — and he’s still learning a lot, while we’re not losing our minds trying to fit him into a curriculum built for a differently-shaped mind. We still use those great learning books; we just integrate them into activities rather than the other way around.

This won’t work for every kid, truly. Some really need defined structure, and this can be a little too loose. We have to create structure within it, too — kind of like making a box to contain all the scribbles. Before social distancing, our days revolved around field trips, turning everyday errands into chances to learn. Obviously, that changed a lot.

Roadschooling. Imagine homeschooling smashed together with traveling around the United States while you drive and camp in an RV. That’s roadschooling — taking the education with you. It’s a lifestyle in itself, so it requires some big choices and changes. You need a “home state” where you declare your kids are homeschooling and follow its requirements, and supporting your family and making a living are big considerations. Some people follow seasonal work; some have jobs that require travel, so their families move with them (think traveling nurses or railway workers); and many can work from anywhere (graphic designers, writers, media managers, and various tech jobs are common). The lifestyle can be full-time or part-time (we’re part-time throughout the year).

There are serious considerations: do you keep your house, rent it out, or sell it? How do your kids handle this kind of change (age matters a lot)? How is your family at making friends with strangers — believe it or not, there are lots of roadschooling families roaming the country. What’s your travel style, and how adaptable are you (road warrior vs. sit-and-stay)? It’s also a more minimalist lifestyle, since you don’t want to haul everything you own with you. That said, it’s incredible to visit historical sites while your kids learn about them, see the wild animals they just read about, or learn about the people of our country by meeting them.

Worldschooling. Last but not least, worldschooling is like the magical unicorn of education for the adventure-minded family. It takes energy, tenacity, adaptability, and planning ahead around finances, your home and belongings, education, and current events. Honestly, many worldschoolers have had to stay put in foreign countries at times, and some chose to return to the U.S. until things settled because staying in limbo didn’t feel secure — understandably. Worldschooling might happen by airplane, train, sailboat, camper van, or camel; it all depends on where you go. Think of it as roadschooling on the biggest scale we have: global. Some do it full-time, some part-time (that’s us), or for only a set amount of time. It definitely requires a minimalist lifestyle and a lot of adaptability as a visitor to foreign cultures. The idea is that “the world is a classroom.”

You can imagine the pros and cons: high highs and low lows. Making friends can be challenging, but the ones that stick tend to last a lifetime and are wonderfully diverse. Planning ahead and being prepared for a myriad of complications with kids in tow is imperative — money, insurance, homesickness, and more. Before jumping in, really weigh whether you want to worldschool or simply take a good long vacation or sabbatical.

Whichever path calls to you, we hope this shortens your research a little. Every family and every kid is different — the best choice is the one that fits yours.

Common Threads: The Strings that Make Life Valuable

Do you ever dive into the past on a cold winter night and think about where you’ve been and where you’re headed? Lately, I’ve been considering something I call the “common threads.”

Regardless of what has happened or changed over the last, say, 20 years, what are the common threads in my life and character, my interests and dreams, that still hold true — or hold even more strongly? It’s inevitable that interests come and go, but what has stayed steady? Nature, the outdoors, the feeling of exploration, a deep desire for travel and spiritual adventure, the joy of sharing that enthusiasm with others, being part of a community in some way.

As a kid, I wanted to “save the planet.” As an adult with a little more time under my belt, I realize I want to revive humanity — because the planet will survive just fine. There’s a connection with the natural world that aligns us so perfectly with both our physical being on the Earth and our spiritual search while we’re fortunate to be here. Nature shows us vulnerability and strength, hard truths and gentle hints, balance and benevolence. But we have to choose to see it that way — to treat it that way, to embrace the hardships we face as opportunities to grow, and to open our fixed perspectives to obscure possibilities.

Because you never know. One person carrying 40 plastic bottles back from a backpacking trip on the Olympic Coast in Washington might catch the attention of three more people who begin to do the same. And little by little, bottle by bottle, a beach gets healthier, humans widen their perspective, and it lasts… and spreads.

I remember getting back from that trip and telling someone, “all I discovered while I was on that journey was that I just want to pick up trash on the beaches.” It felt so silly to say at the time — like it had no value over a lifetime to declare something so simple, something that wouldn’t advance my career, education, or skills.

It turns out that, almost 14 years later, it was a personal value I’d discovered instead — something that has stayed with me ever since. And who am I kidding? Reflecting on that journey around the country, there was so much more that impacted me for a lifetime than I could see at the time. The experiences had to stew for a while.

Have you discovered any of your common threads to this point in life?

Overcoming Challenges to Getting Outdoors

One of the biggest obstacles we hear about when people dream and scheme about their adventures is simply how to get started. “What ifs” can quickly morph manageable challenges into exhausting barriers before the bag is even packed. Adaptation and perspective make the difference. Here we talk about getting started and dealing with the unexpected.

Some of the questions that come to mind: how to handle weather changes, equipment failures, fitness challenges, financial limits, time constraints, and general life balance.

Small steps toward big plans. The best answer is planning, plus proper equipment and clothing. Part of planning is learning about where you’re going and what you’d like to do. You might say, “but I want a spontaneous adventure.” That’s fine — but a fun spontaneous adventure is better for your group or family than one where everyone’s less than enthused about the next time out. The foundation is food, shelter, proper clothing, and an understanding of what you might find on your trip. We’re here to help.

Where are you going, and are you hiking, biking, kayaking, or sailing? We regularly head into the unknown, but we go with a map, a smartphone, and even a compass. Yes, your phone has many of these tools, but a few basic backups can be invaluable. Did you know your phone has a native GPS that works even without signal? Great apps like AllTrails and Trailforks really help when you’re hiking, and on the water, apps like Navionics can be lifesavers. They work even when your phone signal doesn’t, helping you explore — or just get home.

Good planning lets your group build fitness and confidence as you go, so you can be more adventurous in the future. But be prepared for the unexpected. Some say the adventure begins when the plan ends, and coaching yourself to embrace and adapt to challenges goes a long way. The mental side of adventure matters as much as the planning: adaptability to change — weather, or even turning back for some reason — lets you set a goal of going farther next time.

The gear for the conditions. Weather can be monitored easily with today’s technology, but as we all know, it can change in an instant — or just be plain wrong. Weather apps help, but nothing beats paying attention to conditions as they actually happen, especially at sea or in the mountains. Plan well and bring a packable jacket; plan for the temperature to swing 20 degrees. On a day forecast to be 75 and sunny that ends up 45 and raining, your jacket becomes essential gear. If it hits 95 instead, someone will be very glad for the added sun protection. Which brings us to clothing.

There’s a saying in the outdoors, often credited to Alfred Wainwright: “there’s no such thing as bad weather, only unsuitable clothing.” In short, if your gear is up to the task, you can have a good time in almost any condition with the right attitude. A set of waterproof rain gear for each person in your party is essential — getting cold and wet is one of the leading causes of “I am never doing that again,” and it can even lead to injury.

The body loses heat astonishingly fast when wet, and good rain gear easily prevents it. Lots of companies make great stuff; the key is finding something that matches what you’re trying to do. If the material doesn’t breathe, you can get just as wet and cold from your own sweat as from the rain. GORE-TEX is a brand name for a line of waterproof membranes that manufacturers use to make clothing waterproof and breathable. Quality waterproof products seal the seams and joints, cover the zippers, and keep Mother Nature out while still letting your body breathe and expel moisture.

Not all companies make the same quality of gear — that could be an entire post on its own. Attention to detail and materials can drive up the price of a garment, but they can also cut weight, add durability, and expand its range of use. Quality rain gear may cost more, but it can also last for many, many years, and in a lot of cases can be restored through the company’s warranty service or repair facilities if it gets damaged. That keeps the gear performing for a very long time.

Good gear is an investment, and that’s why we spend so much time on this topic — it can save your life in some situations, and the more you go out and enjoy using it, the better its value. Here’s an example: I once had a boss who said the most expensive shirt he ever bought was a $30 cotton t-shirt he wore only once a year. His best value was a $90 merino wool shirt he wore almost every day for three months while backpacking. It didn’t stink, didn’t hold moisture, reflected the sun on hot days, and became his base layer on cold ones. Compared by number of days worn, the pricier merino shirt was by far the better value.

Buy gear you can use in normal life and out on the trail or at sea, and you’ll make an investment with real value. Rant done. Wait — no: leave cotton at home. Really. It absorbs and holds moisture, stinks, dries very slowly, and can be a genuine pain. Synthetics and merino wool are your friends, from socks and undergarments to top layers and outerwear. You’ll pack less, stink less, and smile more.

Fuel the adventure. Food is where I allow the most flexibility, because it’s to taste (get it?). Really, eat to fuel the adventure: before hiking, carb-load on breads and pasta; during hikes, reach for power bars and gels; afterward, protein is your friend as you rebuild muscle. Comfort food at the end of a hike or ride — tacos, say — is something to look forward to and doubles as a rewarding time to relive the adventure you just shared.

And if you’re on the trail with kids, for the love of Pete, bring snacks! Kids burn through way more food than we ever realize, so snacks that keep them going are essential. Trail mix, gummy bears, suckers, granola bars, raisins — bring it. If you feed them, they’ll have more fun. Anytime you’re trying to create memories, adding another enjoyable sensation like food helps imprint that happy feeling and makes it stick. There you go — I’ve now taught you to hack your kid’s brain (and this works on your significant other, too). You’re welcome.

How to Help a Necessary Road Trip Not Suck

Yesterday I took a road trip to nowhere and it took 13 hours round-trip. A little backstory: a long-time friend needed a hand picking up a car in Minneapolis, and he lives in Kansas City. Okay, Minneapolis isn’t nowhere — but this trip was more about purpose than place. James and I have been paddling and adventure buddies for more than 15 years, and James is in a wheelchair. He’s perfectly able to drive with some minor modifications to a vehicle; the challenge is that a newly bought vehicle doesn’t have those modifications yet, so a helpful friend comes in handy. I didn’t have anything going on that particular Saturday, so I was more than happy to be that friend.

I drove to KC on Friday evening and stayed with James and his wonderful wife, Sarah, so we could leave very early the next morning. From James’s house, driving to Minneapolis takes about 6.5 hours, so up-and-back in one day runs roughly 13 hours on the road. James and I have been on many, many road trips over the years, so this is old hat for us — and since it had been a couple of years since our last long drive, it was a great chance to catch up.

On a good road trip, a few important elements matter, and they don’t necessarily have to be the destination. For some people it’s scenery (always a bonus). For others, a drive requires a solid playlist to help pass the miles. James and I usually skip the playlist in favor of plenty of time for conversation. And of course there are the basics: coffee, snacks, water, and fuel.

Coffee. No, it’s not for everyone… but for me it’s essential. Big road trips and big meals don’t go hand in hand, so what do you fuel your mind with in the early hours? A good old cup of joe. Pro tip: choose quality over quantity and you’ll cut down on pit stops. Big meals take energy to digest, so don’t load up before or during the trip or you’ll get sleepy on the road. No bueno.

Snacks. Choose wisely and they’ll keep you going for hours without an energy crash — and with fewer pit stops (less sugar helps). Also, go easy on the beef jerky (I can hear the comments now); heavy, spicy, greasy food will have you guzzling liquid and hunting for a rest stop far more often than anyone should. I recommend trail mix with peanuts and M&M’s — it doesn’t melt as fast and balances out the carb load. If you can’t do peanuts, my second favorite road-trip food is dehydrated fruit. You can buy it or make your own, and it’s great if you have kids. Bring on the bananas!

Water. Carrying water seems like a no-brainer, but I’m often shocked by how many people don’t. Breakdowns happen, and usually when it’s blisteringly hot. Even when it’s not saving your life, water helps battle the drying effect of running your A/C — those systems dry you out, and dehydration makes you tired. Soda (and I do love a cold Coke once in a while) only dehydrates you faster and brings the dreaded sugar crash, so stick with water and you’ll be much happier.

Fuel. Obviously, fuel is necessary to run a vehicle, whether it’s electric, unleaded, or diesel. Don’t forget to top off the tank, and keep an eye on your gauge and mileage. Knowing roughly how far you can go on a tank makes you a veteran road warrior if your gauge suddenly decides it’s done working mid-drive. Many people carry a service like AAA for exactly this reason — and a lot of insurance companies include roadside assistance as a perk, so check with yours.

What are your must-haves for a good, long road trip? Is there a trip that stands out most for you? At the end of the day, we ended up right back in KC as planned (with a slick new ride for James), and with this simple preparation it was just a fun day in the car catching up with a friend and seeing a new city.

Why Leave No Trace Matters

No matter where you are or what you’re doing, humans have the power to impact the world around us in all sorts of ways. A small impact may seem insignificant on its own, but it can add up over the long term for the flora and fauna of a place.

Whether it’s a river, ocean, desert, forest, peak, or local park, Leave No Trace is a practice of making minimal impact for maximum preservation. Nobody wants to show up at a park or trail to find leftover trash from the people who came before. And there are few things more passively destructive than people walking around mud puddles on a trail, creating ever-widening paths that trample the plants beside them.

The 7 Principles of Leave No Trace are the foundational framework of the concept. These principles are the steps we can take to care for the environments we love to play in — and they’re also great for our own adventure preparation. They really go hand in hand.

Plan ahead and prepare. This minimizes the need for extra impacts while also making your adventure go more smoothly.

Travel and camp on durable surfaces. Minimal impact — and more safety for you and your campsite, too. This goes for biking and driving on trails as well. The desert may look tough, but the surface is delicate, and your tire tracks will likely be there for decades just because you wanted to take a shortcut.

Dispose of waste properly. Pack it in, pack it out, and leave it better than you found it. This also keeps wildlife from becoming a nuisance — or a danger — and can save animals’ lives. If human waste is a question, find out what the area you’re visiting requires or requests before you head out, so you have a plan and the right supplies.

Leave what you find. Take only pictures. We know this one can be tough when you spot a cool flower or a perfectly heart-shaped rock, but it’s important — and it matters even more now, with more people heading outdoors than ever.

Minimize fire impacts. On a large scale, we’ve seen the devastating impact of human-caused fires gone rogue as Western wildfires have grown over recent years. On a small scale — say, your local campsite — keeping that footprint small (or nonexistent) makes a difference. Keep fires in a fire ring, use only dead-and-down wood (or buy it from the campground), or use your own contained device.

Respect wildlife. This one goes without saying. Wildlife isn’t there for our entertainment or an epic social-media shot. They’re wild, even if they seem used to human presence. Respect their space and their habitat, and your adventure will be much more enjoyable.

Be considerate of other visitors. Trail etiquette, loud music, quiet hours, engines and generators, and more. There’s a time and place for most of that, but empathy and kindness go a long way toward helping everyone enjoy their time outdoors and feel comfortable there.

Leave No Trace is really an exercise in building good habits into our outdoor recreation. These practices keep the places we love healthy and enjoyable for generations to come — especially as more people than ever head outside. Let’s work together to make a difference.

8 Steps to Make Time for More Adventures

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Time is one of those assets we always seem to juggle. Between work, school, family, sleep, and general life-tending, you can start to wonder… what about all that stuff I used to do? If you reach the end of the week wanting to head outside for an adventure but feel hit by the exhausted-stick just thinking about pulling everything together, we understand. It’s much easier to stay home than dig through the gear boxes, run to the grocery store, and motivate the kids to pack what they need.

But that also means you’re not going camping in that place you’ve always wanted to see, paddling that favorite river, or introducing your kid to the first rock wall you ever climbed.

We hit a point of feeling like we were missing the activities we once did every weekend, because the other days of the week weren’t leaving us time to make it happen. Eventually, enough was enough — so we organized. Here’s how we set up our planning and our gear closet to make outdoor adventures as a family far more likely to actually happen.

Get organized. Sounds simple, right? But is your current setup actually working for you? We started with like items in the same bins or shelves — nice for finding a specific backpack in the backpack bin, but packing for a weekend still felt like a lot of work. After all, when we grab our 30L packs, we’re most likely camping. So we started grouping gear by the activities they share: backpack plus tent; sleeping bag plus sleeping pad; a cookware bin for car camping and a cookware bag for backpacking, and so on. If you know you want to climb for a day, put all your climbing gear in one or two bags. Mountain biking, same thing. That way you’re not wasting time digging for the one item you “know is around here somewhere.”

Use checklists. A general checklist for whatever you’re planning is a huge time saver, and it keeps you from forgetting something essential. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve forgotten my headlamp when I’m scattered and packing fast.

Start pulling things together the weekend before. If you know you’re headed somewhere the following weekend, don’t wait. Gather things into a staging area the week before — backpacks, sleeping bags and pads, tent and accessories, cookware, lights, even shoes. This also shows you ahead of time if you’re missing anything or if any gear needs repair.

Do laundry early. The weekend before is a perfect time to wash the clothing you’ll need. Don’t try to get things dry in the 30 minutes before you want to leave. Wash the socks, underwear, and apparel, then put them in a stuff sack in the staging area so nobody raids the clean laundry during the week.

Meal plan ahead so grocery shopping is a breeze. While the laundry dries, think about what you’d like to eat for the weekend. Whether that means a grocery run or stocking up on freeze-dried meals, knowing your menu takes the guesswork out of your list and makes shopping quick. And don’t underestimate how little you’ll want to cook the night you get home — throw an extra easy, practically-cooks-itself meal on the list for that.

Pet-plan the week before. Are the pets coming? If so, pack their gear and food in their pack and add it to the staging area. If not, reach out now to the friend, neighbor, or pet-sitter who always helps out, so you know they’re available before your leave time sneaks up. Not having reliable care for your furry family doesn’t just cut into the fun — it can stop a trip entirely.

Put it on paper. If there’s a bunch of work- or school-week stuff swirling in your head that you don’t want to forget (or that’ll steal your sleep), write it down so your mind can focus on the weekend away. Then you can rest easy knowing it’s captured and waiting when you return. And since everything else is ready early, jot down what you’ll need to do Sunday evening to be set for the week ahead — homework, Monday-morning phone calls, gym clothes in the school bag. Leave the note on the table so it’s easy to pick up when you’re back.

Stay organized. It doesn’t do much good to sort everything into activity grab-bags if it doesn’t stay that way. After the weekend, when you’re home, dirty, and tired, give one last effort to unload the car, clean the gear, and put things back in your beautifully organized system so it’s just as easy next time. Bonus points if the dirty clothes make it into the washing machine, too.

A little extra prep offers a lot of extra time. This might look overly planned, but honestly, once your “system” is in place, prepping for a family weekend outing becomes second nature. Fun outdoors doesn’t have to wait for spring or summer break, and by working ahead you’ll feel like you created extra time in the day or two before you go. Whether you leave Friday night or Saturday morning, you can drive to the trailhead, campground, crag, or put-in knowing you’ve thought through your packing and done everything you need for a great weekend.

How do you make time for weekend adventures during the busy work and school year? Do you organize similarly, or have you found a better way?

Why Traveling with Pets is More Fun (Even If It’s More Work)

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Traveling can be one of life’s greatest joys — new experiences, sights, and adventures. But what if you could share those experiences with your furry friend? Traveling with pets can be more work, but it adds a layer of fun, companionship, and unforgettable moments to your journeys. Here’s why we think it’s worth it, and how we make it work with a little help from a good dog harness.

The joy of companionship. One of the biggest benefits of traveling with pets is the constant companionship they offer. Whether it’s a long road trip or a scenic hike, having your pet by your side means you’re never alone. Their excitement is contagious, and their presence can turn a simple trip into a memorable adventure.

Experiencing destinations differently. When you travel with pets, you seek out pet-friendly destinations, which can lead you to places you might otherwise have overlooked. Parks, trails, beaches, and pet-friendly cafés become part of your itinerary, and you’ll find yourself interacting with locals and other pet owners for a more social, immersive trip.

Staying active and healthy. Traveling with pets encourages physical activity. Dogs especially need regular exercise, which means more walks, hikes, and outdoor time. That keeps your pet healthy and helps you stay active, too — there’s nothing like a brisk walk with your dog to explore a new city or countryside.

Creating lasting memories. The adventures you take with your pet create lasting memories. From their first time at the beach to hiking up a mountain, these shared experiences become cherished stories, and the bond between you strengthens as you navigate new environments together.

Choosing the right gear. Traveling with pets takes some extra planning and the right gear to keep them safe and comfortable. We use Ruffwear dog harnesses for our travels, and here’s why a good harness matters.

Visibility. Safety is a top priority. Reflective strips and bright colors make your dog visible even in low light — important for early-morning or evening walks.

Training and control. New environments and situations come with travel. A well-fitted harness aids training and behavior management, giving you better control and helping prevent pulling, which makes walks more enjoyable for both of you.

Comfort. Long trips call for comfortable gear. Look for padding and adjustable straps for a snug fit, so your dog can wear the harness for extended periods, whether you’re hiking a trail or strolling through a city.

Durability. Travel is tough on gear. High-quality materials built for the outdoors will last through your adventures.

Safety tips for traveling with pets:

Secure your pet. Use a harness, carrier, or pet seatbelt to keep your pet secure in the car. It prevents distractions and protects them in case of sudden stops.

Stay hydrated. Always carry fresh water, especially on long trips. A collapsible travel bowl (we like the Ruffwear Bivy) makes on-the-go hydration easy.

Take regular breaks. Frequent stops let your pet stretch, relieve themselves, and get some exercise — keeping them comfortable and reducing anxiety.

Never leave them alone. Don’t leave your pet unattended in a car, especially in extreme temperatures. Cars heat up and cool down fast, putting your pet at risk.

Identification. Make sure your pet has a collar with an ID tag, and consider microchipping. If they get lost, it greatly increases the chance of a safe return.

More tips for traveling with pets:

Plan ahead. Research pet-friendly accommodations, parks, and restaurants, and make sure your pet is welcome wherever you go.

Pack essentials. Bring food, water, bowls, a first-aid kit, toys, and bedding to keep your pet comfortable and entertained.

Stay informed. Be aware of any travel restrictions or requirements, such as vaccinations or health certificates.

Be patient. Travel can be overwhelming for pets. Give them time to adjust to new environments, and be patient with any anxiety or stress they may feel.

Mind the heat and cold. Your pets experience the weather much the way you do — if you’re hot or cold, chances are they are, too. That’s especially true of the surface temperatures under their paws. Avoid blacktop when it’s above 90°F to prevent burned paws, and be just as careful with frozen surfaces, which can cause frostbite. Dog boots (Ruffwear makes good ones) can protect their feet — and keep your phone out to video them getting used to the “shoes.” It’ll be a priceless, hilarious memory.

Traveling with pets might take extra effort, but the joy and companionship they bring make every moment worthwhile. With the right preparation and gear, you can create unforgettable adventures together. So pack your bags, leash up your furry friend, and hit the road. Ours have even sailed with us to the Bahamas and back! If you’d like to hear more about adventuring as a family with our pets, leave us a comment — we’re always happy to share.

20+ Essential Items for Your New RV

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You just got home with your new RV, and now you’re wondering about all the items you should add — but not too many! — to be officially set up for your first camping trip. It can be a little overwhelming to realize that outfitting an RV or camper is a lot like outfitting a new home. Rest assured, though: you don’t need nearly as much “stuff” in your RV as you have in your house. Better yet, a great goal is to lean toward the minimalist side.

We do our best to pack a week in advance, and then we sit with it. That may sound strange, but it gives us time — as we stock the fridge and put clothes away — to admit that we don’t need four seasons of clothing and 25 books for a week-long trip. In fact, we keep a laundry basket on the sofa that, little by little, gets loaded with the items we’ve changed our minds about, and those go back into the house before we leave. It helps with both weight and clutter.

With our tendency to overpack acknowledged from the start, here are 20 items that have become essential from the moment we take off — plus a few bonuses.

Tire blocks. No one wants to roll away just as they’re getting ready to make dinner.

Drinking-water-safe hose. Always bring your own and keep it clean — this is where the water you drink, cook with, and bathe in travels.

Adjustable water pressure regulator. This small gadget saves us from big headaches when a campground’s water pressure is too forceful for typical plumbing.

In-line water filter. This sits between the spigot and your drinking-water hose. It keeps most particulate out of your RV lines and improves the taste.

Disposable gloves. Because handling the sewer hose isn’t always an art form.

A separate rinse hose (not drinking-water safe). This one hooks to your black-tank cleaning port. Just to be safe, keep it separate.

Surge protector (30-amp, or 50-amp if your rig requires it). RVs have a lot of electronics and appliances these days — not to mention the ones you bring — so protect them from unexpected power surges.

Rechargeable LED flashlight. At some point you’ll want to go outside at night to check on something, and a good light (with rechargeable batteries to cut waste) is just a good idea.

Welcome mat. This might not seem essential until your first rain. As you track in sand, mud, and leaves, you’ll think back to this list and say, “ah, I get it.”

Nesting pots and pans. “Nesting” is key. The first time we traveled, we just grabbed pots and pans from the home kitchen. Nesting sets saved weight and precious space we could then use for other kitchen items.

Unbreakable dinner plates. “Unbreakable” is key here. Melamine is a great option, and we also love reusable wheat-straw plates that act like plastic but are earth-friendlier.

Ceramic knife set. We like these so much we’re planning to replace our kitchen knives at home with them. They hold their edge incredibly well and won’t rust.

Flexible plastic cutting board. Talk about space-saving — we now use one at home, too. Easy to clean and can be stored anywhere.

Can opener. Yes. Because we’ve forgotten one before and spent a whole weekend opening cans with an old military-style survival opener.

Shelf and drawer liner. This goes with all the “unbreakable” items but adds another layer: things stay put on this non-slip, non-adhesive mat. It’s important in cabinets and on shelves, and we’ve even left a basket on a piece of liner on the counter — hundreds of miles later, it hadn’t moved.

Electric water kettle. We love our coffee, tea, and cocoa. Nearly-instant hot water in the morning — at the temperature you want, with auto shut-off — while you feed and walk pets and cook breakfast feels pretty luxurious. Ours is insulated, too, even when the dogs take their time.

Synthetic towel set. Damp, stinky towels are unpleasant, and in humid places it happens fast. Synthetic towels are still soft but dry quickly, so they avoid that stale smell.

Black-tank toilet pods. If you don’t use these, you’ll understand why people do after a couple of weeks. Black tanks get smelly with use, and these pods help.

Wine opener. We did say these are essentials, right? A screwdriver just isn’t the same.

Unbreakable wine and water glasses. See above.

And a few bonus items:

Small hand vacuum. Tracking in dirt is inevitable, spills happen, and indoor life is more compact in an RV. This little vacuum helps keep your sock bottoms clean.

Hanging laundry basket. Unless you have a washer/dryer on board, laundry has to be mobile. This basket stays out of the way and is easy to carry to the laundromat.

Reusable shopping bags. These become more multi-use than almost anything else in your RV: groceries, picnics, the post office, dirty things — it’s good to have spares.

First-aid kit. We always hope we never use it, but it’s nice to have a basic kit on hand. More often than not it’ll be a neighbor who needs a bandage, but at least you can help.

RV toilet paper. We all have a favorite brand, but things will… flow… better if you use paper that starts to break down while it sits in the tank. Think of it as a safeguard.

Did we miss anything in this round of essentials? What would you add for your travels?

When to Go GoreTex

Chances are you’ve heard the GORE-TEX name sometime in the last 40 years. It’s come to stand for top-level waterproof, breathable performance in everything from footwear and jackets to gloves, pants, and hats.

The story actually started in 1958, when a DuPont employee and his wife (Bill and Vieve Gore) started a company to explore a new material called PTFE. Then, in 1969, a discovery by their son Bob led to the birth of ePTFE — the king of breathable waterproof fabrics. What followed was a wave of improvements that led to better and better products for everyone from astronauts to explorers, and even my kid’s shoes.

Yes, other companies are doing fantastic things with similar products: Pertex, Polartec, Ottertex, BDry, eVent, Eco-Shell, Proflex, Sympatex, and Futurelight. In very simple terms, these are all micro-porous fabrics with varying features that affect breathability, durability, and sustainability. They share the same intention — keep water off you while still letting the vapor your body releases escape, so you stay dry.

When GoreTex is necessary for my jacket, gear, or adventure

So the question is: when do you actually need a GORE-TEX level of protection?

Well, I always keep a jacket in my vehicle because it keeps me dry in the rain. That same jacket comes with me hiking, paddling (not whitewater — that’s a different jacket designed for a specific use), and sailing. By using it and cleaning it about every three to six months depending on use, I get an excellent return on my investment. I’ve used the same jacket for a decade, which makes for a use-per-cost breakdown I really like. Having something you can count on in a wide variety of situations is such a comfort.

Is it a bit of overkill for running into a coffee shop or store in town? Most likely. But it does a great job keeping me dry and happy, and that’s what counts to me.

One of the other benefits of a GORE-TEX jacket is that it’s windproof. On a cold day, that can make a huge difference. Pair the jacket with a fleece or down insulation layer and you’ll find you can stay comfortable in some pretty adverse conditions. One example that comes to mind was early 2021, when the Midwest had one of the coldest winters on record — temperatures dropping into the negative double digits for multiple days. A layering system was mandatory to go outside safely for any length of time, and the jacket that “just kept me dry” became an invaluable part of my wardrobe on those brutal days.

A GoreTex of many faces: new tech keeps improving

Once you go past casual use, you’ll notice a wide variety of products: Pro, Paclite, 2-layer, 3-layer… it really goes on and on. That just means the original product has been improved and specialized for different products — or even for different areas within the same product. It’s all about durability and breathability, and new developments happen every few years.

One of the latest updates came in the cycling world, where you really need something that dries quickly and breathes efficiently. Enter the “Shakedry” feature: you can literally give the jacket a good shake, and because it’s so hydrophobic, the water can’t stick to it. Pretty cool! It’s not something I need daily, but if you’re planning a bikepacking trip or you’re a daily bike commuter, you’d be very excited about it.

So when do you actually need GORE-TEX? Easy: if the weather is going to get wet, cold, windy, or nasty, you’ll be very happy to have it. And when that next adventure comes around, remember — there’s no bad weather, only bad gear.

Outdoor Electronics: Take It or Leave It?

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For many, going outdoors is about leaving it all behind — well, almost all of it. I do take my phone, a flashlight or headlamp, my watch, and, depending on the location and duration, the Garmin inReach Mini. The great thing is that you can feel disconnected even while carrying a few electronics, because the last thing a lot of us want is to be mentally dragged back into the high-speed, always-connected world of modern society. I don’t want notifications, beeps, dings, and chimes. I care what’s happening — but this time is for me to let my mind settle and focus on the path ahead.

But…

I don’t want to get lost while checking out a new trail. I love taking landscape and nature photographs. I don’t want to be late for dinner. I can’t see in the dark if I get a little too far from the trailhead before turning back. And I don’t want Search and Rescue sent out just because I decided to have a quiet moment (or a couple of hours) of contemplation beside a babbling brook — while a loved one panicked because I didn’t answer a text immediately.

So yeah, I stay minimally connected when I’m disconnecting. The trick is to let it make you feel more comfortable and free to roam, not more chained down. Here are the electronics I carry to stay responsibly disconnected when I head out.

Phone. I keep my phone on me because it’s one of the best multi-tools out there. It takes pictures, tracks my hike on a map (even in airplane mode), helps me get back to the car, and has a built-in flashlight if I need one. If I want to know what a particular tree, bird, or flower is, the answer is right at my fingertips. I use it to grow my curiosity and learn about the world around me — not to scroll through whatever app is open — and that’s the key.

Apps. Trail apps like AllTrails and Trailforks are perfect examples: download maps at home and use them off-grid in airplane mode to stay headed the right direction, or to mark where you saw that amazing bird nest to check out later.

Lights. I have a love of flashlights — headlamps, handhelds, you name it. I keep both in my vehicle, since they’re easy to carry and recharge via USB, so they’re always ready to go. A tiny handheld like the Anker Bolder LC40 is a favorite to grab even when the sun’s out, and it can easily run all night. For a headlamp, the BioLite HeadLamp 200 is a great one to keep in the car. Both fit easily in a pocket and are priceless when you need them: lightweight, big light output, very packable — two thumbs up.

Watch. I wear a smartwatch. It tracks workouts, steps, heart rate, and tells the time — so why leave it at home? Keeping track of the time helps you get back to the trailhead when you said you would (which keeps you out of trouble with your spouse or partner), and all the other useful info is a bonus.

Communicator. The outlier here is the Garmin inReach Mini, a satellite communicator that can also track your location. It’s small, simple to use, and can be the best tool you have if you or someone else gets hurt. It also lets a loved one know you’re just fine, so they don’t call Search and Rescue just to check on you — they can track your location even when you’re way, WAY off-grid, like middle-of-the-ocean or top-of-a-mountain off-grid. You can get weather updates or call for emergency services if you need it — or, more likely, if someone else does. It’s so small and unobtrusive you’ll forget it’s there, until the moment you need it. (We wrote a full review of the Garmin inReach devices, too.)

Now get out there and enjoy the wilderness. Walk, run, hike, bike, or just sit and look out over a beautiful view while enjoying a perfect breeze. With these tips, you can have all that and still make it home for dinner.

23 Items to Take On Your First Bareboat Sailing Charter

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You’ve booked your first bareboat charter — that’s awesome! Now for the packing, and it can seem like there’s a lot to consider and to take. We’ve compiled a list of items for your trip, assuming you’re headed to tropical waters. Don’t worry: most of these are small, and planning now will save you money and space in your luggage.

Bareboat charter sailing has become a popular way for a small group to explore tropical places. It’s called “bareboat” because you’re hiring the yacht without a crew — that’s where you and your friends and family come in. These trips are normally booked by sailors with experience (though not everyone on board has to have any), and there’s also the option to add a skipper, a hostess, or a combination of the two.

The sailboat or catamaran typically comes fully loaded with sheets, towels, and kitchenware, but you’re responsible for provisioning food, beverages, and other personal items. Gear for fishing, diving, paddleboards, and more is sometimes negotiable for a price.

The big difference between a day sail — or even a weekend trip — and chartering a boat for a week or more is that you’ll be living and playing closer to the elements than you do at home. Sun, humidity, heat, rain, sand: they all become part of your daily movement, and a few comfort items will make the trip more enjoyable all around.

We’ve spent a lot of time on our boat in many different conditions, and here’s the list we pack to make our sailing adventures more comfortable and more fun. If you have room to bring these from the mainland, they’re much more affordable than buying them in the islands. Here we go.

Body/shower wipes. Fresh water is a limited commodity and showers become short. For getting by with a quick wipe-down after an easy day, a good body wipe (we like Yuni) is a lifesaver — and they smell great, too.

USB rechargeable fan. Many charter boats have air conditioning; some don’t. Even on a pleasant night, it’s nice to have some air movement in a humid environment. There are lots of small, travel-friendly options.

Travel towel. Microfiber towels hold many times their weight in water, dry quickly, pack very small, and don’t hold onto the musty smell as easily as cotton (OlimpiaFit is one option).

Reef-friendly sunscreen. A given any time you’re in a sunny locale — but choose a reef-safe option if you’re getting in the water. Sun Bum is easy to find, and many smaller companies make reef-friendly sunscreens now.

A sun shirt with sleeves and a hood. Check Title Nine or REI for great options, or any similar cover-up. Actually, make that two — even when you plan to live in a swimsuit, you’ll likely reach a point each day when you’re ready to give your skin a break from the sun’s intensity.

Motion-sickness medications and ginger treats. You just never know, and why suffer while hunting for these in a new place while feeling less than chipper? Dramamine, Meclizine, Bonine, acupressure wrist bands, or even a Scopolamine patch prescription from your doctor (if you tend to get seasick) are all options. The medications help prevent motion sickness; the ginger items help relieve symptoms if they occur.

Sunglasses — maybe two pairs. Give your eyes a break. (Backcountry has a great variety and good deals.)

Hydration tablets or powder. Something like single-serving Propel pouches or Nuun tablets to help you rehydrate on the really hot days. Water comes first, but you’re likely more active than usual in the tropical heat and humidity, and your body will crave that sodium, potassium, and magnesium — plus something besides plain water tastes good.

Lotion, after-sun moisturizer, and lip balm. You’re rehydrating on the inside; don’t forget the outside. No matter the humidity, sun and salt will start to dry your skin out, and adding wind makes a little daily self-care worthwhile.

A Buff and/or a hair clip. Speaking of humidity… your hair will take on a new level of freedom out here, especially with the wind. Keep it out of your eyes and off your neck — these also help avoid the dreaded, painful part-line sunburn.

A ball for your feet. Why, yes. This is purely a pamper item. If your feet have been in shoes and socks for months, transitioning to full-time sandals or barefoot onboard takes some getting used to. We keep a couple of tennis balls onboard to roll out our feet during that first sore week (a dedicated foot-massage set works, too).

A packable bag. We love our ChicoBags. We use them for everything: groceries, the shower house, the beach, souvenirs, laundry day. One packs down smaller than a baseball and hides in a purse or pocket.

A USB battery pack. Charters can charge the electronics you bring, but it’s nice to have a backup in case something doesn’t go as planned — which happens when you travel. With this small item, you stay adaptable.

Bug wipes. Mosquitoes are always a possibility, and no-see-ums are their aggravating little cousins. Lemon-eucalyptus spray is great, but if traveling with a liquid is tricky, OFF wipes work well.

Swimsuits — bring two. That could be two one-pieces, two bikinis, a combo, or one of those plus an alternate with more sun coverage like swim shorts and a long-sleeved rash guard. Plan not to get sunburned while snorkeling, but prepare for the chance that you do and still want to get in the water the next day.

A dry bag. Sea to Summit’s lightweight dry bags are our go-to. They pack small and keep things dry as a bone during the splashiest, rainiest dinghy rides.

A rain jacket. It happens. Depending on the season, you can almost time the brief daily shower — and a rain jacket is also a nice break from the wind when it feels cool. If a cold front rolls through, throw on an extra layer under your shell and you’ll be perfectly comfortable. Outdoor Research’s Helium series is affordable and very packable.

Body Glide. Lots of people have body parts that rub — thighs, underarms, and more. Body Glide helps them slip past each other without the friction that sweaty, humid conditions add. No more thigh rash in that cute skort, no more sore spots on the hike to the beach bar. Endurance athletes swear by it.

A hat. This could be a purchase on your trip — one of those nice, wide-brimmed straw hats would be lovely. Or something packable from Outdoor Research that tucks into small spaces and shades your face.

A sarong. Another option to buy on your trip. Sarongs are wonderfully versatile: a cover-up, something to sit on at the beach, a lightweight wrap-skirt, even a carry-all. If you’d rather come prepared, Back From Bali makes ethically produced ones through women- and family-owned businesses in Bali.

A headlamp. Anytime we travel out of the norm, we take a small headlamp (BioLite makes good ones). It’s nice for reading after the rest of the crew has gone to bed, and walking new streets at night is much easier with a little light.

Snacks. Pack ‘em if you’ve got ‘em! You’ll have plenty of chances to buy food, but if there’s a favorite chocolate you want to enjoy with a glass of wine one night under the stars, do it. Food and drink run higher out in the islands — it’s a necessary part of island life, and also an adventure in new culinary opportunities (try some guava treats!).

Bonus: a good book. Or a notebook and pen, a Sudoku book, or a pack of cards — how about a good story about sailing? Bring something to pass a quiet moment without electronics. Let your mind relax and enjoy the setting, the sounds, and the multi-sensory bath you’re getting to dip into without much distraction.

Throw in some clothing and a toothbrush and you’re nearly packed! How does our essentials list fit for you — is there something you’d add for your own sailing adventure? Fair winds and following seas on your journey!

Review: Deuter Kid Comfort Series Carrier

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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.

Review: Osprey Poco Series Kid Carrier Backpacks

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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.