We have been camping in a 1984 Westfalia camper van, and it is epic! That said, space is at a premium in a Westy, and older camper vans, while charming and Instagram-worthy, lack some of the creature comforts of bigger RVs. If you are living the van life, tent camping, or camping in a smaller van, pop-up trailer, or camper, the following must-have camping gear is, well, MUST HAVE. Must have … [Read more...]
DeLorme inReach or SPOT Gen3: Which GPS messenger to buy for outdoor adventure
June 5, 2021 By
Do your teens hike without you? Do you venture into the backcountry as a family? In winter, do you like to snowshoe, camp, or ski off-piste? If you answered 'yes' to any of the above, you've probably considered outfitting yourself or your kids with a GPS device for the field. In our opinion, these two devices are the best on the market for hikers, backpackers, and backcountry skiers. Here's our … [Read more...]
Family camping at new heights: Gear for elevated camping
September 21, 2020 By
Have you ever wanted to camp off the ground? Elevated camping is becoming more and more popular, because camping in tents and hammocks designed to be strung in trees allows families to camp on un-even terrain, away from pesky insects, and out of the elements. It's also just super fun and cool. If you want to try elevated camping, here's what you'll need! Kammok Wallaby paired with the … [Read more...]
Outdoor gear brands that give back
October 1, 2018 By
As a gear reviewer and travel writer, I am familiar with many travel brands and outdoor gear companies. As we head into this year's 'giving season', I'd like to highlight just a few that donate significantly to a charitable cause or program...not just during the holidays but all year long! Outdoor gear brands that give back: Lifestraw: Lifestraw makes filtered straws that make contaminated … [Read more...]
Adventure and travel subscription box gifts for dads and grads
June 7, 2017 By
Have a dad in your life who loves travel? How about a recent graduate who is ready to start exploring the world? If you want to give something more original than cash this June, consider the following gift subscription boxes and experiential gifts that promote adventure both across the US and abroad. Travel subscription box gifts for dads and grads: Cairn subscription box: We've reviewed … [Read more...]
New outdoor and camping gear for families
May 12, 2017 By
Camping season is almost here, and it's time to gear up! I spent a week last winter at Outdoor Retailer, becoming acquainted with new camping and outdoor gear from backpacks to tents to camp kitchens. Here's what's new this year, plus a few favorites that have stood the test of time. New camping gear for families: New camping gear and outdoor gear divided into several categories below: Day … [Read more...]
Travel Gear We Use: GoTenna review
July 8, 2016 By
When we visited Paris last winter, we spent a wonderful day in the Louvre. At least, it was mostly wonderful, except for the two hours we spent looking for each other. My husband had our two older sons in one section, and I had our youngest in another, and our plans to 'find each other later' went woefully sideways. We both had phones, but had put them in airplane mode to save on our international … [Read more...]
Travel Gear We Use: One really good shell
August 28, 2015 By
With the arrival of fall, now is a great time to talk about one travel gear essential every person should have in their closet: a really good, high quality shell. A shell is not an insulated jacket, nor is it a rain jacket, though it does need to be waterproof. It goes over a base and mid-layer in winter, or can stand alone over a t-shirt or light cotton layer in summer. Shells pack down … [Read more...]
Pit Stops for Kids selected as Oboz Footwear Ambassador
February 20, 2015 By
Readers of Pit Stops for Kids know how much we love to cover outdoor travel, and how we advocate equipping kids (and Mom and Dad) in proper outdoor gear in our Travel Gear We Use series. This year, we'll be taking this passion a step further as official ambassadors for Oboz Footwear. If you look on the right-hand side bar of the site, you'll see at glance the brands and … [Read more...]
