Month: November 2014

Great Giftable Gear from 2014

This year we’ve tried out some great new gear. If you’re looking for an outdoor gift for someone on your list here’re some of my favorites from 2014.

At Outdoor Retailers this summer I was given some water bottles to review. The Cambelback Kids aluminum bottle is cute and portable but it has one major design flaw. The handle is positioned to get in the way when drinking, especially for little faces. Another water bottle that has now become my favorite is the Avex Sport. I’m a big fan of the pourable spout especially as a mom. Then I can refill my kids’ bottles without sharing our germs. AGS Carabiner Travel mug is a good design, but cheaply made and although I thought I would use its convenient carabiner handle I haven’t as much as I expected.

This year we purchased a Goal Zero Lighthouse Lantern with electronic charging capabilities. You can plug-in charge it, connect it to a solar panel or even use the hand crank top if needed. It’s so much more compact because you don’t need a propane bottle, plus it functions as a cell phone or tablet charger when you’re out at camp. My kids like the “party lights” feature where the red lights circle on top and the lights put out good light and function in cold conditions. Note: Goal Zero has come out with a newer model since this review – the Lighthouse 250 Lantern retailing at 79.99.

 

Pakems Trail boots. Another Outdoor Retailers review item, the Pakems boots are meant as after adventure footwear. Waterproof, lightweight, easy to squish into small spaces, these second shoes are good for relaxing after a paddle, hike, ski or swim. They came in handy for my son too, who soaked his only sneakers on our last frigid camping adventure and although the shoes were adult size, they were the perfect option to keep him from complaining about cold feet. Prices range from $45 – $80.

 

After waking up in 2 inches of water our 15 year old dome tent was retired and Mountain Dad chose the Marmot Halo 4 person tent for our replacement. We’ve taken it to the beach, to Alaska and the high altitude mountains of Utah and have enjoyed the spacious set up, click in poles and double entrances. I have not liked the added steps of staking out the rain fly separate from the tent. I know it keeps things dry (although frost still got on the inside of the fly on our last trip, which then melted onto our bedding) but my kids end up stepping on the door with their limited zipping abilities. The Marmot Halo 4 is also the most expensive gear purchase we made this year retailing at $429.00. With that said, it’s been surprisingly easy and spacious and the tots LOVE to play in the tent while we’re camping.

Want more great suggestions? Check out these other Outdoor Family Bloggers for their annual Gift Guide lists:
More great Outdoor Gift Guides!

Outlaw ATV Trail, Ashley National Forest, Utah

On our recent campout in Ashley National Forest we brought our Polaris RZR to explore the surrounding area. When we started out on our weekend getaway we weren’t sure where we were going to camp, what trails were nearby or what exactly we were going to do all day. We just knew we were headed to the Vernal, Utah area and that there’s a lot of off roading nearby.
We lucked out with our choice of camping in Ashley National Forest. Not only were there many off road trails, the area was secluded and beautiful. The most well known off-road trail is the 38 mile Outlaw ATV trail which traverses through forest, past lakes and over streams.
Unfortunately, because of the spontaneity of the trip, we did not have an accurate map of the off road trails in the area (Click here for a map of the Outlaw Trail). Instead we attempted to explore off road trails using signs and an outdated Utah map we found under the seat of our truck. Now, I know. A little planning could’ve prevented a lot of hassle.

The Outlaw ATV Trail is known as a difficult ride through tree fall, over rocks and bumps. The trail is meant for vehicles 50 inches wide or less, not for wider off road options like our Polaris RZR. We made it through several mud puddles, around boulders and tree stumps and along the dirt trail until we reached this pinch point. At a previous dead fall area we were able to clear a tree trunk from the path, but here the thirty foot long trunk wouldn’t budge.

Since Mountain Dad and I had already endured complaints from kids, mud splatters, bumpy trails and slow going, we called it a good attempt and turned back. Luckily we were able to do a fun ride near Dyers park just down the road from our East Park Campground later.

So if you’re planning an off road trip to the Flaming Gorge/Vernal Utah area may I suggest one important tip: Have a map.