Category: Gear

Wacky Apple Organic Snacks GIVEAWAY!

A few weeks ago Wacky Apple Organic Snacks contacted me about reviewing some products for this site. They had no way of knowing that Big E has food allergies to wheat, eggs and peanuts which makes snack foods particularly hard to find, so I’m always on the lookout for new foods he can actually eat. 

We were all beyond pleased. Their apple sauces, juices and flat fruit are organic, naturally sweet, conveniently packaged and really tasty. My favorite flavor was Apple Apricot Applesauce, while Big E liked Apple Cinnamon. Their flat fruit was really good too – soft and tasty – it didn’t last a day.

If you’re interested in trying Wacky Apple you’re in luck! We have a giveaway for you! Leave a comment about your favorite kid snack (either when you were a kid or that you give kids) and a Wacky Apple tasty pack could be yours. Winners will be chosen on March 1, 2014.                                        

Sand Flats Recreation Area, Moab, Utah

As an early Christmas present, Mountain Dad got a Polaris RZR 4 1000. I was skeptical of its usefulness, having never been ATVing or off roading before. But both Mountain Dad and I were amazed at how much fun it is to drive! It’s an awesome mix between a sit on top ATV (all terrain vehicle) and a full sized Jeep – with seating in back for the tots.
Since we got the machine at the beginning of the coldest season of the year, we planned to try it out first in a warm, fun climate. We chose Moab, Utah because with Red Rocks everywhere, it had to be warm, right?
Wrong. The high temperature during our three day trip was a whopping forty five degrees. I was lucky that I grabbed my winter coat at the last minute and that last year’s gloves were still in the pockets.

 

 
The first trail we tried out with the RZR was in Sand Flats Recreation Area, the same area of the famed Slickrock Bike Trail. My sister and brother-in-law came along with their kids which was great. Not only did Big E and little g have playmates, but my brother-in-law Jonathan has more than fifteen years experience off-roading in Moab. 
Per his suggestion, we tried out the Fins and Things 4×4 trail off of Sand Flats Road and had a total blast. While the tots were more interested in climbing on Diving Board Rock, Mountain Dad and I climbed rocks of our own.
 

 
The RZR was really fun and I can’t wait to try it out in a little bit warmer weather.
Trail Info:
Location: Sand Flats Recreation Area – less than five minutes from downtown Moab
Difficulty: Intermediate. Some spots had steep, rocky sections
Time: 1.5 hours

 

Strongvolt Solar Chargers

by Susan Strayer

On my recent campouts I have often missed out on great photos because my phone was out of charge. To conserve battery life I would turn it off, which then left me without a clock. I know I’m a spoiled camper as it is that I carry around my camera, clock, phone and life all in one device, but if I didn’t, how could I document my adventures for this blog?

So when Strong Volt contacted me about reviewing their 7W Solar Charger I easily accepted. I had been looking at getting a solar charger anyway, because not only would it be good for camping, but also as an emergency prepardness device.

When I received the black billfold like package I was skeptical that it would really make a difference. But when I heard the familiar chime indicating my phone was charging, I smiled with delight.

My first attempt at charging was less than successful. I only had an hour and the sunny spot I chose had a shadow within fifteen minutes. Oops.

My next attempt started out strong, with the Strong Volt charger fully charging my phone within a few hours. However, a storm blew in which drenched the whole set up, my phone included, because I had forgotten it was outside. Oops again.

Luckily Strong Volt advised that I cover my device to avoid sun damage, which I did by sticking my phone inside a work glove I had lying around (I know super high tech). At any rate it worked – my phone is still functional and I discovered the solar charger is waterproof.

If you’re interested in a device like this for your next adventure, Strong Volt is offering a 10% off promo code for Mountain Mom and Tot readers. Just enter STRVLT10 to get 10% off (normally 59.99).

I’m excited for the possibilities this device opens up. Now when I’m out on a long camping trip I wount have to worry about how to charge my phone. I’ll only have to worry about the weather.

Tips for Camping in the Cold

I got this question from a camper friend of mine and thought I’d share it with all of you:

I am going camping this weekend for the first time with my three year old and it looks like it will be a chilly night.  How to you keep your little ones warm at night? Any words of wisdom will be greatly appreciated! 

Here are my thoughts, plus some suggestions from another experienced camper mom too:

1. Air mattresses alone get too cold, so make sure you have a foam pad or blanket under you if you use one. I usually put my kids on a Camp Bed like this one from REI.

2. Dress warm, obviously. I put my tots in their warmest winter pjs before bed and nice warm socks.  But my secret weapon? A warm winter hat. 

Since most heat escapes your head a warm winter stocking cap is a must. I also like winter hats because I can pull it down over my eyes and it blocks the early morning sun so I can sleep in a little more. If it’s really cold I’ll bring mittens or put socks on the tots hands too.


3. Get the kids a real sleeping bag. When I went camping as a youngster my parents just packed a stack of blankets from home and I froze all night. That taught me that camping was cold and for years I didn’t enjoy it.  Now, my tots each have their own sleeping bags, again from REI. 

4.Use a small fleece blanket in the sleeping bag to help keep your tots warmer. A fleece pillowcase to add some warmth on the face and head, is also a good idea.   
5. Little hand warmers in jacket pockets are great for keeping fingers warm, and having them close to the chest/stomach keeps vital organs warm too. 

6. Keeping tots (and parents) warm on cold nights is not always easy, but the old adage to dress your kids like you would dress is true here too.  

Camping in the mountains can be cold, even in the middle of summer. So make sure you follow these tips and stay warm out there!

PS – I received no compensation from REI for mentioning their products in this post. They just happen to be what I actually use.