A Small Review: Kids Gear

1) Princeton Tec Bot kids headlamps

Our kids love these headlamps. They have three settings (low, bright and blinking), making them very much like an “adult” headlamp. Easily adjustable, they don’t fall off, despite the crashing, clanging and banging that comes with the territory of having two young boys. $15.75 princetontec.com

2) Darn Tough socks for the whole family
Lifetime guarantee. Having owned Darn Toughs over the years, we’ve sent in a half dozen pairs that had worn through the bottoms. With no questions asked, Darn Tough replaced them. As for the kid-specific version, Max reports these stay up on your calves all day, which other kids’ socks tend not to do. $15.95 darntough.com

3) Osprey Poco Plus Child Carrier
This pack is amazing. From hauling a kid/ski/boot combo up Snow King, to hiking in Zion, this pack carries a load comfortably. The child harness is accessible and easy to adjust, and the waist belt and shoulder-zip pockets carry snacks at-the-ready for hungry kids. A hydration pouch slides into the rear compartment, and built-in tabs keep the drinking tube in place and accessible to the child. The pull-up sun-shade works well, and the fleecy covering on top of the pack is easy on the boys’ chins and faces when they fall asleep. And Max loves using the foot stirrups (often referring to Luke as his horse). $259.00 ospreypacks.com

4) Patagonia Torrentshell jacket
As with everything Patagonia, we love the Torrentshell. It does well in the rain at home in Jackson, and kept the chill off in early mornings and windy afternoons on our spring desert trip. We especially like the reflective piping on the chest and back, which makes it more visible to cars at dusk. Zippered hand pockets in the front are great for securing snacks or gloves, as is the elastic/mesh inside chest pocket. FYI, Patagonia kids’ products tend to run a little large – luckily, this one will fit Max for at least another year. $99.00 patagonia.com

5) Julbo Solan sunglasses
These shades stay put on Max’s face while hiking and biking, unlike many kids’ sunglasses. According to Max, they’re comfortable on his ears, don’t ever hurt his head, and he really likes the blue/gray color scheme. $40.00 julbousa.com