Sometimes all it takes is a small tweak to make a trip a lot easier.
It might be as simple as cutting the itinerary in half when traveling with a baby, booking a rental house with sufficient bathrooms for a multi-generational vacation or being clear upfront about who is paying for what and who is responsible for which chores.
But having the right gear, whether you are heading to explore an undeveloped country, sightseeing in big cities or camping can also make a big difference – sometimes making or breaking the experience.
I was thinking about that as I perused what is new in outdoor gear at the recent Outdoor Market Alliance show in Denver that offers an overview of what is available and what’s coming from major and niche outdoor brands.
Take Thule (pronounced Too-lee), known for their tents, bike racks, strollers, child bike seats, child carrier backpacks and more. I was struck by how much easier car camping could be with a rooftop tent, complete with ladder and sofa that converts to a mattress, which sets up and folds back down in seconds – certainly a lot easier than putting up a tent after a long day on the road. Their water resistant wheeled Chasm luggage ($369.95) and backpacks with a laptop sleeve ($159.95) also caught my eye. Anyone who has ever been caught in the rain trying to find a hotel would appreciate them. Another plus: they are made with recycled materials.
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If you’ve dreamed of hiking to an alpine lake where you could kayak or just carry your kayak from the car to the water, you’d love the inflatable kayak from Bote that is just 16 pounds when folded into its backpack (starting at $1,499). There are also inflatable paddleboards and a “magnepod” system that enables you to attach a speaker or drinkware to the top of a cooler – or your paddleboard. I also liked their KULA cooler ($299) that has a drain at the bottom. A new lighter- weight hybrid 15-liter cooler is coming next year. How great would it be to have your drink secured on your paddleboard?
If you’ve ever been stuck hiking in the back country without enough water or you’ve questioned whether bottled water is safe overseas, you will appreciate the Steripen water purifiers from the Katadyn Group. They use UV light to neutralize microorganisms. They are smaller than an electric toothbrush and purify water in seconds. They start at $99.95. Another good bet is their BEFREE bottles with a two-stage filtration system that removes bacteria, protozoa and microplastics. The activated carbon improves taste (great, if your kids complain the water doesn’t taste good). They come as a soft flask (easy to carry when empty) or a squeezable bottle. ($49)
Have you ever emerged from an airplane feeling sweaty and smelly? You’ve got to try T-shirts, base layers and underwear in merino wool from a company like Minus33 that has been selling woolen goods for five generations. They come in four weights, provide natural temperature regulation, moisture management, and odor resistance – useful whether it is hot or cold. Try the lightweight socks (made in New Hampshire) $19.99.
I’ve mentioned Royal Robbins before. I love their Spotless Collection that is UPF 40+, quick drying, breathable, moisture wicking and wrinkle resistant. It packs in a tiny ball. (The traveler dress can go anywhere, $120.) I also learned from the company’s president, Erik Burbank, that their mosquito-protection pants, shirts and hoodies don’t have any chemicals that repel bugs. “It’s the weave of the fabric,” Burbank explained. “The mosquitoes can’t get through.” Check out the men’s Salathe sun hoodie, which also offers sun protection. It’s lightweight, quick drying, breathable and moisture wicking ($120), or the Amp Lite shirts ($100). Wear it on a plane, backpacking, or biking.
If you can’t find lightweight sandals for travel, check out Xero Shoes sandals that are made from recycled water bottles, starting at under $50. All of their shoes have a zero drop, which means the heel and forefoot are level for correct posture. Another plus: They have a wider toe box so your toes can spread out, and the flexible soles help you strengthen the muscles and tendons in your feet. They have versions, whether you are looking for hiking, running, water shoes, or casual flats for women. Check out the Prio Coast Hands-Free shoe (The bungee laces can be adjusted for a customized fit and then you just slip them on and off ($99).
Have you ever gotten stuck in your sleeping bag by a broken or snagged zipper? It happens to most every camper. Now to the rescue comes Marmot, a familiar brand in camping and outdoor apparel, with its Wraptor line of zipper-less bags. Depending on size and stuffing, they range upwards from $200.
Backpackers will appreciate the new freeze-dried, all-natural choices from AlpineAire (BBQ pork mac and cheese, peanut butter-banana oatmeal, chicken Pad Thai, and wild mushroom fettuccine Alfredo. There are also gluten- free options. The best part, there are no dishes to wash as you pour boiling water into the pouch, then tear at the designated spot to create your bowl. (Prices start at under $15.)
Unbelievable as it may seem, good socks can make or break a trip. You can wear them more than once. They don’t get stinky. Farm to Feet uses American- sourced merino wool grown by American Sheep Industry ranchers, then spun into yarn in the U.S. and manufactured into socks in North Carolina. I was glad to hear they will be coming out with breathable compression socks – ideal for long flights. They partner with organizations to protect wild places, including the Appalachian Trail Conservancy and the Pacific Crest Trail Association. I love the designs, including Shep the Sheep, Blue Ridge hiker, Anchorage, Big Foot and more for men, women and kids in different heights and weights. (Starting at under $20.) Your feet will thank you.
Happy shopping!
(For more Taking the Kids, visit www.takingthekids.com and also follow TakingTheKids on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram where Eileen Ogintz welcomes your questions and comments. The fourth edition of The Kid’s Guide to New York City and the third edition of The Kid’s Guide to Washington D.C. are the latest in a series of 14 books for kid travelers published by Eileen.)
©2026 Eileen Ogintz. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
