1. FISCHER TRANSALP JUNIOR TOURING SKI
Is it a bit much to get your kid touring-specific skis? Not if you’re a hut trip lovin’ ski tour adventure family! Fischer has applied all of their ski touring specific technologies found in the adult Transalp line to kid-specific sized skis: 134, 141, and 148 cm lengths. Kids already have a strength to weight ratio disadvantage when it comes to technical gear like this so it’s important to give them every advantage possible so they love the adventure. If your family tours but you only want to invest in one set of skis at a time, get this and your kid can still use it on lift-access slopes. Fischer has the full kit: skins, bindings and poles.
$399.99
2. INSTA360 GO ULTRA
This tiny camera is designed to be used hands-free. It only weighs 53 grams and is great for attaching to kids in an unobtrusive way to capture their adventures. Between improvements in battery technology and energy efficient sensors and processors, the use time has upgraded significantly over previous models. It also does way better in low light situations in PureVideo Mode. Use the remote or your phone to control the camera from afar. Plus, this is the first model of the GO Series to have an interchangeable SD card so you can keep on recording.
$450
3. HELLY HANSEN LOKE JACKET 2.0 + JR. GUARD RAIN PANTS
While these are billed as rain gear, they are also great for ski touring. Our kiddo stayed dry and cozy during a freak hail storm at summer camp in southern Colorado thanks to this kit. The Loke Jacket uses Helly Tech Performance two-and-a-half-layer construction waterproof/breathable membrane, is fully seam sealed and has adjustable cuffs and hem. The Guard Rain Pants have a wide leg to slip over boots, are seam sealed and have a mesh lining.
$100 + $70
4. GRAVIRAX SKI RACK
Kids love to do things themselves and this hitch-mounted ski rack really helps with that. The rack is low enough to the ground and doesn’t require any straps or buckles to navigate so my kids can take or return their skis entirely on their own. Plus, it’s also super easy for parents to use. Mounted on our car we can still open the rear hatch without having to tip the rack away (which it does in case you need it to). Available in four-, six- or 10-tube versions.
$999-$1,599
5. MOTOROLA XT500+ OVER-EAR HEADPHONES
Wires can be such a hassle for littles to manage when all they want to do is watch their show or listen to a story. The built-in mic for hands-free calls might seem a bit over the top, but what about for FaceTime with the grandparents? It’s perfect. The over-ear style with soft cushions is great for comfort so the kiddos don’t complain about sore ears but they’re still durable. Since they fold up, they’re easy to travel with.
$47.99
6. KAHTOOLA MICROSPIKES GHOST FOOTWEAR TRACTION
Weight on the feet makes a big difference for kids and adults alike so these new super lightweight aggressive spikes are perfect for kiddos to keep upright when playing in the snow and potentially traversing icy bits. We also found even on packed snow trails these help the kiddos slip less to mitigate fatigue so they stay out and play as long as possible.
$104
7. GREGORY WANDER 50 YOUTH BACKPACKING PACK
Backpacking and ski hut trip-loving families used to have a tough choice to make about backpacks for kids, but the Wander 50 makes it easy. This pack has enough capacity and size-ranging to serve kids for many seasons of adventure. The large main compartment can be accessed via the top load cinch closure or the asymmetrical horseshoe zipper, large external pockets are great for quick access gear needs (like rain layers) and hip-belt pockets keep snacks close by.
$219.95
8. TOWN HALL MOUNTAIN JACKET + BIBS
Mountain kids play hard, especially when it involves sticks with sharp edges strapped to their feet. Steamboat Springs, Colorado-based Town Hall was born through acute experiential awareness and applies this to all of their gear, including this great snow suit kit. The 100-gram 100% recycled polyester with internal boot gaiters, snow skirt and wrist cuffs makes this setup great for downhill skiing or general snow play. And with built-in grow seams they can last a few seasons!
$195 + $170
9. LINOGY RECHARGEABLE BATTERIES
Disposable batteries for kids’ toys (and in general) are the bane of my existence. I’ve tried lots of rechargeable solutions — I’m actually surprised devices are still being made to take AA size batteries. But the Linogy system has changed my mind. These batteries use electric car battery technology: lithium-ion instead of the original nickel-based rechargeable chemistry. And we’ve discovered they do indeed last way longer than old school rechargeable and non-rechargeable Alkaline batteries. The Linogy batteries charge fast, hold charge in storage better and deliver consistent power (true 1.5v instead of dipping to 1.2v shortly after use begins).
$150 (essentials starter kit)
10. ROCKY TALKIE MOUNTAIN RADIO
Unlike clunky traditional radios or cell service-dependent apps, Rocky Talkie keeps it simple: clear push-to-talk communication, a shatterproof screen, secure carabiner, leash attachment and an ultra-durable design rated down to -20 degrees Fahrenheit. It’s built for real mountain conditions — from multi-pitch climbs to swiftwater rescues — and is tested daily by search and rescue teams, professional guides and adventure photographers.
$110 each
11. MARMOT LIMELIGHT ULTRALIGHT 2-PERSON TENT
The Limelight UL is packable, roomy and tough enough to hang with kids on the trail. Granted, we’re talking kids about 8 years old and up who know how to take care of a tent. The freestanding design with two vestibules means everyone gets a door and space for dirty gear. The most unique feature is the two internal gear cubbies which our young campers loved. A lampshade pocket offers headlamp storage that diffuses the light for better nighttime visibility in the tent. The color-coded pole system makes setup quick and easy.
$479
12. MERRELL BIG KID'S MOAB SPEED 2 MID WATERPROOF BOOTS
Good footwear is key for adventures and these boots have kept my kids’ feet dry and warm. Plus, the traction and support have proven its worth over and over again — especially when we’re on hikes with kids in less-suitable footwear for the conditions we’re in. The side-by-side comparison is notable. The synthetic textile upper made breaking them in easy and painless.
$79
