1. MCSENDERSON ADVENTURE JOURNAL
Help kids document their journeys with this prompt-driven journal with spots to include the date, location, event and room to write about the experience. There are also plenty of blank pages available for sketching and full freeform creativity like doing leaf prints or gluing in ticket stubs. Available with a water-resistant canvas cover or upgrade to a timeless full-grain leather cover. $45
2. RHINO LARGE LOADED ESSENTIAL CAMP TRUNK
Camp is a key part of summer and we found this trunk to be as strong and durable as advertised. Plus, the handy organizer on the inside of the lid is perfect for keeping track of the smaller things (like pens and pre-addressed and stamped envelopes for letters home). The wheels and handle make moving it around super easy. $235
3. REI CO-OP SAHARA KIDS’ CONVERTIBLE PANTS
A good pair of adventure pants can really set the tone and confidence for the day. The zip-off pant legs make these pants prime for evolving mountain weather. The Nylon/Spandex mix provides great durability, UPF 50+ sun protection and ease of movement. Pro tip: nest the zipped off pant legs together so one doesn’t get lost! $63
4. TOADFISH STOWAWAY LED LANTERN
Kids love lights! And this one has so many ways to attach and shine from just the right spot. It has a magnet, a suction cup, a loop that can act as a stand and it includes a carabiner. Plus, it floats! It’s super durable and includes three white light modes: bright, dim and flashing (SOS). It also has red and green light modes. $58
5. BUZZPATCH NATURAL MOSQUITO REPELLENT PATCHES FOR KIDS
Skip the itch so your kiddos stay out to play longer. These patches have a specially formulated essential oil blend to keep bugs away. The stickers use a medical grade adhesive that get stuck to clothing, not directly on the skin. Even in lower-bug environments like Colorado, it’s good to be prepared! $19-$42
6. BERTUCCI A-1S FIELD WATCH
Speaking of camp, or even camping, kids don’t need smartwatches in the backcountry so get them a simple yet rugged timepiece so they don’t miss mealtime or other important moments in the day. The 36mm case is small enough to not overwhelm little wrists. The Nylon band is a little stiff to start but it loosens up soon enough. The case is 100-meter water resistant and the battery lasts up to four years. $125
7. EXPED MEGA PILLOW
For backpacking, camping or just sleepovers, my kiddos love the luxury of the velvety soft surface and insulated cushy topper on this inflatable travel pillow. It packs down nicely into a storage case while underway and the cover is removable so it can get washed and stay fresh. $70
8. MUCK KIDS’ RUGGED II BOOT
Our kids have torn through a lot of other boots, but not these! The 5mm neoprene waterproof bootie is great for wet or dry days and provides a bit of cush for those inevitable bumps and bonks amongst the hard and pokey things in the wild. For cooler days the fleece lining adds a little extra warmth retention and the outsole offers excellent traction. $95
9. MAMMUT ASSIST BELAY RESISTOR
Taking your kid climbing is super rewarding. And while I love to see my kids climb and gain experience on the rock it’s been a bummer to have to decline when they ask about returning the belaying favor. This device requires the right setup, but it can handle a difference between 77 and 99 pounds, depending on the configuration with single ropes sized 8.7- 11mm. $99
10. VICTORINOX TINKER SWISS ARMY KNIFE
This medium-sized pocket knife is an excellent first knife for kiddos. The handle is easy for little hands to grip, the blades are only moderately pointy and the tools are easy to use. Plus, it’s one of the few Swiss Army knives without a corkscrew — the Phillips head screwdriver is much more useful for kids! Everybody has a Swiss Army knife story and you’re about to create another one. $34
11. GARMIN BOUNCE 2
Smartwatches for kids still have an important place on-grid and the latest from Garmin has a bunch of updates. My kids were glad to get a true keyboard for texting instead of just using canned messages, plus they can make a live audio call. It also includes a “Watchie Bestie” — an integrated digital friend with a new mission each day which usually includes being active in some way. $300
12. HUFFY EXTENT MOUNTAIN BIKE 26-INCH
After a few months of testing, this bike has proven it’s an excellent affordable option for commuting to school, cruisy trail rides and the very ticket to freedom kids crave. The steel frame is a little heavy, but it is super durable and the 21-speed Shimano gearing has been smooth the whole time. The disc brakes are easy and reliable. $280
