Tested + Compiled By Cameron Martindell
Summer + Fall 2022
Sure, kids can climb in almost anything and may not care, but when they see other kids sticking to holds their shoes slipped off of, it’s time to consider this expense if you want to keep them stoked on climbing. New this spring, this kid-sized version of La Sportiva’s best-selling, entry-level gym shoe hits the market with ultra-sticky FriXion black rubber, minimal asymmetry, an easy closure system and an unlined leather upper.
$75
SHOP
As much as we try to dissuade them, kids want to be like adults, and that means having all the things adults have — like a first aid kit. But these cute kits, available in a fox, owl, bear and raccoon design are perfect for littles to call their own. Pre-loaded with adhesive bandages, sanitizer and ointment there’s still room to customize depending on the child’s ability.
$7.50
SHOP
Getting kids to carry a pack can be a tricky prospect for some. My tact has been to not force it; let the kid carry it as far as they want, and when they’re done, they hand it to me — no questions asked. But, this is the daypack that has done the best for us. It’s roomy enough to be useful, and with the included 1.5-liter hydration reservoir, my kids love having their own hose to drink from. Plus, we love the built-in sternum strap whistle (when they’re not “testing” it).
$75
SHOP
Lightweight is key for little heads and necks, and the 9.6-ounce Noodle V fits the bill. Available in six colors to suit any personality, this helmet has 17 air vents to keep hard charging kids cool, bug mesh in the front vents and a removable visor. The dial fit harness is easy for little hands to manage on their own.
$52.99
SHOP
This iconic Patagonia short has been around since the 80s, and this year, for the first time ever, both the kids and adult versions will be made from 100% discarded fishing nets — transformed into a quick-drying fabric called NetPlus. It’s one step towards reducing the nearly 8.8 million tons of mismanaged plastic that ends up in the oceans. The shorts have self-draining pockets and a wide, elasticized waistband with an adjustable drawcord.
$22.99
SHOP
For cool summer mornings or nights around the campfire, this rugged layer is made of heavyweight 9-ounce, 80% cotton, 20% polyester fleece and has a pouch pocket on the front to warm-up cold hands. The attached hood makes it impossible to lose, and the ribbed cuffs and waist keeps the toasty in and the cool out.
$30
SHOP
When the days get shorter in the fall but stay warm, kids are often pushing play into the dark, and lights on bikes become a key safety feature. This kit has a 100-lumen headlight and 40-lumen tail light, both with steady and flashing options to maximize visibility. The adjustable silicone straps are easy to mount to any post or bar. The lights can be recharged via USB or the solar cell on top of the headlight.
$64.95
SHOP
Minimize the variables to get kids comfortable shifting gears by getting them on the Piccolo for longer family rides. This seven-speed tagalong really gives the rider a feel for what gears do and how to select them without worrying about balance, steering or breaking. The Piccolo is easy to attach or remove from the adult bike as needed.
$400
SHOP
This product brings the phrase “start ‘em young” to its true effulgence. As soon as kiddos can crawl up things, they can begin their life-long biking journey. This base takes the classic 12-inch Strider balance bike and holds it firmly upright for them to get familiar with the handle bars, seat and rocking motion without the risk of the bike falling over.
$90
SHOP
Take the tyke climbing with this full-body harness! Designed for kids under 66 pounds (30 kg), this harness does not require a connector to be fastened — just snug it up, clip them in and go! I’m able to connect my 4-year-old to the auto-belay system at the climbing gym, and he will do a bunch of laps on his own.
$70
SHOP
With a water column of 25,000 mm, this is a true waterproof rain shell and is great for playing or adventuring even in a heavy downpour. The jacket also has a very high breathability of 50,000 gr/m2/24 to help vent moisture from within. It packs into its own inner pocket for storage and only weighs 150 grams (size 128/134).
$329
SHOP
Made from surplus Italian Liquid Skin fabric — a 72/28 percent blend of polyamide and elastane — these warp knit construction pants are non-pilling and snag resistant, so they will last for years. The fabric is quick drying and has four-way stretch to handle all sorts of play.
$50
houdinisportswear.com