Tried-and-Tested Essentials

Every jacket we've bought from The North Face has endured the wear and tear of both our children and remained in excellent condition, even after our youngest outgrew it. We appreciate their insulation for warmth without bulkiness and their stylish design that doesn't hinder mobility.

We opt for Under Armour's UA Tech™ shirts for our kids due to their durability and comfort. They maintain their shape even after repeated wear, making them ideal for our youngest, who is sensitive to tags and tends to yank on shirt necks. Plus, they double as swim shirts when needed!

The adults in our family particularly love Cotopaxi's bold, stylish, and functional cold weather clothing. Our fleeces, jackets, and hats show no signs of wear or fading after years of use. Plus, 94% of their products are made with repurposed, recycled, or responsible materials.

Our family swears by LL Bean backpacks for our kids, and here's why: With multiple sizes available, they're always just the right fit for little shoulders, empowering our kids to carry their own gear. Not only are they durable, but they also serve us well for both school and travel, lasting several years with each bag. Our expert 10 year old packer can even get a week's worth of camp gear loaded onto a single LLBean rolling backpack!

We pack The Bigger Carry-On by Away more than any other suitcase, especially when we're flying. Away's bags are made of sturdy lightweight materials and have so many intentional details to help ensure a seamless journey. Plus, Away shares our belief that the more we travel, the better we all become. Bonus: the bag is sturdy and comfortable enough to double as a rolling chair for tired little legs. 

Deuter's Kid Comfort Child Carrier was essential when our kids were small. Perfect for trails, it offers maximum ventilation and comfort for both adult and child. With adjustable seating, foot rests, and multiple pockets, it's convenient and cozy for on-the-go exploration. Our favorite feature: the smart strap and buckle design makes it easy to take kids out when they're energized and slide them back in when they're tired.

Our family has been enjoying the same Perception Kayaks for 11 summers now, and they've never let us down. These kayaks make paddling fun and accessible for everyone in our family, with our youngest ones starting in a double kayak and then graduating to a single around age 6.  We love that they're durable, reliable, and made in the USA. 

From our kids' first light-up versions to advanced open reels, Shakespeare fishing rods have given us countless angling adventures in both fresh and saltwater. As one of the most widely available brands, Shakespeare makes fishing accessible to users of all ages and budgets, helping us reel in the big (and small) ones!

From our 15-year-old, sticker-covered Nalgene that's been on countless adventures from Austria to Austin, to the fresh swag bottle from last summer's gravel bike race, both are leakproof, carabiner-ready, and ruggedly durable. Beyond their performance, we love Nalgene's commitment to sustainability.