There is a lot of equipment rolling around out there in the outdoor industry, but every once in a while one comes along that shines brighter than the rest. As outdoor recreation evolves with each generation the equipment used also needs to evolve. The SylvanSport ‘Go’ camping and travel trailer provides that evolution for the outdoor players of today. It’s the result of outdoor gear heads, engineers and thinkers from the RV industry teaming up.

I first heard about the ‘Go’ at the Outdoor Retailer Show in Salt Lake City a few years back. It’s been called a “backpack on wheels”. My husband and I have hit the point with our family (3 small children) that backpacking isn’t a common occurence for us. Tent camping with a side dish of rock climbing, biking or boating is however. So we’ve hung up our ultra light gear and want to pursue something a little more comfy for our evolving family!

My favorite bits of the ‘Go’:

• Being only 800 lbs. it can easily be hauled by small vehicles (cars and minivans)
• It doesn’t just haul quads and motorbikes. It also doubles as a hauler for tree branches, grass clippings and anything else that needs hauling.
• Up above it carries bikes, boats and etc. with its equipment rack that’s compatible with Thule, Yakima and other brands.
• The trailer’s tent is constructed by Kelty. They’re not making this thing of cheap stuff.

I found this picture very comical. Check out the SylvanSport parked next to this old school trailer at the gas pump. My we’ve come a long way.

nature for kids, SylvanSport, camping, tent trailer, outdoor recreation

Share

Tweet

Here at Nature For Kids I thought I’d do a review on an outdoor product I recently used, Lightload Towels.

I think the three biggest things Lightload Towels have going for them is the small compact size, its multiuse ability and it’s biodegradable.

The lightload towel comes very compact (1 3/4 inch diameter), about the size of a head on a spoon. It’s very lightweight (.5 oz) and comes shrink-wrapped. To open it you just moisten it up with water and unfold it, which could possibly be a problem if there is no access to water. It feels like you could rip the towel if you open it without water… also a bummer if you want to use a dry towel initially rather than a wet one. After it’s unfolded it won’t go back to the initial size, of course. Opened it measures 12 in. X 24 In., a pretty good size to do about anything you normally would with a towel.

Since I opened my lightload towel I’ve used it to clean little faces and hands, wash off a table and even a few dishes, probably the same ways I’d be using it at a campsite during a family outing. It seemed pretty absorbent, more so than your average paper towel. I could also see myself using the lightload towel as a fire starter, filter or first aid supplement, potholder or headband (also ideal uses around the campsite).

I threw it in the washing machine and even the dryer. But I wouldn’t recommend the later. Being biodegradable it kind of stretched and thinned out in the dryer. It should be washed delicately and then left to air-dry.

Keeping all this in mind I believe Lightload Towels would be useful for: 

• Backpacking trips
• 72 hour or survival kits
• Camping trips 
• Put inside your vehicle glove box

The lightload towels are $5.50 for a package of three. I think it’s a fair price, especially since the towels will be reused several times before disposing of. Lightload towels also have a product that is bigger, a beach towel size (60 in. X 36 in.) and costs $7.50 for one.

Overall I give the lightload towel a rating of 4 out of 5 and plan to place these little guys strategically throughout my recreation equipment for every family outing!

To purchase Lightload Towels follow the links below to REI.com

nature for kids, family outing, product review, Lightload Towels, camping, backpack, backpacking, survival

Share

Tweet