Little Life
Nature For Kids showed up at the Outdoor RetailerWinter Market in Salt Lake City a couple weekends ago. It was an interesting experience taking our 5-month-old with us. By the time we left he managed to slobber all over a demo child-carrier pack and we accidentally threw a dirty diaper in one of the many recycling bins. He was a great conversation piece however, while mingling with new people!
One of the main products that stood out to us here at Nature For Kids was the LITTLE LIFE
products. While browsing all the exhibits, like I said, we were able to demo a child-carrier made by them.
I know I talk a lot about our Kelty child-carrier here but I have to say I was really impressed with this carrier. Little Life allows the child to ride a lot higher, giving them more of a view than just Mom or Dad’s head.
The buckle system is very easy to fasten as well. You don’t have to bend their little arms back to get the straps around, the straps come over the top rather than from the side.
It seemed a lot more cushioned to me as well, and had a colorful and super soft spot for little ones to rest their heads forward on.
We used a lot of the storage pockets during our trial run and it held a lot more than I thought it would.
Our little guy spent two uninterrupted happy hours in it. And he only got restless if we stood in one place for too long.
Little Life also makes small themed packs for toddlers to carry. They are very appealing with their butterfly wings and shark fins And they also allow you to attach a safety rein so you can keep your little one close by. They have packs out this year for older kids too.
They also make travel pop up playpens that are super light and compactable …something all parents on the go would appreciate. Just think how convenient it would be to have at the beach, in the backyard or at the park!
Overall I was impressed with their products and can’t wait to see them start showing up on hiking trails, campsites and everywhere else outdoors!
nature for kids, outdoor retailer show, Little Life, child carrier, baby backpack, backpack, kids, kids backpacks, outdoor gear
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Filed under Equipment | Comments (4)Get Organized With A Labeler
Here at Nature For Kids we realize it’s sometimes challenging to keep things organized when it comes to outdoor gear, especially when you have a family.
I’ve found something that helps…a simple labeler. I strived to keep things in order by trying to make my own labels.
They consisted of clear tape and construction paper. Needless to say the tape didn’t last long, collecting a lot of dirt and the writing faded fast.
I’ve been using a real labeler lately, the Brother P-Touch 1280. It’s label cartridges consist of laminated tape that is:
- UV resistant
- Perfect for outdoor use
- Water resistant
- Abrasion resistant
I used it this spring when planting seeds in our garden box.
I’ve also used it to label our recreation gear totes in the garage.
It’s been great to read the labels and know what’s inside without having to pull it off the shelf and take the lid off.
I’ve also used it to put our name and phone number on rakes, brooms and shovels for when we do service projects with large groups. It’s come in handy to also use on dishes I use for large get togethers as well.
Overall I’ve really enjoyed having the labeler around. It’s very easy and quick to use and to tell you the truth somewhat addicting. I found myself walking around the house trying to find something that needed labeled. Don’t worry the dog escaped me. 
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Filed under Camping, Equipment, Uncategorized | Comment (0)SylvanSport ‘Go’ Trailer
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
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Filed under Camping, Equipment | Comments (3)Lands End UPF Clothing
My father grew up on the desert in Southern California. He and his two brothers spent their childhoods working and playing outside in the heat. Back then there were no sunscreen and not much information available concerning the harmfulness of the sun. Fifty years later skin cancer had taken over his life. He battled it throughout my childhood and even now. Unfortunately my son has inherited the fair skin from my dad’s family. Needless to say I’m always willing to try a good sunscreen and other sun protective item.
Here at Nature For Kids I thought I’d share a recent line of clothes that we have found helpful for my son. It is Sun.Life from Lands End. We have the UPF 50 short sleeve shirt which he has worn, it seems, continuously throughout the summer so far.
I always wondered what the big thing about UPF clothing was. Doesn’t a normal shirt protect you enough from the sun? Well from what I’ve been reading up on about sun exposure, I’ve come to understand that a plain t-shirt blocks only 50% of the suns UV radiation and many of the summer apparel people wear protect even less.
From what my son says, his shirt is lightweight and comfortable too. He says, “It feels good and slippery” Which makes it a very good alternative to say a tank top or no shirt at all. The shirt also wicks away moisture and is fast drying. It’s also antimicrobial to fight odor, something always needed for busy outdoor boys. It has a reflective logo on the shoulder too.
From a mom’s perspective overall I think the shirt has held up really well. We’ve had it since February and washed it countless times. Since the material is 100% polyester it has gotten a few snags here and there but nothing that makes it look terrible.
I got an email the other day telling me they are on sale…$8.50 for short sleeve $12.50 for long sleeve zip and $16.99 for select pants. Just thought I’d pass on the deal.
In closing Nature For Kids wants to remind you through these fun summer days to keep those kids lubed up with sunscreen and protected from the sun with the right clothing.
nature for kids, sunscreen, skin cancer, Lands End, sun protection, outdoor recreation, clothing for kids
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Filed under Equipment | Comment (1)Outdoor Gear Must-Haves
While cross-country skiing the other day during a family outing we came across a man who was, by the looks of him, a very experienced skier. He had a perfect kick and glide and carried himself quite athletically for being older. I not only admired his seemingly easy canter but also his effort at thriftiness.
The neon green windbreaker pants he was wearing were my first hint at this thriftiness. After that my eyes led up to the white fanny pack. Next came his oversized coat with purple and pink geometric shapes scattered across it. To top it off he had on a bright orange hunting hat. He obviously has had this outfit for as long as he’s been skiing…which is forever!
Now I don’t want to dog on the guy too much. I truly do admire his desire to make do. But I was so tempted to cut our ski route short and immediately take this guy to a local outdoor shop to show him the plethora of new fabrics and designs that are offered to the growing amount of outdoor enthusiast these days. No longer is outdoor gear ill fitting, oversized and extremely ugly.
Nature For Kids presents the 3 must-haves for buyers who haven’t shopped since the 80’s:
1.) Find a light fitting soft-shell jacket that’s breathable and good at stopping the wind and rain. They are durable enough for performance use but stylish enough for everyday. You’ll never regret a purchase like this…I promise!
Marmot Gravity Jacket
2.) Base Layers: Don’t choose your ordinary cotton long johns here folks. Go for something with heavy-duty wicking power so when you sweat you stay dry and comfortable all day. There are also certain types of fabrics that are anti-microbial, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal. (translation…you won’t stink). I know it’s amazing what they’ve come up with isn’t it.
3.) Find a pair of outdoor shoes preferably with Gore-tex. That way you can walk a puddle strew trail and keep your feet nice and dry or simply go out to eat and have something that compliments your soft-shell jacket so nicely.
Nike Wildedge GTX Shoe
Now some of you may be reluctant to get rid of the old school outdoor gear because of all the fond memories it carries with it. But never fear…I’m sure it will come in handy for a dress up bucket for the kids or a backup Halloween costume. Take a look at what companies like Arc’teryx, Patagonia, Mountain Hardware and Marmot have to offer because if you don’t you’re better off dead .
All of the equipment highlighted here today is also available for children of all ages at Upside Over. Pick something up for your little adventurer for your next Family Outing.
Other Posts Of Interest:
nature for kids, family outing, outdoor gear, Gore-tex, wicking material, Better Off Dead
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Filed under Education, Equipment | Comments (4)Lightload Towels Review
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
This beach towel’s unique packaging compresses it to the size of a hockey puck! Keep a spare towel in your glove box or backpack.
Space saving beyond belief, this trio of hand towels slips easily into a shirt pocket, unique packaging compress towels to an incredibly small size.
* To get a chance to win a free lightload towel leave a comment on this post . A winner will be randomly drawn here at Nature For Kids Feb. 28th, 2009.
nature for kids, family outing, product review, Lightload Towels, camping, backpack, backpacking, survival
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Filed under Camping, Equipment | Comments (4)Winter Wear For Infants And Toddlers
Layers: This is the most important principle for enthusiasts of any age. The colder the weather, the more layers needed. Your baby will generally need more layers than you will, since he or she is not as active, therefore not producing as much heat. Start with one-piece undershirts and work your way outward. Synthetics like fleece are better than cotton, which is deadly when wet. For really cold days, be sure the outermost layer is wind- and waterproof or water-resistant. A snowsuit with a nylon shell and a heat-generating inner layer like fleece or wool (stack layers so that itchy wool won’t irritate your baby’s skin) should do the trick. If your child gets too warm simply take off one layer.
Heads: Humans lose more heat through their heads than anywhere else. This is especially true for babies, who have proportionately bigger heads than adults. Don’t be afraid to use more than one hat, and hats inside hoods. Cozy-fitting fleece hats with earflaps protect the head, ears, and much of the neck. Velcro straps at the bottom of the hat are always a help keeping them on. This sort of hat makes a great combo with a hooded snowsuit. The fleece provides a warmth layer while the snowsuit helps keep out any wind.
Hands, feet, and legs: All of these extremities are places where the body loses heat fast. For babies, use snowsuits and fleece coveralls that have coverings instead of openings for the hands and feet. Under the one-piece, use extra mittens, socks, tights, or long underwear in cold weather. You’ll typically want something wind- and waterproof as the outermost layer, and remember that whatever you use, little boots aren’t always warm and often come off easily. Periodically check for any places where air might get to your baby, such as the face or hand or shoe openings of coats and pants. Make sure skin stays covered on cold days. Also keep track of runny noses, which can add to cold-weather discomfort.
Avoid the glare: Remember to protect your baby’s eyes. Glare can be especially bad on snow, so consider a pair of sunglasses or UV-protective goggles for your tot. Sunscreen might be needed as well.
Front packs: Front packs provide more of your own body heat and natural protection to your child than do backpacks. When using a front pack, it’s easier to keep a baby’s face protected from the wind, since he’s facing you. Another advantage to using front packs is that you can actually see your child. If you do use a backpack it will be helpful to have another person present to check that your child is happy and warm.
Testing: It can often be tough. You can’t ask a baby, after all, and you can’t always depend on signals. Crying is helpful, of course, but cold babies don’t always cry. Your child may even be sleeping through the cold. Periodically test your baby’s warmth by touching his nose, cheeks, or fingers. At the end of each adventure, as you unbundle your child in indoors warmth, immediately test his hands and feet, particularly to see if he’s been dry and warm. This is the test of whether your outing has been successful and will give you clues to what may be needed on your next winter trip.
Always stay in familiar territory: The last thing you want to do is get lost with your infant on a cold day. And if your baby is fussy, turn back. This isn’t the time to tough things out.
Keep outings short: The shorter family outing you go on and test layers in various temperatures, the better sense you’ll have of your baby’s cold-weather needs.
If you liked this post on winter wear for infants and toddlers you may enjoy these others from Nature For Kids:
nature for kids, family outing, winter gear, winter, winter wear, outdoors, layering, infant, toddler
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Filed under Equipment, Snow | Comment (1)LIKEaBIKE
Need a good Christmas present idea for your toddler?
While in Moab this spring I came across one of Nature For Kids favorite outdoor toys. I saw a toddler scooting around on this wooden bike with no pedals. He would run straddling the bike and then balance and glide across the ground. He looked like he was having so much fun that it made me want one for myself. For how small he was he was maneuvering the bike easily and was going pretty darn fast. When I got home I went straight to the computer to find out more about it.
I discovered LIKEaBIKE! Check it out…
Prepare to throw out the rickety training wheels and hard to pedal trikes. LIKEaBIKEs provide the necessary first step for little riders (ages 2-5). They don’t need pedaling skills first, they need balancing skills. What’s so fun about LIKEaBIKEs is that it provides toddlers a way to go fairly fast, making it possibe for toddlers to keep up with the rest of the family on long walks . Most of the LIKEaBIKE cruisers are made out of laminated birch wood. They also all feature adjustable seats. Need more reasons to convince you to buy one?
At first all the LIKEaBIKEs looked the same to me, but there are some differences. I went through them all and widdled the differences down for you. Here they are…
Mountain - Most popular bike featuring pneumatic tires for better traction and control on ground that gives.
Spoky - Comes with real spoked metal rims.
Jumper - Made out of aluminum and has rear wheel suspension
Mini - For those itty-bitty tots that want to start earlier than most.
Forest -Considered the Like A Bike masterpiece. Only design made from beech wood and has a dark green cotton seat.
Race - The first Like A Bike on the scene from 1997. Features solid hard rubber tires.
Midi and Maxi - Created a little larger for those older kids who just don’t want to let go of their nice ride.
And to fully trick out your LIKEaBIKE you can add some of these accessories…
I love these gift ideas like this because they totally encourage Nature For Kids, something all of us parents should seek for. So add this to your list of must have gifts for kids this Christmas.
LIKEaBIKE, unique baby gifts, lil papoose, kids toys, gift idea, gifts for kids, holiday gifts, gifts, toys, wood toys, nature for kids
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Filed under Biking, Equipment | Comments (4)Nalgene Grip-n-Gulp
Unique baby gifts are hard to come by. Everyone has a blanket or binky to sell. But if you have a gift to buy this holiday season for an outdoor minded parent and baby Nature For Kids is here to tell you the Nalgene Grip-N-Gulp
is the way to go.
I give these as gifts all the time because I have some of my own that my kids have used, abused and loved!
Features I love the most…
- Odor Proof: If you find it at the bottom of a backpack from your last outing and it’s still half full of aged chocolate milk, you can dump it out and wash it up without having the odor lingering like in most water bottles and sippy cups.
- Spill Proof
- Super Tough: The Grip-N-Gulp can be dropped, thrown and washed in the dishwasher multiple times and never wear out!
- BPA Free: There is a big controversy on if BPA plastic bottles are safe. Nalgene took BPA out of the equation and is now using Eastman Tritan so parents don’t have to worry.
- Carabiner Loop: Attach to anything with a quick clip of a carabiner.
- Easy Grip: It’s easy for little hands to Grip-N-Gulp
.
I usually get a Nalgene Grip-N-Gulp for baby and fill it full of chocolates for mamma! Then tie a bow on the carabiner loop. If you’re looking for holiday gifts this would be a great stocking stuffer as well! They start out at $6.00.
Here at Nature For Kids there is a great post about hydration for kids that you may have missed. There’s also a post about why Nalgene is phasing out their water bottles made of polycarbonate. They’re definitely both worth taking a look at.
nalgene water bottles, water bottles, unique baby gifts, unique gift ideas, unique baby gifts, holiday gifts, nature for kids
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Filed under Equipment | Comment (1)Winter Gear For Kids
It’s time to think about winter gear for kids! Most of you will find that the ski boots from last year pinch your child’s toes and the snow pants look like they’re waiting for a flood.
The best time to find new/used winter gear for your kids is now…before the snow flies. Your best bet for ski or snowboard gear is a fall gear swap. Usually the kids’ gear is in great condition still and there are many sizes to choose from.
When looking for ski or snowboard equipment have this information about your child available:
Age
Height
Weight
Shoe Size
From coats to ski boots, growing kids can be a costly problem. At the Nature For Kids Forum I created a forum called Winter Gear . If you have something to sell or swap go there to post your info. And hopefully you can find something there that will be useful for your kids this winter or sell whatever is cluttering your garage.
For those of you living in Utah like me, I also started a forum called Fall 08 Gear Swaps. It has a list of several gear swaps coming up in the near future. SkiTiger.com also has a list of swaps going on in the Pacific Northwest.
For the rest of you open up your newspaper or search online because the time is now to find winter gear for kids!
ski swap, winter gear, snowboard, kids, nature for kids, outdoor gear
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Filed under Equipment, Snow | Comments (2)
