As the weather cools, we Arizonans breathe a sigh of relief. We sit out in the garage, with a bowl of tortilla chips and medium salsa - playing with chalk and riding bikes until the orange sorbet sunset surprises us. We hold out hope that soon we will be able to pull out our boots and sweatshirts.
Fall marks the beginning of many things. For our family, it most notably marks the beginning of hiking season! Beginning very shortly, you'll probably find our family of five out in the wilderness at least once a week. Join us?
Here are some of our favorite hiking products for autumn or anytime.
Whether he wants to hike through a canyon or run through the forest, your husband absolutely won't go wrong with the Velocity 2.0. The lemon/chili pepper color combination is so stand-out cool that he'll want to wear these shoes just for show. Fortunately, they've got superior functionality too. Waterproof, durable, and super supportive, this shoe is in a class of its own.
Little hikers who are serious about BIG adventures will get great use out of these optimal coverage boots. Lightweight enough for tromping around, these ankle-length shoes offer excellent traction for easy climbing and exploring. The waterproof element is also a plus. No more soaked through tennis shoes and seeping socks!
For easy hikes and splashing in water, kids will appreciate the minimalistic qualities of these shoes. Designed to be worn sockless, these flexible kicks will be a favorite for outdoorsy tikes.
Super snuggly and soft, this is the sweatshirt she'll reach for again and again when the winter weather arrives. It may not have bells & whistles, but it has all of the components kids want most - a hoodie, two pockets for cold hands, and easy zip-up front. Brrr...illiant!
Created with the active parent in mind, this lightweight and breathable carrier allows babies to be carried on the chest or on the back. The design is among the most ergonomic of carriers, allowing for a comfortable distribution of weight on the hips, back, and shoulders. Although rated to 90 pounds, this carrier works particularly well for babies under age 1. I especially love that this carrier is easy to take on and off, includes a zippered pocket for snacks or a cell phone, and has a rain/sun hood to keep baby protected in all kinds of weather.
For longer hikes and/or older toddlers, the FC 3.0 is a super smart choice. It features a ventilated back panel, padded shoulder straps, contoured hip belt, 5-pount child harness, and rain/sun shade. Our two older daughters have spent many a hike fast asleep on their daddy's back. ;) Although Kelty no longer manufactures this particular model, I wouldn't hesitate to recommend any of Kelty's carriers. You may also be able to find one on Craigslist? Always a good idea for baby gear.
What products do you use most often when you go hiking?
We each swallow a teaspoon of chia seeds and then drink a cup of water before a hike to keep ourselves hydrated. It works wonders!
camelback full of cold water!
wow! you guys look like hard core hikers! I'm not much of a hiker, but i bet having the right equipment and gear makes a difference.