ArcaMax

Uh-oh. It was just the first day of our multi-day trek up Mount Kilimanjaro and my daughter's rain jacket was leaking. Badly.

It's one thing to have a wardrobe malfunction when you can head back to the hotel or to the nearest mall, but that's not so easy on a Great Adventure.

The good news: We were close enough to where we started that a guide was able to go back down and bring Reggie a waterproof jacket. We found out later that her jacket, supposedly waterproof, had a design flaw. We eventually got a refund.

The lesson: Before heading outdoors, whether on a day hike or a multi-day adventure trip, road test everyone's gear!

I just spent a few days at the Outdoor Retailer Summer Market, North America's largest trade show in the outdoor industry, and perused all that's new in outdoor gear -- everything from dehydrated dog food to a portable, wood-fired pizza oven to stylish travel clothes to more varieties of socks and protein bars than I knew existed. Add to that portable toys and games, tents, jackets, etc. Some 1,400 exhibitors showcase their products at the Summer Market, which draws thousands of attendees from around the world. This trade show, however, is closed to the public -- it's a place for buying and selling. But it's also a place to see products that can really work for your family's next adventure and help you avoid gear mishaps along the way. Here are 11 products worth considering on your next getaway:

FOR THE JOURNAL KEEPERS -- the RITE IN THE RAINnotebooks and all-weather pens that write in any weather. There are golf scorers too. Nearly 100 years ago, Jerry Darling recognized the logging industry's need for a durable material that could be written on and survive in poor weather conditions and developed a special coating that created a unique moisture shield on the hand-dipped sheets of paper that he and his wife, Mary, first processed at their home. Today, you can order notebooks from the Tacoma, Washington, company starting at less than $5.

FOR THE SNORKELER AND DIVER -- Reef-friendly sunscreen from Coral Isles. Man-made pollutants -- including sunscreen -- are having a significant negative impact on coral reefs. Coral Isles has removed zinc and other substances from their sunscreens. They are water resistant too.

FOR THE FAMILY TOTING BABIES AND TODDLERS -- the all-terrain Veer Cruiser is a rugged double stroller and durable wagon. I love the one-touch footbrake, the one-hand folding and the fact that an infant car seat can be attached. It works on the beach, on snow and at theme parks where with the Nap System accessory mattress allows the baby to lay down and nap. (Don't babies look uncomfortable napping in strollers? ($599)

FOR ALL THE FEMALES IN YOUR GANG -- who can't always find a bathroom when needed, like on a hiking trail or long road trip, the Tinkle Belleallows you to discreetly pee standing up. It is antimicrobial, anatomically shaped to fit the female form, reusable, foldable and hydrophobic, which means it sheds liquid and you won't need toilet paper. Sales ($27.50 each) support a nondenominational foundation that maintains orphanages around the world.

FOR THE KIDS ALWAYS LOSING AND BREAKING THEIR SHADES - Real Shades offers free replacement. They are cute, affordable, unbreakable, polarized and sized for specific ages. Kids will love that the Switch frames change color in the sun. ($14.95; others are less.)

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