Taking the Kids: Choosing the right gear for your next adventure
FOR THOSE WHO ALWAYS NEED EXTRA HANGOUT SPACE at the campsite or rental condo, the PuffPack is a bona-fide inflatable sofa that doesn't require any tools to assemble and weighs just 2.5 pounds in its own backpack. ($75)
FOR THE TRAVELER WHO NEVER HAS THE NEEDED TOOL -- the compact Muncher (www.full-windsor.com) is 10 tools in one -- everything from a bottle opener to screwdriver, can opener, peeler, a spork (kind of fork/spoon) even a serrated butter knife. It's as useful in that ill-equipped rental as a backpack. ($49.99) The company also makes multi-functional tools for cyclists.
FOR THOSE ALWAYS WORRIED ABOUT CLEAN WATER -- The American Red Cross Ultralight Purifier from Katadyn, which weighs just three ounces, produces a liter of purified water in just 90 seconds, and can treat 20 liters of water on a single charge from its rechargeable battery. ($79.95)
FOR THOSE WHO HATE BUGS -- Bugband Insect Repelling Bands work for up to 120 hours and are used by the Boy Scouts. They are soft, waterproof, come in fun colors and are packaged in a reusable plastic case that can be sealed between uses to preserve it. The kids will love the glow-in-the-dark version! ($4.95)
FOR THOSE WHO BRING THE DOGS -- the roll-up Outdoor Chill Pad from Petplay is a lot easier to bring, whether you are camping (it's waterproof) or staying in a pet-friendly hotel. ($45) Each bed is made from sustainable materials and designed for comfort. I also loved the BIVY bowl ($24.95). It's ultralight, collapsible and waterproof from Ruffwear (www.ruffwear.com), which features all sorts of outdoor gear for dogs, even a sleeping bag.
FOR THOSE TIRED OF LOSING GAME PIECES ON VACATION -- Outside Inside offers an entire Backpack Series of toys and games that is portable and lightweight. There is a 5-in-1 magnetic game set with roll-up boards, a mini tumbling tower of blocks and chess that is played on a silicone board that can be folded and crushed. I love the Brain twister three-pack -- who can take the puzzles apart the quickest? (Games start at less than $15.)
Chess, anyone?
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(For more Taking the Kids, visit www.takingthekids.com and also follow "taking the kids" on www.twitter.com, Facebook and Instagram where Eileen Ogintz welcomes your questions and comments.)
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