We’ve found that since we’ve upgraded our camping gear, the entire family—kids included—is more excited to set off on the next adventure. So, to help enhance your camping experience, here is our latest camp setup that’s been tried and tested by yours truly. 

Big Agnes Bunk House Tent

One of the first camping gear upgrades we made was our tent. And as a tent is one of the most crucial elements of your camping gear, we made sure to focus on size and quality to ensure we always had a comfortable place to sleep. 

We recently invested in a new six-man tent, the Bunk House, from Big Agnes. And although we’re only a family of four, Nick and I have always felt that getting a tent that’s two people bigger than what we need provides us with extra space for gear and a play area for the kids.  

Here are some of the things we love about the Big Agnes Bunk House. 

Tent Height

One of the coolest things about the Big Agnes Bunk House is its height. This thing is absolutely massive! 

Now, I’m pretty short. But we had a friend of ours, who is over six feet tall, stay over because we had the extra space. And he found that he was able to stand up fully and be comfortable in doing so, which is something that isn’t very common in tents. 

Airflow

Another thing we absolutely love about the Bunk House is how airy it feels. There are openings on both sides of the tent to encourage airflow. So, we typically tend to open up both sides of the tent once we’ve set up camp to allow the fresh air in. 

Pockets

Pockets are something you don’t think about when going camping. But let me tell you, the Bunk House’s 20 mesh panel pockets really come in handy. If you need a spot for your toothbrushes or your socks, for example, then the panels offer you a storage solution and allow you to keep your stuff semi-organized.

For me, I appreciate having the extra mesh panels. They help me know where everything is should I need it—especially in the middle of the night. 

Other Design Features

One of the other features that I really like is the tent’s hanging loops. What we like to do is string our lights from the two little loops at the top of the tent. But we also like to use them for hanging things like bathing suits to dry. 

As there are loops in all four corners and three more on top of those, you can hook plenty of things up with the help of a carabiner.

Two Panels

A major selling point of the Bunk House is the fact that it is a two-paneled tent that consists of an outside tarp and a mesh inside panel. Nick and I have used both one and two-shell tents over the years. And overall, I’m just not a big fan of one panels. 

One panel tents often leave a dewy residue in the mornings. However, we’ve found that two-panel tents with that extra mesh liner on the inside keep you separate from the waterproof liner and the subsequent dew. 

Having the extra panel also means that when it is really hot out, we can remove the outer panel during the day to encourage airflow before placing it back over the top to prevent dew and to shelter us from any predicted rain. 

Storage

An additional thing I love about the Bunk House is its front storage area. The front panel of the tent extends out further than the opening to provide you with a sheltered area to store extra gear. 

In our case, it’s always my son's shoes or clothing that is wet. My son refuses to wear socks with his shoes, so his shoes absolutely reek. Obviously, I don’t want them with us in the main sleeping area of the tent. But he also doesn’t want them outside getting wet. 

Front storage areas mean we can keep our gear protected from the elements while also not having them cluttering our sleeping space.

Sustainability

Sustainability is something we always think about when purchasing camping gear upgrades—or any gear upgrades, for that matter. Many tents are made overseas. However, some companies are a lot better when it comes to sustainability practices. 

I am a firm advocate for trying to be as sustainable as possible. And that's one of the reasons that we invested in the Bunk House by Big Agnes. So I highly recommend looking for a tent that falls in line with your core values. 

A lot of the work Big Agnes is doing is in line with my specific sustainability values. And I know that as a company they’re making conscious efforts to grow and improve their environmentalism. 

Durability

A factor that ties into sustainability is durability. And we always like to make sure that we’re investing in products that are going to last. A tent, for example, is not a purchase you’re making every year. You’re going to hold onto your tent for a long period of time. 

For this reason, investing in a high-quality tent that may be a little more expensive than others on the market will mean that you’re only making that purchase once, and you aren’t contributing to any wastage. 

With that being said, I do understand that investing in an expensive, high-quality tent isn’t possible for everyone. So, if purchasing a cheap tent is the only way you can get out and enjoy the outdoors, then that's great, you do what you need to do. But if you can save a little more money and purchase a sustainable and durable tent, then it will definitely change the game for your camping experience.  

Customer Service and Warranty

A further benefit of purchasing a Big Agnes tent is the company's customer service and warranty teams. We’ve found that Big Agnes has a really good policy in terms of warranty. So if there is anything wrong with your tent, they’re going to help you fix it.

Not all companies are like that, however. So it’s definitely something to think about when making your decision. 

Weight

The cool thing about the Bunk House is it only weighs 19 pounds and packs down into a backpack with straps. In past camping trips, my son has even managed to throw the tent on his back and carry it down to the campsite for us. So, although it is a pretty big tent, it is extremely portable—even a ten-year-old can carry it!

Kids Sleeping Bags by Big Agnes

Another of the camping gear upgrades we made this year was our kid’s sleeping bags. Both of our kids got new sleeping bags from Big Agnes. And what’s cool is that they make them in different lengths and sizes. 

Both Parker and Tucker have different sleeping bags—Tucker uses the Torchlight Youth and Parker the Wolverine. But both bags go down to about 20 degrees Fahrenheit, so they are extremely warm. 

It’s important to remember that the length and coziness of the bags also impact how well your kids will sleep. So, the different lengths and sizes of Big Agnes’ bags really make a huge difference. 

Air Mattress Pocket

Something I found really cool about Big Agnes’ sleeping bags is that they have a pocket on the back. And you’re probably wondering what that pocket is for, and well, it’s for an air mattress.

Big Agnes’ have what they call the Big Agnes divider, which slides right into the back of their sleeping bags. Before purchasing bags from Big Agnes, I had never seen this feature before. So this was a completely new thing to me. But we’ve found that the back pocket has been an absolute game-changer.

Before, our kids were always sliding around, and we’d wake up, and they’d be shoved down in the corner of the tent. But now, their bags with their attached air mattresses keep them in place. 

I’ll even admit that we loved the idea of the attached mattress so much that Nick and I actually invested in a two-person sleeping bag and a two-person mattress, so we also aren’t slipping around. 

Size Adjusters

Some of Big Agnes’ sleeping bags also have hooks. And at first, I was wondering what the hooks were for. However, I realized that the hooks allow you to roll up the sleeping bag and adjust it to your kid’s height. 

Not only does this mean your kid’s sleeping bag can grow with them. But it also helps with warmth and ensures they arent sliding down into the bag. 

King Soloman Sleeping Bag by Big Agnes

The two-person sleeping bag that I mentioned before is the King Soloman by Big Agnes. And it's another of the camping gear upgrades we made this year—I couldn’t recommend it more.

The King Soloman, like Big Agnes’ kids’ sleeping bags, also has a pocket on the back to slide in an air mattress. So this means that Nick and I stay put.

Warmth

The King Soloman sleeping bag goes down to 35 degrees Fahrenheit. However, there is also a 20-degree bag for those who camp in colder temperatures. For me personally, I don’t need a warmer sleeping bag because if it’s that cold, then I’m not going camping. So we found that the 35-degree bag kept us warm enough even when camping in the mountains. 

Fastenings

Big Agnes’ has included little snaps down the side of the bag so you can keep your sleeping bag shut. I’m pretty anal when it comes to my children not being in my sleeping bag because of their sandy, dirty feet. So, I appreciate the little toggles that allow me to shut the sleeping bag and keep them out. 

Weight and Size

Now, you’re probably thinking that a two-person sleeping bag is going to take up a lot of room. But because the King Soloman is a 35-degree bag, it’s actually pretty light and packs down really small. I’d say that it compacts down to a pretty normal sleeping bag size. 

Air Mattress Inflation Sack

Many air mattresses now come with inflation sacks. And although I used to take a lot of pride in my ability to blow up air mattresses, I must say that the inflation sack makes the process a whole lot easier. 

The inflation sacks, if you didn’t already know, are wide open on one side and feature a valve on the other side. And all you have to do is attach the valve to the air mattress, allow the air to come into the bag through the wide opening, and simply roll the bag down, pushing the air into the mattress. 

These inflation bags save you a lot of time and energy. And once you figure out how to use them, you’ll have your mattresses blown up within minutes. 

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Our hammock tent camping experience all started because Nick and I wanted to sleep outside. However, we also wanted to hike to our camping spot. Before heading off on our trip, we were thinking how we could make the journey as light and easy as possible, which is where the ENO DoubleNest Hammock comes in.

ENO DoubleNest Hammock Set Up 

One of the coolest features of the DoubleNest Hammock is the Ember Underlayer. The Ember Underlayer essentially acts as a sleeping bag, wrapping underneath the hammock to keep you warm. I personally didn’t even know that hammocks came with features like this. However, the underlayer kept us warm throughout the entire night. We even just opted for a double-down sleeping blanket as opposed to full-on sleeping bags. And still found we were plenty warm!

Over the top of the hammock we had the compatible ProFly tarp which meant we didn’t have to worry about rain or morning dew. And we also had a bug net. As it was early March in Tennessee, the bug net wasn’t necessary. But it was nice to have just in case. 

Hammock Tent Camping Installation

Setting up the hammock and tent for camping only takes a couple of minutes. And to do so, you literally just loop the straps around a tree, hook your hammock up, clip on the undergarments and the tarp, and you’re good to go!

I really liked that the straps that ENO provides have various different loopholes. The loopholes meant the setup was extremely simple and effective, giving you more time to actually adventure. 

Weight of the ENO DoubleNest Hammock and Tent

Another great benefit to sleeping in a hammock is how lightweight the whole setup is. Nick hurt his ankle not long before our trip, so I thought all opportunities to go camping for my birthday had gone out the window. Traditional camping setups can come with considerable weight, so I didn’t think we’d be able to manage. However, thankfully, the DoubleNest Hammock came in and saved the day.

The whole DoubleNest set up with the hammock and tent for camping we had came in at under 10 lbs. So, if you’re backpacking, overnighting out of a kayak, or if you’re just looking for a lightweight, easy to use set up, then I highly recommend checking out the ENO DoubleNest hammock camping system. 

Overall Experience with the ENO DoubleNest Hammock

All in all, I really enjoyed my first time sleeping out of a hammock. And the ENO DoubleNest Hammock ultimately provided us with a comfortable and warm night’s sleep out in nature—an ideal way to spend my birthday.

For two people, I found the size of the hammock was great. However, you will end up cuddling for the majority of the night with your significant other—unsurprisingly, Nick had no objections to that. I’m even tempted to use this hammock set up the next time I take my kids out as it really was easy to set up, light to carry, and comfortable to sleep in. 

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Sometimes, getting a good night's sleep while out in nature can be challenging. But these days, you can really find fantastic equipment that’s going to allow you to have a wonderful rest, regardless of where you are. 

The two products that I’m going to be comparing today are actually double sleeping bags. And that’s because Nick and I recently upgraded to a double, as we’ve found that we really appreciate bunking down together as opposed to sleeping in individual bags. Plus, double setups are a lot more fun, especially when you have your kids climbing in to cuddle with you.

So, if you’re thinking about upgrading to a double sleeping bag, here is a side-by-side comparison of the Zenbivy sleeping system and the Big Agnes Double Pad and Big Agnes Sleeping Bag.

Mattresses

One of the first things I want to talk about is mattresses. And right off the bat, the Big Agnes mattress, the Rapid SL, is a lot more compact than Zenbivy’s. 

However, if we’re going somewhere where we can use our car, then I’ll likely choose our Zenbivy mattress. Zenbivy’s mattress is a double-inflation mattress. And what I really love is that inside, the mattress, there is a layer of foam similar to a traditional mattress. 

That interior foam really makes the Zenbivy one of the most comfortable camping mattresses on the market. But with that added comfort, comes an increased size which can make it difficult to transport to and from a a campsite.

On top of its comfort, the Zenbivy mattress is also incredibly easy to blow up thanks to its self-inflating valve. The valve essentially allows air into the space between the foam. So you really don’t have to do much work in order to create a solid foundation!

Zenbivy Set Up

Now, let’s talk through the setups, starting with Zenbivy. Firstly, Zenbivy’s double quilt is 25°. And unlike a traditional full sleeping bag, the Zenbivy quilt, is an actual quilt with an additional fitted sheet. 

To keep the quilt in place throughout the night, Zenbivy added toggles that you can clip onto the fitted mattress sheet. And once all the toggles are connected, you’ll ultimately feel like you’re inside an actual traditional sleeping bag.

In order to keep your head from getting cold, Zenbivy also added a cover at the end of the sheet for extra warmth and protection.

Overall, the Zenbivy quilt, mattress, and sheet system is bigger in size compared to other camping setups. But it is incredibly warm, comfortable, and well-thought-out. So I really can’t fault it. 

Big Agnes Set Up

Moving onto the Big Agnes setup. And like I said previously, one of the biggest differentiators is its size. Big Agnes’ mattress and sleeping bag are both a lot smaller than the Zenbivy’s. And this, in turn, makes them far more manageable when you need to carry them over long distances.

One thing we particularly love about the setup is the inflation bag that comes with it. Many air mattresses these days will come with a similar fancy little bag that essentially allows you to trap air and compress it into the mattress. 

In addition to the mattress, the Big Agnes setup comes with the King Soloman double-person sleeping bag. And this sleeping bag is a 35°, which follows the traditional sleeping bag style. 

Unlike the Zenbivy, the King Soloman sleeping bag already has a sheet integrated into the bag. So it's a simple case of laying it over your inflated air mattress and using the toggles to tighten it around the base. 

You’ll further find that as the King Soloman is a traditional sleeping bag, there are zippers that run down both sides, making it far easier to get into and out. The zippers also allow you to fully close the bag when it's not in use to prevent dirty, sandy feet from getting in your bed. 

All in all, because of the size of the Big Agnes setup, I would certainly favor it when we have to trek along way to our campsite. 

Sleeping Bag Price and Cost Comparision

The next part I’m going to review about these two double sleeping bags are their price points. Zenbivys set up comes as a package for about $520. And considering it's a sleeping bag for two people, not one, I think that is a very good price point. 

Big Agnes’ price point, however, is slightly cheaper as it sits in the $399 range. 

Both sleeping bags are made with high-quality materials, which is obviously reflected in their price. So, although they are more expensive than other products on the market, you know you’ll be using them for years to come. 

Comfort

Comfort is obviously one of the most important factors when deciding on a sleeping bag. And I’ve found the Big Agnes and Zenbivy are equally as comfortable. But for different reasons.

The Zenbivy materials and the fact it is a sheet and quilt combo make the Zenbivy camping setup feel very light and as if you were getting into a traditional bed at home. Combine the sheets with the 50 by 77 mattress, and you’ll have plenty of room for you, your partner, and any little ones who climb in throughout the night. 

The Big Agnes, despite being more compact, is also incredibly roomy and provides Nick and I with more than enough space while camping. I will admit that we aren’t the biggest people. But the Big Agnes mattress and sleeping bag are more than enough for us. And we’ve used them multiple times without complaints.

The Companies Themselves

And the last thing I wanted to touch on was the companies themselves. Big Agnes and Zenbivy both have amazing missions, with Zenbivy focusing on providing its customers with the very best sleep. And Big Agnes knuckling down to reduce water use when developing their products. 

Both sleeping bags receive the stamp of approval from me and my family. So, it really comes down to your preferences when it comes to a camping setup. For a compact, easy to set up option, opt for the Big Agnes. And for a spacious, luxurious feeling sleeping bag and mattress combo, invest in the Zenbivy!

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I will admit that camping trips can be a little intimidating when it comes to packing, especially as a family of four. But Cotopaxi bags really allow me to pack with ease and bring along everything we’d need for our outdoor adventure. 

Today, I wanted to compare three of my favorite Cotopaxi travel bags. But I also wanted to include some packing tips to help your next trip run more smoothly. Also check out my recent Cotopaxi Travel Bag Comparison article.

Cotopaxi Allpa 70L Duffel Bag

The first of the Cotopaxi travel bags that I’m going to walk you through is the Allpa 70. The Allpa 70 is the biggest volume bag that Cotopaxi has in its Allpa series. And for us, this is our check-in bag because I can fit seven days' worth of clothes for both of my kids and myself, as well as shoes and other essentials. 

Durability

One of the biggest benefits of the Allpa 70L is its durability. Cotopaxi has made the bag out of a really durable material. So even the type of adventuring that we do won’t beat this bag up. 

The bag’s slightly waterproof shell also means that you can throw it in the back of a truck while traveling. And you don’t have to worry about all your belongings getting wet. 

Carry Straps

Something I really appreciate about the Allpa 70 is its carry straps. And this thing has a lot of them. You can carry the bag as a backpack, which is extremely handy when traveling with kids. Or you can carry it with the carry straps that sit on either side.

Compartments and Pockets

As well as the main section of the bag, the Allpa 70 also has other compartments and pockets to separate your clothing. 

There is a zippered interior pocket in the main compartment, two outer pockets on either side of the bag, and a pocket at the bottom of the bag for dirty or wet laundry. There really are pockets everywhere! 

As we do head out on muddy and wet adventures, we tend to use the side pockets of the bag for bathing suits that aren’t 100% dry or clothing that we haven’t had the chance to wash.

Allpa 70 Verdict

Overall, I opt for the Allpa 70 as a check-in bag as I know I can fit a week's worth of clothing for me and the kids. I also know that I can lug this baby around. And it won’t get damaged thanks to its resistant outer shell. 

Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack

When we are getting ready for a trip, there are two other bags we take with us. And they are the Allpa 28 and 35-litre travel packs. 

The 35 L Allpa is Nick’s baby, and it's the bag he ultimately uses when we go on trips. This backpack is a fantastic bag for him on his own. And there are a couple of cool features that allow him to pack everything he needs in such a small and compact space.

Main Compartment

One of the main reasons why the Allpa 35 is such a great bag for Nick is because of its butterfly zipper. Both the 28L and 35L have this butterfly zipper. And it allows the bag to open up, so you have access to both sides. 

Having access to both sides means that you can really utilize the space in the main compartment. And you can also keep your bag organized. 

Typically, with a normal backpack, you have to dig through to find the item of clothing you need. But with the Allpa 35L, all your clothes are easily accessible.

In particular, the right pocket of the main compartment has a good stretch and is really deep. So Nick has found that he can pack all of his clothes on just one side. 

Additional Pockets

The other thing that’s nice about the 35L Cotopaxi travel bags are the organizational pockets. The pockets in the 35L go really deep. And Nick has managed to organize his camera gear, his books, and his journal separate from all of his clothing. 

Down at the very base of the backpack is another of Nick’s favorite features of the Allpa 35. And that is the bottom pocket where he can securely keep his computer. As we work on the road and we are always flying with our computer. So it is really important that it is easy to get to and safe at all times. 

One more pocket that is worth mentioning is the one right at the very top which is ideal for phones, GoPros, or anything that you want on hand. Nick always keeps his GoPro in this compartment. But he also likes to store his hat, headphones, and pens in here as well. 

Durability

One of the main questions I get asked about the Cotopaxi travel bags, including the Allpa 35, is whether or not they are durable. In general, Cotopaxi aims to make sure their equipment and bags last. So, I’ve found that the outside of the Allpa 35 is a really thick material that is going to withstand a serious beating.

Cotopaxi Allpa 28L Travel Pack

The final of the Cotopaxi travel bags I wanted to mention was the Allpa 28. And the 28 really is the perfect go bag. 

The Allpa 28L is part of Cotopaxi’s Del Dia range. So, the bags are super bright multicolors and are made from upcycled materials. Due to the fact the bags are made from upcycled materials, all the zippers and bag colors are different. So, each and every bag is completely unique. 

Compartments

Like the Allpa 35, the Allpa 28 has a butterfly zip. And when I personally get ready to pack this thing, I’ll lay the bag out in front of me and designate each pocket for something specific.

I usually carry books, an extra set of clothes for my daughter, snacks, baby wipes, my journals, my purse, and even my computer, which I place in the bag’s computer sleeve. But with so many different pockets to make use of, I am able to organize my belongings and have certain things on hand for if and when I need them. 

Handles and Carry Straps

The handles on the Allpa 28 are also a huge perk, as not only do they make the bag extremely comfortable to carry, but they also make it really easy to slide the bag under the seat in front of you if you’re using it as a carry-on. 

Allpa 35 or Allpa 28: Which to Choose?

The Allpa 35 and Allpa 28 are very different in size. And I’d consider the 35 to be a great week or weekend bag. The Allpa 28, on the other hand, is more of a carry on bag for everything you’d need access to on a plane. 

If you’re an individual who wants to carry all your stuff in one bag, then the Allpa 35 is a great option. However, if you already plan on checking in a bag, then the 28 will fit the extra belongings that you want on hand at all times. 

Packing Tips

Now that I’ve covered the three different Cotopaxi travel bags, I’m going to go through some packing tips and how we utilize our space. 

Roll Clothes

Now, Nick and I have very different folding techniques. Nick’s technique is to essentially just fold it and shove it in. And as he doesn’t bring as much stuff as me and the kids, he can get an entire week's worth of clothes in his bag by folding his clothes this way. 

For me, however, I like to fold the clothes, then roll them, and finally shove them into every available corner. This method allows me to get more clothes into a smaller space. And as I have a hard time packing light, it really is the best option. 

Plan Your Outfits

Another way to make sure you’re utilizing your packing space is to only pack the clothes you’re actually going to wear. I’ve found the best way to do this is to lay your outfits out in front of you and really think about which clothes go together, the occasions you can wear them, and whether you can mix and match different items. 

Use Smaller Bags to Organize

Lately my kids have been rummaging around in their bags to try and find things like underwear. So what I’ve started doing is putting all their underwear and little things into smaller bags that are then easy to see and get to. 

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I personally like to take a lot of stuff with me while biking. Plus my kids are always climbing on the back. So, knowing that I’ll be stable and be able to take on an adventure over rough terrain makes the day that much better. 

Yuba Spicy Curry Cargo Basket, Standing Pads, and Handles

One thing I particularly love about the Yuba Spicy Curry is its cargo basket. I’m always overloading this thing with a ton of weight because I like to take everything with me. You never know what the kids might want. So, being able to take a lot of stuff is a huge win when biking with kids.

Another great feature of the Yuba Spicy Curry is the standing pads in the back that allow the kids to stand up or simply rest their feet. The standing pads are a super nice feature to have because it means if the kids want to stand up, they can. And it means their feet aren’t dangling down by the side of the bike. 

The handles in the back also make the ride for kids that much more comfortable. When we’re going through bumpy parts of the terrain, it’s nice for the kids to have something to grab onto. So, the handles definitely make them feel more secure, which in turn makes me feel more secure.

The Yuba Spicy Curry is Versatile

Thanks to the Yuba Spicy Curry’s versatility, I can take it just about anywhere and use it for just about anything. We’ve taken it to the grocery store. Used it as a mode of transport. I’ve thrown my kayak on the back. And most recently, we took it off-roading. 

All in all, my family loves the Yuba Spicy Curry. And it will definitely be coming on more adventures with us in the future. 

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As a whitewater kayaker, I’m used to spending most of my time in hard-shell kayaks. But my family also spends quite a bit of time angling from hard platform boats. As the NRS Kuda is an inflatable platform that is made for angling and getting out with your family, I was really curious to test it out and see how it compares. 

Today, I am going to review the NRS Kuda kayak / SUP and give you my honest opinion about its features, design, and whether it would be suitable for your next family outing. 

Stability

The first thing I wanted to test out was stability. My kids are used to jumping on the NRS inflatable SUP board, and the Kuda is a similar platform. The stability definitely passed the test. And I was able to stand up and fish while having my kid on board. 

For me, fishing with kids in tow is a good test of stability as you’re moving around, and your kids aren’t keeping still. In fact, I actually had my daughter paddling me around while I cast. So it definitely has a high level of stability.

Mounting Points

Fishing kayaks often come with a lot of mounting points, and I was curious about the Kuda’s. And what I didn’t realize is the Kuda actually has five different yak attack mounting points. 

For me, mounting points are really important because if I decide to make the Kuda my angling platform while traveling on the road, I need to know that I can attach rod holders and other attachments that will make my fishing experience better. 

Another cool feature of the kayak alongside the mounts is that NRS has actually printed a 24-inch measuring board directly onto the deck. I do often like to measure my fish. But I’ve never really invested in a catch board as it's another piece of equipment I have to take with me. So I was pretty excited to see that the Kuda has its own one built in. 

Removable Seat

Paddling around while standing up is really fun. But one of my favorite things about the Kuda is the seat that you can actually strap onto the deck. The seat makes the kayak feel a little bit more like a traditional fishing kayak, as it has an aluminum frame. 

In my opinion, the seat is incredibly easy to take on and off. Plus, when you’re out with the family on the water, you can simply pull over to the side, take the chair off, and use it on the land. 

Tracking

I found the Kuda tracked really well, especially thanks to the skeg plate that allows you to change out different fins depending on what you’re using it for. 

I personally used the kayak on the Ottawa River, where I knew there were going to be some currents. As a whitewater paddler, the currents didn’t intimidate me. But I was actually quite impressed with the amount of stability and traction that the Kuda had while crossing those eddy lines.

While kayaking, you need to be able to maneuver your kayak and have it respond to proper technique. And I found the Kuda to be very responsive and professional.

Transportation

For me, the biggest separation between a traditional fishing kayak and the Kuda was the fact that I was able to take the Kuda with me during my travels. The Kuda comes in an NRS bag with carry straps, which overall acts very much like a backpack. 

The kayak wasn’t too heavy, and I could easily strap the bag onto my back, walk down to the river, and pump it up in little to no time at all.

Weight Limit

And the final cool feature about the NRS Kuda is the fact that it can hold up to 300 pounds, meaning that myself, both kids, and some equipment can go out and enjoy the water together. 

The whole setup of the Kuda weighs just 31 pounds. And although NRS says it's a one-person platform, your kids can easily tag along and turn it into a multi-person platform. 

Kayak: NRS Kuda

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The post NRS Kuda Kayak / SUP Review appeared first on Hazeadventure.

GoPro’s Floating Case

My number one favorite accessory is GoPro’s floating case. My family spends so much time in the water. So it’s really important that when I’m out on the river with my kids, I’m not thinking about the GoPro.

Whenever you’re in the water with your kids, their safety is your top focus and top priority. So, with a floating case, you don’t even need to worry about your camera. And you can assist your children with whatever they need. 

And don’t worry, to help with visibility in the water—because darker colors like black are hard to see in a river—GoPro made the case bright orange. If you do happen to drop your GoPro, you’ll be able to spot it really easily. But you can also mount the GoPro and the floating case to other GoPro mounts for extra protection. 

All in all, the floating GoPro case really takes a lot of stress out of losing your camera. So, in my opinion, it's an awesome accessory that’s definitely worth purchasing!

GoPro’s Floating Handle 

The second mount that’s similar because it also floats is GoPro’s floating handle—and this is the accessory I probably use the most. With the floating case, although you can attach it to different mounts, for the most part, you do still have to hold it. But with the floating handle, you can loop its string around your wrist, attach the camera to the top, and you can hold it and capture any angle. 

My kids also really like this attachment, as the handle is easy for them to hold. And they can point the camera in the direction they want to shoot. 

If you do drop your GoPro in the river, then in the same way GoPro made the floating case orange, they made the tip of the handle orange so it is easy to locate.

GoPro’s Gumby Flexible Mount

Another cool mount is the Gumby flexible mount. I really love setting my GoPro up, putting it on time-lapse, and capturing photos without really thinking about it—it makes for really natural, authentic, organic family photos and videos. 

Sometimes, the exact angle I want or where I want to mount the camera, however, is challenging. But when you have bendy arms, you can bend the camera in any direction, wrapping it around paddles, trees, or just about anything you can get it to lock onto. 

The Gumby flexible mount does allow me to set the camera up just about anywhere. So, this mount is one that I find myself reaching for often. 

GoPro’s Bike Mount

The next mount is GoPro’s bike mount. You’ll notice the mount of the GoPro bike mount is actually on top. So, to attach it to your bike, you can loosen the arm, put it over the top of your handlebars, and tighten it so you can capture your kid's reaction to biking. You can also choose to position the camera facing forward so you can video the bike trail and your particular point of view. 

GoPro’s Bite Mount

The next one is pretty fun as it’s a bite mount. The bite mount is one Nick uses quite a bit when he needs two hands to help the kids with different things. So the bite mount, combined with the floating case, is a combination we use quite often when we’re out paddling on the water. 

Sometimes, you want to be able to capture what you’re doing with both hands, such as playing football. The bite mount is one of the most accurate point-of-view mounts that there is because it’s right in line with where you’re actually looking. 

GoPro Head Mount

If you do want to look taller, or if you want your GoPro right on your head, then the GoPro head mount is an excellent choice. The head mount places your camera right on your forehead like a headlamp to give you an accurate POV. You can also place the mount on top of a helmet if you don’t happen to have a mount or a sticky on top of your helmet. 

GoPro Adhesive Mounts

You’re probably wondering what I mean by sticky, and well, every GoPro comes with one or two adhesive mounts. The mounts have tape on the back so you can attach them to helmets, kayaks, or surfboards, for example. But for us, we place the mounts on our kayaking helmets so that way no matter where we go, we have mounts that are ready to roll. 

All these GoPro accessories really allow me to capture different angles and different views, making the GoPro camera one of the most versatile action cameras out there. 

Follow our Adventures and Subscribe

Don’t forget to check out our YouTube channel, Great Family Adventure, and keep an eye out for more awesome videos we’ll be publishing shortly.

If you enjoyed this article and are hungry for more family adventure tips, tricks, reviews, and adventures, head on over to the Great Family Adventure YouTube channel and feel free to sign up for our Hazeadventure.com newsletter.

The post GoPro Mounts: Our Family’s Top Accessory Choices! appeared first on Hazeadventure.

The Bridge Walk

The first thing is the Bridge Walk. Now, I’ve been visiting the Fayetteville, West Virginia, area for many years. But something that I just did recently for the very first time was the Bridge Walk. 

The New River Gorge Bridge is one of the tallest and biggest arch bridges in North America. And although I’m a little scared of heights, my son and I, Tucker, had the opportunity to do the Bridge Walk on our last trip to the park. 

Let me tell you, the walk was a crazy experience. It was super fun and a little intimidating. But I’m not going to give away more information because I think a lot of it is the element of surprise. 

Just being suspended and walking on a plank below the bridge is something that’s really unique. The Bridge Walk gives you a different perspective of the New River Gorge. And it’s just super cool to learn more about the bridge itself. 

If you do plan to do the walk, then there are two different tours that you can do. There’s the informative tour or the less informative tour where you simply just walk across under the bridge.

For us, we did an informative tour. And we learned a lot about the history, the structure, and the surrounding area of the New River Gorge. When it comes to the walk, there are height restrictions—so be sure to check out the rules and regulations before you take your family there.

Hiking

There are so many cool hikes to do in the area. And one of my favorites is the Endless Wall Trail, where you can go all the way to the Diamond Point Outlook. That trail is really cool because it gives you a beautiful view of the New River Gorge and the dramatic cliff walls.

If you’re a climber, those walls are well-known in the climbing community. But as a family, we just like to hike the trail because it’s really fun and it’s not too long. It’s about two miles out to the point and two miles back. So it’s a great distance if you have littles that you want to take along on the hike. 

Another of my favorite hikes in the area is Long Point. It’s another great family-distance hike, and it has beautiful views of the New River Gorge. It’s a great place to get out, explore, and get in some physical activity with your family. 

But even if you don’t make it out to the point, just being out there in the woods surrounded by the greenery is a fantastic experience that I highly recommend.

The Town of Fayetteville, West Virginia

Something I love to do when we’re visiting the New River Gorge National Park is actually spending time in the small town of Fayetteville, West Virginia itself. It’s actually self-proclaimed as one of the coolest little towns in North America—and I would have to agree.

It really does have small-town vibes. And although it’s very little, it has really good food and some great shops. There are even gear shops if you’re needing equipment for any outdoor activities. 

In the town, two of my favorite restaurants are Pies and Pines and the Cathedral. So we usually do breakfast at the Cathedral and dinner at Pies and Pines. If you like artisan pizza—ones with unique toppings—you cannot miss that dinner destination. And to be honest, I’d drive all the way up to Fayetteville just for Pies and Pines pizza. 

Kayaking

For those of you that aren’t whitewater kayakers, there are also flat-water kayaking opportunities, as well as recreational boating in the National Park.

If you like or are interested in white water rafting or riverboarding, for example, you should definitely check it out. The waters in the area are actually world-famous and are well-known whitewater rivers. For us, as kayakers, it’s a top destination. 

Paddling down the river is such a great adrenaline rush, and obviously, some seasons will be better than others. So if you’re planning on getting out on the river, spring and summer are two great options.

Sometimes the water can be higher and lower, and different water levels can mean different levels of intensity. The rivers can change drastically depending on the water levels. So depending on where you’re at with paddling, there are definitely a lot of options for everyone. 

The great thing about the New River Gorge is there are so many companies that can take you out rafting. They have a lot of information that they can provide. And they can help you feel comfortable while paddling, depending on your level. 

Hang Out at the Creek

One final tip—if you’re coming to the New River Gorge National Park, is to hang out at the creek down at Fayette Stations. When we’re at the creek, we like to play with little foam boats, and the kids end up having a really fun time.

If you don’t have toy boats, then play with sticks, look for crayfish, or throw rocks. The creek is extremely beautiful, and it has a great view of the New River Bridge and the New River Gorge. 

Follow our Adventures and Subscribe

Don’t forget to check out our YouTube channel, Great Family Adventure, and keep an eye out for more awesome videos we’ll be publishing shortly.

If you enjoyed this article and are hungry for more family adventure tips, tricks, reviews, and adventures, head on over to the Great Family Adventure YouTube channel and feel free to sign up for our Hazeadventure.com newsletter.

Clothing: Cotopaxi Fuego Down Kids’ Jacket, Cotopaxi Teca Cálido Reversible Kids’ Jacket, Cotopaxi Fuego Hooded Down Jacket, Cotopaxi Trico Hybrid Women’s Jacket, Do Good Kids’ Trucker Hat
Sunglasses: Wiley X

The post Best Family Activities in the New River Gorge! appeared first on Hazeadventure.

As on that trip, I was walking all day, it was definitely the perfect place to try these sandals out. So, let’s get into the sandal reviews and discuss the three pairs that I took with me.

Teva Women’s Original Sandal

The first pair of sandals I tested out was the Teva Women’s Original Quick Drying Sports Sandals. I actually bought mine off of Amazon as they were on sale for $39—usually around $55—so they were definitely the cheapest out of my three options.

For me, having one around that price point was kind of important. You can spend a lot of money getting ready for these trips. So having an option that fits our budget is always key.

The first thing I noticed is that out of all the sandals I picked, the Tevas have the thinnest straps. The straps and material make these sandals the lightest of all the pairs. But they do also have the least amount of traction on the bottom. With them being so lightweight, however, it really did mean that they dried out quickly. 

Keen vs Teva vs Astral: Teva Highlights

Some other highlights for me with the Tevas are that they are small, easy to pack, and lightweight for your luggage. When I was walking through town in Uganda, I was definitely grateful to have a lighter pair of shoes with me. 

Now, I do have a wider food, and I did find that at times, particularly when I was dusty and dirty, the narrow straps of the Tevas could dig in a little bit. When I loosened the straps, I didn’t feel like my foot was quite as snug as I would have liked. But I mean, I have very wide feet, so that’s just me. 

I really like the simplicity of the Tevas. And on top of all that, if you go online, the Tevas have a ton of positive reviews and a ton of fun colors to choose from. They are at a great price point, lightweight, and apparently quite durable.

Keens

I was excited to test the Keens because I’ve known about Keen for a long time. Keen is a brand I know and trust, and the sandals I tested were their new Keen Elle strappy sandals. The reason I was most excited to try these was because, to me, they’re the most multi-functional.

The Elles look like they could be dressed up a little bit, as well as being a sandal you can wear down by the river. They definitely have a much thicker, stiffer sole, so for longer days, that thick sole was nice. But with that being said, the grip strength of the Keens on rocks wasn’t the best. So I wouldn’t necessarily use them as my general river sandals, simply due to the fact that I did not feel super safe jumping from rock to rock. 

If I was going out to dinner, walking around town, or exploring, however, the Elles were a great option. You can put them on, wear them throughout the day, and then feel slightly dressed up later in the evening. 

And finally, two of the last things I wanted to mention about the Keens is the fact that they’ve got a cushion in the back strap, and they’re made from recycled materials. I’m a little bit of a toe walker, so I really appreciated the cushion, which kept my heel nice and locked in. 

Personally, comfort is definitely of the utmost importance, so I’m really happy about these strappy sandals and the fact that they’re investing in recycled materials.

Astral PFD Sandals Webber W’s

And now, down to the third and final pair, which are the Astral PFD Webbers. Astral is a great outdoor brand that, like Keen, is investing in recycled materials. The price point of the PFDs was a little higher, as these were the most expensive of the three, but the upper canvas is all recycled.

With them being environmentally friendly, I didn’t have a hard time spending the money on them. At the end of the day, I know this company is investing in using recycled products. So for me, that’s a big win.

There are a couple of unique features when it comes to these particular sandals, like the buckles. The buckles are a little bit bigger, which helps with the fashion style and tightening the straps. I found the straps on the PFDs were tight, and they didn’t open and slip, so I was happy to see that. Again, because of my very wide feet, I was also worried that once my feet got wet, they would start slipping, but that was not the case. 

The other huge bonus for me with these particular sandals is Astrals G rubber. The soles of the PFDs are the same soles that are on Astral’s river shoe. So the grip on these sandals was by far the most superior. I ended up wearing the PFDs the most out of all three pairs in Uganda because my day usually consisted of working at the non-profit clinic, walking around the villages, and then going kayaking. 

When it comes to size, I normally go half a size up. But with the PFDs, however, I ended up getting my standard size, and because of the canvas and the buckle, I was able to loosen it enough that it wasn’t too narrow for my feet. 

Similar to the Keens, I also really liked the back strap of the Astrals. While we were in Uganda, I actually ended up losing my booties. So, I wore my Astrals to go kayaking and rafting—they worked great!

Sandal Review – Wrapping Up

I was stoked to have tested all three pairs of these sandals as they all have different price points, come from different companies, and have different functions. 

Which pair is the best, however, depends on what you’re looking for. If you’re looking for a cheap and lightweight sandal, then go with the Teva. If you’re after something a little bit more fashionable, then definitely check out the Keens. And if you want a pair of sandals that can hit the river, look into the Astrals. 

If you want to check out my Uganda trip journal, please check out my article Uganda and Family.

Sandals: Teva Women’s Original Quick Drying Sports Sandals, Keen Elle strappy sandals, Astral PFD Webbers

The post Keen vs Teva vs Astral: Sandals Review appeared first on Hazeadventure.

Often we focus so much on the major items, such as my new Gore-Tex dry suit or dry top, that we don’t take the time to appreciate the smaller items that honestly bring so much ease, comfort and protection into my paddling and life.

Rash Guard Women's and Kids Shirts

The Silkweight rash guard, women and kids sizes, come with sun protection and are an all time favorite in my house. Not only do the NRS rash guards provide good sun protection but they are comfortable, fit will, and come in new colors almost every year. The jewel tones of this years are super flattering and they have the look of being fashion forward while functioning to their full capacity. Often we sacrifice the way our gear looks because its “kayak gear” but NRS changed the game with their line up of fashion forward paddling equipment. I particularly love that it has a clean and almost logo free look. The NRS rash guards are a good swimming shirt or paddling shirt.

https://www.nrs.com/nrs-womens-silkweight-long-sleeve-shirt/p7a3

Women’s Rev. Gore-Tex Pro Dry Top

Okay so I said I was going to just mention the smaller items, but I cant do an NRS gear review and not mention the fact that one, they have Gore-Tex and two.. the fit and color of my Rev women's dry top makes me very very happy.

Some things to know if you’re used to using another brand of women's dry top. I wear a medium because I have very broad shoulders. In Kokatat dry tops tops I wore a small. So try one on before you buy one. Another thing to know is that the length of the neck gasket is a little shorter so I like that it’s not bundling up around my neck. It sits where it supposed to without extra material gathering.

https://www.nrs.com/nrs-womens-rev-gore-tex-pro-dry-top/p3ur

NRS Women’s Expedition Weight Shirt

I don’t have any photos of me in my fleece because its always under my dry top, BUT I can’t tell you how important good fleece is to me. Kinda like snuggling under a blanket on the couch, you don’t want a scratchy, thin blanket to keep you cozy.

What you do want is a soft, thick blanket that stays plush after a ton of washings. The other thing that is important to me in my fleece is dry time- all fleece is not created equal in drying time, some materials dry much quicker and absorb less water much like the expedition weight fleece from NRS. And if I didn’t sell you on the top, you should know it has matching bottoms.

https://www.nrs.com/nrs-womens-expedition-weight-shirt/pz1k

BUY IT AT OUTDOORPLAY.COM

NRS Ether HydroLock Dry Sack

3 different colors, ten million different uses and 7… yes 7 different sizes. On river trips its very nice having the smaller sizes to keep stuff separated, organized and dry. Having my kids near the water this is the lunch bag, the toy bag, the medical supply bags and more. The green is my favorite color, but are bright and I love having multiple of the smaller sizes.

https://www.nrs.com/nrs-ether-hydrolock-dry-sack/pasy

BUY AT OUTDOORPLAY.COM

NRS Thrive Inflatable SUP Boards

4 different sizes, and ten million uses. We absolutely love our Thrive Sup Board. While it may seem like a big purchase, anything that helps my family spend more time on the water and having fun, is worth every penny in my book. We took ours to FL to visit springs, manatees, and it was such a good platform for us all to relax and enjoy our surroundings. This model is also very stable so if you want a kids, or two to ride along, you’ll feel plenty stable.

https://www.nrs.com/nrs-thrive-inflatable-sup-boards/pcyr

BUY AT OUTDOORPLAY.COM

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Paddling Layers: NRS Women's Silkweight Long-Sleeve Shirt, NRS Women's Expedition Weight Shirt, Women’s Rev. Gore-Tex Pro Dry Top
SUP Boards: NRS Thrive Boards
Dry Bag: NRS Ether Hydrolock
Camera: GoPro Hero 11
Sunglasses: Wiley X
Kayaks: Jackson Fun Kids Kayak
Life Vest:NRS Zen PFD

The post Women’s Rash Guard, Dry Top and Water Gear appeared first on Hazeadventure.