Every year, we get asked the same question: “What gear do you actually use… and love?”
And every year, our answer is the same: the things that earn their keep. The pieces that live in our duffel bags, come out on road trips, and make cabin mornings or trailhead starts easier, cozier, or a lot more fun.
These are the items that feel aligned with the Trail West ethos… simple, durable, adventure-ready, and perfect for families who want more time outdoors and less time staring at screens.
From trail coffee to kids’ creativity kits, here’s what we’re gifting (and using) this season. No commissions are received for any of these recommendations.
For Family Camp & Trail Days
Hibear All-Day Adventure Flask
We wrote a full review on this one for a reason: this little do-everything flask is now part of our family rhythm from sunrise to campfire.
Pour-over coffee at the trailhead? Done.
Hot cocoa for West’s morning hike? Easy.
A campfire old fashioned after bedtime? Perfection.
It’s beautifully designed, wildly versatile, and built with sustainability at its core. If you want fewer, better items in your kit, this is one of them.
Rumpl Original Puffy Blanket
If you’ve been around Trail West long enough, you know we are blanket people. Rumpl basically invented the “technical blanket” world… and once you bring one on a camping trip, a ski tailgate, or a cold sunrise wildlife watch, you’ll understand why.
They’re lightweight, packable, kid-proof, and legitimately cozy. Bonus: Rumpl’s commitment to recycled materials and climate-positive manufacturing makes owning one feel even better.
Grand Trunk Meadow Mat
If you’ve ever tried to picnic, change a toddler, or sit down at a trailhead only to realize the ground is soggy—you will love the Meadow Mat. This waterproof, lightweight blanket has become one of our most-used “leave-it-in-the-car” pieces of gear. It keeps everything dry (including your backside), rolls up small, and has corner loops so you can stake it down on windy days.
We use it for park days, beach stops, campsite mornings, and even as a clean play area when traveling. Durable, easy to wash, and backed by a lifetime guarantee… this is one of those deceptively simple items that earns its place in your adventure kit.
Kelty Low Loveseat
If you want to instantly upgrade your campsite or summer concert setup, the Kelty Low Loveseat is it. With a relaxed, low-profile design, it’s perfect for cozying up around the fire without blocking anyone’s view—and sturdy enough for two adults (or one adult + one very wiggly kid).
The insulated cupholders are a brilliant touch, and the padded roll-tote makes carrying it way easier than you’d expect for a double chair. We’ve used ours for everything from hot cocoa mornings with West to late-night stargazing sessions. It’s comfortable, durable, and surprisingly fun: an easy “why didn’t we get this sooner?” addition to any family’s outdoor gear.
Adventure Gifts For Moms
Howler Bros Allegheny Fleece Overshirt
Technically “men’s,” but easily Kate’s favorite buy of the year. The Allegheny Fleece Overshirt is warm, heavy, and unbelievably cozy—basically the layering piece I want for leaf piles, chilly trail days, or running out for firewood. The HB snap details and the high-pile fleece make it an instant staple.
REI Co-op Active Pursuits (Short & Long Sleeve)
These have become our go-to hiking and running shirts – for men and women. Soft. Breathable. Wicking. Affordable. That perfect blend of function + comfort that REI nails so well. If you’re building a set of “forever basics,” start here.
Cotopaxi Capa Hybrid Jacket
This is Kate’s cold-weather MVP. Warm without bulk, stretchy where you need it, thumbholes for chilly mornings, and the perfect layer for running, hiking, and cross-country days. It packs small, performs big, and looks great doing it.
Goodr Sunglasses
Fun, affordable, non-slip, and practically indestructible. West has stolen several pairs; we don’t blame him. Perfect for active pursuits and impossible to ruin (trust us). Greg ran a trail marathon in them. They’re fun… and legit.
Adventure Gifts For Kids Who Build, Imagine, and Tinker
KiwiCo Koala Crate (Ages 3–6)
West LOVES these. Hands-on, open-ended, and perfect for the curious kid who needs something tactile and creative. The Koala Crate kits support fine motor skills, early STEM, pretend play, and art—exactly the kind of screen-free learning we’re always recommending.
CrunchLabs Build Box (Ages 8–12… or younger with supervision!)
Full honesty: these say 8–12, but we build the older-kid kits with West and he’s obsessed. Watching Mark Rober’s videos together has become a tiny family ritual. The builds are clever, challenging, and satisfying… perfect for kids who like to see how things work.
For Road Trips & Quiet Cabin Mornings
Trail West Adventure Kits
Our own kits make the list, of course. Screen-free, tactile play built for real travel—road trips, flights, restaurants, waiting rooms, and every moment in between. Jurassic Journey, Cactus Quest, and Rocky Mountain Ranger all include hands-on sensory play, creative prompts, and exclusive online extension activities only available with purchase.
Foil Fun (age 4-9) & Eye Found It (Disney pack)
These are West’s latest (Fall 2025 – age 4.5) go-to quiet-time activities. Light, packable, and endlessly engaging. (Foil Fun might be the most surprisingly delightful activity ever invented.)
Yoto Player
A travel MVP. Stories, music, soundscapes, and zero screens. Great for winding down at the cabin or for keeping long car rides peaceful. You can read our review.
Magna-Tiles
Indestructible. Creative. Easy to pack in a gallon Ziploc. One of the few toys West has used consistently from age 2 to now.
Woom Bike
A top pick for bike-curious toddlers and preschoolers. Lightweight, thoughtfully designed, and confidence-boosting. It’s the bike we recommend to every family who asks.
Wrap-Up: Gifts That Help Families Get Outside
Everything in this guide is something we’ve used, loved, and would buy again. None of it is fluff. All of it supports the Trail West values, curiosity, adventure, simplicity, sustainability, and time together outdoors.
If you’re looking to give a gift that actually gets used (and appreciated!), start here.
If you want help building a tailored kit or need recommendations for a specific age or trip, send us a message… we love helping fellow families get outside.
