Browse by:
KEEN Targhee IV Low Waterproof — Kids’ Hiking Shoe Review
We told him not to walk into the water in these. He walked into the water. His feet stayed dry. The most protective low shoe we tested, with one stiff trade-off.
The North Face Fastpack II Mid Waterproof – Kids’ Hiking Boot Review
They look like moon boots. That turned out to be perfect at Craters of the Moon. The most protective boot we tested, and the heaviest.
Five Ten Freerider – Kids’ Bike and Hiking Shoe Review
We bought these two years ago, sized way up, and our kid is still wearing the same pair. The best bike-to-trail shoe we tested. Just not the one for a big hike.
Patagonia Block-the-Sun Hat Review
Quincy wore it, then passed it to Oren. Good ethics, good build, good coverage. The catch: at $39, it costs about twice as much as the Sunday Afternoons Play Hat, and the Play Hat has better retention.
Flap Happy Kids’ UPF 50+ Swim Hat Review
The fastest-drying hat we tested and the only one made from swimsuit fabric. The catch: no chin strap, and Oren removed it every time he noticed it was on his head.
addie & tate Kids’ Animal Sun Hat Review
We felt silly buying a shark hat for a gear review. Then Cypress chose it over seven other hats and wore it to school. Catch: low neck coverage.
Reima Rantsu Sun Hat Review
We ordered a 3–4 year size. Our nine-year-old niece wore it all week at Gulf Shores without being reminded. Catch: it's direct-buy only — no Amazon, no REI.
Sunday Afternoons Kids’ Ultra Adventure Hat Review
Same gold-standard retention as the Play Hat, plus a wicking sweatband for trail use. The catch: it's $15 more, and those extra features matter most on the trail, not at the beach.
JAN & JUL GRO-with-Me Quick-Dry Sun Hat Review
This hat arrived to us already used — three kids before Oren, multiple countries, brim a little wonky. Everything else still works. That's the case for buying it.
Turtle Fur Way Out 5 Panel Hat — Kids’ Sun Hat Review
Technically an adult hat. Our four-year-old stole it, wore it to Mexico, and hasn't given it back. The catch: no neck coverage, so sunscreen on the ears and neck is non-negotiable.
