Once in a while, you get to test a totally new innovation and see how it stacks up to the establishment it claims to be beating. I’ve just spent the past three months testing out the Unrestricted cooler on our family adventures: hiking, camping, and biking around the Sea to Sky region of British Columbia. And while the bag isn’t breaking any ice-retention records, it does its job extremely well for a day trip as a mobile snack station and cool-drink provider. It also stays relatively watertight.
Read on for why this earned a spot in our regular rotation as the best low-bulk backpack cooler we’ve tested for day missions.
The first thing that struck me about the Unrestricted is that it doesn’t present itself as a backpack cooler. No bulky, boxy shell, no “I’m carrying beer to the beach” silhouette. It reads as a normal daypack, right down to the integrated laptop sleeve, and that’s the whole point: it’ll moonlight as a carry-on or a commute bag on the days it isn’t keeping lunch cold.
You can’t tell it’s a cooler from the outside!
Why I trusted the insulation before I packed it
Before I even knew what it was, I brought a PrimaLoft-lined shirt with me on an expedition to Mount Logan while filming for Nat Geo. One of the older crew members was ribbing me for not having a puffy jacket as a midlayer, but he soon got pretty quiet when I’d stand around camp in comfort without a massive parka on. It was the only thing that worked as a good insulating layer where I didn’t feel overheated, and when I did sweat, it didn’t become a soggy mess. So when I saw the same insulation wrapped around a cooler, I was pretty confident that it’d do well.
How it held up from the car to the trail
Over three months we ran it through a proper Sea to Sky gauntlet: a hot summer car ride up to Whistler, lake-to-lake along the Valley Trail with the Chariot in tow, a few nights camping at Porteau Cove, and a string of day missions to Squamish. Through all of it, our food and drinks stayed properly refrigerated. The catch is that the cold only stays put if you keep it zipped. Leave it gaping open at the picnic table and you’ll feel the difference pretty quickly.
The zippers are robust enough to help seal out the heat, but just make sure you zip them all the way!
The size-to-insulation sweet spot
Let’s be honest about the cold retention: it doesn’t match something like the IceMule Boss, or even a Yeti backpack cooler. But both of those are cumbersome. The Unrestricted has a better size-to-insulation ratio, which makes an excellent sweet spot that’s good for a day, but not so good for a week, if that makes sense. For the kind of day-tripping a family actually does, that trade is the right one, and the compact package is exactly why it ends up coming along.
The ice pack situation
The clip-on Connect Ice pack isn’t that exciting. I usually just used gel freezer packs instead, which did the job for less. That said, if you’re in a pinch and don’t want to pay five bucks for a bag of ice that’s far more than you need, the system is a tidier option than dumping raw cubes in. Just know it’s sold separately, so factor that into the price.
Buy it if you want a day-trip cooler that carries like a normal pack and doesn’t have the bulk of a Yeti or an IceMule. It’s the right call for hikers, bikers, paddlers, and beach-bound families who value a smart size-to-insulation ratio. If genuinely recycled materials matter to you, the PrimaLoft story here is the real thing, not a sticker.
Skip it if you need ice to survive a multi-day trip. This is a day cooler, full stop, and a hard-sided chest will serve you better for car-camping a week out. Ultralight backpackers counting grams will find it heavier than they’d like for the volume, and bargain hunters will balk at the premium price. And if you assumed the cooling packs came in the box, know up front that they don’t.
Final Thoughts
The Dometic Unrestricted is the soft cooler that finally solved the problem of looking and carrying like a soft cooler. For day missions a little further out of reach, it’s a fantastic mobile snack station and cold-drink provider. It’s versatile enough to double as an everyday pack, built from materials I’m happy to stand behind, and watertight enough to trust. It won’t win an ice-retention contest against a hard cooler, and the separately sold ice packs aren’t anything special, but for a family that wants one civilized way to keep food and drinks cold on the trail without the bulk, this one earns its spot on trips a little further out.
Heads up: This guide contains affiliate links. If you buy through one, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you — it helps keep our guides free. It never changes our picks or their order. Read our Gear Review Policy.
Traveling with kids is a special kind of madness. No matter how many times we do it and how prepared we may think we may be, something always goes wrong. We’ve been puked on when the seatbelt sign is on. Luggage has been lost, connections missed, and snacks forgotten.
But somehow, we always come back to do it again. Not because it’s easy, but because the experiences will leave lasting imprints on our kids (and us) to help form good character throughout life. One hack we’ve learned is to have a good travel bag. And after receiving and testing dozens of bags the past few years, we’ve found a few that really stand out.
Take a look at these bags and give them a try. We’re confident that there will be one to suit your need, whether the tiny and packable to the extra large and premium.
We are big fans of the No Reception Club bags, in all their different shapes and sizes.
Bottom line: If you need only one bag, the No Reception Club Hideaway Duffel is the premium piece of equipment that will keep you organized and build better packing habits.
How We Tested The Travel Bags
These bags have been taken on planes, trains and automobiles; to sandy beaches, and to cold mountain cabins. Since having kids we have spent most of our time at home in British Columbia, home to the coastal rainforest, west coast beaches, and the mountains of the Sea to Sky. We’re also fortunate enough to have friends in Hawaii that we house-sit for, so we go there at least once a year — sometimes two or three (with gratitude). So the bags we take along the way have been through pretty much every climate except arctic and desert.
Our Picks for the Best Family Travel Bags
Pick
Best for
Price (USD)
Capacity
No Reception Club Hideaway Duffel
Organization
$295
42L
Gregory Border Carry-On 40
Weekender carry-on
~$180–200
40L
Patagonia Black Hole Duffel 100L
Large hauls
~$225
100L
Matador ReFraction Packable Duffle
Packable day bag
~$55
25L
Specs verified July 2, 2026 against manufacturer pages. Prices vary by retailer and region — check before you buy.
Best Overall: No Reception Club Hideaway Duffel
Bottom line: Thoughtful design that made us better at packing. You learn how to be more organized just by using this bag.
Pros
✓ Organizing is a breeze
✓ Bag is durable
✓ Removable laundry sack keeps dirty clothes separate
Cons
✕ It’s pricey
At a glance
Price: $295 USD [VERIFY: CAD price — you listed $340 CAD; confirm on noreceptionclub.com]
You don’t get many mom-and-pop brands out there making game changing equipment these days, but that’s just what Gemma and and Daniel Ng have done with No Reception Club. As parents themselves, they were frustrated with what the current market offered for a diaper bag on the go. Several years later and their bags have been a huge success.
It started with the backpack-enabled Getaway bag, which made taking kids on the plane a whole lot more bearable and organized. Their latest offering, the Hideaway Duffel, expands on that success by offering more space for longer adventures.
Our favourite feature is the removable laundry bag that allows you to separate the filthy from the flawless. While the price is up there, the time saved is well worth it.
Gregory makes some excellent backpacks for overnight hikes, so I was curious to try out a different offering of theirs. The Border is a travel backpack is well thought out, allowing you to stash a bunch of stuff in a carry on and open it up in a hotel room without things going everywhere.
The pockets have a good flow to them, from the two large main ones on either side to the multiple smaller item zips that attach to the outside. It’s great for speedy packing on the go, which seems to always happen to our family as we rush to beat the checkout time.
It’s not necessarily family-sized, but will suit the parents, at least, or do well in warmer climates when less clothing is needed. Either way, it’s durable and easy to pack quickly, which is why it earned its keep on this list.
Best Large Travel Bag: Patagonia Black Hole Duffel 100L
Bottom line: If you just want to toss everything in and go, this will do it for you.
Pros
✓ Packs up for easy storage
✓ Super durable
✓ Now PFAS-free [VERIFY: confirm current DWR/PFAS status for this exact model on patagonia.ca]
Cons
✕ Can be awkward to carry if you have other bags too
At a glance
Price: ~$225
Capacity / weight: 100L/56.3 oz
Best for: When space or weight isn’t an issue
Good to know: 100% recycled polyester ripstop with recycled TPU laminate, stuffs into its own pocket, removable backpack straps, Fair Trade Certified
Patagonia needs no introduction, but most people know about their clothing and outerwear. Their bags are no slouch either. This duffel is the go-to for big family adventures when we want to pack it all. We have even made it a traveling beach getaway in one kit.
It’s large, durable, and even packs up to stash away when you don’t need it. It’s nothing fancy, but that’s the point. It’s a big duffel bag to toss in as much as you can, and won’t easily rip. Plus, you can add shoulder straps to lug it on the back. Not the easiest solution, but its better than one of those massive suitcases that takes up space in the closet when not being used.
Best Packable Bag: Matador ReFraction Packable Duffle
Bottom line: A perfect day-tripper that packs to practically nothing and weighs a few ounces, but still holds 25L of essentials.
Pros
✓ Really packable — folds into its own pocket
✓ Strong straps
Cons
✕ Easy to stain — we prefer the black for this reason
At a glance
Price: ~$55 USD
Capacity / weight: 25L · 7.9 oz (225 g)
Best for: A day bag that packs into your luggage when travelling
Good to know: 100D recycled nylon, PFAS-free, YKK zippers, 3-year warranty
We all need a day bag, but packing an empty one can waste some precious cargo space. Matador makes some excellent travel bags that are easy to pack,a nd we found the ReFraction to be in a sweet spot for carrying a good amount of gear during the day, and packing up to a tiny size when in transit.
There’s nothing special about how its organized, but we can attest to its durability, having been a diaper bag tossed in the car, a mobile beach diaper bag, and a snack kit that always held up over the past few years.
How to Choose a Family Travel Bag
Choosing the right travel bag for your family depends a lot on your style. Are you already super organized? Do you have some extra cash or are on a budget? Do you need compartments, or just one big place to stash and spray out when getting to your rental? Answers to these questions and more will help you narrow it down.
Pockets: Is there a good mix of large and small?
Wet/dirty space: Is there a spot for wet or dirty clothes and/or diapers?
Material: Is it water/mud repellent? And how will it look with some rogue marker artwork by your toddler? Black is usually best — unless you enjoy a bit of DIY design from your kid.
Sanity space: Can you fit a book/tablet/laptop in as well, for when you need some time to yourself?
Space for valuables: Is there a small pocket for keys/wallet/phone that’s easy to access when needed — and safe from a stray hand?
Attaches to other bags: Can it fix onto a pull handle for rolling luggage? Can it be worn as a backpack?
FAQ
What size bag do we need for a family trip?
Rough rule of thumb: a 40–42L carry-on covers a few days for one or two people, while a 100L duffel swallows a full family’s clothing for a longer haul. Many families run one big bag plus a packable day bag.
Carry-on or checked?
The odds are you’ll need both. Kids require so many accessories. We fought it for a while but realized that it’s not an easy task to pack light. But a carryon is essential when you need to entertain kids, keep them fed, and have spare diapers. If you can travel with only a carry-on, please reach out so we can interview you and hear your secrets for the world to hear!
How do you keep dirty or wet clothes separate?
Some bags have special compartments or features. The Hideaway Duffel has a laundry sack built-in that has saved us numerous times. Gregory’s Border bag has
The Final Word
If you want one bag to rule them all, go for the Hideaway Duffel. It has literally made us better at organizing things by its layout. But each bag in this review stands out in its category, and we use them all for their specific reasons, going as far as packing them all on long-haul flights. We’ve tested others, but these ones rose to the top.
Whatever the best bag for your family is, make sure it’s built to last. They will get punished over the years, if everything goes to plan. Hopefully this guide helped you narrow some choices down a bit further. If you need any help, please get in touch, we’re happy to answer any questions and help families navigate the beautiful chaos of traveling with little ones.
Is the idea of flying with your kids enough to make you stop in your tracks, stay home and dream of the ‘one day’ when things will become easier? Word on the street – that ‘one day’ ain’t coming. It’s time to embrace doing the hard things now, and the more ya do it, the easier it’ll become. Especially when equipped with the right tools.
The tools of the travel trade begin with your luggage. Believe you me, as an ex-flight attendant with ADHD, I wholeheartedly know the value of staying organized while on the fly. Your bags are the backbone of your trip, to feeling grounded while on the move, lugging your gear and your kids prized possessions.
Bags that make travelling with kids a little simpler.
Look no further than No Reception Club. These thoughtfully designed bags have come from a set of real-life (local Vancouverite) parents whom found a gaping hole in the market of organized travel with kiddos.
The idea of No Reception Club was birthed when their first was just a wee babe, on a 6 hour flight to Hawaii. Where, oh where were their diapers and wipes? With limited opportunity to get up and use the lavs on bumpy busy flights, you don’t want to be stuck questioning where your essentials are, believe you me. Thus came the idea of creating the best possible carry-on baby/toddler/kid bags on the market. They have succeeded, with not 1, but now 3 said bags, and rumour has it a wheelie bag is in the near future.
Blending Gemma’s background in fashion design and Daniel’s idea-generating mind in tech, they care deeply about creating the best kid travel bags out there and the world our children inherit. They know the importance of travel, the lived experience education gained and the connection that comes from being disconnected – to have No Reception.
We could’ve written their mission statement ourselves:
‘We empower parents to go on family adventures because we believe travel becomes more important with little ones, not less.’
Yup. We can get behind their motto. What’s a motto? Nuthin, what’s a motto with you? 😉
With their lifetime warranty, they stand behind their product. And so do we.
Their multi-award winning travel bags, the Hideaway Duffel and the Getaway Bag are so beautifully planned, they’ve kept my jet-lagged and sleep-deprived mind far less messy on the road. No more forgetting which pocket the passports are in when you’re struggling with sleeping kids off a red-eye. I will give a brief summary of why we choose their bags. You can find far more info, more specs and a great blog on their website.
Have we all been here? When the kids finally fall asleep towards the end of the flight, and you wanna maximize their zzz’s, so you wait until the very last minute once you’re organized, to pick ’em up.And again. Too hard waking up a sleeping bébé.
The Sidekick Bag
Our well loved Sidekick bag, kickin’ around for the past 3+ years.
We’ve used the Sidekick bag on the daily since our now nearly 4 year old was just a baby. It’s handy, it’s light, it’s simple and straightforward. It’s conveniently equipped with a change pad, and space for diapers, bum cream – all the essentials. The designated magnetic quick-access pocket for wipes is clever. It feels fuss free, perfect for keeping stashed in your car or stroller, conveniently on hand for whenever the poop face strikes. It’s made simply for diapers, nothing else (other than maybe a few small toys – if you need some help entertaining your wee one while in diaper change mode).
The easy access magnetic opening wipe door.
The Getaway bag 4.0
Our version 1.0 of the Getaway Bag. We be lovin’ this OG just as it is for over 3 years.
No Reception Club bags are designed to evolve with your kids, and that’s just what the design of The Getaway Bag is doing as Gemma and Daniel’s ‘third kid’. They’re not only figuring how to make the most organized bag, they’re answering the question of how to be the most comfortable product on the market
Your backpack will never be heavier and stuffed with more stuff, than when you have a very small child. An organized and comfortable backpack needs to be emphasized during this phase of life.
They’re answering their call to comfort with their latest upgrades. The latest version comes with contoured shoulder straps, an air strip down the back with more structured and denser foam to keep things cool and cozy while navigating airports and new places. They’ve also added a secure sternum strap that stays in place while moving around. The trusty award winning bag still has the same ol’ wonderful design, the inside shelves flexible and removable to arrange different items as interests mature. Feeding, changing, entertainment divided organized shelves, accessed by a side panel and top opening. The opposite side panel zippers open, to reveal an opening that conveniently fits the sidekick bag or any other must-haves.
Our well loved Getaway bag and it’s side shelves.
Also, winning extra points on their social service, direct from their website: ‘Every Getaway Bag sold will help Baby2Baby distribute 20 diapers to a baby in need.‘
The Hideaway Duffel
Not just the best bag for long haul flights, we bring this puppy everywhere, ready for all totally excellent adventures!
The real test came when I slipped in the mud while crossing a stream to get to our backcountry campsite. Although muddy and wet on the outside, the goods inside were intact, dry and clean. Once the mud dried, it easily wiped off, and now over a year later, looks brand new (see first image) thanks to the durable CORDURA® Eco 600D/1200D polyester shell.
This duffel is a narrow personal fave of all No Reception Club’s bags. Although each bag serves a different purpose, this one tames my ADHD sleepy travelling mind the most. I use this bag less while on the go/flights, but more once we arrive. With a customizable and removable organizer insert aka ‘the cubby’, I can keep my daughter’s clothes, jammies and toys separate from my son’s. It’s 42 litre capacity is perfect for 2 toddlers, also meeting the allowed carry-on dimensions. We may have to purchase another down the road to grow our bag space with our growing kids, or just get used to packing less.
Laundry bay on left, cubby installed to divide and conquer!
The added laundry bag is brilliant, as are the odour resistant compartments to keep your stinky socks and soiled shoes in. The handy stash pockets are created to fit easy access items, such as toys, books, and NRC’s accessories – the Dopp Kit, sliders and/or their insulated lunch kit.
c/o No Reception Club. Their kids toiletry bag – The Dopp Kit- fitting perfectly into the top pocket of the Duffel.
The Hideaway Duffel can also conveniently be carried in various ways, with backpack straps, a single shoulder strap, many handles, and a back pocket to fit over your rolley bag.
The Dopp Kit
Small but mighty. No Reception Club really does make feeling organized, with kids, seem simple. This toiletry bag is made for littles to fit their little stash of bathroom stuffs. For us, there’s enough space on short adventures, to fit mom and dad’s things too. With see-through windows and mesh pockets on the inside, no more hide-and-seek in a dark oblivion to find where their things are.
Comparison
Although not comparable in their use, here’s a quick rundown of price and size.
Bag
SideKick Bag
The Getaway Bag
The Hideaway Duffel
The Dopp Kit
Price
$100 CAD
$275 CAD
$345 CAD
$66 CAD
Use
Diaper Fanny Pack
Travel Diaper Backpack
Carry-On Carry-All
Kids Toiletry Bag
Size
3 Litres
24 Litres
42 Litres
23cm x 14 x 4cm
Cons
Can’t think of many. Some fun colours could be nice, as the selection is pretty basic. I get the bags are made for the parents to lug around, but our kids are sparkly, I could see them getting more onboard with them if they looked totally excellent through their eyes.
The price is slightly steep. With their lifetime warranty, you can hope that they’ll stick with your kid for life. I know once our youngest is out of diapers, we can easily repurpose the Sidekick fanny pack as a convenient carry all, and the backpack and duffel are certainly age-less.
If you’re looking for lightweight and flexible bags to take on your next backcountry backpack trip, these may not be for you.
In Conclusion
We’ve been testing No Reception Clubs bag for three years now. We can attest that their product is durable, excellent quality and built to last. With their ethics of paying it forward to baby’s in need, using mostly recycled materials, and inspiring families to get out there and explore, they are creating a better world world for our children – one bag at a time.
👍👍
Stay tuned
This review comes as No Reception Club just released their latest version of their Getaway Bag (June 2026). Word on the street is they’ll also be coming out with a roller bag. So keep your eyes peeled for the latest drop in their delightfully designed family of bags.
Some things in life are worth paying a premium for. If you told me a few years ago as a dirtbag subleasing a basement in Whistler that I would find value in a pair of slippers that cost more than a fancy dinner, I would have thought you were crazy.
Well, two kids, two cats, and an upgrade to a house later, and here I am, telling the world about how much I enjoy OluKai’s Moloa slipper. I have been testing travel slippers for several years now, and these slippers quickly went to the top of the rotation for their packability, comfort, and the way the sole shapes to my foot. And the best part is, they seem to just get better with time.
Read on to see why I rated this the “Best Travel Slipper” after wearing out dozens over the past decade.
It was clear on the unboxing that these weren’t your run-of-the-mill travel slippers due to what stood out right away: The smell. I say that in the best way possible, as the leather denotes a sense of quality that one simply can’t get from polyester or cotton, or any other material that is used for slippers these days.
How the footbed breaks in over time
The gum rubber outsole is the unsung hero of the Moloa slippers. As comfortable as the inside is (and believe me, it really is), the way the outsole molds to the foot is unlike anything else I’ve tested. It’s a perfect balance of support and the ability to feel the ground underneath you.
It’s not without its drawbacks, though. If you have toddlers at home, the outsole will pick up anything on the floor, and stay there. Trying to scrape it off is a chore, and I’m yet to find the right solution to work with it. I might need to upgrade to an industrial solvent or something to get whatever my kids leave behind on the floor off of it. Better than stepping on it with bare feet, I guess.
If anyone knows a good way to scrape off the gunk without ruining the outsole, let us know!
The case for keeping them indoors
I wish these slippers were more acceptable to use out of the home because they are the pinnacle of at-home comfort. They would wear out too soon though and the wear is part of the journey to perfectly shaping your foot. It’s amazing how well it forms and how good it feels.
So keeping them inside will extend the life of them. The same gum rubber that shapes to the foot over time is also incredibly soft, and any gravel or foreign objects would definitely shorten the lifespan.
Buy them if you travel often and want a packable slipper that only gets better with time. It’s the pinnacle of comfort, and will soon become a must-pack item, whether for a weekend getaway or a
Skip them if You’re vegan. The whole thing is made from animals… the leather, the shearling lining, and the wool footbed. But millions of years of evolution kind of knows what it’s doing for comfort and warmth, so sorry to those who don’t use animal products… but synthetic material simply doesn’t mold to the foot the way leather can.
You probably also don’t want it if you spend the majority of your travels camping. There are plenty of camping slippers available that are more rugged, these slippers definitly work best when they are kept inside as much as possible.
Final Thoughts
I really don’t have enough good things to say about the Olukai Moloa slippers. I’m wearing them now at home, I pack them for flights and wear them on staycations to the Nita Lake Lodge, and they just get better with time. OluKai knocked these out of the park and if you value comfort and don’t mind paying a bit extra, these slippers are a fantastic choice.
We care about the recommendations we make. We sometimes (not all the time) use affiliate links to help keep the site running. Every item here has been hand-tested through years of professional outdoor work and surviving weekend trips with my own toddlers. Learn more about our Gear Review Policy here.
Being a dad is the greatest privilege I’ve had in life. There is no ifs, ands, or buts that could come close. But that said, it’s a hard, mostly thankless job that usually ends up being the one with all the dirty work: taking out trash, cleaning up the puke, and mastering the harmony in Moana’s “How Far I’ll Go”.
Well, aside from another octave, there is no limit to how far our love for our kids will go. And if the dad you’re shopping for is anything like me, we appreciate a little bit of thought and kindness to recognize just how much we are loved and valued through all the chaotic noisy moments.
As someone who tests gear for a living, I’ve been lucky to be able to take a look at some of the latest and greatest gear out there. A lot of it is same-old, same old, but once in a while I’m sent something that becomes part of the regular rotation. Here’s what I’ve been liking lately, and are some quality items for fathers to make the most of their time outside.
Bottom Line: Comfortable, warm, more breathable than most.
I have a few flannel shirts, yet nothing is really made of pure flannel these days. A lot is polyester and it gets hot and sweaty without the comfort. Cotton flannel is good but it’s both expensive and no good when wet.
Freefly is a great apparel company that is making a foray into a new type of yarn called Seawool, which mixes polyester with oyster shells to give a bit more circular type of material to the standard outdoor fare. Add in a majority of cotton, and the result is a fabric blend that feels soft but can handle the rigours of outdoor use. It’s my go-to when I’m wanting to have a bit of warmth while camping or hiking, but still have a classy look that keeps mom whistling.
Heads-up: Metal hardware can corrode near salt water
Bottom Line: The most comfortable flip-flops I’ve worn, that only get better.
I’ve been wearing these flip-flops for two years, pretty steadily. While other flip flops wear out pretty quickly, these have held up and only get better with time. The secret to them is in the midsole and outsole; and the cushioning is a step above any other premium flip-flop I’ve tried. The only issue is the small emblem on top corrodes in salt water, so if you’re going in the ocean a lot, keep that in mind. Otherwise, it’s as solid as they come for a premium flip-flop at a more-than-reasonable price.
Performance: Best for Sunday mornings and long-haul flights
Bottom Line: Pricey for a pair of slippers… but totally worth it.
If you really need to give the dad in your life a gift that he will remember, this might be it. It has been hard to find anything else that has come close to the comfort my feet have when slipping the Moloa slippers by Olukai on. They really are that good.
The only downside is that the rubber on the outsole is so soft, they are best suited for indoors. If it were a bit sturdier, I’d probably take them everywhere…. but then it would lose some of the magic.
If there is anything bad to say about these it’s that the soft rubber attracts anything that it touches and for a dad of two toddlers, that’s quite a lot. So aside from scraping off thrown food and hair from the cat… I guess it’s better than stepping on it with bare feet.
Bottom Line: It looks good, performs well, and stands the test of time.
Every dad should have a multitool. This one is a step up in detail, quality, and looks compared to your average Leatherman or Home Depot special. The swiss know how to do things right and Dad will feel the sophistication, whether or not he earns it. The bowed shape makes for extra leverage and all the knives are a premium quality. It also comes in a snazzy leather case.
Bottom Line: Lightweight, yet durable, and functional.
Ultralight gear is rad, but sometimes sacrifices functionality. This is the first pack that I’ve tried that is less than 2 lbs that actually feels like a normal pack. The carbon stays help keep the frame solid while not weighing you down.
While we may not be crushing major thru-hikes at this point in life, it’s still important to maximise the time you do have to get away, so getting lighter gear will help you go a bit deeper before needing to turn around. This pack checks so many boxes in convenience, ease, and well-thought out engineering to make it a great getaway pack. I wrote a deeper review on another site I write for, Alpine Islands, check it out if you’d like to learn more.
Bottom Line: The bag that makes anyone automatically become more organized.
I’m a throw-it-in-a-duffel type of guy, and that came at odds when having kids. When a kid’s snack from last week’s ends up sitting with an emergency change of clothes, you learn fast that bags like the No Reception Club Getaway Bag are worth their weight in gold. My life is significantly easier when this bag is well-packed for spontaneous road trips and missions to the beach or park.
The bag evolves with kid’s ages, and we’ve had this since the infant stage with no end in sight. The sidekick fanny pack fits into one of the side pockets and is used even more often due to how small it is. But the backpack makes any travel situation from road trips to overseas flights remarkably easier with enough compartmentalization to endure several days of chaos.
It’s not the prettiest photo, but hey, its proof that we actually use the bag to help us keep things neat while flying.
For the Dad Who Hates Texting But Loves Playing Spy Games
If you’re like me and want to leave the phone in your pocket whenever possible, communicating by radio when on adventures adds a whole other element of family fun.
Range: 35+ mi line-of-sight; 1–5 mi in mountains; ~1 mi in town
Battery: 3–5 days, USB-C rechargeable, cold-tolerant to −20°F
Waterproofing: IP56 (splash and snow, not submersible)
Heads-up: IP56 handles snow and splashes, not whitewater — if you’re packrafting or kayaking hard, the 5-Watt Expedition ($180) is the one
Bottom Line: These radios are reliable, can take a beating, and are some of the best performing 2-watt radios I tested over the years.
It’s endless fun with the kids while hiking or at the campsite, and they are fun to take on adult missions into the backcountry as well. You don’t get many useful tools that can work in both worlds very often.
These glasses are so wildly impractical that it works. Designed for the retro aprés ski scene, they stand out like a radical relic in other circumstances. If the dad you’re buying for doesn’t give a damn what people think and sets their own standard of cool, these glasses are the ones to get. I love how they feel on the face, the optics, and the smiles people give me when I wear them in more square environments.
Bottom Line: Great wraparound protection for long summer days
It stays on your head, it’s polarized, and it protects you. What more do you want? These have quickly become a staple due to their reliability, good vision when it’s really bright out, and a timeless style that takes me back to before skateboarding and snowboarding went mainstream.
Spy optic just seems to give me the good nostalgia and if the father in your life grew up in the 90’s, this will be a good reminder of the counterculture part of the era in contrast to the mainstream pop. More Deftones than Ace of Base. So for that, it’s a good purchase.
You go to the trouble of choosing better water, better coffee, better everything you put in your body. Then you store it in a bottle that leaches into it. The dads I know who care about this stuff have all eventually arrived at the same conclusion: the vessel matters too.
Insulation: 12 hr hot / 24 hr cold (lid-dependent)
Lid options: Element (carry handle, screw-off), Union or Scope (drinking lids)
Heads-up: Only the Scope lid is dishwasher safe
Bottom Line: Coffee tastes like coffee. Water tastes like water. The mug stays out of the way.
I just received this as a sample and am thoroughly impressed. I’m enjoying coffee from it right now. The spillproof lid doesn’t splash out all at once when you open it, and the external handle gives dad better ergonomics than holding the whole girth of the cylinder.
There’s a silicon dioxide coating on the inside that apparently blocks impurities from latching on, such as the dreaded coffee stain on most stainless coffee mugs. Time will tell if this is for real or just a gimmick, but they are standing behind their claim for now and even without that fact, It’s a handy upgrade from a coffee cup without a handle or spillproof lid.
Compact, spill-proof, and easy to hold. All signs of a great coffee mug.
This list comes from spending the better part of the decade as a journalist covering outdoor gear and getting all kinds of pitches; big and small. Everything here has been tested to its full extent as a dad who needs things to hold up to abuse by both myself and my toddlers. It’s all good stuff that I use daily.
I usually take more photos, but it’s been a busy time around the household. If you’re reading this far though, just know that I wish I could have had the time to take a bit more shots in the wild, but my M.O is to enjoy my time, not doing it for likes from strangers.
And although the father in your life doesn’t need anything fancy, it’s nice to give him something that lasts and serves its purpose well. A more relaxed dad means hitting those high notes for the big solo on the sing-alongs, so really a good gift for father’s day will just make for a better singing partner in the long run.
One of the coolest things about the YETI Camino Carryall bag is the weight capacity. At 300lbs, it stands up to YETI’s reputation for being virtually indestructible. at 30 lbs, that means my toddler is well under the weight limit.
I’d be lying if I said that I didn’t carry her in this bag when times got tough. It’s much easier than dealing with someone who refuses to walk and becomes dead weight in their arms. Plus, she actually likes it and thinks it’s a ride.
And the bag? It’s awesome. We’ve reviewed a bunch of beach bags, and this one wins in the durability department. We use it all the time, both around our home base in Vancouver and at our second home on the North Shore of Hawaii. it is our go-to for beach and pool activities, and after two years, still has every seam in place. Will you and your family like it as much? Read on to find out the good and bad of it all.
We take pride in only recommending products we actually use and enjoy. We never take payments for sponsored posts, but use commissions on referrals to help pay the bills. You can read more about our gear review policy here.
Capacity: 35L, with gear loops for extra storage Handles: Large and small Self-Standing: Yes
Pros: Wide opening, stands on its own, super durable Cons: No ability to seal the top
We live about a five-minute walk to the beach, and even then, it can sometimes feel overwhelming. The best way we’ve found to reduce the overwhelm is reducing the time from “let’s go to the beach” to when we are actually out the door. Having a bag ready and packed has been the game-changer everyone should seek out.
With two toddlers at home, we do need more than others, especially since one is still in diapers. But the beauty of the beach is that it’s one of the world’s best babysitters. So other than snacks, towels, sunscreen, some water, and a change of clothes, you don’t need a whole lot else.
The best part of this bag (in this humble writer’s opinion) is how it keeps its shape and you can toss stuff in and pull them out in seconds. Some may find it too rigid, but we don’t pack this bag away. It’s ready by the door the moment that we decide to go, before anyone has a chance to think twice.
The two internal zip pockets provide excellent shelter for valuables or anything we really don’t want to get wet. It’s not as convenient as the main pocket, but there are two internal pop-out pockets that can house some wet gear, a water (or wine) bottle, or a book to keep you from digging to the bottom when its needed.
We run a pretty lean beach kit and the 35L swallows all of it without complaint. The one thing we don’t house in here is diapers. We keep those in a dedicated fanny pack that lives alongside the Camino, with a small emergency stash tucked into the internal pockets just in case. If you’re not in the diaper stage, you’ll have even more room to play with.
The internal pockets are fine for small items, but don’t expect a lot of organizational structure. This bag is built for throwing things in and pulling them out fast, not for finding your car keys at the bottom.
A radio is a great use case for attaching something to the outside.
The Wide Mouth Problem
Here’s the honest con: it’s not that the bag can’t handle water, it’s that the top is completely open to it. The exterior sheds splashes well enough, but if a wave catches you off guard or someone cannonballs nearby, whatever is sitting at the top is fair game. It’s a trade-off — the same wide mouth that makes packing effortless is the reason you’ll want to be thoughtful about where you set it down at the beach.
The side pockets fold in when used, and are out of the way when you don’t need it.
Different Sizes
We have the 35L version but it also comes in 20L and 50L versions if you want something smaller or larger. Any family larger than 4 might need the larger version. A single adult or a couple will probably do fine with the 20.
Durability and Cleaning
Two years of weekly beach trips and it still looks like itself…mostly. The exterior cleans up well with a rinse, and the top strap has held its shape throughout. It does carry a bit of a lived-in look at this point, but for a beach bag, it would feel out of place if it was spotless. Nobody is buying this to keep it pristine. You’re buying it because it can take a beating and keep showing up.
Is It Worth the Price?
The Camino isn’t cheap, but it lasts. What you’re paying for is gear that doesn’t ask to be babied. If your equipment gets thrown in trunks, dragged across sand, and stuffed full of wet towels on a regular basis, you’ll find the price makes sense over time. A $30 canvas tote will do the job for a season, if you’re lucky. This one just keeps going. The internal zipper pockets are worth it just to keep your valuables from getting destroyed by sand and salt water.
You’ll appreciate the self-standing feature when you have an open bag of snacks!
Final Thoughts
For those with a bit of budget to make beach life easier, we really enjoy the simplicity that the Yeti Camino Carryall Tote adds to our lives. It is one thing to want to go to the beach when the sun comes out, and it’s another thing to get all the pieces together. So if you are the type that is impulsive and spontaneous, you’ll do well with a bag that is ready to go, lasts long, and can carry your kid home when they run out of juice.
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Packing for the beach is a chore. Add kids to the mix and it becomes so daunting that it might even be overwhelming enough to not want to go. We’ve definitely been there, and we live a five minute walk from the beach. It’s more than half the battle to even get out the door when you have to think of all the snacks, diapers, toys, sunscreen, towels, etc. that make a beach day run smooth.
Enter the Beach Tote. What was once a simple bag has now evolved to a handy, durable mobile command station for essentials on the go. What makes a beach tote better than other bags is the speed at which you can toss gear into it and be on your way—and vice versa when you get there.
As a family of four, with one still in diapers, it’s amazing how much we need to pack for a successful day at the beach. But we’re getting the hang of it, living a five-minute walk from the beach at home and doing a few trips to warmer climates each year, complete with our beach kit in a duffel bag. But the tote still reigns supreme for day missions. Read on to see what has passed the test over the years of testing these professionally for different outlets, and now bringing you our favourites on our home site.
Bottom Line: This thing is a beast, and is meant for those who know how to pack well. the multitude of accessory loops provide virtually unlimited customization. The bag also comes with a lifetime warranty.
Kitworks is a new brand that launched early 2025. Founder Greg Mills designed the Gear Tote (among other bags) based on his own experience dealing with outdoor gear and never having something that matched his obsession over organization. As someone who lacks a similar affinity, I’ve gotta say that I really appreciate how much detail and care went into the system. This is not for people who just toss their gear in and throw it out, or at least strive to be more. The multitude of slats—both inside and outside—combined with additional accessory compartments make this tote a dream for making life easier. It’s also the only tote that had a separate, removable wet gear storage ($15 extra) that you can stash neatly out of the way that hooks on with ease.
For those with MOLLE enabled accessories, you’re in luck. The loops on the inside and outside will give you even more opportunity to customize this bag to your heart’s content, giving this bag far too many uses beyond a beach tote to list here in our review of beach totes.
The bag is marketed more for a single sport such as climbing, skiing, or mountain biking, and all the accessories that come with it. And there’s no question—this tote can do the trick in any of those situations as well. But for family beach adventures, it’s a solid (both literally and to use the parlance of our times) unit that will withstand years of abuse. I try to stay out of tech talk but the bag features 900D ripstop TPU on the exterior, which is the highest-numbered denier rating I’ve seen out there for a bag like this. It’s rugged, and can take a beating, and do it all again the next day.
On top of all that, Kitworks uses (mostly) recycled materials and donates 1% of profits to causes promoting responsible recreation. If you enjoy rooting for the smaller companies, this one is now on your radar.
Pockets: Internal water-resistant zip pockets, fold-out side pockets for water bottles
Attachments: 16 External Gear Loops, large
Closure: G-Clip
Self-Standing: Yes
Bottom Line: This was our favourite tote for when you’re in a hurry and need to just toss everything in and GTFO of town. It’s solid and rigid, and is just big enough to toss a day’s worth of supplies without getting too large and cumbersome.
The inside pockets of the Yeti Camino
When most people think of Yeti, durability comes to mind. And we can get that part out of the way really quick: This bag has been tested at 300lbs. We didn’t test that as it’s pretty hard to find anything that small that weighs 300lbs (unlike Yeti who probably had a few spare gold bricks laying around by now). So I guess we will have to take their word for it. The construction certainly is solid, though.
But the construction isn’t what stood out the most. The main thing is just how easy the grab-and-go portability really is. Of all the totes we tested, it holds its shape the best. This is good if you have a lot of storage space, but it doesn’t exactly store well. But the idea is that you’ll be using this enough to not be stashing away in the basement any time soon.
The bag itself is waterproof and can take a pretty good beating. Inside the bag, there are two zippered pockets on either end, and two collapsible compartments on either end for stashing a water/wine bottles or anything that you want to keep easy tabs on. Outside the bag are enough gear loops to attach plenty of extra items, should you need it.
Closure: Roll top and buckle (dry bag), G-clip (tote)
Self-Standing: Yes
Bottom Line: This essentially a dry bag moonlighting as a tote. If dryness is preferable above having customization or compartments, this might be the top pick.
We live in coastal British Columbia, meaning it rains. And by rains, I mean it rains a lot. So if you are only a fairweather adventure family around here, you won’t be doing much half the year. RUX is a brand just up the highway from us, in not-so-sunny Squamish, BC. And what would you know? They made a tote bag that is pretty much a fancy dry bag, but with the convenience of a rugged tote.
Their waterproof bag is advertised at 30L, but when you extend the roll-top dry enclosure, it can fit much more than that. We were able to put everything but our waterproof gear inside it, and have it still be effectively waterproof.
Although great for keeping water out, the bag does fall short in some of the other areas where the extra organization comes in handy—especially when you’re talking about diapers and other baby-related accessories. The bag does have two internal pockets, but they don’t have any enclosures.
Handles: Small and large handles in center, side handles for easy grabbing/moving
Pockets: Several mesh pockets on inside, weather resistent zipper pocket on outside
Attachments: External gear loops
Closure: Two buckles
Self-Standing: No
Bottom Line: This tote is just as good as anything else we tested, and a fraction of the price. There wasn’t anything that stood out as above the rest, but is rugged, durable, and well-designed.
Cotopaxi is a brand that we enjoy giving good press to, simply because they are a company that values a whole lot more than profit. For that reason, it’s worth directing your hard-earned money to a company that is doing a lot to care. But feel-good PR aside, it’s a great bag. It’s spacious enough to throw a day’s worth of gear in it, with room to spare—with more than your average organization that comes standard. The inside is all lined with pockets that were perfect for stashing diapers and the kids’ spare clothes.
On the outside, you have an array of gear loops that make for easy tying-on or down, allowing for much more than the 60L inside. We’ve been using this tote for 2 years and while there’s some signs of being used, none of the wear is damaging to the integrity of the bag. We loved it on our trip to The Twin Fin in Waikiki for the ease of tossing things in and out quickly, but with a multitude of pockets to organize the essentials, cash, phone, etc along with everything else.
It’s a great all-arounder that, despite not being self-standing, allows for easy packing and unpacking thanks to the wide opening.
For a totally minimalistic approach where you just want a few items, this new tote/towel from Rumpl is a fantastic option. It also might be a pure fantasy to be in a review page for families, but hey, there are hopefully times where mom or dad can duck away for their own time, and if so, a minimalistic approach might be well received. The towel itself is quick-drying and antimicrobial. It’s great to be able to flip it inside out and toss in a few extras, as well as a zipper pocket for phone/keys/wallet. Sometimes, a towel is all you need!
It’s not everything, but most things we bring on a beach day…
Beach totes have become a big part of our beachgoing experience lately. There’s something far less stressful about them when trying to get out the door with two little minions who, regardless of mood, still need us to dress them, put sunscreen on, get them in and out of the car, all while packing for mom and dad…
We’re starting to get more dialed with it, and when I’m feeling super on it I’ll have it pre-packed for when we are able to go on a moment’s notice after a change in weather or circumstance. We live in Vancouver where there are a plethora of kid-friendly beaches close to us. But even still, getting out the door with all the necessary accessories can seem daunting on a good day.
Once life could be lived with spontaneity it opened up a world of possibilities as a family. This was especially true on summer days after work, when the thought of getting ready to go to the beach felt daunting. Now, the impulse has far greater strength when we know that the bag’s already packed. And thanks to using a beach tote, it’s super easy to throw things in last minute as you’re walking out the door.
So we’ve been using these totes for the past two summers, learning more about packing smart and being able to have a beach kit handy to go. Starting with a wider range of bags we narrowed it down to the four you see here, and really got to know them better.
That way, we can really test these four bags in more depth and find out what really makes each one stand out, or not measure up. It also helped us really appreciate the idea of grab-and-go portability, which is where beach totes and their ilk seem to rise above other bags for this particular purpose.
The self-standing option of the YETI camino comes in handy with an open bag of snacks!
Testing Criteria for Determining The Best Beach Totes
To make things more fair and uniform, I did a separate test beyond everyday use so that there was a bit of consistency in what I was testing. It could have been a bit more comprehensive in retrospect. You’ve got to give me a bit of a break as I needed to get this done in the short period between after work and dinnertime, while still having time to enjoy the kids. It might have been hasty but it’s thorough and objective, something that all online gear reviewers unfortunately can’t say. You know who you are…
But that’ s another story altogether. For now, here’s what we included in the test:
Blanket: Nomadix Puffy Blanket
Dad’s Jacket: Patagonia Waxed Cotton
Mom’s Warm Shirt:
Diapers
Wipes
Two Snack containers (Snapware)
Sunscreen
Headlamp, just in case
Car keys
Two Chairs: Crazy Creek Hex 2.0 Longback and Aircliner
Two Rockie Talkie 2 Watt radios
2 Towels
Spare clothes for the kids
This list is obviously not exhausting, as mentioned above. We’re missing a water bottle, some of those applesauce pouches, a stuffed animal or two, and the all-important beach toys. None of the bags were stuffed full though, so one can assume that
Hosing down the bag for a few minutes to simulate rain… everything stayed dry!
How to Choose The Ideal Beach Bag
Everyone’s family operates a bit differently, so you probably know what type of beach tote suits you better than anyone else. Maybe it’s even a basic reusable grocery bag, and that’s totally fine. This guide is to help people get something a little more premium and long-lasting, as well as with a bit more organization to help make beach missions with children just a little bit easier.
So have a look at this guide to hopefully help you have a bit more in your day enjoying the beach, and less time preparing for it.
Durability
This is a major factor for choosing a beach tote. After all, if the bag won’t hold up under abuse, you might as well not invest your hard-earned dollars in it. Many bags are made from some type of oil-based material like Polyester or nylon, with a TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane) coating for waterproofing and extra rigidity.
If you see a product boast about a number with a D following, that relates to the Denier rating. Basically, the higher the D-rating, the thicker the fiber used in weaving it. This is not the same as a thread count, which measures how tight a weave is. Generally speaking, given everything else equal, the material with a higher number will be more durable.
Gear Loops
All the beach bags we reviewed have a space to attach extra gear through loops. There are two different kinds in this review. One is with sewn-on loops (Cotopaxi and Yeti) and the other is the MOLLE style loops that are cut out of the material (RUX and Kitworks).
Sewn-on loops generally have more space to work with, and are easier for tying a rope/cord around, or to clip a carabiner onto in a hurry. The cutout loops are more of a lower profile, so have a lesser chance of getting caught onto something. It’s also a bit tougher to thread a piece of rope or cord onto. Not that it can’t be done, but it will just take some extra time.
Pockets
Yes, a beach tote can be considered one giant pocket. But aside from that, it helps to have a few extra smaller pockets on hand to avoid digging through a black hole when you really need something.
Some pockets have an enclosure such as velcro or a zipper. This is more important if you’re trying to stash valuables such as a wallet, keys, or a phone—basically anything that would ruin your day if it went missing at the beach.
If you’re the type that doesn’t throw their gear around too much and leaves the tote upright (and your kids do too), then having pockets that close isn’t as big of a deal. But make sure you know what and how much stuff you want to give extra protection, as it could affect what bag you end up buying.
Clean-ability
Families on the go are guaranteed to make a mess. It’s pretty much inevitable. But how quickly can that mess disappear? We rated the different totes on hose-ability, and how quick a wipe with a rag can do the trick.
The RUX Waterproof tote was the easiest. The TPU-coated nylon wipes clean in seconds.
The Yeti Camino took a bit more effort due to the weave pattern in the material. Stubborn stains would take a bit more scrubbing. The inside was all good, though. The Kitworks tote cleaned well but the handles weren’t so easy for cleaning stains. Same with the Cotopaxi bag, with the added hassle of the inner lining not being the easiest to clean.
We hope this review helped make your decision a bit easier. If you love beach getaways and want to pack the whole kit and caboodle, check out our recommendation for the ultimate beach duffel setup for your checked baggage. We have many more Gear Reviews for you to check out, hope it helps somehow! See you out there!
The secret to a good beach tote is in the details. Anyone can grab an oversized bag and stuff it with anything and everything they want to haul down for an afternoon on the sand. But there are a few excellent beach bags out there that go above and beyond to help families stay organized with piles of necessary stuff: snacks, diapers, extra clothes, towels, money… Not that you need me to go through a list that you already know.
There are a few bags we found to rise to the top, but one bag clearly stood out as one of the best all-around beach totes for its well-thought out design, water resistance, and the fact that it comes from a good company doing good things in the world.
It’s Cotopaxi‘s Allpa 60 Gear Hauler Tote, and it really is a remarkable piece of equipment. We’ve been using it for our family for nearly three years now and while we can’t speak to any improvements, the original is still going strong without anything falling apart. We’ve taken it all over and even included it in our checked luggage beach kit.
Read on to find out what we like about it, what’s not so good, and who might enjoy it the most.
Cotopaxi Allpa 60 Gear Hauler Beach Tote: First Impressions
Size: 60L
Handles: Small and large handles in center, side handles for easy grabbing/moving
Pockets: Several mesh pockets on inside, weather resistent zipper pocket on outside
On first sight, the bag didn’t look like much. It looked durable, sure, but was it worth the expense? Even without diving into the features, the durability was enough for second pause. The water resistant (but not submersible) exterior felt like it could withstand a beating. The handles are solid, giving you both the option to carry by hand or use the longer loops to throw over the shoulder. but it was inside that really made me take notice.
Lined all around the inside of the bag are mesh pockets that allow you to place smaller items out of the way. This has become invaluable for diapers, extra clothes, and snacks. The outside pocket is great for valuables, as it has a zipper and is part of the water-resistant exterior.
But when it really shined was when we finally started packing everything in there. It’s like it keeps on going. And just when you think you can’t pack in anything else… you can add extras onto the gear loops. Excessive? Perhaps. But if you truly want to master the art of the beach day, you’ll want to carry everything in one load from the car. And this bag will allow you to do that, and not explode when you do get to the beach.
Notable Features of the Cotopaxi Allpa Gear Hauler Beach Tote
We pretty much already went through this section but I’ll outline it in a bit further depth. The big standout feature in this beach tote is the water-resistant exterior. Nearly three years on and it’s still holding up strong. And if the tide comes in (I know this from experience), it’ll provide enough protection until you wisen up.
Another great feature that helps with packing is the internal buckles that hold the bag together when it’s packed full. The straps will cinch tight to keep items from splaying out too far, and in doing so, makes it easier to carry.
But the big feature wiht this bag is the many options you have to line the bag with smaller items that won’t get mixed up with the general population. This is great for when you need to reach for a snack or drink to quell a meltdown… and being able to know exactly where that item is in those critical seconds will be a lifesaver.
The inside pockets are a huge game changer compared to a standard beach tote.
Drawbacks
There isn’t really much that we can say about this bag that is a bad thing. I guess if I had to get pedantic, I’d say that while the exterior is great, it’s not fully waterproof… and you feel like it should be with how rigid it is. I haven’t seen it soak through, though… and for the most part it’ll repel enough water. Dry bags do exist, so this is probably a good intermediary before that, as long as you’re not out in the rain.
The bag also doesn’t stand up on its own, which makes packing easier but can be a pain if it topples over at the wrong moment. Most of the time it stands up well, but there have also been times where I forgot to buckle the inner straps and things started to splay out. It just takes a bit of learning and mindful packing to make sure it doesn’t topple over the moment you set it down.
Final Thoughts
The Allpa 60L Gear Hauler tote has fast become an essential part of beach days, pool days, and any time you need to toss a ton of gear into the bag really quickly. We’ve all been there… meltdown occurs or an emergency happens and we need to book it as fast as we can. This tote makes packing in a hurry super easy. The fact that you can open it wide and get everything out just as easy is excellent, and it cinchs tight to make it easy to carry. You can tell that this is a well thought-out bag from a great company that does a lot of good out in the world. You can’t say that about many companies these days.
We’re big fans and know that most families will appreciate something that lasts longer and makes their lives easier, and we have a hearty recommendation to try this one out!
Everything you see here could fit inside the tote.
Thanks for reading! We offer plenty of gear reviews to help mindful families choose gear that will last a long time and goes further than just making some shareholders wealthy. We follow a gear review policy to ensure we can stand behind our recommendations. We use affiliate links to help pay the bills, but never compromise our word for selling out. All of our reviews come from the heart.
We saved over $1000 by not renting beach gear in Hawaii last year. A bold claim, yes, but if you see how much we packed into a 100L duffel below, it’ll start to make sense.
One of the most surprising expenses on a beach vacation is renting beach gear. If you get the good stuff, you’ll be paying $50-100 per day. And if you cheap out, you will probably end up with gear that is a pain to lug around and set up.
By making an upfront investment and bringing your own gear, it’s possible to have a complete beach setup that will last many years, ensuring that no matter where you go, the family will have a comfortable time all day at the beach. And being able to maximize beach time is what we’re all about! So read on to find out more on the ultimate beach setup that can fit on one checked bag.
It really is amazing how much can fit inside a 100L duffel bag!
The Math: Why Checking a Bag is Cheaper Than Renting
Beach days require a bit of gear if you want to spend all day out there. You’ll want shade, blankets, towels, a beach tote, chairs, and a cooler as a minimum. Companies exist that rent beach gear, but even a basic package can be $60 per day, with more premium offerings like shade fetching up to $200 per day.
Instead, you can check a duffel bag full of your own beach gear, and have it be under the 50lb limit. If it goes over, the $100 oversize fee is still much cheaper than renting a daily rate.
Read on to see what we pack that made our two weeks in Hawaii a bit more affordable, thanks to our own gear that will last for many years to come.
It’s essentially indestructable and can be tossed around without worry of too much damage. The recycled, PFAS-free materials is weather resistant yet strong enough to take a beating. Plus, without any hard frame to content with, it’s really light. It also gets good bonus points for packing up into its own pocket when not in use to stay out of the way.
The bag also has two backpack style straps for relatively easy carrying. Alternatively, it’ll fit nicely on the luggage cart. It’s pretty amazing how much you can pack into the bag when you start getting into it.
This is our powerhouse when on the road. It does take up a bit of space, but it’s well worth it to have your own shade canopy to use on demand. Being inflatable, it has no frame so it packs up super well. It also helps it be more resistant to the wind. We love this thing, and it’s helped maximise our time on the beach when the sun is shining hot up above. Especially with little ones, it’s important to stay out of the sun midday. This makes it so we don’t have to pack up and leave, we can just have a nap in the shade. Doing so allows us to go to more remote places, away from crowds who are lugging big pop-up shade canopies or need to stay close to vegetation midday.
We made a ton of friends during the Eddie Aikau surf contest at Waimea Bay with our Soli air canopy!
There are a ton of options for packable chairs out there, but we are big fans of Helinox. The chairs are well made, pack up easily, and are relatively lightweight at around 2 lbs a piece. There isn’t much bad to say about these chairs… we’ve been using them for years and they hold up well. They do get a bit sun bleached, but think of that as a bit of a badge of honour to show that they are actually getting use.
The festival blanket is easy for sand management, while the puffer blanket can double as a bit of body warmth when it’s windy and you come out of the water. Both of them pack up nice and small, and weigh next to nothing. If you have to choose between the two, the puffy blanket is lighter while the festival blanket is more versatile.
Doubling as a waterproof dry bag that floats, the Icemule Jaunt keeps drinks and food surprisingly cold, while at the same time being able to pack away into the duffel with minimal space. It weighs only 1kg, which is pretty darn good for a cooler.
The Allpa is one of the top picks in our list of the Best Beach Totes for good reason. It fits a ton of stuff, offers multiple pockets on the lining, is weather resistant, and has gear loops on the outside for extra attachments. All in all, it’s a secret weapon at the beach, and allows you to organize your stuff. It’s also great if you just want to have a lighter kit without taking the entire duffel’s worth to the beach for days when it’s not an all day mission on the sand.
(Budget Alternative Tip: If you are slowly building your kit and don’t want to invest in the Cotopaxi just yet, a heavy-duty reusable IKEA blue bag packs completely flat and makes a surprisingly great, sand-proof beach hauler in a pinch!)
The Entertainment: Helinox PLAY Backcountry Games
Total Weight: 2 lbs
Traditional beach toys like massive plastic buckets take up too much volume. Instead, we pack Helinox PLAY Backcountry Games, which use the same ultralight shock-cord frames as their chairs. They keep the kids entertained for hours. HeliDrop is one of our favorites, where all ages can find a bit of challenge, even the littles.
Towels are essential, but a normal beach towel is large and heavy. Our family loves the sand-resistant, rolls-up-small, stylish-looking towels from Nomadix. It might not be as warm and cozy as a cotton towel, but the ability to compress small and fit in the duffel with everything else makes them a big hit. Plus, they are made from recycled waste, so you can feel good about helping remove stuff from the ecosystem rather than adding to it.
There was even room in the bag for some workout gear. Dad got to pack his TRX and Jump Rope to stay fit while everyone got to lounge on the beach. It’s a nice addition for those who don’t want to let vacation time ruin a good routine!
The Final Weigh In:
Patagonia Duffel: 3.5 lbs
Soli Canopy: 18 lbs
3 Helinox Chairs: 6 lbs
Nomadix Blankets: 3 lbs
Icemule Cooler: 2.2 lbs
Cotopaxi Tote: 1.5 lbs
Helinox Games: 2 lbs
Total Core Weight: 36.2 lbs! > This leaves almost 14 pounds for towels, sunscreen, and dad’s workout gear before hitting the 50lb airline limit.
Final Thoughts: Minimizing Overwhelm
There’s no doubt that it’s a bit of an investment in time and money to put together a beach getaway kit that you can put in your checked luggage. But once you’ve got it, you’ve got it, and you have a stress-free beach setup no matter where you fly.
Always check the limits of the airline you’re flying on in case there are different restrictions, however you can usually bet on a 50lb weight limit on major airlines. And if your beach vacation is actually a road trip, then weight isn’t as much of an issue. Still, it’s nice to set the duffel as the limits so that you don’t overpack. 100L is quite a bit of volume, especially if packing well.
Our goal is always to make sure that you have an excellent family adventure, full of memories and good times, learning and growth for the whole family. If you would like to know more, please sign up for our mailing list and stay tuned to more great tips, ideas, and getaways. We hope to see you out there!
The first time I saw a Strider Balance Bike I had to do a double-take. It was several years ago but the memory is still vivid. Here was this little kid cruising the bike path as if they owned the place. The amount of confidence and joy on this kid’s face was contagious. I had to cheer him on.
I immediately got jealous. Why weren’t these things invented 20 years earlier? I first learned how to bike without training wheels at five years old. But the balance bike is a whole new level of progression—far better than what training wheels can accomplish.
As soon as we had kids, I knew that a balance bike was in their future. We got our daughter a well-loved one off of Marketplace. The learning curve was gradual at first, until it clicked for her. Once she figured it out, she was off to the races.
What Makes Strider Balance Bikes So Special?
Being the first in the game has a ton of advantages. Since 2007, Strider has sold over 2 million balance bikes, meaning they have had many years and opportunities to get the design down. The result is a durable, reliable balance bike that can withstand the abuse that a toddler will give it.
Being an independent company also has its benefits. Ryan McFarland started the company with the simple goal of trying to get his son on a bike as soon as possible, but not finding anything adequate in the market. As the company grew and countless children caught the riding bug, the core mission to help young riders never wavered. Nowadays Strider has programs around the world that help riders of all ages learn how to ride a bike.
Strider also provides a ton of free learning resources to help make the experience as smooth as possible. Some of the tips like “support the child, not the bike” went a long way toward a smooth progression for your youngest. After reading through some of the tips, it became clear that this company truly did care about helping children ride a bike as soon as possible.
Our Kids’ Journey With Strider
First Strides
Our daughter got her first Strider balance bike from Marketplace. The tire treads were nearly worn down but the bike still worked like a charm. In retrospect we could have gotten her some new wheels but she didn’t seem to mind—one great advantage of the plastic wheels over rubber tires is their longevity. Being just under two years old, she didn’t seem to mind that the bike had been well-loved by a few other kids and passed down the line.
yes we know, no shoes or helmet… but she was taking it super easy, I promise!
At first she was hesitant, and would only pick up the bike for a minute or two. Then I began to push her uphill and guide her around some corners, which may have instilled some bad habits to rely on me. But eventually, her time on the bike unassisted got longer. The next spring she got a new Strider Pro, and well… the story is still being written but so far, it’s safe to say that she loves it.
Our son got his bike at around 9 months. The rocking base attachment is the perfect tool to acclimate a child to riding a bike in a safe yet fun manner. It was wild how quickly he caught onto the usage, but perhaps that’s why rocking horses have been a staple of any playroom for at least two centuries. It was the perfect introduction to mounting the bike unassisted, which noticeably happened much faster than our daughter who learned without the rocking base.
Gaining Confidence (Learning to Stride)
For our daughter, the big breakthrough came when I would walk her to daycare while she rode the bike. We live on a large hill with a steady grade all the way down to daycare, a distance of about 600m. At first I was hesitant to set my daughter loose on such a long descent until realizing that it was actually perfect.
She instinctively knew her limits. She also knew that at any time, she could put her feet down to stop. Never once did I see her lift her feet long enough to lose control. Maybe she’s an anomaly and it goes without saying, every kid is different—don’t set your child loose on a long hill on this advice alone. But for her, in this circumstance… she nailed it.
The incline allows for momentum without the child needing to push themselves forward. It gave our daughter the ability to coast without supplying the power. It soon became obvious that it was the major difference compared to a flat surface, which all of us parents gravitate to—or I suppose I can only speak for myself, but that was certainly my instinct.
Now the pump track is where she asks to go when we have a free afternoon. It felt intimidating as a parent to set her loose around bigger kids and undulating terrain, but she never seemed scared. I have to remind myself that at that age, fear is not as prevalent as we adults allow into our lives. And in all reality, it’s one of the safest places for a kid to learn. The downslope is never too long, so the speed she carries with gravity ends pretty quick. It also gives her a more 3D balance profile than simply riding on flat ground. And the results speak for themselves:
Our Son’s Introduction To Strider
Our son was 9 months when his Strider Sport arrived at the door. Initially I was thinking we might hold off for a bit until he started walking. But with the removable rocking base that came with the bike, he had a new toy for the living room—one that allowed him a soft introduction to learning how to mount a bike.
First time on the bike was a bit of an investigation… patience is key for the first few months.
The progression was slow, at first. He would size up the bike for a moment, maybe rock it around, and then move on to the next shiny object. But then he began to mount it. Eventually he started rocking back and forth, and I could see he was starting to get it with regards to staying upright. By the time he could walk, he was already really comfortable on the bike.
Once we removed the base, he had enough familiarity to take some steps with the bike. And that’s where he is now. He will take a few steps, but is yet to use his momentum to go forward. But he’s a million times better than if he didn’t have the base to start with. Now he’s gaining confidence each time he goes out. Having a big sister show him the way is a big bonus, and one I don’t take for granted. I’m already seeing how much faster his learning curve is with
Starting earlier than his sister
Having the rocking base
Having a sibling to look up to
Now, he’s not even two and gets excited each time we go out. His coordination is spotty even just walking, but with the bike between his legs he’s figuring it out better than I could ever have imagined.
The Durability of Strider Balance Bikes
Not having tested other balance bike brands (yet), I can’t speak to the durability of others and whether or not the Strider is better or worse than others. What I can say, though, is that Strider bikes are pretty bomb-proof (Disclaimer: not literally, of course).
Our daughter has put her two bikes through the paces and it still rides perfect. It’s what you need in a bike for a toddler, and something I wish was present in other aspects of raising little ones! But through all the drags, hops, drops, crashes, and scrapes, the bikes have performed well. Who knows how long the secondhand bike had been going before she had it (and subsequently passed on to a neighbour) but the bike always performed well, despite some well-loved wear present.
The only real wear and tear was the tread on the tires. But since they are made of a solid plastic and not soft rubber… no inflation/deflation issues! Even when the tread is worn down there is plenty of wheel left for someone who is just getting started.
A little bit of scratching, but no worse for wear! P.S. These bikes tie to the back of a cargo bike really well.
Strider Bike as a Hand-Me-Down
The durability of these Strider bikes means they can be passed down for many years to come. Whether you sell it online for someone who can’t afford it new, or simply donate it to someone deserving, the fact that the bikes have parts that last. So many kids will get to learn how to ride a bike before a Strider reaches the end of its life. When you think of it that way, it’s exciting to realize how many kids’ lives will be impacted with a single purchase.
Final Thoughts
Balance bikes truly are a game changer for how soon a kid can learn how to ride a bike. Balance is the hard part in learning, momentum comes second and for the first time someone figured it out. Strider has been leading the way for nearly 20 years and both us parents and our kids are thrilled with the results so far. With the bikes about to enter their second year in our family, they show no signs of needing replacement, and I’m so stoked to see a passion of mine transition to the next generation.
I’ve dealt with a lot of companies over the years of reviewing gear for this site and others, and in all the interactions I’ve had with employees and what I’ve heard from others online is that they are one of the good guys when it comes to developing a product and bringing it to the market.
What has resulted is nothing short of revolutionary, adding years of bike riding to a childhood and some early core memories on a bike. True it may not be for everyone. But since kids are a product of their environment, if you’re stoked on riding bikes, chances are that they will be too. This year we take our oldest to the trails and the youngest on his way to following his sister around as quickly as possible. It will be a fun journey, and I’m sure there will be an update in here at some point!
Until then, you can consider this our whole-hearted recommendation for your toddler shredder-to-be.
One step at a time… but please stop growing so fast!
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