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Our Resolutions for 2020

We, like many of you, have made our resolutions for 2020. At first we were tempted by the old standards like lose weight, eat better, more exercise and the like. But it seemed like a good time to come up with something new and perhaps more doable. Instead of thinking about what we should do, we decided to focus on what we would like more of in 2020. So here’s our list: we resolve to camp more, move more, travel more and play outside more. We can do this! If you’d care to join us, we’ve put together a few items that we think will help us fulfill our resolutions for the year.

Camp More

Being organized can help streamline setting up camp by cutting down on the time spent searching for specific items through multiple bags. Packing items that are used together in one bag or box makes sense. And if you’ve longed for x-ray eyes to find a particular item within a box or bag, the SealLine Discovery View Dry Bags may be just what you’re looking for. They’re made of a tough, waterproof translucent material so you can see what’s in the bag without opening it. The oval base keeps the bag upright and easy to store, stack and pack.

Need to protect your phone, camera, lens or sunglasses from impact while camping? A Kelty Cache Box is a handy, padded, zippered box with a handle and interior space that can be organized to suit your purpose. The top and bottom are made of EVA, a rubber-like molded plastic that is extremely tough. The Cache Box comes in three sizes, from one perfect for sunglasses to a large box for cameras or a large lens. Other uses include first aid kits to stow away in a car or backpack, and a portable herb and spice rack for camp cooking. The Cache Box has so much potential. How will you use yours?

How is the Nite Ize Radiant 200 Collapsible Lantern and Flashlight like a transformer? With one simple motion it transforms from a lantern into a flashlight! It can be used three ways: as a lantern, as a lantern with a downlight, and, using a gentle sliding motion, it becomes a flashlight. It runs on four AA batteries, has high and low light modes, and is water and impact resistant. You can carry, clip or hang it with its carabiner handle. Illuminate a tent, a campsite, or find your way in the dark with this multipurpose light.

If you’re taking the kids camping, it’s good to be prepared for emergencies. Kids can become so engrossed in exploration that a misstep can result in a skinned knee, a sprain or worse. The Family First Aid Kit from Adventure Medical is child-focused and includes Caring for Children in the Outdoors, a comprehensive guide to first aid for children and a wide range of first aid supplies appropriate for children and adults.  The Family First Aid Kit also includes a mini kit that can be carried in a backpack, stroller or diaper bag.

When the weather forecast for your camping trip is uncertain, you may be concerned that your sleeping bag may not keep you as warm as you would like. Fear not! A Sea to Summit Thermolite Reactor Liner can add up to 14 extra degrees F. of warmth to your sleeping bag. The liner is made of lightweight fleece that is knit rather than woven adding extra flexibility and comfort. It can be easily laundered in a washing machine and can help to keep the interior of your sleeping bag clean. And, as an extra feature, in warm weather, you can use it as a standalone sleeping bag. It packs small in its own stuff sack.

Move More

Beginning or intensifying a Yoga practice is high on many lists of New Year’s resolutions. The promise of increased flexibility, strength and tranquility for dealing with daily challenges is very tempting. But reaching that goal can be difficult if your body is stiff and your hamstrings recalcitrant. The Manduka Recycled Foam Yoga Block can help you gradually overcome the barriers to full flexibility by supporting your increasingly pliable muscles through use in the vertical, horizontal and flat positions and offering stability while mastering asanas.

If you find skintight Yoga pants an obstacle to practice, consider the prAna Women’s Leonora Capri Pants. The Leonora has a looser fit that allows your skin to breathe and your body to move freely while working out.  Made with a bluesign fabric of recycled polyester and spandex with four-way stretch woven in, these mid-rise Capri Pants are comfortable for Yoga and so much more. They even have front patch pockets. If you love leggings and are looking for comfort as well as coverage, prAna’s Leonora may be your new favorite for Yoga or everyday.

Hiking shoes have come a long way. Once upon a time they were heavy, stiff and needed to be broken in. Now we have hiking shoes like the Vasque Women's Breeze LT Low Hiking Shoes that are extremely lightweight and waterproof and are comfortable to wear from day one. The Gore-Tex upper keeps water out and allows feet to breathe. The Vibram sole is lightweight and grippy, cushioning feet and providing excellent stability. Take this shoe on hiking adventures and everyday walks.

Darn Tough socks are well, darn tough. They’re also thoughtfully designed and well-made. The Men's Vertex No Show Tab Ultra-Light Socks have a performance fit that hugs the foot with no slipping or bunching. This ultralight sock has a cushioned sole, integrated arch support and mesh paneling on the top for added breathability. Made of a blend of Merino wool, nylon and spandex that helps to regulate foot temperature, the Men’s Vertex socks are warm in winter and cool in summer. The fine gauge knit adds durability for a sock that lasts.

For those of us who live in warm climates, the Arc'Teryx Men's Delta LT Jacket is a go-to for everyday wear or layering with a shell on rainy days. It keeps the chill off without overheating. The Delta LT is a soft Polartec microfleece jacket made for movement (gusseted arms!) that also wicks moisture away from the skin, is breathable and lightweight.  The deep hand warmer pockets are zippered for added security. It packs down easily for trips and can also be used as a base layer in colder weather or an extra layer for offices with extreme air conditioning.

Travel More

Traveling to a rainy destination but don’t want to pack rain boots? Check out Bogs Women’s Sweetpea Rain Boots! They are 100% waterproof and have the looks to pass for a fashion boot. The interior is cushioned and lined with a wicking material to keep your feet dry. And if you meet with mud or mess, the boots are easily wiped down and ready to go again. These are practical, stylish, quick and easy boots for walking the dog, heading to work or just going out and about in dismal weather.

Have items you need to keep close at hand but you don’t want to carry a purse? The ExOfficio Women’s Sol Cool FlyQ Vest was made for you. This travel vest has eight interior pockets of various sizes and configurations ready to receive your phone, passport, keys, wallet, flashlight and any other travel essentials you need to carry. The exterior hand pockets also include security zippers inside. The vest has an interior drawcord waistband for a more shapely silhouette should you wish to use it and is made of an easy clean Teflon-coated nylon fabric.

Experienced travelers often pack a second bag in their bag for use when they arrive at their destination. The Eagle Creek Packable Tote/Pack fits into its own front pocket for easy packing. When deployed, it becomes an 18L tote that can be carried over the shoulder or worn as a backpack. It’s lightweight, lockable, durable and comes with Eagle Creek’s lifetime warranty. Take the Packable Tote/Pack to the market, on a daytrip, or keep it in the car for use when shopping back home.

Comfortable shoes are a must when traveling. Spending hours on your feet walking and exploring can leave you with foot pain at the end of a long day if you’re wearing shoes that don’t give proper support. Born Men’s Gudmund shoes are made with comfort in mind. The Gudmund has a lightweight rubber outsole, a dual density cushioned foam footbed that supports and adds flexibility, a padded collar, stretch gore tabs and microfiber, moisture wicking lining that will keep your feet dry. Add a spring to your step when you travel with Born Gudmund shoes.

What do you do when you’re traveling and it’s time to recharge your electronic devices? What if you can’t find a safe or usable outlet?  With the ChargeHubGO+ Portable Wireless Charger you’re ready to charge no matter the circumstances. Choose wireless charging for compatible devices by placing your phone on the device’s wireless charging pad. Or use the built in charging cables to recharge multiple phones or devices. To recharge the charger, plug it directly into your existing USB wall adapter. Works for most Apple and Android products.

Play Outside More

The little red wagon has been a part of childhood for over a hundred years. Green Toys Elmo's Wagon is a toddler version of this classic. Made from 100% recycled milk jugs, Green Toys are safe for children and good for the planet. This small, sturdy and durable wagon is for indoor or outdoor play. The cotton rope handle is easy for tiny hands to maneuver, and it can be tucked inside for easy storage. Should the wagon become part of an ‘earthmoving’ project, it is easily cleaned with a hose or in the dishwasher! Elmo’s smiling face graces the wagon’s hubcaps.

When Whole Earthlings travel to events we often take along a selection of our toys to play with. The Toysmith Get Outside GO! Spring Ring Game is one of our favorites. The large springy disks and rubber or splash balls are all you need for some free-form fun. Spring Ring “catch” (or is it “volley”?) can be enjoyed by all ages and fitness levels. It’s excellent for developing hand-eye coordination, but the kids won’t notice because they’re having such a good time. Take it to beach, camping or out in the yard for some fun outdoor play.

In your quest to play outside more, your faithful canine companion would be more than happy to help! The OllyDog Flyer Disc is ready for a game of fetch or tug of war at the park or in the yard. Made of durable, vegan, non-toxic recycled material, it’s gentle on the pup’s teeth and gums. And for those dogs who love to retrieve from water, the OllyDog Flyer floats! OllyDog suggests that the disc is ideal for dogs 25 pounds and over, but smaller dogs have been known to love it as well.

Playing outside more also means planning fun daytrips, hikes or camping excursions. We Texans are lucky to have such a wide variety of landscapes and activities to choose from, especially those found in our Texas State Parks. Laurence Parent’s updated version of the Official Guide to Texas State Parks and Historic Sites gives you both an overview of our Parks and the activities available in each and every one. Consider this book a Texas bucket list. Annotate it with your State Park adventures and create a memory book to treasure in years to come.

In a similar vein, The Swimming Holes of Texas by Julie Wernersbach and Carolyn Tracy can be used as a guide for planning cooling, summertime swimming adventures across the state. The authors have chosen 100 swimming holes and include specific and detailed information for each site including fees, rules and amenities, as well as calling out sites that are good choices for families, are dog-friendly and easily accessible. This is your guide to the best places to swim in Texas.