SALT LAKE CITY — Just because the temperature is cooling down doesn’t mean there aren’t still opportunities for outdoor adventures. Even this late in the fall, you can find beautiful days to enjoy nature without the crowds.

When you’re going on outings as a family, especially when you have young children, the gear needs are definitely different. Here are reviews for 10 products for families that could help make your next outing a success.

Boppy Newborn Lounger =====================

PRICE: $30

GRADE: A

For camping trips, picnics and other outings, the Boppy Newborn Lounger provides a convenient way to keep your baby comfortable and supported. It’s incredibly soft and most babies love relaxing on it.

If you’ve used a traditional Boppy pillow for your babies, you know how resilient and comfy they are. The Newborn Lounger has all those benefits, but makes the whole thing more substantial. It’s like the La-Z-Boy recliner of baby seating, with a recessed interior that generously cradles your child and keeps them safe.

Of course, babies can be messy and the Newborn Lounger has you backed up in the regard. The fabric is stain-resistant and easily wipes clean. Really, it’s that easy to use. Able to accommodate babies up to 16 pounds, the Newborn Lounger is the perfect addition for your next trip.

Burley Bee Bike Trailer =======================

PRICE: $299

GRADE: A

Burley makes top-notch bike trailers and the Bee is their most affordable model. It has most of the features of the more expensive versions. Right out of the box, this trailer is easy to assemble and it can take as little as 15 minutes to set up and ride. My favorite feature was that the wheels are locked into place with a convenient button on the hub. It’s one of the most intuitive systems I’ve come across and makes assembly and storage a breeze.

Even though the Bee is a small trailer by Burley standards, it still offers plenty of room for one or two riders. When we tried it out with two children, we found it had a lot more legroom than other trailers. The kids enjoyed the raised seat and the added legroom ensured they were happy to go on an hour and half ride.

In the back of the trailer is a tailgate pocket for stowing cargo. It’s not the largest storage compartment out there (it’s 26 liters) but definitely adequate. The 20 inch tires give the Bee a nice smooth ride. Other features include wheel guards, tinted side windows and a safety flag.

The Bee has a 100-pound weight capacity. It folds down nicely for storage and the wheels are easy to remove for an even sleeker profile. It weighs less than 20 pounds, so it’s easy for parents to tote around and if necessary, place on a high shelf in the garage.

BABYBJÖRN Carrier We ====================

PRICE: $139

GRADE: A

There are a lot of baby carriers out there. I’ve tested several different designs and for me the most important element is how convenient it is to use. Some of the wraps and other carriers on the market can be such a process to put on and place your child in that it negates the other benefits. If a carrier is too complex to use, chances are you’ll rarely use it.

The We from BABYBJÖRN is definitely smooth. It’s almost effortless to put my child in it and the convenient buckle system makes it easy to tote her around and take her out when I need to. While my girl typically gets restless and agitated in carriers, the We’s design is so comfy that she’s actually happy in it on longer hikes.

The We features padded shoulder straps that really help to alleviate the pressure of carrying your child. The waist belt also has easy-to-access straps so you can adjust it on the fly. The whole thing is made out of cotton and polyester, which is sturdy, yet feels soft to the touch. The We can accommodate any child between 8 and 33 pounds and offers three carrying positions: inward-facing on the front for newborns, inward-facing for larger babies and backpack style for children older than one year.

Kiss My Face Kids Natural Mineral Sunscreen ===========================================

PRICE: $12

GRADE: B+

Even as the weather gets chillier, it’s important to keep your children protected in the sun. This can be a time of year when it can slip our minds and kids get burned on fall outings. Kiss My Face sunscreen is a good year-round option for parents who are interested in natural products that deliver quality results.

This Natural Mineral Sunscreen offers SPF 30 protection and doesn’t have any artificial colors, nanoparticles, phthalates, fragrances or animal ingredients. As a bonus, it’s also gluten free. The key ingredients are titanium dioxide and zinc oxide.

Are there drawbacks to natural sunscreen? Sure, there’s often a little give and take when you’re using something that’s healthier for you. For one thing, this sunscreen doesn’t rub onto the skin quite as smoothly as regular sunscreen does. It takes a little more work and doesn’t go on 100 percent clear. But all in all, this is a high quality product that you can feel good about putting on your children.

Vasque Lotic ============

PRICE: $99

GRADE: A

If you’re trekking to a warmer region this fall, you may want to try out the Lotic. They’re absolutely amazing in the water. Unlike some other water shoes, they don’t get that heavy, waterlogged feeling. The water flows freely through them and sand drains out, ensuring a comfortable fit even in rugged conditions. This is all thanks to a unique drainage system (with 20 individual ports) that filters small debris while remaining fully breathable.

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The double-layer, polyester mesh features a convenient lacing system made out of Kevlar that gives you a snug fit every time. You should note that Lotic sizes run just a tad small.

The Lotic also boasts an awesome sole. It starts with the Vibram Slickrock base that was originally designed for fly-fishing boots. It helps you get traction on nearly any surface, from mossy rocks in the Provo River to slot canyons in Southern Utah. The Vibram sole is fused with a low-profile EVA midsole that gives good cushioning and stability.

At just over 1 pound, these shoes are lightweight and comfy. They offer nice support, though they’re probably not adequate for a full day of intense hiking. But for water-based activities, they’re hard to beat.

FirstBIKE Street Bike

PRICE: $159

GRADE: A-

With so many balance bike options available, it’s hard for a model to stand out. The Street Bike from FirstBIKE manages to do so, however, thanks to its unusual features. The flexible frame is an award-winning design that absorbs shock and gives your child a gentler ride. Incorporated in the frame is a steering limiter that prevents the “jack-knifing” that can sometimes happen with other balance bikes that have a fuller rotation.

The Street Bike is suitable for children 22 months to 5 years old. Kid-friendly features include recessed nuts and bolts, rear drum brake and a saddle seat made of tacky material to prevent slipping. One small issue that arises from the ultra-grippy seat is that it can sometimes be a hassle to keep it clean. But if that’s not a concern, you’ll definitely be grateful for the way the seat is constructed.

The air-filled tires on the Street Bike are rugged enough for any surface and offer excellent traction. They also have standard valves so you can use any bike pump on them. And when winter moves in and we get our first storm, you can switch out the front tire for FirstBIKE’s unique MonoSki attachment. The ski is lightweight and tough, meaning your child can traverse packed snow with ease.

Black Pine Sports Pine Deluxe 4 Turbo Tent ==========================================

PRICE: $699

GRADE: A

Made right here in Utah by Black Pine Sports, the Turbo Tent is named for the fact that you can apparently set it up in 60 seconds or less. Instant pop-up tents can sometimes be lightweight and flimsy. The Pine Deluxe is a roomy four-person tent that is hardy enough to withstand winds up to 60 miles per hour. Could it really be set up in less than one minute?

I opened the bag, removed the tent and had it completely set up in 82 seconds. The secret to the convenient set-up is the jointed frame that is permanently incorporated into the tent. You simply raise the hinged poles until they lock into place. The wall fabric is premium ripstop cotton-poly canvas and the floor is heavy-duty 210-denier nylon. Once it’s set up, this tent is a whopping 7 feet tall in the center and feels like it can withstand anything the elements throw at it.

With the convenience of the Turbo Tent come a couple tradeoffs. Even though the frame is made of lightweight aluminum, it’s still heavier and bulkier than a lot of other tents I’ve tested. When the tent, rainfly and stakes are all loaded into the carrying bag, it tips the scales at more than 40 pounds. So this tent is strictly for car camping. That being said, it’s perfect for families who want a sturdy tent that sets up in the blink of an eye.

Big Agnes Helinox Cot =====================

PRICE: $299

GRADE: A

The Helinox impressed me from the first moment I picked it up. It is very light. When it’s all folded up in the storage bag, it only weighs about 4.5 pounds and is small enough to fit in a mid-sized pack for ultra-light outings. Once you’ve assembled the Helinox, there’s even more to be impressed with. Although it’s lightweight, this cot still delivers comfort and stability. It can actually handle up to 320 pounds, which is an engineering marvel given its slim design.

Both the weight and strength of the cot can be attributed to the fact that it’s made out of TH72M aluminum. It utilizes a tension system that gives it added stability. The locking mechanisms on the braces are innovative and sturdy, giving it a really high-end feel.

Just be sure to read the instructions before setting it up. Given the uniqueness of the design, the process isn’t as basic as some other cots. It took me several minutes longer than I would’ve expected to assemble it, though once I’d figured out how to do it, subsequent setups will be much quicker.

At 72 inches long, the Helinox can comfortably accommodate most campers. And it’s nearly 27 inches wide, which gives enough room to maneuver in your sleep. All in all, this is an incredible little cot that boasts a lot of big features.

Bog Pearl Tall Boot ===================

PRICE: $170

GRADE: A-

As the temperatures cool and the weather begins to get nasty, it’s nice to have a pair of reliable boots. Bog makes top quality boot for women, and the Pearl Tall Boot is among their best.

The Pearl is designed for comfort even on the coldest days. They’re made from waterproof leather and their sleek design really keeps the warmth in. In fact, they’re so good at their job that you if you wear them on mild days you might get a little overheated. These boots are at their best when it's really cold outside.

Another nice feature is the gum rubber slip-resistant soles, which offer great traction and give you confidence on slippery surfaces. On the interior, the footbed is comprised of leather with dual-density EVA and Ortho-Lite. Simply put, you can stand in these boots for a few hours and not have sore feet. They’re amazingly comfortable. Another bonus is that if they get muddy on a stormy day, the leather wipes clean really easily.

Granite Gear Nimbus Trace Access 70 ===================================

PRICE: $349

GRADE: A

Put the Nimbus Trace Access on your back and you’ll immediately notice the difference a top-notch frame makes. Granite Gear employs a maple-core composite laminate, which adds just the right amount of rigidity. The way it contours to your back makes it feel a lot less like a burden than other packs I’ve tried. The entire back panel is designed for comfort and efficiency. It’s vented in a way that transfers heat and reduces the dreaded “sticky back effect.”

The Nimbus Trace Access has been winning a lot of industry awards lately due because it's lightweight, durable and boasts a lot of unique features. In addition to the aforementioned back panel, it also has adjustable torso length, a dual zipper front access panel, internal compression straps and a hydration port.

Constructed of Cordura high tenacity nylon, it has the ruggedness to last many years. The Nimbus Trace Access is perfect for mid-intensity adventures and can hold its own on longer trips as well. It comes in four sizes, has a 60-pound load rating and boasts all the customizable features you’d need to ensure a comfortable and snug fit on your next adventure.

Grant Olsen joined the KSL.com contributor team in 2012. He covers outdoor adventures, travel, product reviews and other interesting things. You can contact him at grantorrin@gmail.com.

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