{"id":4469,"date":"2012-09-06T20:11:30","date_gmt":"2012-09-07T02:11:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.openairlife.com\/blog\/?p=4469"},"modified":"2012-09-06T20:11:30","modified_gmt":"2012-09-07T02:11:30","slug":"gear-guide-back-to-school-2012","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.openairlife.com\/blog\/gear-guide-back-to-school-2012\/","title":{"rendered":"Gear Guide: Back to School 2012"},"content":{"rendered":"<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Keen Alamosa WP\" src=\"images\/stories\/Keen_youth_alamosa.jpg\" style=\"vertical-align: middle; margin: 5px;\" class=\"smartresize\" id=\"smartresize\" width=\"500\" \/><\/p>\n<p>It\u2019s that time again. \u00a0Get ready for school. \u00a0Some of you are already in the swing of things, and some still have a few weeks to shop for school. \u00a0No matter what stage you are in, this article is worth the read. \u00a0At the Summer Outdoor Retailer we were able to talk to several companies about new and great products for your children to wear to school and everywhere else. \u00a0Here is a list of our favorites.<\/p>\n<p><!--more--><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: bold;\">Shoes \u2013<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" style=\"margin: 5px; float: right;\" alt=\"sam_keen\" width=\"300\" src=\"images\/stories\/sam_keen.jpg\" \/><strong>Keen Alamosa WP<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>The Alamosa is a great shoe for almost anything. \u00a0My son wore them for the first time to the zoo and I heard no complaints. \u00a0There are a few really great things about this shoe that save time for busy Mom\u2019s. \u00a0The shoelaces are simply a bungee. \u00a0There is no tying the shoe and it is very easy for your child to figure out how to loosen and tighten the bungee. \u00a0Other great features are the durability, comfort, and all around great look of the shoe. \u00a0I had been nervous to let my son wear these shoes before school knowing how beat up shoes get the first time they are worn, not a problem here. \u00a0They look like new. \u00a0No scuffs or dents. \u00a0They will look great for months because they are so durable. \u00a0I also heard no complaining about his feet hurting. \u00a0My son is 5 and any type of discomfort is generally voiced repeatedly, but nothing about his feet. \u00a0What a compliment for a shoe. \u00a0Lastly, the shoe looks great! \u00a0It is the type of shoe that would match most anything so the expense is worth every penny. \u00a0You\u2019ll pass this shoe down through all your kids before it looks worn out. \u00a0At only $65 the Alamosa is a great buy for boys and girls alike!<\/p>\n<p><strong>Features:<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>\u2022 Activities: Playground, School, Trails and Parks, Puddles<\/p>\n<p>\u2022 Type: Shoes, Lace Up<\/p>\n<p>\u2022 Weather: Wet \u2013 waterproof<\/p>\n<p>\u2022 Gender: Boys, Girls<\/p>\n<p>\u2022 Lining: Moisture wicking textile<\/p>\n<p>\u2022 Upper: Leather and textile<\/p>\n<p>\u2022 Rubber: Non-marking rubber outsole<\/p>\n<p>\u2022 Non-marking rubber outsole<\/p>\n<p>\u2022 Secure fit lace capture system<\/p>\n<p>\u2022 Waterproof breathable membrane<\/p>\n<p>\u2022 Waterproof leather and textile upper<\/p>\n<p>\u2022 <a href=\"http:\/\/www.keenfootwear.com\/us\/en\/product\/fw12\/shoes\/kids\/youth\/alamosa%20wp\/black!jester%20red\">http:\/\/www.keenfootwear.com\/us\/en\/product\/fw12\/shoes\/kids\/youth\/alamosa%20wp\/black!jester%20red<\/a><\/p>\n<p><strong><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"images\/stories\/hay_keen1.jpg\" width=\"250\" height=\"405\" alt=\"hay_keen1\" style=\"margin: 5px; float: left;\" \/>Keen Darby Boot<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Let your little lady be a trendsetter in the Darby boot. The leather upper gives way to a flannel collar that\u2019s hip and fun. Meanwhile, the sturdy outsole stands up to a full day of play. \u00a0 Look forward to a review soon. \u00a0 A great boot for a great price. \u00a0$70 retail at www.keenfootwear.com<\/p>\n<p><strong>Features:<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>\u2022 Activities: City Streets, Playground, School<\/p>\n<p>\u2022 Type: Slip-on, Boots<\/p>\n<p>\u2022 Lining: Moisture wicking textile<\/p>\n<p>\u2022 Upper: Leather and textile<\/p>\n<p>\u2022 Rubber: Non-marking rubber outsole<\/p>\n<p>\u2022 Leather and textile upper<\/p>\n<p>\u2022 Medial side zipper for easy on and off<\/p>\n<p>\u2022 Non-marking rubber outsole<\/p>\n<p>\u2022 <a href=\"http:\/\/www.keenfootwear.com\/us\/en\/product\/fw12\/shoes\/kids\/youth\/darby%20boot\">http:\/\/www.keenfootwear.com\/us\/en\/product\/fw12\/shoes\/kids\/youth\/darby%20boot#<\/a><\/p>\n<p><strong>Sunglasses\u00a0\u2013<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>RKS (Real Kids Shades) has a great selection of sunglasses for kids of every age. \u00a0The great thing about their sunglasses is their durability. \u00a0My favorite was the RKS flex (flex duo), rubber frames so they don\u2019t break. \u00a0The best part is the price, only $14.99 (ages 3-7). \u00a0Check it out for yourself at www.realkidshades.com<\/p>\n<p><strong><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" style=\"margin: 5px; float: right;\" alt=\"rks_flex\" height=\"300\" width=\"300\" src=\"images\/stories\/rks_flex.jpg\" \/>RKS Flex Duo<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>As an alternative to banded sunglasses we made the Flex Duo. These sunglasses have classic temples and fashion-forward two-tone coloring. The frames are super flexible so they\u2019ll survive all the twists and turns of kid life without breaking. Flex, as in flexible<\/p>\n<p><strong>Features:<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>\u2022<span> <\/span>Rubberized frames, so kids can\u2019t snap them in two. Bendable is good.<\/p>\n<p>\u2022<span> <\/span>Small but important differences: Sleek boy shapes and bigger, Jackie-O style girl shapes.<\/p>\n<p>\u2022<span> <\/span>100% UVA\/UVB sun protection.<\/p>\n<p>\u2022<span> <\/span>Wrap-around design to guard against peripheral sunlight.<\/p>\n<p>\u2022<span> <\/span>Flexible frame and temples.<\/p>\n<p>\u2022<span> <\/span>Every pair comes with a removable neoprene strap.<\/p>\n<p>\u2022<span> <\/span><a href=\"http:\/\/www.realkidshades.com\/flexduo_37.html\">http:\/\/www.realkidshades.com\/flexduo_37.html<\/a><\/p>\n<p><strong>Backpacks \u2013<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong><img decoding=\"async\" style=\"margin: 5px; float: left;\" alt=\"doodle-daysack\" width=\"225\" src=\"images\/stories\/doodle-daysack.jpg\" \/>Little Life Doodle Daysack<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>The Doodle Daysack is perfect for children who enjoy showing off their artistic skills. With a spacious main compartment, it provides a good level of storage with quick and easy access. In addition to this, it holds a doodle pad for your child to draw or paint on. They can then display their masterpiece for all to see in the clear front pocket. Or perhaps they might like to show off interesting things they find on their little adventures.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Features:<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>\u2022 Padded top grab handle &amp; reflective piping<\/p>\n<p>\u2022 Side mesh pocket for drinks and snacks<\/p>\n<p>\u2022 6 litre main compartment with top entry<\/p>\n<p>\u2022 40 page Doodle Pad included<\/p>\n<p>\u2022 <a href=\"http:\/\/www.littlelife.co.uk\/html\/toddler_daysacks\/doodle-daysack.html\">http:\/\/www.littlelife.co.uk\/html\/toddler_daysacks\/doodle-daysack.html<\/a><\/p>\n<p><strong><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"images\/stories\/hssc_fatboy.jpg\" width=\"325\" alt=\"hssc_fatboy\" style=\"margin: 5px; float: right;\" \/>High Sierra Fat Boy<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>From textbooks to sporting gear, Fat Boy&#8217;s oversized, multi-compartment design, deluxe organizer and comfortable compression straps make this pack the perfect partner for your heaviest loads.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Features:<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>\u2022<span> <\/span>Large, multi-compartment design.<\/p>\n<p>\u2022<span> <\/span>Angled adjustable compression straps.<\/p>\n<p>\u2022<span> <\/span>Deluxe organizer compartment with multiple pockets and key fob.<\/p>\n<p>\u2022<span> <\/span>Zippered accessory pocket on the front.<\/p>\n<p>\u2022<span> <\/span>MP3 player pocket with headphone port.<\/p>\n<p>\u2022<span> <\/span>S-shaped, VAPEL\u2122 mesh AIRFLOW\u2122 padded shoulder straps with Suspension System and integrated media\/cell phone pocket.<\/p>\n<p>\u2022<span> <\/span>Comfortable padded back panel.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"images\/stories\/libertyBottle_hoot.png\" width=\"102\" height=\"292\" alt=\"libertyBottle_hoot\" style=\"margin: 5px; float: left;\" \/><\/p>\n<p>\u2022<span> <\/span>Monster hook for attaching extra gear.<\/p>\n<p>\u2022<span> <\/span>Contoured grab handle.<\/p>\n<p>\u2022<span> <\/span><a href=\"http:\/\/hssc.com\/product?number=5420&amp;lang=en\">http:\/\/hssc.com\/product?number=5420&amp;lang=en<\/a><\/p>\n<p><strong>Hydration \u2013<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Liberty Bottleworks Kids Collection<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>If you are looking for a unique water bottle for your child, this is the bottle for you. \u00a0Liberty Bottleworks has come out with great new designs in their 16 oz. bottles and they have added a sport top option so you don\u2019t have to take off the lid to drink. \u00a0Retails for $18.00 and will last for years to come. \u00a0Get yours at <a href=\"http:\/\/www.libertybottleworks.com\">www.libertybottleworks.com<\/a><\/p>\n<p>\u2022<span> <\/span><a href=\"http:\/\/libertybottles.com\/Liberty_Shop_Collection.asp?collection=kids\">http:\/\/libertybottles.com\/Liberty_Shop_Collection.asp?collection=kids<\/a><\/p>\n<p><strong>Vapor Quencher<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Great for you and the planet! Vapur Quenchers are here to keep you happy, healthy and hydrated while giving waste the boot.\u00a0 Each lovable little Quencher comes with 3 sticker sheets of facial features and add-ons.\u00a0These critters love to travel, so take your water-filled friend wherever you go!\u00a0\u00a0Customize your Quencher, fill it, freeze it, pack it in your lunch and kiss thirst goodbye!<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"images\/stories\/vapur_quencher.jpg\" width=\"165\" alt=\"vapur_quencher\" style=\"margin: 5px; float: right;\" \/><\/p>\n<p><strong>Features:<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>\u2022 Reinforcing Grommet<\/p>\n<p>\u2022 Sport Cap<\/p>\n<p>\u2022 Durable 3-ply construction<\/p>\n<p>\u2022 Taste free &amp; odor resistant<\/p>\n<p>\u2022 Dishwasher safe<\/p>\n<p>\u2022 BPA Free<\/p>\n<p>\u2022 Made in the USA<\/p>\n<p>\u2022 3M Stickers<\/p>\n<p>\u2022 Reusable<\/p>\n<p>\u2022 Foldable<\/p>\n<p>\u2022 Freezable<\/p>\n<p>\u2022 Attachable<\/p>\n<p>\u2022 MSRP: $11.99<\/p>\n<p>\u2022 <a href=\"http:\/\/vapur.us\/quencher\">http:\/\/vapur.us\/quencher<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>It\u2019s that time again. \u00a0Get ready for school. \u00a0Some of you are already in the swing of things,<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":true,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[9038],"tags":[9624,9364],"class_list":["post-4469","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-accessories","tag-back-to-school","tag-gear-guide"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.openairlife.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4469","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.openairlife.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.openairlife.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.openairlife.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.openairlife.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4469"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.openairlife.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4469\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.openairlife.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4469"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.openairlife.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4469"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.openairlife.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4469"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}