Review: 8 products for summer trips

Review: 8 products for summer trips


1 photo
Save Story
Leer en español

Estimated read time: 8-9 minutes

This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.

THE GREAT OUTDOORS — With the summer vacation season in full swing, here are some products you might want to consider for your next outing.

Cabeau Evolution S3 Neck Pillow

PRICE: $39

GRADE: A

The problem for most of us is that when we doze on a plane or in a car, our heads fall forward or sideways. The Evolution S3 solves this bobblehead issue with adjustable seat straps that keep the pillow firmly in place. And when your pillow is stationary, so is your head.

The Evolution S3 has plush memory foam for extra comfort. And the raised side support and adjustable front clasp ensures it stays in place for the long haul.

This pillow is made with quick-dry fabric that resists snags and abrasions. It comes with a zippered storage case so you can pack it away when not needed. And the cover is removable and washable, so you won’t have to keep the smell of a 14-hour flight.

Marpac Whish Sound Machine

PRICE: $39

GRADE: A

When traveling with kids, the unfamiliar setting can wreak havoc on their sleep routine. A white noise machine helps minimize that by blocking out noises and creating consistency.

The Whish is excellent because it has multiple sound options. If you’re familiar with Marpac’s Dohm Classic sound machine, you’ll recognize those fan sounds. But there are more than a dozen other options as well, including ocean, rain, chimes and more traditional white noise.

The Whish is easy to use, with individual buttons for each of the sound options, as well as a timer and volume control. Plus, it’s small enough to fit in a small travel bag.

Costa Del Mar Cape Sunglasses

PRICE: $199

GRADE: A-

Costa Del Mar sunglasses stand out from the crowd because of their polarized "580" lenses, which filter out harsh light for enhanced color, sharper contrast and less eye fatigue. Wear them around town and you'll most likely notice the difference. Wear them on the water and you'll definitely notice the difference.

The Cape sunglasses house their lenses in an extra-large frame that’ll fit most ample-headed folks. The frame is about 134mm, with a temple arm length of 115mm. And it’s got extra-wide temples for added protection and comfort.

Since these sunglasses are made specifically for sunny days on the water, they have extra features like Hydrolite nose and temple pads to keep them firmly in place. And the ventilation ports help manage the heat, so you don’t get foggy lenses when the temperature rises.

Priority Glide

PRICE: $799

GRADE: A

Priority’s bikes are known for their high quality and modest prices, and it seems the direct-to-consumer model is the perfect fit for them. The Glide is one of their best options and is the result of a collaboration with one of the world’s biggest bike rental companies. It’s a low-maintenance ride that’s impressively sleek.

The Glide has a smooth-shifting NuVinci hub, so adjusting for hills just takes a twist of the wrist. And the Promax cable-actuated disc brakes give you excellent control. The Glide doesn’t skimp on anything, with a super comfortable seat that keeps you feeling comfy even on longer rides. The rustproof aluminum frame is surprisingly lightweight and is predrilled for rear and front side accessories. Also, a kickstand and water bottle cage are included.

Of course, the crown jewel of Priority’s bikes is the rust-free Gates Carbon Drive System. More than 90 bike brands have used this belt drive system and it definitely lives up to the hype. Smooth and quiet, it’s also remarkably clean because it requires no lubrication. On top of being low-maintenance, it actually lasts longer than chain systems.

SPY Helm 2 Sunglasses

PRICE: $100-$150

GRADE: A

These new sunglasses are among SPY’s best. They’ve got an ultra-tough frame made from Grilamid. There’s double-injection rubber on the temples to keep the frames snug on your face even in the heat of the moment. And the five-barrel hinges make the frame strong and durable.

Lens-wise, the Helm 2 offers 100 percent UV protection to cut down eye fatigue and sun damage. It’s got a pair of Happy Lenses, which offer excellent color contrast and clarity. The lenses get its name from its unique ability to filter bad rays, while welcoming in the long-wave blue light that is said to enhance your mood.

Despite the robust design, these sunglasses are quite lightweight and comfortable on your head. They’ve got a large fit (frame measures 57-19-145) and feel great when worn all day long.

Regalo Eight Panel My Play Portable Play Yard

PRICE: $109

GRADE: A-

This play yard is perfect for family vacations. It can be used indoors or outdoors, and can be set up in seconds. It’s made from heavy-duty, water-resistant material so it can be used on beaches, lake shores and wet grass.

The My Play can accommodate children between six months to two years old. It creates a large and safe play area, measuring 62 inches wide and 26 inches high.

Even with its all-steel frame construction, this play yard is lightweight and easy to tote around in the included carry bag. The soft, ventilating mesh sides provide air flow and make it easier to keep an eye on your little one. The walls are made with durable canvas, with reinforced stitching on the edges, and the nylon bottom is easy to clean.

Nuna PIPA Car Seat

PRICE: Varies by retailer

GRADE: A

For long road trips with youngsters, a quality car seat can be the difference between sanity and recurring threats to “turn this car around.” The PIPA car seat from Nuna is among the best, with superior features to keep your kid comfy and safe.

The PIPA has a five-point harness that’s designed for convenience, so it’s remarkably easy to get your child in and out of. That, combined with the fact that it installs in vehicles in a matter of seconds, helps get your travels off to a good start. And because it’s so easy to install, it’s great for Ubers, shuttles and taxis. As an added bonus, it’s aircraft certified.

The PIPA provides side impact protection with a heavy-duty shell. Despite its robust design, it’s still fairly lightweight. Extra features include a large UPF 50+ canopy with adjustable eyeshade, mesh peek-a-boo window and a removable infant insert. It can accommodate children from 4 to 32 pounds.

Thule Chariot Lite

PRICE: Varies by retailer

GRADE: A

Thule’s family-focused products stand out because of their precision components. They don’t have Disney branding or garish colors, but they’re lean, mean machines. This is unsurprising, considering the company was born in Sweden, which is known for its efficient design. In fact, the company is still based in Malmö, Sweden.

The Chariot Lite fits right in with the Thule approach. It offers four-season functionality, with options for biking, jogging, strolling and even skiing (with the optional ski kit). And the Click n’ Store feature allows you to store the strolling, jogging and cycling components onboard so you can switch it up on the fly.

The Chariot Lite is quite roomy inside, giving your child plenty of space. The five-point harness is easy to use and the premium suspension gives your child a smoother ride even if you venture off the beaten path. This trailer weighs 25 pounds and has a weight capacity of about 75 pounds. Even with its ample room and features, it can still fold up impressively small for storage and transportation.


![Grant Olsen](http://img.ksl.com/slc/2560/256091/25609108\.jpg?filter=ksl/65x65)
About the Author: Grant Olsen \-----------------------------

Grant Olsen joined the KSL.com contributor team in 2012. He covers outdoor adventures, travel, product reviews and other interesting things. He is also the author of the book “Rhino Trouble.” You can contact him at grantorrin@gmail.com.

Photos

Most recent Utah stories

Related topics

UtahOutdoors
Grant Olsen joined the KSL.com contributor team in 2012. He covers outdoor adventures, travel, product reviews and other interesting things. He is also the author of the book “Rhino Trouble.”

STAY IN THE KNOW

Get informative articles and interesting stories delivered to your inbox weekly. Subscribe to the KSL.com Trending 5.
By subscribing, you acknowledge and agree to KSL.com's Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.

KSL Weather Forecast