In this post you get an opportunity to learn from some "overpacking" mistakes that I used to make when going out into the backcountry for multiple days. Now, carrying some of the kids' gear when we go out, every ounce counts. So, here are four repair kit items that we no longer take with us as camping gear or backpacking gear... and the lighter, multi-use gear we replaced those original items with.

Here is a gear review of the High Stream Gear Ice Cleats for Kids. We've been searching for a kids set of winter traction devices that mimic that industry standard Kahtoola MICROspikes and which are similarly useful both around town and out in nature. These Ice Cleats for Kids cover a lot of the bases, but have some differences that do matter.

Here is a gear review of the Kamik SnoBuster 1 kids’ snow boots. We’ve mentioned these snow boots a few times, once talking about winter camping, and once regarding snowshoeing. In this installment, we go more in-depth to talk about the strengths and limitations of these boots, which have proven to exceed our expectations.

This is a bonus, fifth installment in our how to snowshoe series. In this video, both parents discuss some of the lessons we've learned and changes we've made to our gear and mental approach to having the kids out in the cold with us. Just a few adjustments have made all the difference in making our winter wonderland trips just that. With the COVID pandemic still limiting our indoor options, and with winter putting a cap on our outdoor options, this winter could look bleak for some families. We offer up the snowshoe series to help families access this low-cost, easy solution. You and your family can still go winter hiking and still get into the outdoors, even as the weather changes.

We are thrilled to announce the launch of the www.shortguysbetaworks.com website! Visit our site for deeper content on the topics from our channel videos, for in-depth gear reviews, our perspectives on our family adventures, and information like itineraries and gear lists that can help you and your family get the most out of the outdoors.

This is our fourth installment in our how to snowshoe series. This video talking about the techniques needed to ensure you are efficient and safe on your snowshoes while confronting multiple terrain types. With the COVID pandemic still limiting our indoor options, and with winter putting a cap on our outdoor options, this winter could look bleak for some families. We offer up snowshoeing as a low-cost, easy to access solution. You and your family can still go winter hiking and still get into the outdoors, even as the weather changes.

This is our third installment in our how to snowshoe series. This video will go beyond clothing to look at the additional nine "essential items" you will want to have with you to ensure a safe and enjoyable snowshoeing trip. With the COVID pandemic still limiting our indoor options, and with winter putting a cap on our outdoor options, this winter could look bleak for some families. We offer up snowshoeing as a low-cost, easy to access solution. You and your family can still go winter hiking and still get into the outdoors, even as the weather changes.

This is the second installment in our series on how to snowshoe. To help you and your family choose the right equipment for your trip, we will go deep into the different design characteristics of snowshoes and poles and discuss boots and other clothing. With the COVID pandemic still limiting our indoor options, and with winter putting a cap on our outdoor options, this winter could look bleak for some families. We offer up snowshoeing as a low-cost, easy to access solution. You and your family can still go winter hiking and still get into the outdoors even as the weather changes.

This is the first part of our series on how to snowshoe. This will help you plan a destination for that first snowshoeing trip. With the COVID pandemic still limiting our indoor options, and with winter putting a cap on our outdoor options, this winter could look bleak for some families. We offer up snowshoeing as a low-cost, easy to access solution to these constraints. You and your family can still go winter hiking and still get into the backcountry, even as the weather changes.

With families everywhere already feeling COVID has limited what activities they can pursue, winter is now closing in, and many may feel like outdoor options are now going to be taken away, too. We wanted to take a few minutes to describe some of the virtues of snowshoeing, and how it may be an accessible escape that can overcome the twin constraints of COVID and the snowy outdoors.

Born from experience, here are some small, cheap, and exceptionally helpful items for winter camping

A review of the Trango Junior, a full body harness for kids ranging from 25 to 80 pounds.

Our thought process as we balance safety, enjoyment, and effort to progress our kids towards their rock climbing goals.

An in-depth review of the Deuter Climber 22L backpack.

Here are 12 tips to help you and your family camp in cold weather and winter conditions

After taking the Spring and Summer to figure out the basics during the COVID-19, the family got out for four days of camping in the backcountry wilderness. We did some hiking and some climbing... and remembered that the simple things can and do bring us together.