The Magic of Bogs Footwear

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Even though you can’t see them, I’m wearing Bogs Boots under all that snow.

This past Christmas we were buried under several FEET of snow. When there’s that much snow, you have to have good boots. Lucky for me Bogs Footwear sent me and Big E a pair of their insulated winter boots to review. I can tell you they rose to the challenge.

I was first introduced to Bogs Footwear by my sister in law. When I told her I was reviewing them for my blog she was more than enthusiastic. She sent me this note on facebook.


I like Bogs boots. Not cheap, but they are both rain and snow boots, so I only have 1 pair for all inclement weather. They last forever and don’t split (we ran through a lot of rain boots that way before). They also have good traction.

They have handles on the side of the boots for the kids, so they can get them on and off easily themselves. They are very flexible (I don’t like stiff winter boots). They don’t get too hot in warmer weather, but keep feet toasty in the winter. My kids love them, I think they’re magic. They come in toddler sizes, kids, and adults. Every member of our household has a pair.

Magic? That’s high praise. 

Overall I’ve also been impressed with these boots. They’ve become the only boots I wear now because they are stylish enough to wear with skinny jeans and sturdy enough to take on rain, snow, sleet or hail. Okay, I’ve only tried them in rain and snow, but they are waterproof and rated up to -40F so I’m pretty sure they’d handle sleet and hail just fine.

 

Plus they’re cute. I like my feet to make a fashion statement, especially when the world around is so colorless and blah. Thanks Bogs Footwear.

Sometimes I have been cold even though the boots are rated at -40F. If I’m walking, chasing, climbing, playing or moving my toes stay warm and toasty, but riding on a snow machine or on occasion in the car my feet feel cold inside the boots. These boots come with efficient insulation that’s not bulky. In my opinion the insulation works best when it traps your own body heat.

Also, I wish I had requested one size smaller. I bought one size up thinking I would need the extra space with my thick winter socks, but Bogs Footwear run true to size.


 

Big E opened his boots on Christmas morning and immediately put them to use climbing up the roof and jumping into the massive snow piles at our house. He’s worn them every day since. I like that the pattern is bright and recognizable too. We were at a busy children’s museum and his boots were the only way to keep track of where he was. 


Pros:

  • Sturdy, durable, waterproof 
  • Handles for getting on and off easily
  • Beautiful designs and colors
  • Rated for rain and snow up to -40 degrees
  • High quality construction
  • Efficient insulation that’s not bulky

Cons:

  • Cost $110-140 is not cheap for adult boots ($40-80 for toddler/kids)
  • The foot bed insert can pull out if you wear them without socks (I know it’s winter and I should always wear socks but sometimes I just have to run out quickly to my car).
  • Feet can feel cold if you’re stationary in the cold
Overall I’m very impressed. Maybe my sister-in-law was right. Maybe Bogs Footwear IS magic.

Update: I parked in a puddle yesterday and stepped out into 4+ inches of icy cold street water. It completely covered my feet which were luckily in my Bogs. I did not get even a tiny bit cold or wet. Talk about Waterproof.



Let It Snow!

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Last week we got ninety inches of snow. NINETY INCHES. Almost four feet.

It was so much snow that the road was closed for avalanche control for 18 hours straight. So much snow that Sundance Resort couldn’t even open because the road was buried.

The road. Our car. Our house. Everything was buried.

We are buried.

Although we’ve been here almost four years I have never seen a snowfall like this one. Since few people experience the amount of snow I’m talking about I wanted to share some photos. Enjoy this winter wonderland and be grateful you didn’t have to shovel out.

I Believe in God

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This post might not be popular. It may be quickly deleted from your feed. You may not open it at all. But I’m still going to write it.

I believe in God.

When I view the beauty of the mountains, feel the wind on my face and breath in all that fresh air I experience the divine. There is glory in the outdoors, in the trees, trails, and animals. There is joy in sliding down a mountain on my snowboard, wonder at the growth of delicate flowers, fascination at the small and large. I believe in God.

For me the outdoors is a testament to the Divine. Being in the outdoors is healing for my soul, makes me more grateful for my blessings and helps me be a better human being.

I know the topic of God causes a lot of conflict in the world. I find this ironic since God is supposed to be Love. A lot of violence is justified in the name of religion, but I would like to invite anyone reading this to see the good in belief. Faith breeds humility. A higher power offers hope in an often dreary world.

The popular view in the world is that there is no Divinity. We’re the result of millions of years of evolutionary reiterations. But I think that sells us all short. The peaceful moments in life when I gaze at my baby, or hear my kids laughing have supernatural power. The beauty of a sunset or the lull of ocean waves on the shore, are those not Divine?

Truth comes in many forms. If the only sources of truth in the world are those you can quantify and have been approved by scientists I feel we miss out on the spectrum of human emotion and experience. Does a poet who can move you with words NOT speak truth? The sources of truth in the world are great and grand. The awe I feel when in the outdoors reminds me that there is a greater power at play.

Talking about a Divine Creator in this age of technological innovation may seem archaic or uneducated. But the truth is the outdoors helps me appreciate the beauty of creation. Being outdoors makes me pause in wonder and awe. The feeling of amazement that I can be part of this whole beautiful earth and share even a small part of it reaffirms that there is a God.

When I see the mountains I see God’s glory. When I see my happy family I feel God’s Love. I believe in God. Please, look for the higher power in your life. Let there be Peace on Earth and Goodwill to All.

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Babiators Submariners Review Plus 20% Off Coupon Code

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This post is part of a series of weekly gear reviews. And this one has a coupon code for 20% off! Check back most Wednesdays for reviews of cool gear for outdoor families.

During swim lessons earlier this year Big E was a champ. He jumped in when asked, followed the teachers’ directions and learned new skills.
His younger sister, on the other hand, was the problem child of her group. Little G did not want to get her face wet, spent several class times ignoring anything the teacher asked and often sat on the edge of the pool asking for mom. I attribute part of this reaction to the fact that she was only three, but another part is the lack of good gear.
Swimming requires very little – a good suit, access to water and a good pair of goggles. Mountain Dad knows this first hand from his years on the high school swim team. I have never had much luck with goggles. Usually I end up with elastic indents on my face, water in my eyes and general frustration.

It’s even worse with kids. Whenever we swim, if goggles are in the equation, I spend a lot of time adjusting, repositioning, tightening or loosening straps for my tots and usually they just take them off anyway.
So when Babiators offered to send me some of their Submariners swim goggles to try out I jumped at the chance. I’m a big believer in the power of design and these goggles are designed with a kid in mind. The eye piece is one solid section with a generous gasket around the edge to keep the water out. No more worrying about getting each eye to seal. Having it all one piece means it’s easy for kids to put on themselves.
The straps are adjustable by a simple button on each side that easily locks into place when needed. And although they look a little like snorkeling goggles the lack of a nose cover is great for helping kids learn how to manage their breath while swimming. 
What my kids really liked were the cool submarines the goggles came in. They double as pool toys (we also play with them in the bath) but I wish there were some color on the case. We lost the front of one submarine and I can tell you it’s not fun searching the entire pool for a see through toy. 

The cost of $35.00 seems steep for a pair of kids goggles, especially with how often things get lost or broken in our house. This is where Babiators is genius. Their Lost and Found Guarantee means that if you lose or break your Babiators within one year of purchase they will replace them for free! Seriously genius.

Pros:
  • Easily adjustable
  • Kids can put on themselves
  • Solid eye piece 
  • Generous gasket around the eye piece prevents leaking
  • Cool submarine case that doubles as pool toy
  • Lost and Found Guarantee
Cons:
  • Clear submarine toy case is easily lost underwater
  • Price – $35.00 
With cold weather all around heading to the community pool is a great way to be active with kids in the winter. It’s fun for everyone, even Baby L enjoyed it. Kinda.

After trying out these goggles I once again realize that it’s worth it to have good gear, even for kids. These goggles were so much better than other kids goggles I’ve tried. They were designed for kids, not just adapted from the adult design. That makes them worth it in my book.

You can get 20% off your own pair of Babiators Submariners. Just use the code MountainMom20Off when you check out here. It’s good through December 23, 2015!