Sturdy basics for a family trip to the Alps

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This August, I’m heading to the Swiss alpine town of Klosters. in family. With two young children in tow, we’ll have to skip the 700 km trail network. Our activities will be more mellow: refreshing swims in the lido, milking our farmer friend’s cows (and sampling his delicious cheese), riding electric mountain bikes to the riverside campfires for sausages, and maybe even a glacial plunge. In the river, though I hope I’ll be alone there.

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In the Cloudvista trail running shoes (for the parent and daughter)

With longer hikes out of the cards, I’m substituting the boots for a pair of trail running shoes. Light, comfortable and attractive, they’re ideal for commuting and cruising around town, while providing protection and grip for hitting the trails. My three year old daughter likes her velcros too cloud game – one of the children’s models recently launched by the Swiss brand On. £140, at-running.com

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SunGod Renegades Sunglasses

Anything within my one and a half year old’s reach is at risk, especially a pair of sunglasses, so these nearly unbreakable options are a great choice. Its classic shape looks good even on narrower faces like mine; Arms are hinged without screws so they snap back into place if removed; the lenses are quite scratch resistant; and they are great for sports. They’re customizable, too: there are a ton of lens and frame colors to choose from on the website (consider the 8KO lens upgrade for incredible clarity). From £70, sungod.co

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Arc’teryx Beta Light Jacket

When I head to the mountains in the summer I always pack a good quality waterproof jacket in case the weather turns bad. Arc’teryx is my favorite for waterproof outer jackets – the brand spares no expense, the fit is excellent, and it will last me for years. This three-layer Gore-Tex is waterproof, breathable, lightweight, and packs down small so it can be easily stored in a bag without taking up too much space. £450, arcteryx.es

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Joolz Aer+ Stroller

What sets this stroller apart from other travel strollers is its ease of folding; It couldn’t be simpler or faster to do with one hand, not to be underestimated when you’re holding a squirming baby in the other. At just 6kg, it’s as light as it gets and small enough to stow away in a top locker. The specification is top of the range: four wheel suspension, full recline adjustment for sleeping and good shade thanks to the generously sized sun canopy. £449, joolz.com

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Voited Ripstop outer blanket

A picnic is not a picnic without a blanket, at least that’s how it seems to my kids. As soon as one is placed in the ground, it becomes a base camp for mini-adventures and refueling stops. This one is waterproof, stain resistant, and machine washable; Plus, it doubles as a pillow, cape, or sleeping bag thanks to snaps along the edges. £102, voited.es

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Swarovski CL Pocket 10×25 Binoculars

Ever since I started visiting RSPB reserves with my father as a child and recording observations in a notebook, birding has been my passion. These days, there is little time for dedicated travel; it’s about taking every opportunity to find a place while away from home. Enter pocket binoculars: compact enough to keep with me whenever we’re outdoors, and despite their small size, the 10x magnification means I can see up close. I have no excuse for not positively identifying the topic. €890, swarovskioptik.com

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Thermal Flask for Food Hydro Flask

We’ve found these food containers to be invaluable for keeping our little ones’ tummies full of bountiful goodness, and they’re perfect for traveling or picnicking. They keep pasta dishes hot or berries and yogurt cool in the summer heat; the wide neck means you can eat directly from them; and they are easy to clean too. Plus, they’re completely leak-proof and available in four sizes, the largest of which would likely feed the entire family. From £29.95, hydroflask.com