Thermos 56902 FUNtainer Food Flask, Blue, 290 ml

Thermos

Food on the Go &#8211; Thermos Food Flasks Review

<MediaImage url="/uploads/2016/07/Food-on-the-Go-Thermos-Food-Flasks-Review.jpg" isA4={true} height="800" width="800" alt=" Food on the Go - Thermos Food Flasks Review" />


> Transporting food in rucksacks can be difficult, with the risk of leaking containers or foods/liquids not retaining their temperature being common problems.

If we go out for a hike or day out, food is always high on the agenda!!

Transporting food in rucksacks can be difficult, with the risk of leaking containers or foods/liquids not retaining their temperature being common problems.

The Thermos brand is one of the leading manufacturers of insulated products. They have been doing it for over 100 years! They sent us over a couple of food flasks to try out on our adventures and put to the test. Here's how we got on with them...


## First up, the Stainless King Food Flask

<MediaImage url="/uploads/2016/07/Thermos-Stainless-King-Food-Flash.jpg" height="1200" width="800" alt="Thermos Stainless King Food Flash" />

Here are the key features of the <a href="http://www.thermos.co.uk/product_details.aspx?ProdID=1588&amp;CatCode=FOOD&amp;utm_source=GetOutWithTheKids.co.uk&amp;utm_medium=Referral&amp;utm_campaign=GOWTK" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Thermos Stainless King Food Flask</a>:

<ul>
<li>Thermos vacuum insulation technology for maximum temperature retention, hot or cold. This creates an airless space between two walls, eliminating temperature change.</li>
<li>Keeps hot for 7 hours and cold for 9 hours</li>
<li>Durable stainless steel interior and exterior with insulated stainless steel lid that acts as a serving bowl</li>
<li>Cool to touch with hot liquids, sweat-proof with cold</li>
<li>Extra wide mouth and folding stainless steel spoon.</li>
</ul>

We've been using this food flask for several months, giving it a thorough test.


> perfect for fitting in a rucksack or school lunch bag


It's been camping, up hills, on picnics and to school and work. And we've been very impressed with this high-quality product that does what it says it will do!

The compact size was perfect for fitting inside a rucksack or school lunch bag.

It was very easy to use, with no fiddly lid and no leaking experienced.

The wide mouth makes it easy to fill, eat straight from and clean.

The spoon that comes with it is full-size and of good quality.


> The kids love how the spoon folded up - very cool, I was told!


The kids love how the spoon folded up - *very cool* I was told!

So most importantly, does it retain its temperature? Yes, it does!

The kids have been taking soup and spaghetti to school, and it is still hot by lunchtime. I have been using it for work with hot tea, which keeps liquids hot for hours.

This flask is probably more expensive than I would usually pay, but it is worth paying a little more for a great product.

It gets the GOWTK Thumbs Up award.


## Second up, the Thermos FUNtainer Food Flask

<MediaImage url="/uploads/2016/07/FUNtainer-Hiking.jpg" height="1500" width="2000" alt="FUNtainer" />

Key features of the FUNTainer:

<ul>
<li>Thermos vacuum insulation technology for maximum temperature retention</li>
<li>Keeps hot for 7 hours and cold for 9 hours</li>
<li>Extra wide mouth - easy to fill, eat from and clean</li>
</ul>

The <a href="https://thermos.co.uk/funtainer-food-flask-bottle-set" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Thermos FUNtainer food flask</a> is designed with kids in mind.  There is a range of funky child-appealing designs to choose from. We opted for the blue design to keep all the little people happy!

It's a perfect size for fitting in a lunch box. The kids had no problem using the flask and fitting the lids.

Since we have had the flasks the meals they take to school, have become a lot more varied and healthy :-) 
The kids report that their food is still hot and yummy at lunchtime!

<MediaImage url="/uploads/2016/07/Using-the-Funtainer-Picnic.jpg" height="1500" width="2000" alt="Using the Funtainer" />

## Verdict

<MediaImage url="/uploads/2016/07/Taking-the-flasks-on-a-picnic-Picnic.jpg" height="1500" width="2000" alt="Taking the flasks on a picnic" />

We've been impressed with the quality of both these products and will continue to use them on our adventures and everyday life.
They both get the GOWTK Thumbs Up award.

We test out a couple of Thermos flasks designed to keep food warm: the Thermos Stainless King and the FUNtainer.


How to have hot food and a clean backpack with these Thermos Food Flasks

Visionary 10x25 DX Binoculars

Visionary Binoculars

Visionary 10&#215;25 DX Binoculars

Binoculars up close

Binoculars Carrying Case

***As a parent you want your child to learn about the world, and you also want to keep them engaged when out walking. Well, here's another little tool to have up your sleeve... ***


<hr/>

<MediaImage url="/uploads/2014/03/Off-Exploring.jpg" height="392" width="590" alt="Off Exploring" />




We've been out walking countless times when we've spotted some big bird in the distance, or the kids want to get a closer look at some wild ponies, but unfortunately, we didn't have any binoculars.



Well actually I do own an old pair of binoculars, but they're too big and bulky to carry around.



Fortunately, we came across these great little binoculars.



<YouTube video={"7-AVeZmsFNs"} />



## Keeping your kids engaged by spotting wildlife


One of the great things about these binoculars is that they can be easily used by adults and kids alike.



They're not heavy, and they quickly adjust.



The only downside we've had is that we could do with more of them, as all the kids want to look through them simultaneously!



When something interesting turns up, such as a bird of prey, for example, ask your kids if they can spot it through the binoculars.



You could go on a walk specifically for spotting wildlife. Create your child a list of things for them to spot, and give them a small prize if they can find all (or most of) the items on the list.



<MediaImage url="/uploads/2014/03/Visionary-Binoculars.jpg" height="332" width="590" alt="Visionary Binoculars" />




## Visionary Binoculars Review - 10x25


The binoculars we bought are the <a title="Visionary Binoculars on Amazon" href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B004FNNM0I/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1634&amp;creative=19450&amp;creativeASIN=B004FNNM0I&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=geouwithki-21" rel="noopener">Visionary 10x25</a>, and can simply fold up into a little pouch you can keep in your pocket, your bag, or even fix the pouch to your belt.



They aren't very expensive, but the build quality has been good.



They have a rubber coating, so they're non-slip in people's hands, but there's also a cord to hang around your neck.



Being small pocket binoculars they are of course not the most powerful of binoculars where you can see miles into the distance, but they're good enough for a family out on a walk spotting wildlife.



We bought ours <a title="View binoculars on Amazon" href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B004FNNM0I/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1634&amp;creative=19450&amp;creativeASIN=B004FNNM0I&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=geouwithki-21" rel="noopener">from Amazon for around £10</a>.

A handy pair of binoculars is a great way to keep your kids engaged on a walk by spotting some wildlife. We were really impressed with this cheap pair of pocket binoculars that does just the job.

Keeping kids engaged with these handy binoculars

Vango Storm Shelter 400 Emergency Shelter, Orange, One Size

Vango

Unpacking the shelter

Vango Storm Shelter

Emergency Essentials

Storm shelter up

Shelter Window

The Vango Stormshetler Folded Up

Bothy bags, or storm shelters, are a useful bit of kit for emergencies, and that alone is a good reason to get one if your planning a trip up a mountain or a trek across the hills with a family.



Essentially, they are a large bag with an elasticated bottom, which are usually the same material as raincoats and so pack down small.


While you may not be in an emergency, Bothy Bags are useful if you want somewhere to eat your sandwiches without them getting soggy or need to get everyone out of the wind for a bit. They are helpful to use if you are taking young children on the hills, and should be part of your kit anyway.

<MediaImage 
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 width='1217'
 alt='Vango Storm Shelter'
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> They are helpful to use if you are taking young children on the hills, and should be part of your kit anyway.



Just pull the bag over the top of a group of you. If there's enough additional material, you can tuck it under your bottom and sit on the ground (subject to how wet it is of course).



In an emergency, they are a godsend.  Anyone who is injured can soon go into shock, mainly as their body focuses on the injury and not keeping warm.  Getting out of the wind and the rain will help preserve their warmth.



Bothy Bags also tend to be brightly coloured, further helping any emergency services or mountain rescue locate you.



## The Vango Storm Shelter


The bothy bag we use is the Vango Storm Shelter 400 and often accompanies us out when going across the hills.



You can get the Vango Storm Shelter in a range of sizes.


<InfoMessage>


### You never know when you might need a Bothy Bag


Incidentally, only a few days ago, someone I work with took a group to the summit of a remote mountain in Snowdonia. The weather wasn't good.



On the way down, they came across an older man supporting a younger woman. They were father and daughter; she had fallen and broken her pelvis.



Fortunately, the group had a bothy bag and could provide much-needed shelter while waiting for Mountain Rescue (the cloud base was too low for the helicopter).  (<a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-north-west-wales-14963835" rel="noopener">BBC News article</a>)

</InfoMessage>


Bothy bags are handy shelters to escape the wind and the rain. Useful for emergencies to somewhere to eat your sarnies.




Vango Storm Shelter 400

Winfield Outdoors

Ultimate Outdoors

Millets

Blacks

Thule

Thule Chariot Cross 2

The Chariot Cross 2 (available in the UK at <a href="http://www.runningbuggies.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">www.runningbuggies.com</a>) is the top of the range multisport buggy from Swedish brand Thule. It’s cleverly designed for running, cycling and even cross-country skiing.


> the kids love it too



We’ve been testing one for the last few months and it’s opened up a whole new world of training and adventure possibilities for us – and the kids love it too. We’ve also found it brilliant in less extreme situations: a sanctuary from ice cream thieving sea-gulls; a perfect chill-out zone from the excitement of summer festivals; or just a tough all-terrain buggy for a family walk. We also took it on <Link href="/travel/scilly-isles/">a week’s camping holiday to the Isles of Scilly</Link> and it was invaluable, allowing us to transport luggage and children with ease, including on and off ferries.
<MediaImage url="/uploads/2017/11/The-Double-Chariot-Folded.jpg" height="1400" width="2100" alt="Folded" />

The Chariot Cross is available as a single or double buggy; our kids are three and six so we’ve been testing the double.
<MediaImage url="/uploads/2017/11/Using-with-a-Bike.jpg" height="680" width="1305" alt="Using with a bike" />

The basic package includes front stroller wheels and a bike attachment arm but there are lots of accessories available. We have the jogging kit, which gives you a large fixed front wheel for easy rolling, and also the brake kit, which adds a twist brake to the handlebar, so we can use it either as an all-terrain stroller, a running buggy or a bike trailer. If you fancy taking it cross-country skiing, there’s a kit available for that too, but we haven’t tried it out. Yet.

<MediaImage url="/uploads/2017/11/Using-on-a-Run.jpg" height="680" width="1305" alt="Using it on a run" />

It’s fair to say we’ve been thoroughly impressed with the buggy. It’s extremely well-made and meticulously thought-through. All the features make sense and work well and, most importantly, the kids are comfortable and we enjoy running and cycling with it. We’re now able to go out running together – something we’ve rarely done since the kids arrived and it’s great to be able to run them to places too far away to walk, instead of having to drive.
<MediaImage url="/uploads/2017/11/Cross-a-stream.jpg" height="680" width="1305" alt="Crossing a stream" />



> We have also taken it over some really rough ground and it coped brilliantly


Pushing the buggy is smooth and easy as long as the terrain is reasonably flat – it rolls amazingly even fully-loaded. We have also taken it over some really rough ground and it coped brilliantly. The brake kit makes downhills easy to control, but with both kids and the associated luggage steep uphills can be a struggle – it’s good training though!

<MediaImage url="/uploads/2017/11/Admiring-the-View.jpg" height="680" width="1305" alt="Admiring the view" />

## Features

<ul>
<li>Robust and durable with a strong protective frame around the kids.</li>
<li>Mesh zipped cover which stops toys being ejected and protects the kids from bugs, stones, undergrowth, and even snack-thieving seagulls! There’s a clear, waterproof cover that goes over the top.</li>
<li>Comfortable, individually-reclining seats with five-point harnesses.</li>
<li>Large rear storage pocket which can be clipped up if it gets in the way of your stride when running – we don’t find that it does and it’s really handy having the luggage space.</li>
<li>Padded, fully-adjustable handlebar plus a safety wrist strap.</li>
<li>Large rear wheels with adjustable suspension system creating a smooth ride for the occupants.</li>
<li>Lots of storage space for basic tools, a pump, spare inner tubes (we haven’t had a puncture yet) and essentials for the kids.</li>
<li>Folds up neatly with all the wheels and accessories inside it for transport and storage.</li>
</ul>
Here are some quick stats about the Chariot Cross:
<ul>
<li>Weight 12.8kg (single) 14.5kg (double)</li>
<li>Weight capacity 34kg (single) 45kg (double)</li>
<li>Folded dimensions 85.5 x 62 x 37.5 cm (single) 85.5 x 76 x 37.5 cm (double)</li>
<li>Door pass through 63.4cm (single) 80cm (double)</li>
<li>Sitting height 68cm</li>
</ul>

### About Thule

Established in Sweden in 1942, Thule’s mission is to help transport everything you care for safely, easily and in style, leaving you free to live an active life. Thule has a strong corporate sustainability code; read more at: <a href="http://www.thulegroup.com/en/our-approach" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">www.thulegroup.com/en/our-approach</a>.

The Thule Chariot is an off-road buggy ideal for running and being active with small kids but is it worth the high price? Jen and Sim put it to the test.

Review: Thule Chariot Cross Multisport Trailer

This is the first buggy we’ve had because we’ve never found one that could cope with our adventures before. It’s a great tool to allow us to run together regularly and have amazing family adventures on foot or with the bikes. Highly recommended for active couples with young kids.

Ambronite Review

We try to test and review things on Get Out With The Kids that you, as parents, might find useful when getting outdoors with your family.
So, what is Ambronite, and why could it be useful?

## What is Ambronite

Ambronite is a complete meal in a drink, but what's different to other meal replacement shakes, is that this is made from organic superfoods, designed to give you a complete balanced meal that's packed full of nutrients.
<MediaImage url="/uploads/2015/11/Ambronite-10-pack-with-Bottle.jpg" alt="Ambronite 10 pack with Bottle" width="1023" height="680" caption="Ambronite 10 pack with Bottle" />

## Why Ambronite might Help You

Well, you, like many of us, may get outside <Link href="/family-hiking/hiking-fitness-weight-loss/">as part of a healthy lifestyle</Link>. After all, <Link href="/family-hiking/benefits-of-being-outside/">getting outside is good for you</Link>.
Ambronite, with its high nutritional content, would be a great addition to getting fit and healthy.
However, where Ambronite could really help, is that they claim that just one serving should keep you feeling full for about 4.5 hours. So if you are out and about all day, this could be just the fuel to keep you active with the kids.
<MediaImage url="/uploads/2015/11/Ambronite-Ingredients-and-Nutrition-Info.jpg" alt="Ambronite Ingredients and Nutrition Info" width="787" height="590" caption="Ambronite Ingredients and Nutrition Info" />

## So, is Ambronite it any good?

Well, you can get Ambronite as a set of 10 packets. It's a little pricey, but as Ambronite point out, they are using a lot of high-quality superfoods.
Mixing it, according to the instructions, is straightforward too.
Just pour 550ml of water into the Ambronite drink bottle, pour in the Ambronite, and give it a shake. (They recommend let it stand for at least 2 minutes for the powder to get fully diluted).
Watch our short video for more details...and our taste test.

<YouTube video={"rPVNbNwSXvc"} />

Well, as you can see, none of us really liked the taste, though some of us liked it more than others.
For me, I had such high hopes for Ambronite. It looked really good. But I just couldn't get used to the taste.
Although taste is a personal thing, I'm really hoping that Ambronite address this. Healthy food doesn't have to taste bad.
Of course, it might taste just fine for you :-)

We give Ambronite a test. With promises of super foods and a something that will keep us energised and full whilst out hiking the hills, just how well does it live up to those claims?

Hiking Gear Reviews

How to have hot food and a clean backpack with these Thermos Food Flasks

Keeping kids engaged with these handy binoculars

Bothy Bags and Storm Shelters: The Vango Storm Shelter 400 Review

Review: Thule Chariot Cross Multisport Trailer

Ambronite Review

We gave this the Thumbs Up awardHow to have hot food and a clean backpack with these Thermos Food Flasks

We gave this the Thumbs Up awardKeeping kids engaged with these handy binoculars

Bothy Bags and Storm Shelters: The Vango Storm Shelter 400 Review

Review: Thule Chariot Cross Multisport Trailer

Ambronite Review

How to have hot food and a clean backpack with these Thermos Food Flasks

Keeping kids engaged with these handy binoculars