BundleBean – Around the world with Evie Bean

When a friend of mine noticed that I had embarked upon the Wainwrights in the Lake District fells with Evie (at the time only a few weeks old), she knew it was a matter of time before the spell of good weather broke and I would need some waterproof gear.

I have a need to be outside and have some exercise and fresh air at some point every day, no matter what the weather. This means that Evie, on most occasions, will also have to be outside with me. And the problem with babies is that they grow. Rapidly. Which, although I am a fan of second hand clothes, could still become expensive to be getting decent outdoor gear, when she is essentially just being carried.

So this is where my friends suggestion of the BundleBean comes in. Designed to fit over any carrier and for children up to 4 years old, waterproof and snuggly, I thought it was worth a try. The hardest decision was choosing between elephants and polar bears (amongst others) for the design!

BundleBean

And what timing. When it arrived I put it in my rucksack and the next walk I did up Arnison Crag in June we got caught in a thunderstorm.

With the first raindrop falling as I got to the summit, I donned the BundleBean and hoped it would keep her dry. It was a good test as the rain really came down. Back at the car she was 100% dry.

From that day onwards the BundleBean is always there in my bag, allowing me to still enjoy getting out without worrying, even when it is windy and wet.

It has other uses to, like a picnic blanket.

An out an about sleeping mat that you can even squeeze a friends twinnies into whilst we picnic and swim.

A blanket for the pushchair

Or for when she is in the bike Chariot and it’s a chilly day!

It’s been used as a general warm blanket for when we are down at the lake (she is a bit small for her own Dryrobe yet!)

It makes for a good beach towel!

And very importantly, the design has thought about the parents to, as there is a fleece lined hand warmer pocket for when it is used on the front. Important, as if you are anything like me, whilst Evie is small and still in the front sling, I instinctively like to hold her as well.

We recently trialled it on the back as Evie is growing. I’m pleased to say it seemed just as effective keeping her dry in an alpine thunderstorm.

Evie is almost, but not quite, ready for the rucksack…. as we head into Autumn. I have no doubt I’ll be testing it further when using this as we get more rain.

BundleBean

If the weather isn’t the best but you still want stunning, this valley is gorgeous and is great for all.

The way up the valley is a toll road, which winds it’s way up from the middle of Mayrhofen to the Stilluptal reservoir. This costs €8, but it would be a very long way up without a car. It’s a pretty drive, but totally stunning when you get there. Glacial waters and steep sided valleys with waterfalls pouring down from the tops.

This view is from the top of the Penken, on the other side of the Mayrhofen valley. It does show its extent and why it feels so amazing when in the Stilluptal valley

This walk is tarmac the whole way and a 2-3 hr round trip depending on the speed you walk. A downside of the tarmac is that if like me you prefer to be off road, it’s not. But it does make it totally accessible to anyone with a buggy/pushchair who still want views and a decent walk.

One of the joys of the mountains for me is hearing the cows with bells. Even better when they are friendly on their stroll down the road, and enjoy a stroke!

In her typical sleepy way Evie misses most of the walk up

We decided to trial her on the back in the sling, as she is getting heavy for front carrying over distance. She seems happy… and falls back to sleep.

The the rain comes, but all is well. Waterproofs for us, BundleBean for her and the rain is unimportant.

We arrive at the Grune-Wand-Hutte, very ready for late lunch.

Evie checks the menu to decide on food

She settles for her first go at baby food – Spaghetti Bolognese – and loved it

The food here was really good, as Austrian hut food generally is. Evie’s own meal doesn’t stop her interest in our food and her joy in routing her hands around in my salad!