Thule Litter Bin
Gum wrappers, tissues, stale PB&Js... The inside of family car is often reminiscent of a freshman's college dorm room. The zip-shut, 14-inch by 9.5-inch by 6-inch Litter Bin attaches to the seatback headrest and has a rigid shape that makes tossing trash easy—even for children. Extra bags are stashed in a separate compartment for easy access.
$19.99, www.thuleracks.com

Jansport Big Squirt Backpack
At 1,800 cubic inches, this backpack is the perfect size for children to carry on an airplane or bring along on a car or train trip. The pack has an exterior bungy cord and mesh water bottle pocket. The front-zip pocket is big enough for books, color crayons, and pencils, while the main compartment can be used an extra set of clothes, homework, or toys. The nifty Lidquid2Go hydration system has interchangeable caps that attach a drinking tube almost any sized bottle.
$45, www.jansport.com

Yakima FarOut Bag
This new bag attaches to nearly any roof rack and can be worn as a backpack or checked as airline luggage. With seven cubic feet of cargo space, the carrier has a padded underside to protect car roofs, and comfortable shoulder and chest straps that tuck away when not needed. Six beefy handles and dual compression straps adorn the rugged exterior; inside are two removable dividers.
$199, www.yakima.com

Mountainsmith Pack and Travel Cooler
For families on the go, pre-packed basics save time and energy. The Mountainsmith Modular Hauler 3 System Deluxe is a large waterproof, rubber-bottomed tote with a zippered lid. The hauler holds three stand-alone water-resistant cubes with zip lids. The Hauler and cubes are great for packing kids clothes, or, with the Deluxe Travel Cooler, makes a great car-camping kitchen. The free-standing insulated cooler has a fold-down beverage tray and side mesh pockets.
3 System Deluxe, $99; Deluxe Travel Cooler, $40; www.mountainsmith.com

Coleman Radio Cooler
Kids and parents love this sturdy 36-quart cooler with a hinged lid and two-way handles has a quality AM/FM radio with a weather band, clock, alarm, MP3, and headphone jacks and two one-watt speakers built into the front. The top of the lid features four drink holders, and the handles slide down for easy packing. The cooler has no-tilt channel draining, and holds 46 cans, plus ice.
$65, www.coleman.com

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