For five decades, Eagle Creek gear has journeyed alongside adventurers like you, charting incredible paths across every terrain imaginable. From bustling cityscapes to remote mountain trails, our gear has been trusted companions, silent partners in countless stories of exploration. As we look forward to our next half-century, the possibilities for travel seem more infinite than ever—especially when we meet families like the Amaros.
For Sara and Fonzie Amaro, along with their two young adventurers, Maya and Ellie, and their travel-loving pup, Piper, life isn't about collecting things; it's about collecting moments. To them, time is short, and experiences are priceless. In an age saturated with “stuff,” it’s a philosophy they hope to instill in their kids.
They are, at their core, an adventurous road trip family, prioritizing connection over convention.
The Call of the Road: From Cruise Ships to Van Life
Sara and Fonzie’s story began on the move. They met working on a cruise ship—a dynamic start that set the tone for their life together. This initial chapter led them to San Diego, where, before kids, they embraced the freedom of van life in an old, beat-up rig. It was a simpler kind of chaos, less hectic than what lay ahead, but equally fulfilling.
Life took a turn with the arrival of their first child, Maya, during the isolating days of the pandemic. Despite the world slowing down, the Amaro family felt an immediate pull to hit the road. Now, plus one adventurer, they embarked on their first family road trip with Maya at six months old. That month on the road truly sealed their family's travel trajectory.
"There's this American struggle of having the traditional white picket fence life," Sara says. But for them, domestication simply makes them stir-crazy. While San Diego has been a home base, travel has always been their true north, defining their identity as individuals, as a couple, and now, as a family.
Thriving in the Chaos: Their Unconventional Compass
The Amaro family's travel style is uniquely their own. They almost never travel solo; it's family first 99% of the time. Their preferred method of transport? A truck camper bought off Facebook Marketplace. "It's not an Instagram treasure," Sara says, "but it's a treasure for us." Opting for road trips to bring their dog Piper along, the Amaros are more likely to drive 15 hours than fly two. It's full-on family, all the time.
Their approach to the road is deliberately fluid. While they might have a few destinations loosely booked, they leave abundant room for the unexpected. "We find a lot of unknown magic moments just by staying open to adventure," Sara shares. Some days, they don't even know where they're going or where they'll stay, guided by a general route rather than a rigid schedule. With kids, a little more planning has become necessary, but the spirit of spontaneous discovery remains.
This chaotic rhythm is far preferable to the grind of stationary life. "The chaos is still at home, either way," Fonzie points out. Living on the road, daily chores like laundry and grocery shopping transform. "They become less of a chore when you’re living on the road," Sara explains. "Your mind is so singular. You enjoy the day, have fun with your kids, and you’re not itemizing your time like you do at home." This intentional living allows them to escape the "hamster wheel" and fully embrace the present.
Gear That Goes the Distance
For a family that thrives on the road, intentional gear is non-negotiable. Their journey with us began out of necessity. "I didn't really understand packing cubes until we had a toddler," Sara admits. "Without them, all those tiny socks and little bits of clothing get lost." After trying cheaper alternatives that fell apart, they turned to Eagle Creek.
Their preference for duffels over traditional luggage also stems from a desire for practicality on the road. "Eagle Creek has options that have wheels but also collapse and are not bulky," Sara notes. "They’re the perfect solution." This preference for durability and multi-purpose functionality is deeply tied to their travel mentality: "We don’t like stuff for stuff’s sake. We want gear that lasts a long time and is durable and multi-purpose. I don’t like buying new bags and constantly replacing things."
Their current setup, a truck camper with portable solar and roof storage for bikes and chairs, requires efficiency. They've perfected an implied, unspoken system for setting up camp and packing down. "Our packing system keeps life so simple on the road," Sara emphasizes.
Sara and Fonzie's go-to gear list for any adventure includes:
- Cargo Hauler Duffel
- Explore Tote
- Explore Backpack
- Pack-It® Systems (different colored cubes used to differentiate the clothing of each family member)
- Pack-It® Trifold Toiletry Kit
You can see exactly how they like to pack for long road trips using all this gear here.
New Perspectives & Endless Horizons
For the Amaros, the greatest reward of their travel lifestyle is seeing the world through their children's eyes. Moments like Maya hiking Delicate Arch in Utah, or Ellie's first glimpse of the towering Redwoods, create "a whole new perspective." Even stopping at a roadside dinosaur attraction—something they never would have done pre-kids—becomes an unforgettable highlight.
"Do it. You never regret a trip," Sara urges. "You regret a purchase, but you never regret a trip." They encourage others to find their own "travel rhythm," emphasizing that "nothing is perfect from us. There’s no perfect plan, no perfect rig." It's about showing what's possible, not prescribing.
They learn so much on the road: the greatness of the outdoors, the kindness of people, and the beauty of human connection. “Experiencing new things can be scary, but it’s also worth it. There’s value in meeting new people and seeing new places and we can show that to our kids.” Sara marvels.
Currently, on a one-month road trip in Bainbridge, Washington, the Amaros continue to challenge traditional norms. They're navigating the dilemma of school versus continued travel for their kids, understanding that capturing the fleeting moments of youth is paramount. "Youth is so short," Fonzie says, hoping to overcome the fear of committing to their authentic path, despite what they "should" be doing.
Their adventures, fueled by durable gear and an unshakeable belief in experiences over things, continue to inspire. The Amaro family embodies the spirit of exploration, showing us that with the right mentality—and the right gear—the possibilities for discovery truly are infinite.
