Gear Guide
This is the gear necessary for most days in our program!
A few things to highlight,
A water bottle is fine for water, your child doesn’t need a hydration bladder
We want a shoe with good toe coverage, no heel, and okay to get wet and muddy
We prefer a backpack with a chest strap for secure fit as we hike around
We will also be outside on Rainy Days and Cold Weather Days and the appropriate gear is essential to being comfortable and safe outside on these days.
Rainy Days
It's essential for your child to have three pieces of rainPROOF gear
Rain Bibs or Pants - rainPROOF pants or rain bibs. We prefer rain bibs with boot straps for preschoolers.
Rain Jackets with Hood - rainPROOF rain jacket shell without insulation is a necessity
Rain Boots- Sturdy without a heal and rainPROOF
*Note a Full Rain Suit can replace 1. and 2. Just note it is harder to layer under a Full Rain Suit.
Cold Weather Days
In the winter we will use a layering system to stay warm and dry while outside. Below we explain the Basic Principles of Layering for Cold Weather and list Accessories for Keeping the Extremities Warm.
In the winter months, no cotton clothing. Cotton does not insulate well once it is wet, and increases the chance of your child being cold, wet and miserable!
Basic Principles of Layering for Cold Weather:
Base/Next to Skin- These items fit close- not tight- to the skin in order to trap in body heat. We’d like these layers to be synthetic, wool, or silk. Polyester PJ’s can work just fine. Your child will have a top and bottom base layer.
Insulating/Mid-Layer- This layer insulates to help keep the body warm despite outside temperatures. A thick fleece, down or wool zip-up jacket is a good insulating layer. Fleece or wool pants are good mid-layers for bottoms. For the most cold days, you can add an additional layer of a down/synthetic down vest or light fleece.
Shell/Outer Layer- Rain pants or Bibs and Rain Jackets can be used as outer layers in the winter. If you'd like to use separate pants for our coldest days in order to skip using multiple mid layers and outer layers, waterproof insulated snow bibs also work great.
Accessories for Keeping the Extremities Warm:
Warm Hat - A warm winter hat that covers the ears is essential. Look for wool, wool-blend, or fleece fabrics.
Neck Warmer- wool or fleece neck warmer or scarf
Warm Mittens - Mittens work best for little hands
Wool Socks x2 - One pair on the child’s feet and a back up in the backpack
Winter Boots - Rain boots paired with wool socks can be used as winter boots