It can be tough to get kids —especially toddlers — out of the house and out on the trails this time of year. When the snow is falling, the wind is blowing, and temps are dropping, the warmth of a wood-burning stove and a heated house are often much more inviting than bundling up and braving the elements. But with the right layers, and top-notch gear, you can keep the outdoor stoke alive for your little ones all winter long.
Keen Little Kids’ Targhee Waterproof Boot
Paired with a warm sock for winter hikes, this waterproof boot is unstoppable. It features a rugged rubber outsole, a padded tongue and breathable mesh lining. Rock scrambling, snowy trails and wandering toddlers are no match for the Little Kids’ Waterproof Targhee Boot. $70; keenfootwear.com
Sorel Little Kids’ Flurry Boot
For deep snow days, go with a tried and true boot like the Sorel Little Kids’ Flurry Boot. The built-in gaiter ensures coverage in deeper snow while a multi-directional lug outsole gives kids added traction on the trail. The boot also features a waterproof thermal rubber shell to keep little feet extra dry and a removable felt inner boot for added insulation and warmth. Sorel makes this boot in both toddler and “little kid” sizes. $60; sorel.com
Smartwool Kid’s Wintersport Socks
If you’re hitting the trail with kids this winter, keep their little feet warm and cozy with Smartwool Wintersport merino wool socks. No matter the age of your kid, parents can rest easy knowing these merino wool blend socks will fit well, survive the season, keep their kids comfortable (no itch!) and keep them warm on winter hikes. Bonus points: this sock line features some pretty cool, kid-approved patterns and colors. $15.95; smartwool.com
Carhartt Canvas Dungaree Pants
With sizes ranging from newborn to 4T, the Carhartt Canvas Dungaree will become your kid’s new favorite hiking pant for the next few years. These pants have functional pockets (for all the rock collecting your child does along the trail), and are made of a mid-weight canvas, so parents need not fear abrasive surfaces. Paired with the insulating power of Patagonia Baby Capilene Bottoms, your kid will be ready for any chilly day on the trail. $19.99-$22.99; carhartt.com
Helly Hansen K Barrier Down Insulator Jacket
The K Barrier Down Insulator is perfect for sunny winter days when a lighter weight down jacket is enough to keep the chill out. Featuring responsibly-sourced ALLIED down fill, the K Barrier Down Insulator Jacket is reversible and packs into its own pocket. $100; hellyhansen.com
Big Agnes Kids Ice House Hoodie
On colder, snowy trail days, the Ice House Hoodie is a great option. Featuring Big Agnes’ DownTek water-repellent down insulation, this jacket will keep your little one warm and cozy even during snow squalls. While the zipper hand pockets and interior mesh pockets will be a hit with the kids — allowing them to stash necessities — parents will appreciate the hood and adjustable drawcord to keep the elements out and kids on the trail longer. $129.95; bigagnes.com
Turtle Fur Neck Warmer & Jurassic Knit Beanie
Looking to keep the wind off your little one’s face? Turtle Fur has a solution with their Playful Print Neck Warmer. It dries quickly, is soft on the cheeks and comes in some super fun designs. And keep the warmth in with one of Turtle Fur’s fleece-lined beanies with fun designs and color options, like the Jurassic Knit Beanie. Neck warmer: $14.99; Jurassic Knit Beanie: $27.00; turtlefur.com
Kinco Kids’ Axeman Lined Grain Leather Mitt
Mittens keep digits closer, reducing surface area and increasing warmth, and these mittens feature an added thermal lining to make sure little hands stay warm. The Kinco Kids’ Axeman Mitt is a suede synthetic leather that can get wet, dry easily and stay warm the entire time. They also feature a nice cuff and elastic wrist to help keep the glove in place, and keep random debris out. Kinko does not sell direct to consumers, but a guide to finding retail shops that sell Kinko products is available on the company’s website. kinco.com
Deuter Kikki Pack
A day on the trail isn’t complete without a pack. The Deuter Kikki is an 8-litre rucksack style pack perfectly sized for toddlers and young kids. Available in three color options, and with a cute set of ears on the main compartment, this pack is fun and functional, and includes room for an extra layer, snacks and other trail necessities. The Kikki was recently revamped and now features stretch side pockets (the older versions had Velcro closures), which is a great improvement that allows for better water bottle (or sticks/leaves/rocks/other trail treasures) carrying on the outside of the pack. $45; deuterusa.com
Polarized MiniShades Sunglasses
These sunglasses feature 100 percent UV protection for kids. If you find your child squinting on outings, MiniShades sunglasses are a necessity for your next hike. Like miniature versions of higher-end adult shades, there is no distortion, they actually stay on kids faces, come in a variety of colors, and have a great warranty. Shaded eyes are happy eyes; plus, your kid will look super cute.
$19.99; polarizedminishades.com
