Gear
"There is no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing."
Rain Gear
Offers premium, eco-friendly raingear for kids, made from PVC and phthalate-free polyurethane, which is chemically inert and won’t off-gas or contaminate groundwater. Designed to be wind and waterproof, the gear is soft, flexible, and durable, featuring 8000mm polyurethane, heat-sealed seams, YKK zippers, and large double layers of material at the knees. The gloves are especially great because the extend almost all the way to the elbow! This is a favorite brand in the Waldorf and Nature School world.
Hatley is a Montreal-based retailer renowned for its premium, PVC-free children's rainwear, including waterproof rain jackets, pants, and boots. Their products are designed for comfort and durability, featuring soft, flexible materials and vibrant designs that appeal to kids. Most of their products are Sherpa lined helping to keep kiddos warm while they play in cold rainy weather.
A Danish brand with a product line that includes waterproof jackets, pants, and one-piece suits, all crafted to withstand the elements while allowing freedom of movement. CeLaVi's rainwear is available in a variety of vibrant designs and sizes, catering to both boys and girls. Their rain gear is PVC free, made from 5000 mm thick polyurethane and free from fluorine, nickel, AZO dyes and flame retardants.
Snow Gear
Polarn O. Pyret, a brand from the US, makes 100% wool gloves that are great to layer with mittens or wear alone on dry and more mild days. They also have a merino wool romper that looks like the perfect base layer to wear under a snowsuit. They participate in a gear recycling program that gives you credit for their store and at least half of their cotton gear is organic.
Reima is a US company that intentionally makes gear that can be worn for multiple seasons in their "Room-to-Grow" designs that feature a few extra inches of material per size. Their award winning snowsuit has straps attached that keep little legs warm since they won't ride up. Their gear is 100% free from PFAs, PVC & heavy metals.
Outdoor Magazine voted these 100% merino wool base layers as their favorite for 2024. Iksplor also makes a balaclava that is sure to keep little cheeks warm for hours. All of Iksplor's packaging is 100% compostable and they also have a "pre-loved" site with big discounts on previously worn gear.
Warm Weather Gear
REI has a nice variety of sun hats including the Sunday Afternoons Play Hat that is rated UPF50+, moisture-wicking, vented, and has cape on the back to protect little necks from sunburn.
Their Sahara Shade Hoodie offers UPF50+ sun protection, is moisture-wicking and made from sustainable materials. Their Sahara Convertible Pants go from pants to shorts in a flash and offer UPF50+ protection. They are also moisture wicking, fast drying and made from recycled materials.
The Capilene Silkweight Sun Hoodie offers UPF40 sun protection, a hood with a tall collar to protect the neck, thumb holes in the sleeves to keep them down, and rolled shoulder seams to prevent chafing under backpack straps.
Miscellaneous
Outdoor School Shop is a one stop website filled with all types of clothing for children attending outdoor school. They even have a Used Gear section!
Backpacks
REI makes a kid's backpack designed for 4-7 year olds that holds 12L of gear, has a space for a hydration pack, reflective accents, is made from sustainable materials.
Camelback has a kid's hydration pack that carries 1.5 L of water and 12.5L of gear, has reflective accents, a mesh back panel, and a safety whistle on the strap.
Shoes/Boots/Sandals
Vivobarefoot shoes are a favorite amongst naturalists because they allow the foot to move naturally and they aid in building strength, flexibility and balance. Their Lumi FG Winter Boots are warm, waterproof, extra grippy and still flexible enough to give the sensory feedback barefoot shoes are worn for, helping to aid in proprioception.
Bogs is a trusted brand and many customers say their boots can be passed down for multiple children to use. The tall 3 season boots are a great option since they are insulated, waterproof and have "easy-on" handles.
Socks
The Wigwam Outlet store in Sheboygan is hit or miss on whether or not they will have kid's socks but if they do, the deals are substantial. It's worth trying and many of their socks are alpaca and merino wool blends.
Darn Tough makes kids hiking socks in a variety of lengths with almost half of the material being merino wool. Their satisfaction guarantee is unmatched, "If these aren’t the longest lasting socks you’ve ever owned, you can return them to us for another pair. No receipt needed, just the pair in question."