What clothing items would you get for outdoor school?

[Anonymous]

My son's school has returned and will be spending as much time outside as possible, in all kinds of weather. I would love recommendations on specific products/brands.

I'm thinking the obvious so far:

-some kind of regular shoe that is waterproof or water-resistant - would specifically love recs on this one, my son is 6
-rain boots
-rain pants
-rain coat
-the kinds of gloves where you can take off the fingertips
-hats

If we last into the winter:
-long johns
-snow pants
-waterproof snow boots

What am I missing, and what specific products do you recommend?

[Anonymous]

Just get him whatever rain boots he likes at Target.

He doesn't need all this other crap. It's not that cold in the DMV.

[Anonymous]

A lot of the outdoorsy retailers sell water-resistant pants/clothing.

Try Deluth, Columbia, LL Bean, etc. I personally love their cargo pants b/c they hold well, have lots of pockets (I'm a mom, can you tell?), and when I was outside in the rain last week with the kids my legs were dry (rain beaded up).

[Anonymous]

I think all kids should have rain pants in this area! It's wet and muddy for so much of the year that it would be great if schools could put on rain gear and send them outside.

Either something like the one piece rain suit or the separate pants that are worn with a jacket (suit would be faster, but separates may get more use) - https://oaki.com/collections/boy-rainwear

OP I would talk to the school. Is the idea that they'll be indoors and outdoors both or only outdoors? If both, I would think they would want rain boots that can be changed into "indoor shoes" so that kids aren't tracking mud all over the school. If you go with boots, try to find ones that are more fitted at the shin so water doesn't get into the boot.

For regular footwear, I really like Doc Martens. We wear them for day to day use from fall to spring. They're warm enough for winter, water proof enough for day to day slushy conditions, and sturdy.

[Anonymous]

I disagree with PP who suggested not buying anything but rain boots. Even if the temperature isn’t very low being outside all day in cool and/or wet weather makes it feel colder than it actually is. Layers are key. I’d buy a couple of fleeces, a waterproof shell such as LL Bean kids, Patagonia, North Face, smartwool tops and socks, hats of varying thickness. Goretex boots. Don’t go cheap on the footwear.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I disagree with PP who suggested not buying anything but rain boots. Even if the temperature isn’t very low being outside all day in cool and/or wet weather makes it feel colder than it actually is. Layers are key. I’d buy a couple of fleeces, a waterproof shell such as LL Bean kids, Patagonia, North Face, smartwool tops and socks, hats of varying thickness. Goretex boots. Don’t go cheap on the footwear.

This. Kids running around will stay warm, but if they're expected to sit for any length of time, they can get cold quickly, even in the relatively temperate mid-Atlantic.

[Anonymous]

I like plae shoes and bogs

[Anonymous]

My kid likes wearing a vest over a fleece. Keeps her warm but arms are not too bulked up so its easier to play.

[Anonymous]

we like the merrell waterproof hiking shoes. Comfortable enough to wear like sneakers but actually waterproof

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My son's school has returned and will be spending as much time outside as possible, in all kinds of weather. I would love recommendations on specific products/brands.

I'm thinking the obvious so far:

-some kind of regular shoe that is waterproof or water-resistant - would specifically love recs on this one, my son is 6
-rain boots - Bogs
-rain pants - Polarn O Pyret
-rain coat - Ditto
-the kinds of gloves where you can take off the fingertips
-hats - POP makes a rain hat which is great for really rainy days on top of a hood

If we last into the winter:
-long johns - Uniqlo heattech
-snow pants - Polarn O Pyret
-waterproof snow boots - Bogs - the kind with neoprene

What am I missing, and what specific products do you recommend?

My responses in bold above. My kid is an outdoor school.
In general, Polarn O Pyret gear is very well made and recommended by outdoor programs. The wool balaclava is good for winter too.
For cold rainy fall days, their rain mittens are good too.

[Anonymous]

LL Bean makes coats that are three in ones - shell, fleece liner, winter coat. You can adjust as needed. Only challenge is if your kid loses things, one piece or the other may not make it home. I spent to much time at the lost and found at school....

[Anonymous]

Bogs boots.

[Anonymous]

We have a North Face 3-in-1 jacket that has a fleece liner that can be zipped in or out and a waterproof shell. On warmer but rainy days they can wear just the shell and stay dry. On cold but dry days they can wear the fleece and stay warm. On cold and wet days you zip them together and they can stay warm and dry.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I disagree with PP who suggested not buying anything but rain boots. Even if the temperature isn’t very low being outside all day in cool and/or wet weather makes it feel colder than it actually is. Layers are key. I’d buy a couple of fleeces, a waterproof shell such as LL Bean kids, Patagonia, North Face, smartwool tops and socks, hats of varying thickness. Goretex boots. Don’t go cheap on the footwear.

This. Kids running around will stay warm, but if they're expected to sit for any length of time, they can get cold quickly, even in the relatively temperate mid-Atlantic.

Disagree based on personal experience.

[Anonymous]

My kids are also in an outdoor school. Knowing how much they LOVE to jump in puddles I bought them each a good rain suit. Hoping it also will double as a snowsuit with enough layers underneath. Since we don't actually get snow here I really don't want to buy a separate snow suit!

Their rainboots are from Walmart, though! And my younger one is in his older brother's hand-me-down Walmart boots and they get worn A LOT so I love them.