Children who are not dressed for the weather struggle. The right gear sets them up for a great morning outside. Please dress your child for the low temperature of the day, not the high.
Camouflage clothing — makes children hard to spot in the forest
Cotton clothing and hats — does not insulate when wet
Clothing or shoes that are too big — loose gear is a safety hazard
Your child will need to wear
01
Base layer — top and bottom
Wool, silk, or dense polyester. This is NOT a moisture-wicking layer. This is for WARMTH. A fluffy polypropylene or wool base makes a real difference.
Good options: Stripes, Mountain Warehouse, MEC, Patagonia Capilene
02
Fleece layer — top and bottom
Will be needed by October, probably not September. Any fleece works great. Look for one with a longer hem that stays tucked in.
03
Sturdy shoes or boots — no sandals and no gumboots
A well-fitting running shoe with a wool sock works well in early fall. As it gets wetter, move to waterproof boots. Gumboots fill with mud and slip off.
Favorites: Muck boots from the Horse Barn
04
Backpack with a chest clip
No wider or taller than your child's torso. Look for 10 to 18 litre capacity. The chest clip is important — it keeps the pack from swinging when children are moving.
05
Rain pants and coat — separate coat and pants preferred
Kamloops is a desert climate so a heavy-duty rainsuit is not really needed. A lightweight shell works fine. Separate pieces are better than a one-piece.
Good options: MEC rain pants, Paradox (available at Costco)
06
Socks — wool or wool blend
Think ski socks. A good wool sock makes a surprising difference, especially as mornings get cooler.
Smartwool and Kombi are both available at SportChek and Atmosphere
07
Mittens — 2 pairs
MUST have an elastic cuff that goes OVER the coat sleeve. Mittens make a real difference once the cold hits. Send a second pair — the first pair will get wet.
Good brands: MEC, The North Face, Columbia, Mountain Warehouse
08
Warm hat — must cover the ears and stay in place
Fleece hats are ideal. Wool ones are even better. Most hats in stores are cotton — check the label before you buy.
09
Snack mittens or gloves
A cheap, thin pair of gloves or mittens kept separate from the outdoor ones, for eating only. Dollar stores carry children's sizes from mid-fall.
