In today’s post I am sharing snow gear for kids for a winter hike. These are the layers my 5 year old wears on our winter hikes to stay warm and dry.
One thing I have noticed about my kids getting older, is some things just get easier. One of those things is winter hiking. Now this isn’t a blanket statement. I definitely think hiking with a baby is easier than a 2 year old, but once they’ve gotten past that toddler stage, it’s definitely been easier. We’ll see how I feel a few years down the road.
One thing that’s especially nice, is that he can get most of his layers on by himself which is a game changer for me. Especially when I have 2 other kids to get layers on! There definitely is a lot of snow gear for kids when you’re hiking up mountains in the winter.
As he’s gotten older, I have made adjustments to what he wears on a hike since he never gets carried anymore. He is hiking all on his own which is important to know because it means he is generating more heat. When kids are in a carrier, their body isn’t moving to warm themselves up so they need more layers.
Now that he is hiking all on his own, I have given him lighter layers to wear which he likes because he’s at a more comfortable temperature, and it’s easier to move in. I recently took him on a snowy winter hike and I wanted to share the snow gear for kids that he wore!
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Snow Gear for Kids on a Winter Hike
Base Layer
Merino Wool 2 Piece Base Layer: I love that it’s thin because as my kid hikes more, he is exerting more energy on the trail and heats up a lot faster than a baby who is just sitting in the pack. If your child is also potty trained, it’s good to have a 2 piece set to make it easier to go to the bathroom. Merino wool is great because it’s temperature regulating, moisture wicking, odor resistant, it’s soft and it layers well. You can check out this post to read more on the benefits of merino wool! (My discount code is HaileyOutside)
Outer Layer
REI Down Jacket: I absolutely love this kids’ down jacket. It’s warm, reversible so if it gets dirty you can just turn it inside out, it’s lightweight, and it doesn’t break the bank. My kids have worn the toddler down jacket for years and my 5 year old just started wearing the kid size.
Waterproof Outdoor Pants: As my kid gets older, he doesn’t always need a full on snowsuit like his Stavanger, especially on warmer days. These waterproof pants are perfect to layer over his base layer and they keep him dry and insulated from the snow. I love the reinforced knees and these pants go over his boots to keep the snow out.
Hands
Reima Ote Mittens: These are my all time favorite kid mittens. They have an adjustable cinch around the wrists to help them stay on. They come up to about mid arm. They are waterproof and insulated as well as abrasion resistant which is great for my toddler who loves to pick up lots of rocks and sticks. (My Discount Code is Hailey20)
Feet
Kid Wool socks: I bought these socks when my oldest this year and they have been amazing. They feel just like the wool socks I wear, but on a smaller scale. He never complains about his feet being cold, and they’re not too thick where he complains about his boots feeling tight.
Reima Kids Boots: My kids have worn these boots the last 2 winters. The smallest size is size toddler 4.5. They are waterproof and insulated with a wool/fleece blend. The sole is thicker and the kids feet have been plenty warm every time I take them off. My 5 year old can easily get them on and off himself, and was able to as well last year. (My code is Hailey20)
Kid Microspikes: These are great for my kid when we are hiking on icy trails or ones where the snow is really compacted. They give him great traction and make hiking uphill and downhill much easier. I just make sure he’s careful, especially when running, as it can feel a little different for them when they’re moving quick.
Head
Reima Balaclava: A thick, warm balaclava is very effective in keeping kids warm in the winter. There are no gaps so the heat gets trapped. My kid’s both like to wear them and if they get warm, I just pull the hood off so they are wearing it like a neck gaiter. I do love this thin balaclava as well especially under my kid’s bike helmets or if the weather just isn’t too brutal. (My code is Hailey20)
Reima Balaclava: This is another favorite balaclava of mine. I just think the pom poms are so fun. When we were in Norway, all of the kids wore balaclavas with pom poms and I just fell in love. This is just as warm as the above balaclava, but I do recommend sizing up. (My discount code is Hailey20)
If you have questions about snow gear for kids, be sure to check out these posts!
