What My Kids Wear for Winter Hikes

Winter can be an incredible time of year to hike, even with kids, if you are prepared for the temperatures. I have put together a list of the best winter hiking layers for babies and toddlers. I’ve used many of these layers for multiple seasons for my kids and I have found them to hold up incredibly well.

If you want more options or to read more about how to dress your kids for winter, check out this post here!

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My Kids’ 2023 Winter Layers

Base Layers

Iksplor Baby 2 Piece Merino Wool set: When the temperatures are a little more mild, I like to use the baby Iksplor 2 piece set as it is a little bit thinner. It is 100% merino wool, breathable, and comes in plenty of cute colors. (My code is HaileyOutside)

Iksplor Adventure Onesie: When it’s really cold, I love the Iksplor Adventure Onesie. It’s a zip up and a little thicker than the 2 piece set. On their website, they call it a mid layer, but I use it as a base all the time. Of course you could put the 2 piece set underneath and treat the Adventure Onesie as a mid layer for extra warmth. (My code is HaileyOutside)

Iksplor Kid 2 Piece Merino Wool Set: For my toddler, I use the Ikslor Kid Set which is the same 2 piece set for babies, just bigger. I love that it’s thin because as my toddler 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 toddler is also potty trained, it’s good to have a 2 piece set to make it easier to go to the bathroom. (My code is HaileyOutside)

Mid Layers

Iksplor Jogger Set: I love the Kids Adventure Jogger Set for kids ages 2-12. This matching hoodie with joggers set is perfect worn by itself or over a base layer. The set is thicker than the base layers without inhibiting movement and my toddler loves wearing it. (pst..they have a matching set for adults too!) (My code is HaileyOutside)

Reima Fleece Jumpsuit: This is my current favorite bunting for my toddler. Since he is older, he does not need the fold over hands and feet as that would be impractical. It is very soft, but abrasion resistant. And it is tapered in the back so it doesn’t get in the way of him scrambling around and it honestly looks really cute. (My code is Hailey20)

Columbia Fleece Bunting: This fleece layer is perfect for babies since it has the fold over hands and feet and they can crawl around in the dirt without you having to worry about it getting worn out.

Parvin Wool Jumpsuit: For my moms who love wool, this jumpsuit is one of my favorites. It’s a great mid layer that isn’t too thick so it doesn’t restrict movement, but has the wonderful wool properties we all love. (My code is Hailey20)

Outer Layers

Columbia Snuggly Bunny Bunting: I used this bunting for 2 winters with my oldest. It has fold over hands and is down filled. It is water resistant so if my son crawled around in the snow a lot or if the snow was wet, it would wet out over time. But it was very warm and easy for my kid to walk around in when he got a little older.

Reima Gotland Snowsuit: This is the snowsuit I have for my girl who’s almost 2 this winter and what my toddler used last winter. It is waterproof and well insulated. It is breathable as well which is great as he hikes a lot on his own. She has no problem running around in it and the fur hood helps block the wind as well. (My code is Hailey20)

Reima Stavanger Snowsuit: This is the snowsuit I have for almost 4 year old toddler this winter. It is very similar to the above Gotland but designed for an older kid. It is waterproof and insulated. It’s got a longer torso and is a little easier to move in since he mostly hikes on his own now. (My code is Hailey20)

Accessories

Hands

Reima Tassu Mittens: These are the mittens I have for my baby this winter. They have zippers up the side so they are easy to put on and come up to her elbow. They are waterproof and insulated. (My code is Hailey20)

Reima Ote Mittens: These are the mittens I have for my toddler this winter. They have an adjustable cinch around the wrists to help keep 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. (My code is Hailey20)

Feet

Baby Options

Reima booties: I got these booties for my baby last year and love them. They are waterproof and insulated keeping her toes warm. The sole is a thicker fabric but not firm so it doesn’t affect her foot development. (My code is Hailey20)

Stonz bootie liners: For babies that aren’t walking, you can often times skip shoes. I liked these fleece liners over socks. They add warmth, but if you need even more, Stonz does make a baby bootie.

Wool socks: I bought these socks when my toddler was a baby and they are going on their 3rd winter. They are really thick and warm.

Toddler/Kid Options

Iksplor Wool Socks: I love wool socks for my kids and these are thin which is good so the feet don’t feel restricted in the boots. They also have rubber grips on the bottom so kids don’t slip while walking around the house. (My code is HaileyOutside)

See Kai Run Boots: These are the boots I used for my toddler last winter. They come in a variety of sizes. The boot is waterproof and fleece lined.

Reima Kids Boots: These are the boots I got for my toddler this winter. The smallest size is size toddler 4.5. They are waterproof and insulated with a wool/fleece blend. The sole is thicker than the See Kai Run Boots. (My code is Hailey20)

Kids Microspikes: I have recenlty been having my 4 year old wear his own microspikes and they have been great! They give him some extra traction so he has an easier time on the uphill. If you are looking for an xs size, I would try these microspikes out because they come in smaller sizes.

Head and Neck

Iksplor Beanie: This merino wool beanie is amazing. It is thin but warm. I particularly love having my kids sleep in it when we camp in colder temperatures. My toddler has also worn it under his bike helmet (wearing anything underneath a bike helmet can compromise its safety) to keep his ears warm. (My code is HaileyOutside)

Carhartt Kids Beanie: This is a classic beanie that is warm and cute. I used it for my oldest from the time he was about 6 months old and he can still wear it at 3 years old.

Iksplor Neckie: A very versatile piece of gear. Mostly my kids wear this around their neck to help keep them extra warm. But I have also folded it into a beanie when I’ve forgotten theirs. You can also pull it up over their head to form a makeshift balaclava. I also love it for my baby if she is drooling to wipe her chin so it doesn’t get too cold. (My code is HaileyOutside)

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. I do love this thin balaclava as well especially under my son’s ski helmet or if the weather just isn’t too brutal. Here is the link to my daughter’s balaclava with the pom poms! (My code is Hailey20)

If you liked this post, check out my other hiking clothes recommendation posts:

• The Best Summer Hiking Clothes for a Hot Hike
• Finding the Best Hiking Pants for Petite Women
• How I Dress My Toddler For a Mild Winter Hike