The best outdoor clothing and gear for kids

Planning a successful family adventure depends not only on choosing the right destination, but also on preparing the right luggage.

What you wear and carry in your bag on a daily basis can significantly affect your experience when downhill skiing, hiking, fishing, horseback riding, rafting or going on some adventure. other.

Moisture-wicking soles and heat-retaining gloves can mean the difference between riding the last booster seat at 4 p.m. and letting the ribs warm up before noon. An afternoon rain can ruin a day of hiking in the mountains, and nothing excites kids more than wet shoes and shorts. With the right gear, however, wild fluctuations in weather and conditions won’t put you on the run.

To help you prepare for your next trip to the great outdoors, here are some of our favorite kids’ outdoor and travel gear:

Clothes

Columbia Silver Ridge IV convertible pants (boys and girls)

Columbia’s convertible, wide-leg pants – for boys and girls – is a versatile, all-season essential for kids who love the outdoors. Made from nylon, they are lightweight, comfortable, and hold well to resist shuffling, slipping and climbing. With zipped trouser legs, kids can ride horses in the morning, go rafting in the afternoon, or simply cool off as the mercury rises and conditions change. These are also great travel pants because you can easily convert them into shorts on the plane before landing in a warmer climate.

For older kids and teens, two front pockets and one back zipper pocket can fit cell phones, keys and other sundries. Columbia’s Omni-SHADE technology features UPF 50 and moisture-removing Omni-WICK material. It’s available in six neutral colors and sizes, from age 4 to teen.

Related: TPG’s top family-friendly destinations for 2022

Columbia Glennaker Rain Jacket

This dependable, lightweight rain jacket easily rolls into an everyday pack or large bag if you’re going on trails or urban hiking in spring and fall. The outer shell is 100% nylon, effectively waterproof and dustproof; Elastic cuffs and a wide, deep hood help keep the elements at optimum levels.

There are handy pockets for phones and small items, and the reflective detailing is a nice safety touch, making it easy to spot your child in low light. It’s available in fun colors and sizes for everyone from toddlers to teens to adults. There are very few better raincoats for under $30.

Pull up game for kids

Fun and practical, skorts are a versatile option. Here Version for kids doesn’t have any performance gear characteristics, but the cotton-polyester blend is soft and durable, and for under $15 it’s a good value. There are nine colors to choose from and sizes to suit kids to teens.

For a sportier (and more expensive) option, the Athleta’s prized, light weight Swing Skort The collection features UPF 50 and a useful zippered back pocket. Breathable, moisture-wicking bras will hold a ball (they’re ideal for tennis) and they come in four colors (blue, white, gray and black) and sizes for ages 6 to 16.

Volcom Frickin’ Cross Static Shorts

For light packers, hybrid clothing is a game changer. Many brands of hybrid shorts look great at the beach, but they are too casual and loose for evening wear.

Volcom cross-cut static shorts enough structure and outfit to wear to a luxury resort dinner with a nice shirt. The stretch fabric lets you stay active in the pool and play beach games. They also dry super fast – so you don’t leave your chairs wet when you head to the pool bar for lunch.

They’re very comfortable to wear on flights and are especially handy if you’re arriving before check-in and want to head straight to the beach. Made from durable polyester, they come in four neutrals, are mixable and matchable, and they don’t wrinkle easily, even when tucked in a pocket or bag. Large child sizes run from age 8 to teen.

Related: My secret to packing for 3 kids and leaving nothing (or anyone) behind

Columbia BoysLESns Mountain II fleece jacket

For outer layer in spring and autumn, or base coat in winter, This super soft Columbia fleece is a versatile wardrobe staple for kids who love the outdoors. It’s warm without being bulky, and the zipper at the soft collar helps keep the elements in without irritating a sensitive neck.

Made from polyester and Columbia’s trademark thermal fleece lining, it also features zippered pockets to keep items safe – essential for kids on the go. It comes in bold and light colors and a variety of sizes, from toddlers to teens.

Columbia Girls Benton Springs Fleece Jacket

Here cozy fleece jacket Ideal for spring and fall, while providing an extra layer of insulation in winter. It’s made from super-warm synthetic fleece and features a striking colored zipper to keep out the wind on cold days. It’s not the most technical fleece out there, but it’s comfortable, easy to move around, and great for exploring outdoors when the temperatures drop. The fleece lined zippered pouch is a particularly nice touch and it’s available in over 20 colors and sizes for ages 4 to 18.

Uniqlo HeatTech Long Sleeve T-shirt

Whether you are aiming for a ski triphiking in a national park in the fall or a summer city break in Europe, Uniqlo’s HeatTech sole collection very hard to beat.

The Japanese fast-fashion brand’s long-sleeve, crew-neck t-shirts are warm, soft, and stretchy, don’t itch, and they’re smart enough to wear while skiing or dining at a motel. Made from moisture-resistant synthetic fabric, they come in four colors and sizes from 3 to 13 years old. For less than $15 and gender-appropriate, they can be easily shipped around and shipped, which really helps streamline packing.

Shoes and accessories

Keen Newport H2 Sandals

Innovative and eco-friendly, the family-owned American brand Keens became an overnight hit when it first launched hybrid shoes in 2003. They may not be a statement of time. page of the year, but for kids who love adventure on land and at sea. There are very few more comfortable and durable hybrid shoes out there. A pair of shoes can handle pretty much any adventure you throw at it; rafting, hiking, horseback riding, boating.

The polyester fabric upper dries quickly, and with a supportive midsole, toe box and high-traction rubber sole, kids get comfort and stability as they play hard. You can even throw them in the washing machine.

North Face Brimmer Hat

Whether kids are playing on the beach, jumping in and out of pools, or exposed to more intense UV rays while hiking and mountain biking, a wide-brimmed hat is a great way to protect yourself. necessary protection.

North Face’s V series has UPF 40 protection, is moisture-resistant FlashDry, and features an adjustable chin strap and toggle button in recycled, eco-friendly plastic. It comes in a range of eye-catching colors and designs that kids will love and easy for parents to pick up poolside. It is made from soft 100% cotton and comes in sizes XX small (2 to 3 years old) to medium (7 to 10 years old). The lightweight design is not too bulky or too tight for small children and it floats, making it easy to take out when the inevitable fall into the water.

Carhartt Children’s Watch Hat

Carhartt has expanded beyond construction sites to produce rugged travel clothing and gear that appeals to kids and adults to play hard. Watch cap Warm, snugly fits the ear and has plenty of stretch and room as the baby grows. It can be rolled up in a bag for early morning hikes, high altitudes, and it will also fit under a ski helmet for an extra layer of sub-zero warmth on the ski run.

It comes in a variety of colors and, unlike many one-size-fits-all brands, these brands come in sizes for babies, toddlers, kids, and teens. The larger, teen size will fit adults with smaller heads and it has all the same features as the men’s and version for womenat a significantly lower price.

Gear

CamelBak Mini MULE Moisturizing Backpack

Kids love CamelBaks’ novelty and independence element and, for parents looking to keep momentum on the trails, hydration packs avoid having to stop constantly to pull out a water bottle. This light mule holds up to 1.5 liters of water and has convenient safety features, including whistles and reflective elements. The storage bag can easily hold a hat, a change of clothes, binoculars, snacks and any other items on the go, and there’s even a bike organizer pocket.

CamelBak’s pioneering bladder system fills easily, does not leak, and provides consistent flow rates. The ergonomically designed handle makes it easy for kids to self-fill, and with a breathable mesh back, it’s comfortable for hiking and biking in warmer temperatures.

Obuby binoculars

Encouraging children to observe during hikes will keep them engaged and entertained, as well as sparking curiosity about the local flora and fauna. Compact, lightweight binoculars Specially made to be safe and easy for children to use. They are ergonomically designed and feature an impact-resistant design as well as eight times magnification and soft rubber eyepieces that are easy on children’s eyes. They come in 13 colors and you can easily stash them in a large jacket pocket.

Wishouse walkie talkie

Radios Not only are they a reassuring safety net for off-road adventures, but they’re entertaining, fun, and practical for family camping trips. Wisehouse radios appeal to young children with their fun, colorful design, clear 1-mile range (up to 20 miles in mountains and valleys) and a lanyard for wearable.

Features a built-in flashlight, keypad lock, and 22-channel two-way radio, and the option to create your own. Use a micro USB charger or a rechargeable battery to power them – both are included.

Headlights Petzl Tikkina

Headlight is a simple but indispensable item. It prolongs outdoor exploration time, it can act as a reading light and help kids navigate campsites and unfamiliar hotel rooms in the middle of the night when they can’t find the light switch. .

Petzl Tikkina is a particularly versatile option for children and adolescents. It has a simple on-off button, a 60 meter beam and a really comfortable headband. Additional accessories are also available, such as a bicycle helmet mount and a rechargeable core battery, which further increase its versatility.