All-Weather Kids. Our Nature School Gear Guide.
How many times have you heard it? “There’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothes.” The old adage is so worn out, likely because it holds so much truth. Kids dressed right, will have a much better time outside!
To help our nature school kids be as comfortable as possible, we’ve rounded up a few of our clothing MVPs. These recommendations are based on what works for my own kids as well as our cousin crew (9 kids under age 7, the perfect test group).
a portion of the cousin crew, all layered up!
Two important notes:
The recommended items and brands are in no way a requirement! This post is intended to provide inspiration and answer FAQs about specific layers and gear.
All of these recommendations come with an important caveat: Secondhand Is Best!
We believe wholeheartedly in the principles of using what exists, being resourceful, rejecting throwaway culture, and reducing waste. It tracks that thrifting is a favorite hobby and necessity when it comes to furnishing our home, finding homeschool materials, and dressing our family. While I’ll include retail links to items I recommend, I encourage you to try to source the gear your need secondhand. If shopping online, I like Mercari, Poshmark, and FB Marketplace. If in-person shopping, keep an eye out at Goodwills, thrift shops and garage sales.
Base Layers
As a rule, I very much believe in base layers. When it comes to the materials we put on our bodies, natural fibers are superior, and nowhere is that more true than base layers. The best for next-to-skin comfort: wool! Base layer brands we love include nui organics, kuling, and Reima. Specific product recs below!
nui organics Mock Neck (I truly love this brand and even own a few pieces in my size. Their kiddo tops are great, and the mock neck is clutch in colder temps.)
Kuling Kids Base Layer Separates ((I went down a huge base layer rabbit hole a few years ago and landed on Kuling Kids. Spendy and Scandinavian, but very worth it in my opinion. The items I bought for my oldest are now being worn by babe #3 over here. You’ll see them many times on this guide! In our experience, they do run large. We love their base layers, but any 100% wool item will do!)
Kuling Canberra Wool Onesie (More Kuling goodness, but in the onesie version.)
Reima Parvin - Merino Wool Jumpsuit (Wes wore this one this year and loved it. Mom and kid approved! It’s less fuzzy than the Kuling version.)
Bibs / Overalls
For day-to-day at nature school, we love a pair of overalls. Any will do, but here are some faves.
Kids' Heirloom Gardening Bib Overalls (We really like these from Duluth Trading Co. They’re lightweight, so we like them for warmer days. They offer full coverage but are still flexible and not too hot.)
Kids' DuluthFlex Fire Hose Bib Overalls (These are Duluth’s thicker version, so better for cool, dry days.
Carhartt Duck Washed Kids Bibs (Carhartt is such a tried-and-true brand. We trust them! And their kid gear is on par with the adult. They run large!)
Wet-weather gear
Wet morning? No problem for Wes in his bibs!
If I could tell you to get one piece of gear for Nature School, these overalls would be it. I found them four years ago, when Wes was about two. Since, every cousin (all 9!) have gotten a pair. And if I got a nickel each time I was asked about them by strangers, I’d be Midas. Every (and I do mean every) time we wear these out and about, we’re asked about them.
They perform well in rain, but we use them even more often for damp days, when it’s not raining but everything is wet/cold.
I love them because they are truly waterproof - not water resistant, not “won’t hold up if in the rain for prolonged periods,” really and truly waterproof. But I also love them because they fit so comfortably over a base layer. And because when the day starts to warm, the coat comes off and they can be worn as bibs. 10/10!
Kuling San Marino Unlined Rain Set (The MVPs. Get them!)
Reima Waterproof Rubber Rain Pants (Very few differences between the two. Ruthie wears these and we’ve been happy!)
Snowsuits & Snow Pants
Nothing makes a kid feel more invincible than a snowsuit. We are very loyal to the Kuling Snowsuit (runs large). I wish every kid in the Midwest had one. We also added overalls to the rotation this year. I really liked these for shoulder season. It was nice to be able to start with our coat on, then easily ditch it and just wear the base layer top/snowsuit bibs.
Kuling Snowsuit
(Incredible winter invincibility suits. I wish every kid in the Midwest had one. Other brands that make similar suits include Reima, Wheat and Helly Hansen. I will say that depending on the kid, this can be a hard sell. Ruthie preferred bibs to the suit!)Boulder Gear Snow Bibs
(I much prefer bibs to snow pants. No gap above the pants means no icy wind or surprise snow touching their back!)
Socks and accessories
The last category includes little items that matter a lot. Socks matter! Shoes matter! Neck-warmers matter! Some generals (maybe obvious, but checking all our boxes).
In shoes, opt for wide toe boxes and super flexible soles. We’re asking our nature school kiddos to be outside for three hours, and uncomfortable feet, socks that bunch, and/or or cold toes can compromise that!
Keen Howser Waterproof Chukka
(This is another cousin favorite – we look like a walking Keen commercial because of these. But they’re ideal for shoulder season and check a lot of boxes: water resistant, comfortable, super flexible sole.)
For socks, look for the same qualities as base layers: wool or natural fibers that wick moisture away. Not cotton, which traps moisture! (No one wants a soggy foot!)
Smartwool Kids Hiking Sock
(Some wool socks have lots of padding, but we prefer a “light cushion.” Less bunching and doesn’t add a full shoe size that can make boots uncomfortable.)
When it’s chilly, pack a buff or neck warmer. It’s an easy on/off layer that can make a big difference!
Buff Polar Neckwear
(Keep the neck toasty!)
I hope this was helpful! Would love to know your favorites and family tried-and-trues too!
Wishing everyone warm, dry, happy days outside!