Kids' Outdoor Clothing

It’s easy to ensure your kids' outdoor clothing is comfy on cold or wet days – simply dress them in layers. The best thing about layered clothing is its versatility and adaptability. Layers can easily be added and removed based on fluctuations in weather.

Layering Basics

• Start with good synthetic underwear or long johns (the base layer). Avoid cotton, as it retains moisture and offers little insulation.
• Add one or more mid-layers like a wool sweater or fleece jacket.
• Add an outer layer, anything from a simple raincoat or windbreaker to a waterproof-breathable Gore-Tex® jacket and pants.

Babies’ and Infants’ Clothing

6 to 24 months
This may seem obvious, but remember if you’re in the woods with an infant, you are exercising and they are relaxing in a baby carrier or sled, so they’re going to get colder than you. Another thing to remember is that an infant’s body temperature will dip during naps.

Look for these features:

• One-piece garments that prevent heat-robbing gaps.
• Easy diaper access.
• Full-length zips and wide shoulder openings for easy dressing and undressing.
• Elastic cuffs at wrists and ankles to trap warm air.
• Integrated foot and hand coverage.
• Hooded tops.

Toddlers’ Clothing

24 months to 4 years
This is the time when growth spurts may force you to replace kid’s outdoor clothing before its time. You can find great sources of used stuff at consignment stores, exchange outlets, and MEC’s Online Gear Swap. MEC also hosts annual in-store Gear Swaps, or you can check listing on the store bulletin boards.

Whether new or used, here are a few things to look for in toddlers’ clothing:

• Hooded tops.
• Elastic cuffs at ankles and wrists.
• Durable, abrasion-resistant fabrics and scuff patches in high-wear areas.
• Pockets for treasures and warming hands.
• Bright colours and reflective taping for visibility.
• Zippered ankle cuffs on pants, for pulling over boots.

Young Children’s Clothing

3 to 6 years
Some Handy features:

• Anything that facilitates a bathroom break (zippers, elastic, Velcro®).
• Hooded tops.
• Hand-warming pockets.
• Reflective outer layers for playtime visibility.
• Durable, abrasion-resistant fabrics and scuff patches in high-wear areas.
• Zippered ankle cuffs on pants, for pulling over boots.

Youths’ Clothing

8 to 16 years
As your kids get older they want a greater say in what they wear. If you let them pick it, they’re more likely to wear it. Kids are very physical at this stage and can go through outdoor clothing quickly. Spending a little extra on quality, durable fabrics will pay dividends down the road as good quality hand-me-downs.

In youths’ clothing look for :

• Larger pockets for personal items (keys, sunglasses, energy bars).
• Lightweight, breathable fabrics for temperature regulation during periods of high exertion.
• Zippered pockets.
• Velcro closures at wrists.
• Cross-over, multi-functional, multi-sport use.
• Zippered ankle cuffs on pants, for pulling over boots.