Fall & Winter Gear Guide

Rain, snow, or shine—kids naturally know that every puddle, snowflake, and muddy trail is filled with magic, learning, and joy! 

In the early Fall and late Spring kids can usually wear a light base layer (think leggings or sweatpants and a sweater) plus rain boots or hiking sandals. Please pack waterproof pants and a jacket in their backpack, even if it’s not supposed to rain that day. See attached for a visual guide to help with layering and packing for forest school fun.

Fall/Winter Gear Guide: on most days, the simple 1-2-3 layering method is sufficient. 1) base layer, 2) mid layer, 3) waterproof layer. On colder days you may need all the layers:

• Base Layer: Wool or thermal top & bottoms, wool socks

• Middle Layer: Sweatpants and sweater

• Insulating Layer: fleece or puffy jacket layer on the coldest days

• Outer Layer: Waterproof rain pants/coveralls, raincoat, insulated boots

• Accessories: Warm hat and waterproof gloves

Pack in backpack:

• Change of clothes (underwear, socks, pants, shirt) in a plastic bag

• Extra gloves and a waterproof jacket/pants (if what they arrive in isn’t fully waterproof)

• Lunch and protein-rich snacks (please no candy)

Tips:

• Gloves: fully waterproof gloves are a must! They can wear cozy mittens if that is prefered, but they need to have a waterproof cover (like the Reima rain mitten). 

  • Kids' neoprene style gloves (usually found at Costco) are great for dexterity and can be worn most days, unless the temperature is below freezing then snow gloves are preferred. 

  • Please pack a few pairs of gloves to be able to change if they get wet. 

• Boots: Bogs are our favorite—easy, comfortable, and warm/insulated. If using non-insulated rain boots, on cold days they may need to wear thick wool socks or two layers of regular cotton socks.

• Rain Gear: make sure your gear is truly waterproof (many, including snow jackets, are not). Brands we like that are forest school tested: CeLaVi, Oakiwear, Polarn O. Pyret, Reima, Helly Hansen.

  • Note: one-piece rain suits are not ideal. Two-piece works better. 

  • Waterproofing: look for gear labeled PFC/PFA-free. These “forever chemicals” are harmful to people and the planet. Brands like CeLaVi offer safer options. 

If you need help finding gear, please reach out! We have a gear exchange and are welcoming donations of gently used items to pay-it-forward to families in need.

Thank you for gearing up to help your child enjoy the many benefits of all-weather wonder and learning at Fern Gully Forest School!