Dressing for Colorado weather can be quite challenging, especially in between seasons. Below we have listed the minimum recommended items to ensure your child has a warm and comfortable day outside. If in doubt, pack a little extra; better to have it and not need it. While there is no specific brand required, we do recommend higher quality gear for comfort and durability. We know there are a lot of choices when it comes to clothing, so to help simplify this process, please see the AdventureMe Gear Guide page for a link to our store with the Outdoor School Shop and Facebook re-sell page. Please label ALL your child’s gear with their name.
To begin: Children will need a 12oz water bottle with a fold-up spout, a healthy and nutrient dense lunch, a snack packed separately from the lunch box, sunscreen and a backpack that is suitable for the outdoors with a chest buckle that your child can carry. Amazon carries a Mountaintop Kids Hiking Pack that is perfect. REI also carries a Tarn 18 pack that will last for years.
WHAT TO WEAR/BRING over 60 degrees
- A pair of durable pants
- Long sleeved t-shirt
- One fleece zip up jacket (in the backpack, just in case)
- A wool hiking sock (We love Smartwool socks)
- Sturdy closed toed shoes that your child can put on and off with little to no assistance
- In backpacks: Spare pants, socks, underwear
- In cases of predicted rain: Water resistant outer layer (ie: the shell to their winter coat or poncho), water resistant boot/shoes
WHAT TO WEAR/BRING under 60 degrees
- Water resistant/insulated outer layer: insulated snow bibs/one piece or pants and coat (Under 50 degrees OR if there is snow)
- WOOL base layer – thermals (NOT COTTON)
- Next bottom layer – fleece pants
- Next top layer – long sleeve light fleece shirt (Cotton not preffered)
- Wool balaclava
- Fleece turtle
- Hat that covers the ears
- Insulated/water proof mittens (mittens tend to keep the hands warmer than gloves)
- Hand warmers
- Wool socks. If your child runs cold, you can double up on socks with a thin hiking liner sock and a winter wool sock on top
- Insulated snow boots
- In backpacks: Spare base layers, winter wool socks, underwear
WHAT TO WEAR/BRING over 75 degrees
- lightweight durable/breathable pants or zip-off pants. We do not recommend shorts for forest school.
- One t-shirt, light long sleeved sun shirt
- One fleecy zip up jacket (in a backpack just in case)
- One pair of socks (Smartwool makes lightweight socks, too)
- Sturdy closed toed shoes that your child can put on and off with little to no assistance
- A sun hat/sunscreen applied
- Swimwear in cases of water play (we will let you know ahead of time)
- In backpacks: Spare pants, socks, underwear
- In cases of predicted rain: Water resistant outer layer (ie: the shell to their winter coat or poncho), water resistant boot/shoes