Every year I like to pull together a round-up of the gear we are using and our thoughts on it. If you live in a cold climate, quality winter gear for kids is essential to have for both safety and comfort reasons.
Sections
7
Base Layers
Warm Socks for kids
Mid Layer for kids
Mid Layer Bottoms
Winter outwear for kids
Winter ski & snowboard jacket for kids
Base Layers
Base layers really are SO important for warmth from the inside out. We’re big fans of wool thanks to their cooling/heating properties which make them ideal for year-round use.
We consider them a staple when we are highlighting the best winter gear f...
This brand is a local one to us here in Jackson, WY and we LOVE them. They are just barely thicker than Wee Woollies and are thinner than Ella’s Wool, but also seem to hold up longer without holes in our testing. Our kids wear them nearly daily year-...
Iksplor | Merino Wool Layers Perfect for the Whole Family
These base layers are a new find for us this year, and my kids have fallen quickly in love with them. They are made in the US from Australian wool and are incredibly soft. They are a mid-weight base layer (so slightly thicker than the Iksplor base la... As a mom of kids who love to play, I appreciate they come with double reinforced knees for extended use. We highly recommend the “ribbed” line for extra softness. Even my kid who usually doesn’t love even the softest wool has no issues with these!
Chasing Windmills / Merino Wool Baby and Kids Clothes
Ella’s Wool base layers are the thickest of the wool base layers listed here, and incredibly soft. Available for kids aged 3 mo – 12 years. They also wash very well, but I choose to not put them in the dryer to avoid shrinking. Note: While these have a “higher pile softness”, go for the Chasing Windmills for more sensitive kids.
Ella's Wool | Supersoft, Warm and Comfy Wool Clothing for Kids
The Burton Lightweight Baselayer Sets are thin and have a smooth feel (silkier than Patagonia Capilene). My kids love the feel because it’s not bunchy under their snowpants. These lightweight sets are perfect for layering under fleece on a very cold day, or wearing along on a warmer
Kids' Burton Lightweight Base Layer Set
This set is versatile and pretty good quality. They are smooth and lightweight, easy to layer and comfortable. They have a slim fit, thumb holes and raglan sleeves that help those arms move with all that activity. They keep kids warm and hold up well...
Kids' Capilene® Midweight Crew - Patagonia
Warm Socks for kids
Don’t skimp on socks! They can seriously mean the difference between feet staying warm and frostbite or at least serious discomfort. If temperatures are cold, your kids (and babies!) NEED wool socks.
It’s very important that socks fit snug, but aren...
Darn Tough makes incredible durable socks and their kids line is no exception. We love the fun designs and their guarantee! These are our top choice particularly for tall ski socks.
Kids' Socks
I love these socks for myself and think they are perfect for kids too. And the XS fits a preschooler (about a size toddler 6+). They hold up very very well and come with a lifetime guarantee! There’s a range of styles for kids available at Biddle &am...
Farm To Feet
Finding great wool socks for toddlers that fit well and keep them warm is really challenging. These socks for babies and kids aged 3 months – 11 years are fantastic. They fit tall for extra warmth. One thing to note is the toddler socks (sizes 1-6...
Kid Merino Wool Socks
Mid Layer for kids
Mid layers are the part of the layering that really can be “fudged” more than any other layer. Fleece, down, or wool is best, but it doesn’t need to be top of the line or super technical to be effective.
Here in Wyoming, we opt for mid layers on the...
This jacket is really available for all sizes from infant to adult and is the perfect mid-layer when you just need a little extra boost of warmth. I also love it because kids can wear it safely in car seats thanks to a low-loft design that still keeps them warm. Also available in a reversible version with a hood (which I prefer!)
Baby Down Sweater
This light down jacket is fantastic for layering. We love the longer length for no gaps and how it work easily in cart seats if needed. Available in sizes 4T – 14Y.
Light Down Jacket - Fossila
This is a more technical piece with 100% recycled down insulation that can serve as the only jacket for cooler days or it can be a solid midlayer for downright cold days. It comes in sizes XS (5/6) – XL (13/14) and in a variety of fun colors. We love...
Jackets
Available in sizes 4-16, the interior of the jacket is grid fleece which helps with warmth and wicking. The outer part of the jacket is a smooth jersey which makes it easier for layering too. This is my kids’ favorite fleece by far. We love the zippered pockets for stashing snacks and extra gloves.
Kids' Essential Fleece 2.0 - Mid-layer Jackets
Mid Layer Bottoms
Mid layer bottoms help keep your body insulated against the cold. These mid layer bottoms are perfect for wearing on their own or over base layers for added warmth. They are cozy, warm, and easy to wear.
Soft and cozy fleece pants that can be worn on their own or used as a mid layer. The Patagonia ones are more money, but they hold up very well.
Women's Micro D® Fleece Joggers
These are our favorite thick fleece pants for kids. They breathe well, keep kids safe if damp (opposed to the dangers of cotton), and have great zippered pockets for small treasures.
REI Co-op Trailsmith Fleece Pants - Kids
Winter outwear for kids
Good outerwear keeps the elements out and warmth in! It protects from wind and keeps body heat in. Quality outerwear for kids can cost money, but it’s an investment that is worth making, especially if you live in a cold, snowy climate.
The Burton Symbol Jacket has more insulation in the core and less on the arms, which was perfect for TMM team Sarah’s son when he’s out snowboarding. This jacket is warm without being overly hot and bulky, and it is waterproof. It features an adjustable powder skirt which attaches to the belt loop on the back of Burton pants. The powder skirt is snug and no snow ever gets past it.
Boys' Burton Symbol Jacket | Burton.com Winter 2022 US
Winter ski & snowboard jacket for kids
Being out in the cold for hours at a time is not easy. Especially for young kids learning to ski or snowboard. Good jackets are the key to making winter sports fun from the get go! They keep the wind and moisture at bay, breathe well and let kids mov...
I continually am so impressed with Obermeyer, especially as a ski brand. Their jackets are warm, have an “I-grow” feature to extend the wearability as your child grows and lots of ski extras like mitten clips built into the cuffs.
Teens and Kids
Reima Ski Jackets are durable, totally waterproof and insulated well. They are also comparably affordable (especially with our discount code!) for such high quality, insulated jackets. After years of use they show very minimal wear.
Toddler & Kids Reimatec Ski Jacket - Tieten
The perfect mix of a puffy and a shell all-in-one. This is a serious jacket and one of the best you can get for a warm, durable ski jacket in kid sizes.
Kids' Rafferty Insulated Jacket
Town Hall is a newer brand and we are LOVING them. Based out of Steamboat Springs, owner Robin has developed her gear with mountain kids in mind. The Mountain Town Winter jacket is warm, has pit zips, tons of pockets for snacks, a pass pocket and mor...
Mountain Town Winter Jacket
Warmest winter coats for kids
Looking for a super warm all-around great jacket for kids? I love these jackets for their extra warmth, length, and ability to keep kids dry.
Jan and Jul is known for fleece-lined waterproof gear. This Puffy Parka is incredible. It’s long to keep kids nice and warm, along with a cozy fleece liner and a completely waterproof outer. Available in sizes 1T – 5T.