Hiking with your family in cold weather requires planning, preparedness, and knowledge. What layers should kids wear in cold weather?
Kids should wear three layers when hiking in cold weather: A moisture-wicking base layer, an insulating middle layer, and a weather-resistant outer layer. This allows kids to add and remove layers to stay comfortable. The layers should be breathable, dry quickly, and be made of synthetic or wool materials.
Keep reading to find out all you need to know about dressing your kids for cold-weather hiking.
Dressing for a Winter Hike
Hiking in cold weather requires a different level of preparation than hiking in moderate temperatures, particularly where clothing is concerned. If you’re planning to take your family hiking in the winter, or in the shoulder seasons at high altitudes, you will need to dress your kids in layers and learn which materials are appropriate for winter wear.
Layering: What is it and How to Do it For Your Kids
When you go outside in the winter, layering is the best way to dress. You have probably heard that you should wear layers, but do you know what it means and how to do it? Layering is ideal for cold-weather hiking because it allows you to add and remove layers to stay comfortable. In addition, layers provide more warmth because when you wear layers, you create many different pockets of warm air inside of your clothes, and this helps trap and hold in your body heat. Finally, layering is ideal because it allows you to add waterproofing without getting too hot.
Base Layer: The base layer consists of the clothes that sit next to your skin. In cold weather, this layer is designed to pull moisture away from your body and keep you warm and dry. Sweating in the winter makes you feel cold and uncomfortable and can even contribute to hypothermia.
Middle Layer: The middle layer is an insulating layer to help you stay warm. This can consist of a sweater or thick shirt and hiking pants. Make sure that your insulating layer isn’t too bulky or your kids will get frustrated and get tired easily.
Outer Layer: Your top layer is made to keep you warm and dry. It’s the layer that protects you from the elements and keeps all that warm heat inside, near your skin. If you’re hiking in dry conditions, you may be able to skip the waterproofing and focus on keeping in body heat.
Base Layer Ideas for Kids
It is essential for kids to wear thermals or some other kind of base layer when hiking in cold weather. The base layer provides warmth and wicks moisture away from their skin, keeping them comfortable and dry. Ideal base layers are long underwear or thermals made of polyester or wool.
When selecting your children’s base layer, the most important feature is the ability of the fabric to pull moisture and sweat away from the skin where it can evaporate. If your base layer doesn’t do this, your kids will end up feeling cool, clammy, and chilled. Damp clothes can also cause chafing, especially when worn next to the skin.
Base Layer Items You Already Have:
While the best base layers are clothes specifically designed for this use, you likely already have some clothes in your children’s closet that will work well. These items, while not specifically created and marketed as a base, still have many of the features important for this layer, including breathability, moisture-wicking, and warmth.
- Synthetic leggings (make sure you avoid cotton!)
- Long-sleeve shirts made of polyester
- Thermals or long underwear
- Synthetic or wool pajamas
If You Are Clothes Shopping for Base Layers:
If you’re going to be spending money on any layer for your kid’s hiking wardrobe, it makes sense to spend it on the base layer. This could arguably be the most important layer as it is sitting next to your child’s skin and is responsible for helping them stay comfortable and dry.
Middle Layer Ideas for Kids
The middle layer should be your insulating layer. Fleece sweatshirts, puffy jackets, and polyester shirts are all suitable options depending on the weather and what your kids prefer. Some kids hate the feeling of bulky clothes and prefer a thin sweater, while others love the snuggly feeling of fleece. Make sure that this layer is insulating while still being breathable so that the moisture being wicked away by your base layer isn’t trapped.
Pants for the middle layer are usually hiking pants, insulated sweat pants, or fleece leggings, depending on the temperature and conditions outside.
Insulating Layer Items You Already Have:
Middle-layer items are easy to find, and you probably already have several options in your kid’s closet. This layer should be insulating and breathable- it often consists of lightweight sweaters or jackets. Again, the best materials for this layer are usually synthetics.
- Fleece shirts and sweaters
- Synthetic sweaters (like hoodies)
- Puffy jackets or vests (make sure they’re not too bulky)
- Polyester hiking pants
- Fleece leggings
- Jeans (only if there’s no chance of snow or rain)
If You Are Clothes Shopping for middle layers:
You likely have excellent middle-layer clothes already, especially if you live in a cold climate. However, purchasing some things specifically for this layer can help you create the best cold-weather hiking outfit for your child.
Outer Layer Ideas for Kids
The outer layer is usually thought of as a waterproof shell- a way to keep body heat in and moisture out. However, if you are hiking in dry conditions you might not need this layer to be waterproof. You will want to bring a coat, jacket, or other warm outer layer, as well as a pair of waterproof or warm pants, such as hiking pants or snow pants. If it’s moderately cold but not freezing, you may only need two layers of pants, such as your base and a pair of waterproof hiking pants.
Outer Layer Items You Already Have:
You probably already have good options for outer layers, at least for uppers. Most people in temperate climates already own a waterproof coat, for example. It’s a good idea to verify that your layers are made of high-quality materials and are truly waterproof as opposed to simply being water-resistant if you are hiking in snow or rain. Waterproof pants are important if you are hiking in snow or through wet grass and plants.
- Waterproof coat or jacket
- Snow pants or snowsuit
- Nylon pants or rain suit
If You Are Clothes Shopping for Outer Layers:
Most people who live in cold climates already own coats and jackets that can be used as an outer layer for hiking. Many people also own snow suits or waterproof pants. However, if you are trying to build an outfit especially for your kids to wear hiking, you may want to purchase high-quality outdoor gear designed for that use.
Kid’s Underwear and Socks for Cold-Weather Hiking
Don’t forget about these base-layer items! These clothes should also be moisture-wicking and breathable, just like the rest of your kid’s base. However, many people never consider this and dress their kids in the same cotton undies and socks they always wear.
Underwear
Most kids will wear their normal underwear when hiking, however, it makes sense to consider this a little more closely. If you are trying to avoid cotton next to bare skin, you can consider going with a different pair of underwater. One option is to skip underwear (try a pair of long underwear for your base layer instead). However, if you aren’t comfortable with that, consider getting a few pairs of synthetic underwear for your kids to wear under their base layer.
Socks
It’s so important to get the right socks for winter hiking. Socks are more likely than other clothes to get wet from puddles, snow, or sweat, and cold feet can make your kid miserable. Most kids probably wear cotton socks for everyday wear, but cotton socks are a terrible idea for winter hiking. Cotton socks can trap moisture next to your child’s feet, making them feel cold and wet. Instead, kids should wear thick, insulating, moisture-wicking socks made of wool or polyester.
Merino wool socks are probably the best hiking socks you can buy. Wool is comfy, moisture-wicking, and resists dampness. It’s also very warm! Unfortunately, wool socks are also expensive.
Polyester athletic socks are a good option as well. While these aren’t designed for cold-weather hiking, they are moisture-wicking and won’t get wet and cold like cotton.
Kid’s hiking socks are created specifically for hiking. These are made with a trademarked blend of polyester, nylon, and spandex. They are moisture-wicking and cushioned.
The Two-Sock Method
Many hikers wear two pairs of socks. By layering an inner sock (often a thinner one) with a warm outer sock, hikers can reduce the development of blisters. It’s essential that the outer sock be loose enough to not constrict the blood flow to the foot, however. While many people think that two socks will help keep their feet warm, they can actually make them colder if they’re too tight because they can reduce blood flow to the toes. When using the two-sock method in the winter, make sure that the outside sock is much looser than the inner one.
Suitable Material for Cold-Weather Hiking Clothes
When dressing your kids for a cold-weather hiking trip, the materials you choose matter much more than they do in warm weather. In cold weather, wearing the wrong clothes can be deadly, especially on long hikes, in remote areas, or in emergencies.
Synthetic Materials
Usually, synthetic materials are recommended on cold-weather hikes. They are ideal for wicking moisture away from the skin and preventing the chill that can come from sweating in the winter. Synthetics are also great at providing insulation and keeping out moisture from snow and rain.
Fleece can be an excellent choice for cold-weather hiking. It’s insulating, comfortable, lightweight, and very breathable. Because it is made of polyester, fleece is also resistant to getting wet and will wick moisture away from your skin. This makes it useful for base or insulating layers.
Cold-weather synthetics like polyester thermals and long underwear are great options. You can also find outdoor clothes made out of trademarked materials such as Thinsulate, Ferrosi, DryVent, Omni-tech, and more. Finding these brands in children’s clothing can be a little more difficult, but many brands are now offering more clothes for their smallest customers.
Why Cotton Kills
You may have heard the phrase “cotton kills” but do you understand why? Not only is cotton not a very good insulator, but it is also very absorbent. When you sweat in cotton, the fabric will hold the moisture until it is damp or even wet. In cold conditions, people often sweat under their many layers. If you’re wearing cotton next to your skin, it can get damp and make you colder, especially if your outer layers aren’t breathable and trap moisture inside. Wearing cotton in cold weather can greatly increase your chances of getting hypothermia, especially in emergencies.
Why Wool is King
Wool may be the single best material for outdoor weather. It is soft, insulating, breathable, water-resistant, moisture-wicking, and can be made into a variety of fabrics. Wool naturally resists absorbing water and has been used for cold-weather garments in rainy climates for centuries. However, there have been changes in modern wool clothes.
No longer is wool itchy and uncomfortable, and it’s not limited to thick, knitted sweaters, either. Wool garments suitable for a base layer are in high demand, usually in the form of long underwear or thermals. Wool socks are also popular, and good for cold, snowy weather. In addition, you may be able to find excellent wool choices for the insulating layer as well.
When is it Too Cold to Take Kids Hiking?
Most families will find that it is not ideal to take their children hiking and temperatures under 32°. Under this temperature, experts recommend giving children a regular warm-up time every 20 to 30 minutes. Of course, this is difficult or impossible to do while on a trail and this is why most families shouldn’t take their children hiking in freezing weather. You can learn more about when it’s too cold to go hiking with kids in this article.
Of course, this doesn’t apply to all families and situations. There are people who are experienced in cold-weather hiking and for these families, taking kids out in the cold is much safer. They already know how to keep their kids warm, how to dress safely, and how long they can be out. They’re also well-versed in the signs of hypothermia and frostbite and how to prevent them. If you’re not one of these people, avoid taking your kids hiking in extreme cold, or stick to short trails that you can complete in 30 minutes or so.
Uncompagre National Forest, Colorado.
Survival Items to Bring on a Cold Weather Hike
Any time you’re hiking in cold, hot, or wet weather, you need to be more prepared than when hiking in mild conditions. If you’re headed out into remote areas, be especially vigilant and avoid taking kids unless you are experienced. On any cold-weather trip, you should be prepared with survival supplies in case there is an emergency or you have to stay out longer than expected. Here are some things you should consider bringing:
- Extra water
- High-calorie bars
- Emergency foil blankets
- Hand warmers
- Fire-starting supplies (along with dry tinder)
- A can of gel fuel (like Sterno)
- Your phone
Tell Someone Before You Leave
Remember, the most important survival “item” is not an item at all. Make sure you always tell someone where you are going and when you will be back. This is vitally important when hiking with kids in cold or wet weather. If someone knows where you went, it can dramatically reduce the amount of time it takes for help to arrive if you have an emergency or get lost. In winter survival situations, time saved can be a life saved.
Conclusion
When hiking in cold weather, spending a few extra minutes and a few extra dollars can be the difference between a successful hike and a cold, miserable, dangerous trip. Make your plans, ensure you’re prepared and knowledgeable, tell someone where you’re going, and bring along what you need to be safe.