Hike it Baby Style Picks: UPF Clothing

Cass joins us again for another installment of Hike it Baby Style Picks. This month we are talking lightweight jackets and windbreakers.  As the days get shorter and the chill starts to creep back into the air, it's time to think about jackets. For our Australian branches, these windbreakers are great for the spring weather heading your way. Right now you need something lightweight, packable and wind-resistant. I have chosen mostly pull-over styles for this post. They are on trend and still allow you to ventilate with the front zipper. These jackets will take up little room in your pack and provide the perfect level of warmth. The Budget-Friendly Coming in under $50 and being stylish is kind of hard to find in a three-season jacket these days. These two choices nailed it though. Left: Adidas Originals has a really fun Floral Print Windbreaker for $47. The print would definitely stand out and prevent accidental mixups. Right:  Forever 21's Hooded Mesh Anorak includes a mesh panel kangaroo pocket and comes in at $28. The Mid-Range The Teca Water Resistant Jacket from Cotopaxi is $80. This light-weight jacket only comes in one color combination. However, it does offer the largest size range (going from XS/0 up to an XL/14) in our roundup. The jacket packs away into its own pocket. This will come in handy when you want to stash it in your daypack. There's also an inner pocket for a cellphone. It's made from recycled polyester, so you can feel better about your environmental impact as well. Lastly, it's one of two jackets in this roundup that are water-resistant. A huge plus as this time of year also means showers as well as dipping temperatures. The Splurge These jackets definitely have style. If you're looking to splurge or helping someone else splurge, check out these two options. Left:  $100. The Stella McCartney Cloud Print Jacket isn't just stylish, it's the other jacket in our roundup that offers a bit more protection against the weather. Featuring a graphic cloud print on recycled water-resistant polyester, this lightweight jacket is definitely a fun and functional pick. Right: $148. The Free People Ellie Windbreaker has a shine to it. It's a subtle olive. The cuffs zip up and the hood zips off if you're not a hood kind of person. Beware though: this one is hand wash only. [gallery size="medium" columns="2" link="none" ids="752759,752757"] Which is your favorite? Do you have a lightweight jacket we've missed? Share with us below. 

This blog post features sponsored content, where we have partnered with a brand or company to bring you valuable information or promotions and, we may receive compensation for featuring the content within this post.  We’ve long touted the benefits of wearing wool on outdoor adventures at OutGrown–but there can be an overwhelming selection to choose from. The best merino wool will be convenient to use and wear, a long-lasting investment, comfortable to wear, and have sustainable practices in its production.  Here’s what to look for when purchasing merino wool clothing for your family: Merino wool helps parents work smarter, not harder Good-quality merino wool will make life more convenient–not an added hassle. According to Emma-Jane at Smalls Merino, some Merino wool clothing can be machine washable and should retain its shape and softness after air-drying.  It can take a lot of work to get all the layers on little ones in colder months. Merino wool’s itch-free texture and comfort will help everyone enjoy their outdoor play longer without complaining of being too hot or too cold, too wet or too itchy–so you can stay outside and play longer! An investment for all seasons Merino wool clothing is an investment. Quality merino wool will be durable enough to withstand the wear and tear of adults and children for years of use–making them great for hand-me-downs or repurposing.  And those favorite pieces aren’t just for winter! Merino wool keeps you warm in the winter and can be as equally comfortable for lightweight pajamas and loungewear, and as a base layer for outdoor adventures year-round.  T-shirt feel with the benefits of wool Unlike traditional wool, merino wool is incredibly soft and smooth. It feels more like your favorite t-shirt than a scratchy sweater. This makes it perfect for even the most sensitive in your family–from delicate baby skin to eczema-prone skin. Merino wool has natural odor-resistant properties that keep everyone smelling fresh even after a day of play. It regulates temperature, keeping you warm when it's cold and cool when it's hot, and it wicks moisture away from the skin, keeping you dry and comfortable on any adventure outdoors. Sustainable practices and biodegradable properties Merino wool is a sustainable choice because it is biodegradable and has a natural resistance to odors and stains–resulting in less washing that, in turn, conserves water and energy. The best ultra-fine and sustainable merino wool products can be fully traced back to the farms where the sheep are raised and have a transparent supply chain. Wrapping it up Feel like wrapping up in some extra-comfy, sustainable and convenient merino wool layers? Look for the best quality, family-friendly, ultra-fine merino wool products that are convenient, comfortable, sustainable and a good investment for the entire family. Need a suggestion? Our friends at Smalls Merino check all the boxes and are offering OutGrown members a special discount code!