Hike it Baby Style Picks: The Lightweight Jacket

Editor Note: We've been working on this new feature for a while now. I'm so thrilled to introduce our Monthly Style Picks. Cass Estes is the style guru, who is helping us find stylish hiking gear. We're starting our series off with UPF Clothing, essential protection for your skin. UPF Clothing isn't Just About Function Spending the day out in the blazing sun requires some extra planning. Often, figuring out what to wear can be a challenge. I bounce back and forth between exposing my skin and lathering it with sunscreen or donning some sun protective clothing. More often I choose the latter knowing my skin is safe. I have selected some basic and not so basic styles to feature, I’m kind of in love with the wide leg pants that tie on the side. Most of these styles are available in additional colors. Because it is late in the season several are on sale : ) Another one of my tricks is to get my clothing wet, this can really cool you down especially if there is a breeze. Have fun on your next adventure! A Couple Long Sleeve Options Left: Splurge a bit This Athleta Sunlover top is a nice piece without being fussy. The overlap detail on the side allows for air to move around your body, keeping you cool. It comes in four different colors Right: Stick to the Budget The Old Navy Rashguard has a cute lace up detail. It only comes in teal and a charcoal grey but the price is definitely affordable. Don't Forget Coverage for Your Legs The Mott50 Britt Chambray Shorts, the Athleta Greenwich Gaucho Pants and the Coolibar Wide Leg Pants all offer style in different lengths of coverage, depending on what you are looking for. [gallery ids="735924,735923,733422"] Lastly, A Sweet Dress and a T-shirt with Style Left: This Mountain Hardwear dress is stylish and breezy. It's perfect for your next adventure on or off trail. (Trust us, it's actually really nice to hike in a dress) Right: The Wick-ed Cool t-shirt by Royal Robbins has a fun back detail and a nice fit.

Just because you're outside hiking in the rain doesn’t mean you have to be soaked to the bones. Make sure you are covering yourself and your kiddo from head to toe in waterproof gear. With careful planning and the right accessories to keep you warm and dry, you and your kiddo can enjoy your hikes and play in the rain longer. 1. Go beyond the raincoat When dressing your child, a full rain suit is a great option. There are no gaps in the material for water to sneak in. Oaki makes amazing rain suits and gear!  My daughter has spent hours in the pouring rain and gone swimming in some epic puddles in hers. Afterward, I'm always shocked when I peel it off and she is completely dry underneath. If the suit is a challenge because of potty training or an older child who wants a little more independence, a long rain coat and pants works great. Pro tip:  Size up in rainsuits if your little one will be in a carrier because it tends to pull the legs of the suit up and can leave gaps above their boots. 2. Take care of yourself If your child is warm and dry but you are drenched, the hike is going to be miserable for you. Get yourself a waterproof jacket and pants to keep yourself dry -- especially if you want to join in some puddle splashing too! Also consider how you can stay dry if you will be wearing your kiddo. 3. Don’t forget your feet Rain boots that are tall enough to be covered fully by the pants legs are a must. Make sure they are fully waterproof and insulated if you live where it is cold. Fortunately, most kids love rain boots, and they come in all sorts of happy patterns and colors. You will likely have more trouble getting your kids out of their rain boots than into them. Get yourself some waterproof boots too or minimally consider spraying your old hiking boots with waterproofing spray. 4. Waterproof your gear If you're carrying a pack with all your hiking essentials inside, get a pack cover to waterproof your cargo. And if you have a frame-style carrier like a Deuter, they make great rain pack covers to provide even more protection. If you are out in the rain with a stroller, look into one of the rain covers for the stroller that zip on and keep your kiddo warm and dry inside. 5. Warming layers and post-hike dry clothes Make sure to wear warm, wicking base layers to keep you cozy underneath. Wool clothing (like Luv Mother) is a great option - as it stays warm when wet and wicks away the moisture. Rain coats are often just shells so make sure to have solid layers underneath that you won't sweat in but will hold in the heat. Bring a hat to slip on under a hood and a couple pairs of gloves since those will inevitably get soaked. Pro tip: Have warm, soft, cozy clothes waiting in the car to slip into after the hike if you do end up a little cold and soggy. Having my daughter’s favorite pair of fleece or wool pants waiting in the warm car always works well as a motivator to push to the end of a rainy hike. (Hot cocoa waiting in the car is also a lovely treat!) Bonus tip: Hike it Baby offers discounts to members on many of these brands. Check out our Community Discounts page for current deals! Read more Getting outside - even in the rain What to wear: Hiking in the rain and winter Winter layering options for mothers Kids' Perspective: 5 Things kids like about hiking in the rain and cold What are your go-to gear items or tips for hiking in the rain and cold? Leave a comment below!   ABOUT OUTGROWN OutGrown is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that works to create a world where everyone can enjoy the physical and mental benefits of spending time outside. We are focused on creating opportunities and removing barriers to access so families with babies and young children can take their first steps outside. We believe all families have the right to connect with nature, benefit from spending time outdoors and be inspired to a lifelong love of nature. Since its grassroots inception in 2013, OutGrown is a growing community of 280,000 families and over 300 volunteer Branch Ambassadors. More information on all of our programs can be found at WeAreOutGrown.org    EDITORS NOTE: We hope you enjoyed reading this article from OutGrown. We’re working hard to provide our community with content and resources that inform, inspire, and entertain you. But content is not free. It’s built on the hard work and dedication of writers, editors, and volunteers. We make an investment in developing premium content to make it easier for families with young children to connect with nature and each other. We do not ask this lightly, but if you can, please make a contribution and help us extend our reach.