5 Tips to Help Your Family Get Outside After the Kids go Back to School

It’s that time of year again when we start seeking out winter footwear for our kiddos. While many of us dread this task (why must their feet grow so much every year?!), it doesn’t have to be daunting if you come prepared! Here is a list of features to consider when buying winter boots for your kiddos this year. Keep in mind that some of these will be more important than others depending on your location, the age of your kiddos, and their intended winter activities. Waterproofing Regardless of where you live or what you do, a waterproof boot is important in the winter. “Water-resistant” just doesn’t cut it with active kiddos that like to seek out piles of snow to explore and massive puddles to stomp in. Warmth Quality boots will have a temperature rating that signifies the approximate lowest air temperature at which the boot insulation will keep feet comfortable. Your ideal temperature rating will depend on the climate in your area, the level of activity you can expect from your child, etc. A wet, snowy northeast winter will require a much different temperature rating compared to a mild, southern climate. Keep in mind, temperature ratings are only a guide, and can be affected by many conditions, including weather, wearer’s activity level, metabolism, perspiration, circulation, exposure time, type of sock worn and cold sensitivity. Traction Winter weather often brings slippery conditions. When these conditions are paired with active kiddos, it can spell disaster in the form of falls and injuries. Be sure to choose a boot with superior traction without being too heavy and clunky. After all, the level of traction won't matter if your kiddo can’t easily move around without tripping over heavy footwear! We recommend boots with Merrell M Select® grip, which provides excellent traction on wet and icy surfaces. Easy to Put on If you have ever tried to get shoes on a toddler, you know that it can be like trying to wrangle an angry octopus. Now imagine attempting to get boots on that octopus who is already frustrated that they are clad in cold-weather gear yet still stuck inside. Any caregiver will tell you that it’s the stuff of nightmares! Shoe companies such as Merrell have heard our cries for help and offer alternative closures that still offer a great fit without the fight. We especially like the medial zipper of the Alpine Puffer from Merrell (and we can’t get enough of the retro, colorful, puffer-jacket vibe of this boot!). Lightweight It’s important for little feet to stay warm, but they also need to be able to move around and have fun! Thanks to new innovations in boot design, the bulky, stiff boots of the past can stay a thing of the past. Choosing a boot that is lighter and also more flexible without losing the insulation and waterproof properties will ensure that kiddos can have fun in the colder temperatures. Breathability While keeping moisture out of the boot is super important, it is also important to let moisture escape. Active kids can make for sweaty feet, and if that moisture can’t escape, that sweat can turn cold quickly, making for some icy toes. This can also lead to a build-up of the bacteria that cause odors in the boot, which can cause boots to smell awful after only a few wears. Seek out a boot that is both breathable and contains anti-bacterial properties in the lining to keep kiddos comfortable and boots smelling fresh. Versatility This one will depend greatly on your intended use for the boots. Will your kiddos be wearing them all day between school, errands, and an evening stroll on a trail? If so, you want to choose a comfortable, sneaker-like boot that can be worn all day in differing conditions. If you are looking for a boot just for outdoor activities in very chilly weather, a specialized boot with extra traction and a lower temperature rating is essential. By selecting a boot based on these key features you’ll set yourself up for winter outings that involve less stress and more comfort and fun, whether your kiddos are hiking the snowy trails or running errands with the family.   Helpful articles: How to Choose a Winter Boot for Your Little Explorer Five Tips to Prepare Your Kids for Snow & Cold Temperatures Top Three Things to Pack on Your Next Winter Hike with Your Toddler   About Hike it Baby Hike it Baby is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to getting families outdoors and on trails across the U.S. and internationally, supporting, educating and inspiring families through their more than 300 communities across North America. Since its grassroots inception in 2013 in Portland, Oregon, Hike it Baby is now a growing community of 270,000 families and 500 volunteer branch ambassadors hosting more than 1,600 hikes per month. More information, as well as daily hike schedules, can be found at HikeitBaby.com, Facebook, YouTube, Pinterest, and Instagram.   Photos courtesy of Michelle Craig. This post was sponsored by Merrell, however, we would never recommend products that we don't love.

In the previous two installments of our “Hiking Essentials” series, we discussed what to bring with you on a day hike, along with tips for staying safe on the trail. In this third installment, we're going to talk about what to wear on a hike. Below, I discuss what to wear when hiking, along with some tips based on which season you are hiking in. Photo by Jessica Human. Important Factors When Choosing Hiking Clothing While looking good on the trail is a bonus, there are factors to consider before you buy that adorable (yet not so functional) jacket or shirt for the trail: 1. Your safety: Clothing safety will depend largely on the environment you're hiking in, along with the possible weather conditions. For example, if you're hiking in an area with a Lyme disease outbreak, it may be best to be cautious and wear long pants and long sleeves that are treated with insect repellent, even in the summer months. In addition, if you'll be hiking in rain, a windproof rain jacket is important since wind and rain tend to go hand-in-hand. 2. Your comfort level: There is a reason the term “cotton is rotten” exists in the hiking world. Sweating is our body’s way of regulating our temperature during exercise. Cotton retains water and keeps the sweat in toward your body, which can keep you hot in warm temperatures and chill in cold temperatures. Instead, wicking materials that move sweat away from the body, such as merino wool, polyester and nylon, can keep you much more comfortable throughout your hike. In addition to material, the fit of the clothing is important. When I started hiking, I made the mistake of trying to look good on a hike and selecting clothing that was more fitted and tight. Unfortunately, that also meant that I had a more limited range of motion, making hiking in these clothes a rather miserable experience. Choosing a roomier fit provides more flexibility and comfort while hiking. Let’s face it, nobody looks good on a hike when they are uncomfortable and miserable! 3. Clothing versatility: Quality gear can come with a hefty price tag, so keep in mind clothing that can be used for multiple purposes. Two articles of clothing that come to mind are a) lightweight hiking shirts with long sleeves that can be rolled up and secured, and b) convertible pants with pant legs that zip off into shorts. The Basics 1. Underwear: It's taken me years of hiking to realize that the layer closest to your body can make a HUGE difference! Cotton just doesn’t cut it on our most sensitive assets! Better materials include polyester, nylon and merino wool, which move moisture away from the body, helping to prevent chafing and uncomfortable wetness. Check out this article that discusses five great sports bra choices for the active woman. 2. Shirts: This layer sums up in one word: wicking. Whether it's a base layer on a cold winter hike, a short-sleeved shirt on a spring hike, or a long-sleeved UPF-protecting shirt in the summer, it needs to wick away sweat to keep you comfortable and dry. Merino wool and synthetic materials are the best choices for this layer. 3. Pants/bottoms: Whether you prefer pants, shorts, skirts, dresses, etc., freedom of movement and quick-drying materials are key here. Environmental hazards (such as ticks, poison ivy, sharp rocks) play a large role in the most practical length and thickness that bottoms should be. For example, a trail that requires some rock scrambling could tear up a thin pair of yoga pants, while a hike through tall grass may require long pants to prevent unwanted travelers from attaching to your legs. 4. Jackets: The type of jacket depends largely on the season and weather you're hiking in. A good rule of thumb is to choose a jacket that is packable (in case you need to remove it along the way), waterproof and windproof. This ensures that the jacket is usable in any weather condition that may spring up on you during your hike. 5. Socks: Not to sound like a broken record here, but stay away from cotton socks! Since cotton absorbs sweat, your feet can stay wet for the whole hike. This can lead to painful blisters and make your hike miserable (not to mention put you out of commission from hiking if those blisters get infected!). 6. Shoes: The shoes you wear while hiking relies mainly on three factors: Personal preference: What do you find most comfortable? I tend to stick with my clunky hiking boots most of the year due to the added ankle support and traction. (My family sarcastically nicknamed me “Grace” at a young age due to my klutziness … I could trip over air!) However, I have friends who will wear hiking sandals all year until the snow makes it hugely impractical. Weather conditions: A snowshoe or rainy hike would require some waterproof, durable footwear, whereas you could probably get away with sneakers or hiking sandals for a short summer hike. Trail terrain: If you are hiking on a pretty flat trail, a pair of comfortable sneakers may be all you need. However, once you start increasing in elevation and the terrain turns rocky, a sturdy pair of hiking boots with ankle protection may be a better choice. 7. Hats: Every season calls for a hat! It keeps your head warm in winter, the sun off your face and neck in summer, and your head dry in rain. Hats are as essential as hiking shoes! We recommend the company Sunday Afternoons, which carries hats for every season that are durable and practical while also being fashionable. (Have you seen the gorgeous designs on their trucker hats?!) Photo by Jessica Human. By the Season Now that we have the basic clothing considerations out of the way, let’s get more specific regarding clothing needs by season. These needs will change depending on where you live and what part of the season you're in (i.e., early fall vs. late fall). Here are some general tips for choosing the most appropriate outerwear by season. 1. Spring and fall: These seasons are together because layering needs are similar in these more moderate and variable seasons. For footwear, many outdoor experts recommend hiking boots vs. sneakers or hiking sandals due to the possible temperature fluctuations and muddy trail conditions from snowmelt and rain. The boots add traction and support, with an added bonus of keeping your feet dry if they are waterproof. In addition, a packable waterproof and windproof jacket will help keep you comfortable in these wet and unpredictable seasons. Moving inward, a long-sleeved hiking shirt makes a great mid-layer depending on how chilly it is during the hike. Follow with a short- or long-sleeved wicking base layer. A zip-up fleece jacket is a good addition if the temperatures are chilly. I prefer convertible pants on a chilly spring/fall morning hike so I can easily zip off the pant legs when things heat up. Last but not least, a hat to keep the sun out of your eyes or the rain from drenching your head! 2. Summer: Personally, I love summer hiking and the flexibility it gives for clothing choices! It usually doesn’t require the constant addition or removal of layers, and it makes a combo hike and swim possible. That being said, it's important to keep in mind of environmental hazards (e.g., ticks, poisonous plants, snakes, etc.) and terrain when choosing summer hiking clothes. Hiking sandals and sneakers are appropriate for most terrain, though longer treks may still require hiking boots. Breathable wicking materials (no cotton) are key for shirts, bottoms and hiking socks to keep the sweat off your skin. Lighter colors absorb less heat and can keep you cooler on hot days. And, unwanted hitchhikers tend to prefer darker colors. A wide-brimmed hat can keep the sun off your face and neck! 3. Winter: Hiking in winter is a whole different animal, but it's worth the extra effort to enjoy the beauty of nature in winter! The key here is layers: a base layer with insulating properties such as wool or budget-friendly synthetic materials; an insulating, removable middle layer; and a waterproof/windproof outer layer. Hiking boots, warm wicking socks, a wool or synthetic beanie hat and warm gloves are also key to a comfortable winter hike. For more detailed tips for winter outerwear, check out these articles on adult winter gear  and what to wear when hiking in the rain and winter. Photo by Kendra Reeder. Read More: 5 Sports bras for the active woman What to wear: Hiking in the rain and winter Hiking essentials: What to pack for a day hike Hiking essentials: Staying safe on the trail What other tips do you recommend for choosing hiking clothing? Let us know in the comments 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. 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