Gear Suggestions
Our specific product suggestions are either tested by Airie staff and our students or highly recommended by outdoor gear aficionados.
Please note: As an Amazon Associate, all profits earned help support Airie programs.
Must-Have Items for All-Weather Play
Every child is unique, so what works for one may not work for another. When choosing gear, it's important to consider the specific needs, preferences, and abilities of your child. By embracing these differences, we can find the right products that truly support each child's outdoor experiences. If possible, try on the gear before committing to it.
Resilience Gear
The most important items for children attending forest school are their rain gear. Many children wear their bibs and boots every day, barring the hottest summer days. Rain bibs, coats, and rain mittens are essential for rainy, windy, and even messy play.
Pro Tips
One-Piece Rain Gear vs Seperate
Although one piece rain suits offer seamless protection from the elements we prefer seperate pants and jackets for ease of toileting and to be able to adjust layers as needed for the weather conditions. Bibs are also prefered over pants as they will protect thier cloth top layers when the children sit down.
Rain Coat Options
A 10,000mm waterproof raincoat is an essential forest school item. Rain coats of this quality are difficult to find at common retail shops, including Amazon. Many coats will say they are waterproof, but that is not for extended play outdoors. Outdoor School Shop is a great company to purchase coats and other gear items from. They can also be purchased directly from the manufacturer.
Rain Mittens
Rain mittens allow children to use their hands to explore the world around them. These must be fully waterproof. Similar to rain coats these are not found at common retailers. Click here to purchase from Airie.
Rain Gear during Winter
During mild to moderate winters, like the ones we have in Clarksville, TN, using rain gear as an outer layer with proper layers underneath eliminates the need for separate snow gear.
Sizing and When to Buy
Sizing up is always a better choice than gear that is too small or that perfectly fits. Children grow fast, and layers underneath will vary with the seasons, or day, if you're in Tennessee. We suggest purchasing new gear in late fall to early winter (Black Friday is a great time). This makes sizing up an easy choice since the gear will fit better with extra layers underneath. Gear that is too tight not only causes mobility issues but also prevents proper insulation.
Warm Weather Gear
Proper summer gear designed for the heat, water and sun ensures comfort and safety for long days of outside play.
Clothing made of lightweight and breathable fabrics that protect against the sun's rays is essential to the forest school kid's wardrobe. Clothes should be UPF, moisture-wicking, and quick-drying. Sun clothes (e.g., UPF gear) absorb or block harmful UV radiation and remain one of the most effective forms of protection against sun damage and skin cancer.
Shoe options include hiking shoes, water shoes, and rugged sandals. Water shoes are multipurpose and lightweight, but your child may prefer something sturdier for hiking days.
Note: Some water shoes are very difficult to put on, so test them out with your child to ensure they can do it themselves. Sandals with holes allow breathability, but sticks and rocks can get stuck in the shoe while hiking. Due to differences in walking styles, this can be more problematic for some kids.
Backpacks and Food Containers
Having a correctly fitting backpack and child-friendly food containers promotes independence and a sense of ownership and responsibility.
The best backpacks for forest school are hiking backpacks. Most school backpacks are designed to hold large books and are oversized and bulky causing balance issues when walking trails. A chest clip is highly suggested for added comfort and security. A 10-12 liter backpack is the ideal size for a 3-6 year old.
Cold Weather Gear
Maintaining warmth in chilly weather ensures comfort throughout the entire day.
The proper base layers can make all the difference on a cold day. Wool, silk, and synthetic fabrics are ideal for cold-weather layering. These fabrics maintain warmth and wick away moisture. Cotton should be avoided as it will retain moisture and cause a chill. Balaclavas are great for keeping the neck and face warm. Scarves pose a safety risk and should not be used. Please also ensure that socks and boots are not too tight as they will prevent blood flow and the insulating air layer, which is essential for warmth.
Products for Home
These are some of our favorite home products for your outdoor loving kids.
