The title of this post is a positive spin on the old saying, “There is no bad weather – only bad clothing choices.” So what are good choices when the Oregon weather turns rainy and cold with a bit of wind thrown in?
In this case, it’s all about layers! If the temperature’s below 50 degrees or if it’s windy and rainy, start thinking layers. Here’s a shortened version of the clothing information sheet that comes with the Songbird Nature School Enrollment packet.
Base Layer – This is the layer that goes next to your skin – think long underwear. Don’t buy cotton – there are very few weather circumstances this will work in. Base layers absorb your sweat – cotton gets wet and cold, chilling you. Wool, silk, and synthetics resist getting wet, but when they do will stay warm. For our temperature ranges, wool or synthetic fabrics are best. Buy a size that fits more on the snug side – it keeps you warmer. And if it’s going to be in the 20’s the next day at school, let your child sleep in their base layer – they’ll be already warmed up and toasty! My recommendation is to do as Scandanavian parents do – if the temperature is below 50 degrees, send the kids out in their base layers.
The least expensive wool base layer I’ve found is from Ella’s Wools. It’s superwash Merino wool (no barbs that make wool itchy) and super soft.
Amazon has several other choices if you search for “childrens base layer.” Winterkids.com is another good site.
Middle Layer – This layer is for insulation – keep that body heat in! A wool sweater, fleece shirt, or fleece jacket is a good choice here. Polar fleece is a thicker fleece. There are puffy middle layer options, but that starts adding bulk and making it hard to move around and play. Avoid anything with down – it doesn’t work when it’s wet. Fleece or wool pants (hard to find) are good middle layer choices for the legs.
Columbia Sportswear, winterkids.com, Lands End, Amazon, and REI
Outer Layer – This layer is for protection from rain, wind, and snow. Basically, you want something that is waterproof, windproof, breathable and flexible. Avoid one piece rain wear such as Muddy Buddies – they are hard to use the bathroom in without totally undressing not fun when it’s cold out. A nice waterproof winter jacket works for the upper body and rain pants for the lower. For me, I like my Columbia rain pants with a thermal reflective layer. I have a pair a size larger so they fit over my fleece pants.
Columbia Sportswear, jojomamanbebe.com, winterkids.com, REI
Then there’s the accessories – these can make a big difference in how warm one stays.
Mittens: Gloves are not recommended – they don’t keep hands as warm as do mittens. Wool or fleece mittens work well for chilly days. For cold in the lower 30’s and the 20’s, wool liner mittens with side zip or wrap around water proof mittens are suggested. I have some Swedish rain over mittens to test out with the kids – they look a bit bulky, but we’ll see! If your child really resists thicker outer mittens (many do!), a nice medium weight wool mitten and hand warmers in their pockets may work. Amazon has good prices on boxes of the ones you shake to activate. If you want a pair of really good mittens for cold/snow, Outdoor Research’s Adrenaline Mitts for Toddlers (up to age 5) are expensive, but great. They’re lined, have a side zipper, and kept my test subject’s hands toasty through outdoor water play in the high 30’s.
Boots: Insulated, waterproof boots that come up to at least mid-calf. While many outdoor schools recommend Bogs, they are fairly low rise and let water in easily, which is a problem in our nice “swamps.” Their Bogs Kids Classic High Boots look like they would work, but not the lower type with pull-on handles. I recommend Kamik (their Stomp Rainboot works for my grandson), Muck Boot Hale Multi-Season, Oaki Kids Neoprene Rain/Snow Boots – anything of this type.
I’ve found that if I use wool inserts in my rain boots, my feet stay much warmer. Children’s sizes are available through Polarn O. Pyret.
Hats:The best hat is the one your child will keep on! Materials should be wool or synthetic to help it stay dry and it works best if it covers the ears. Some kids are more comfortable with a hat that has ear flaps and fastens under the chin and some kids hate those. For very cold weather, a balaclava type hat helps keep faces warm but for all but a few days in our area, it’s pretty much overkill.
Songbird Nature School 