By: Brittany Tuttle
November 15, 2023
*This post may contain affiliate links that support Colorado Hiking Moms.
Getting outside once expanding your family to include kids can be intimidating at first! We hope some of these learned tips help you return to or expand the outdoor activities you have come to love about Colorado and beyond. Wintertime can be a great time to get out doors for many reasons, including: sometimes less traffic, less wildlife concern (but not zero!), less crowding and beautiful views! Feeling prepared can make this time of year more accessible.
You’ve heard the sentiment, “there’s no bad weather, just bad gear!” That can feel intimidating, though; as supportive as its intention is. But truly, gear CAN make a difference, especially in winter, and can be found used or discounted (hello black friday deals!), or traded for with other families at different stages, and some simple tricks can also make a day outside enjoyable for all.
The first tier of advice starts with checking the local weather forecast and current conditions using not only weather channels/websites, but also local trip reports on apps such as All Trails, which provides user data. Next, picking an activity and trail that you feel safe getting to given your transportation’s winter handling, weather conditions, and has the amenities YOU need to feel excited and safe. Picking trails with less elevation gain than your summer picks, to account for additional technical difficulty from snow/ice/etc, may be helpful. Checking the forest service/applicable entity’s recent data and road conditions can be helpful in advance. Most areas waive their timed entry requirements for the winter months, but some areas still require state or national parks passes. Also, familiarize yourself with wildlife safety for the season/area (blog post to come on this in the future). Checking all of this out in advance helps set your day up for success.
The next tier of advice regards outer gear and supplies, including taking your 10 essentials like extra layers for winter temps, maps, plenty of water since local sources may be inaccessible/frozen, snacks (always more snacks!!), sunglasses, microspikes or snowshoes depending, your carrier of choice if you’re babywearing (see previous blog post!), sunscreen and aquaphor (or any baby safe vaseline) to act as a wind/weather breaker for exposed skin. Sun protection is just as important in the winter as the sun reflecting off any snow is still impactful! Mineral sunscreen can sometimes act as the “aquaphor” barrier layer. Follow all pediatric advice re: sunscreen under age 6mo and other applicable recommendations from your doctors.
And now, the clothing! We recommend following these 4 layer principles:
- Baselayers: wool (merino), bamboo or any synthetic that is not cotton. Cotton, if it gets wet from sweat or weather, stays wet and synthetic is more appropriate for against the skin! Many great companies out there, including Iksplor, WeeWoolies, Nui Organics, Chasing Windmills, Wildhaven Wools, even H&M!…..the list goes on. This is the layer we recommend spending / investing in the best you can as it is very protective and sets baby/kiddo up for warmth and success.
- Midlayers: Fleece or a second wool layer work great here. Another layer for warmth but this typically isn’t yet weather resistant. This can be an optional layer depending on outside temps. Any fleece can do such as from your local REI, Target, Old Navy, etc. up to the pricier brands. Keep the Littles Wild has some awesome fleece pullovers and our discount code ‘Coloradohikingmoms’ will save you on it!
- Outer layer: This is going to be the weather-resistant/proof layer. It can be a snowsuit, bunting or two-piece as long as it is insulated and weather resistant or proof. We love brands such as Reima, LL Bean, REI, Primary… or even depending on your kid and age, you can save a little here if you have great base/mid layers and do fine with Old Navy, etc.!
- Accessories: This would include wool or doubled up socks, insulated boots, mittens/gloves, a warm hat, a buff/neck warmer for neck protection! We love brands like Reima, Iksplor (neckie), Bogs, Carhartt, Keep the Littles Wild, etc. here. Our very own Colorado Hiking Mom beanies by Keep the Littles Wild are so plush and warm - plus you can match with your little one. Use our code ‘coloradohikingmoms’ to save you on your purchase from KTLW. Accessories also include applying that sunscreen / aquaphor.
Finally, it may be helpful to start with a short and close activity to test your gear/layers and kiddo’s tolerances before setting out for bigger adventures. Remember that all these layers may make babywearing feel different, so test if your baby/toddler can still fit in your carrier of choice and you feel comfy with your extra layers, too. The structured carriers with “sunshades” can be GREAT for blocking wind/weather in the wintertime.
Please comment or ask us on our facebook group or IG page for any other advice on layering up for winter! Take a sled, hot cocoa in a travel mug and enjoy getting outside! See you on the trails!