Little Roots 
Gear Guide
What we actually bring to McCollum Park, tested by PNW toddlers.
New family? Here’s what you need for Wednesday.
What to wear
- Rain suit
- Rain boots
- Base layers in merino or synthetic, no cotton
In the backpack
- Full water bottle
- Nut-free snack
- Full change of clothes
- Two clean washcloths in a ziplock bag
- Diapers and wipes
- Sunscreen and bug spray
- Picnic or outdoor blanket
We bring everything else: art supplies, sensory materials, hand lenses, and books.
What my daughter wears to Little Roots
Dry days
You don’t need to buy everything on this list. Start with what you don’t have and build from there. The most important thing is that you and your kid show up dressed for the weather and ready to get muddy.
Everything here is something I’ve used myself or researched carefully, and we choose nontoxic, PFAS-free products whenever possible.
Little Roots families get discounts at several of these brands. See the codes.
Some links on this page are affiliate links. If you purchase through them, a small percentage supports Little Roots at no extra cost to you.
The Backpack
What to look for: chest clip, external water bottle pocket, lightweight enough for your toddler to carry themselves if desired, or you carry it until they’re ready. We recommend 12L, or up to 18L for older or taller toddlers.
REI Co-op Tarn 12 L Pack (Kids) (opens in new tab)
Our top pick. Has a chest clip, water bottle pockets, and comes in fun colors. The 12L is the sweet spot for our 1 to 3 year olds who want to carry their own pack. It’s big enough for a change of clothes, snack, and water bottle without being too bulky for little shoulders. (If your child is on the older or taller side and wants more room to grow into, REI also makes an 18 L version.)
Tip:Label everything with your child’s name.
Fall, Winter & Spring Gear
October through May
Here in the Pacific Northwest, expect rain, mud, and a toddler who finds every puddle. The key to staying warm and dry outdoors is layering, and once you get the hang of it, rainy Wednesdays get a lot easier.
The golden rule: no cotton on cold or wet days. Cotton absorbs moisture and holds it against the skin, which makes kids cold fast. Choose wool or synthetic fabrics for base layers and fleece, and save the cotton for summer.
Don’t feel pressure to stock up. Two sets is all you need, one to wear and one to pack as a change of clothes.
Layer 1: Base Layer
Merino wool is our favorite here. It regulates temperature, wicks moisture, and stays warm even when wet.
What to look for: Merino wool or synthetic (polyester, polypropylene). OEKO-TEX certified is ideal. Long cuffs for growing room.
iksplor Merino Wool Base Layers (opens in new tab)
This is what my daughter wears under everything. Long limbs and thumbholes mean you get extra wear out of one size. They also make adult merino layers, so you can layer up the same way your little one does.
Layer 2: Fleece or Wool Mid-Layer (Colder Days)
What to look for: Fleece or wool. No cotton sweatshirts. Zip-up jackets are easiest for toddlers to manage. Great to find secondhand since kids grow out of them fast.
iksplor Kids Merino Wool Jogger & Crew Set (opens in new tab)
A midweight merino set that’s noticeably warmer than a base layer. The crew neck layers over a long sleeve without bunching, and the jogger stays put while they climb. Machine washable, too.
Layer 3: Insulation (Coldest Days)
A puffy jacket or snow pants over the fleece, under the rain layer. You may not need this layer until November or December, but when the temperature drops below 40, it makes all the difference.
What to look for: Down or synthetic puffy jacket, snow pants or snow suit for the coldest stretches. If it’s not labeled waterproof, it goes under the rain layer. Check thrift stores for snow gear since kids outgrow it quickly.
OAKI Snow Suit (opens in new tab)
One piece means no gap between jacket and pants when kids are climbing and rolling around. It’s rated to 20°F below zero, and the grow-fit design buys you at least an extra season before sizing up.
Reima Toddler Winter Jackets (opens in new tab)
A good fit for layering, and they hold up well to repeated use.
Layer 4: Waterproof Outer Layer
This is the most important layer and the one we’d recommend buying new. Used waterproofing can break down over time, and a leaky rain jacket on a PNW morning is miserable for everyone. Buy it big enough to fit all your other layers underneath.
Every brand below is PFAS-free and PVC-free, so you don’t have to dig through the fine print on any of them.
What to look for: polyurethane (PU) coated, sealed seams, one size up for layering room.
OAKI One-Piece Rain Suit (opens in new tab)
A one-piece is fantastic for younger toddlers because there’s no gap at the waist for water to sneak in. Comes in tons of colors and is a forest school staple. (OAKI also makes separate rain jackets if you’d rather pair them with your own rain pants.)
OAKI Trail Rain Pants (opens in new tab)
What my daughter wears most days when it’s not raining. When she sits on wet ground or spills her water, she stays dry.
Reima Toddler Raincoats and Jackets (opens in new tab)
Standalone raincoats and jackets to pair with rain pants. We recommend the OAKI trail rain pants (opens in new tab)!
Therm Kids Rain Jacket (opens in new tab)
Made from 100% recycled fabrics. Their SplashMagic prints appear when the jacket gets wet, which is basically the coolest thing ever for a toddler in the rain.
Color tip:We recommend bright colors. They help your brain quickly scan for your child and spot them among the other kids and the forest.
Pro tip:Pull rain pants OVER the boots, not tucked in. Trust us on this one.
Hats, Mittens & Extras
For cold days, add a fleece or wool hat, a neck warmer, and waterproof mittens with cuffs big enough to go over the jacket sleeves.
Wool socks: iksplor Natural Fiber Trail Socks (2 Pack) (opens in new tab) are our top pick year round. The Reima Parit socks below are another great option. Avoid cotton socks on cold or wet days.
Reima Reimatec Tepas Mittens (opens in new tab)
Fully waterproof, very warm, and soft inside. A long zipper opens them wide so they slide onto little hands, and the long cuffs go over the coat sleeves to keep snow and rain from sneaking in. Grippy palms help hold sticks and pinecones. Mittens are so much easier than gloves at this age: no coaxing tiny fingers into the right holes.
Reima Paljakka Beanie (opens in new tab)
Our pick for the coldest days. A warm merino wool blend knit with a full fleece lining and ties that help it stay on. Windproof panels over the ears keep little ears cozy on a blustery morning on the trail.
iksplor Merino Wool Beanie (opens in new tab)
A lighter, classic beanie. Slim enough to fit under a rain hood, and soft enough that toddlers actually leave it on. Sized from newborn through adult, so you can match.
Reima Neck Warmers (opens in new tab)
Reima has several neck warmer options, so you can pick the warmth and style that fits your child. A neck warmer is so much easier than a scarf for toddlers: it pulls right on, stays put, and has no loose ends to trip on or tug.
Reima Parit Wool Socks (2 Pack) (opens in new tab)
A soft merino wool blend from a PFAS-free brand we trust. Made to go inside waterproof boots on chilly days, they fit snug without squeezing, so toes stay warm while little feet stomp through puddles.
Summer Gear
June through September
PNW summers can be gorgeous, but mornings at McCollum Park still start cool. Layer a t-shirt under a long sleeve or light jacket so you can peel layers as the morning warms up. Lightweight long sleeves and pants protect from scratches, sun, and bugs better than shorts and tanks.
Lightweight Base Layers
A lightweight merino base layer is one of the best things your kid can wear in summer. Merino keeps them cool when it’s warm, warm when it’s cool, wicks moisture, and provides natural sun protection.
What to look for: Lightweight merino wool, around 150gsm or lower. OEKO-TEX certified is ideal.
iksplor Lightweight Merino Base Layers (opens in new tab)
Their lightweight knit (around 150gsm) is our pick for summer.
Sun Hats
What to look for: Wide brim with neck coverage, UPF 50+, chin strap that stays on, chemical-free UV protection (from fabric weave, not chemical treatments).
Jan & Jul Cotton Floppy Sun Hat (opens in new tab)
100% natural cotton, UPF 50+ protection that comes from the weave of the fabric, not chemicals or dyes. Adjustable chin strap with a breakaway safety clip. Their Grow-With-Me design means you can size up and tighten the drawstring, so one hat lasts multiple seasons.
Trail Shoes
What to look for: Closed-toe, good grip, easy for toddlers to put on (velcro or pull-tab lacing), protective toe bumper. No Crocs or flip-flops on the trail.
Reima Tepastelu Toddler Waterproof Barefoot Shoes (opens in new tab)
Waterproof barefoot shoe with a wide toe box and zero heel drop, so feet land and move naturally on uneven ground. The 4mm sole is thin enough to actually feel what they’re walking on without losing protection. Velcro closure is easy for toddlers to handle themselves, and the insoles are removable for a more precise fit. PFAS-free.
Reima Lomalla Toddler Sandals (opens in new tab)
Lightweight closed-toe sandal for warmer days. Free of fluorocarbons and PVC. Good when they want something more open but you still want toe coverage on the trail.
Trail Socks
Wet cotton socks are how blisters happen. Look for wool or wool-blend socks that wick moisture and stay put inside shoes.
What to look for: Merino wool blend, no slipping inside shoes.
iksplor Natural Fiber Trail Socks (2 Pack) (opens in new tab)
Merino wool socks in kid and adult sizes. They actually stay up and dry fast when feet get wet.
Sunscreen
What to look for: Mineral-based (zinc oxide), EWG Verified or MADE SAFE certified, fragrance-free, broad spectrum SPF 30+. Apply before you arrive. We can’t apply products to your child, but you’re welcome to reapply during class.
Babo Botanicals Sensitive Baby Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50 (opens in new tab)
This is what we use. EWG Verified, MADE SAFE certified, and B Corp. Zinc oxide only, fragrance-free, water resistant for 80 minutes, and made with plant-based ingredients like shea butter and sunflower oil. No oxybenzone, no octinoxate. Safe for babies 6 months and up.
Babo Botanicals Sensitive Baby Mineral Sunscreen Stick SPF 50 (opens in new tab)
Same trusted formula in a stick for quick touch-ups on cheeks, ears, and noses. Tosses right in the backpack.
Year-Round Essentials
Boots
What to look for: Natural rubber (not PVC), good grip, easy to pull on and off, wide enough for socks.
OAKI Kids Loop Rain Boots (opens in new tab)
Natural rubber, BPA-free, easy to pull on. They match the OAKI rain suits if you want a coordinated look. (OAKI also makes snow boots for the coldest months.)
PNW tip: McCollum Park mornings can be wet any month of the year. Keep a pair of boots in the car even on sunny days, or skip the trail shoes altogether and just make boots their default footwear for Wednesday.
Bug Spray
What to look for: DEET-free, plant-based ingredients, safe for babies 6 months and up.
Badger Anti-Bug Shake & Spray (opens in new tab)
USDA Organic and DEET-free. Uses citronella, rosemary, and wintergreen oils. Safe for babies 6 months and older, and it smells good.
Badger Anti-Bug Balm Stick (opens in new tab)
Same formula in a stick. Lives in the backpack for reapplying on the trail.
Baby Carriers
If you have a younger sibling tagging along or think a carrier would be handy for your toddler throughout class, here’s what we use and love.
I bring my hope&plum Lark to every session. It lives in my Little Roots backpack and comes out when my daughter wants to be held while I’m hauling bins and setting up stations. If you have a baby in tow or a toddler who needs a quick snuggle break, a good carrier makes forest school mornings so much easier.
hope&plum Lark Baby Carrier (opens in new tab)
Sewn in Minnesota by a women-owned company. The Baby Lark works from 10 to 45 pounds and the Kid Lark works from 25 to 65 pounds with an easy buckle system and front or back carry options. Size-inclusive, with two length options so it fits a wide range of bodies. Natural fibers, no foam or mesh bulk. Folds up small enough to stash in your backpack.
hope&plum Ring Sling (opens in new tab)
The fastest carrier to get on and off. Works from 7 to 35 pounds and adjusts in seconds with one hand. If your little one goes up and down a lot, wanting a lift between stations and then back down to explore, a ring sling lives on your shoulder and is ready the second they reach up.
hope&plum Meh Dai (opens in new tab)
A tie-style carrier with wide straps that distribute weight evenly. Adjusts from newborn through toddler, no insert needed. A great option if you deal with shoulder or back pain.
Water Bottles
What to look for: Stainless steel, plastic-free, toddler-friendly lid.
Cold months tip:Fill a thermos-style bottle with warm water or herbal tea. I recommend testing it at home a few times so they are used to it. Fill it warm, not hot, since insulated bottles keep drinks hot for hours.
Snack Containers
What to look for: Stainless steel or silicone, BPA-free, easy for toddlers to open on their own, spill-resistant for backpacks. Remember: all snacks must be nut-free.
Elk and Friends Stainless Steel Snack Cups (opens in new tab)
Stainless steel with a removable silicone petal lid that toddlers can reach into easily. Comes with a spill-proof travel lid for the backpack. Dishwasher safe, no plastic touching food. The side handles are perfect for little hands.
Forest-Friendly Snack Ideas
The best forest school snacks are nut-free, easy to eat with muddy hands, and won’t melt or crumble everywhere. Some favorites: banana, blueberries cut in half, squeeze pouches, shredded cheese, crackers, puffs, dried fruit, veggie pouches, hard-boiled egg, rice cakes, and yogurt melts.
A ziplock bag with a mix of things works fine. Each family brings their own. We don’t share food between families.
Blankets
Picnic or outdoor blankets work great. Families like to set them up when they arrive as a “home base” so it’s ready for them when it’s snack and circle time. One with a waterproof backing keeps everyone dry on wet mornings.
Favorite Brands and Discounts
100% ZQ certified merino wool from a sister-owned shop in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Our pick for base layers and mid-layers that hold up across seasons. Start with their toddler base layer sets, they’re what my daughter lives in year round. Little Roots families get 20% off with code LITTLEROOTS.
LITTLEROOTS tap to copy and shopOur go-to for rain suits, boots, and cold-weather gear. Little Roots families get 25% off orders over $29.99 plus free shipping over $100.
LITTLEROOTS tap to copy and shopOur pick for baby carriers. Designed and sewn in the USA by a women-owned brand. Little Roots families get 10% off through our referral link.
Shop hope&plum →Finnish brand, PFAS-free since before it was a marketing angle. You’ll find specific product links throughout the page, or shop their full collection:
Shop Reima →Bringing Forest School Home
The hands-on work we do on Wednesdays doesn’t have to end at the trailhead. These are the pieces we use to bring that same kind of open-ended, child-led play into our home, and a few we recommend to families who want the same.
Learning Through PLAYtrays
A tuff tray is a shallow, sturdy tray built to contain messy, open-ended play. Think of it as a portable version of the forest floor: fill it with mud, water, sand, ice, paint, or loose parts from the backyard and let your child decide what happens next.
These are the same trays we set out at every Little Roots session. Each Wednesday they become our sensory stations: water play, mud kitchen, playdough, and small world trays. Kids who are used to seeing them at class already know how to engage, which means setting one up at home gives you a ready-made invitation to play without a lot of setup on your end.
Designed by an Early Years Educator, made with BPA-free, food-contact compliant materials. Little Roots families get 5% off with code LITTLEROOTS.
A Note on Buying Secondhand
You don’t need to buy all of this new. Base layers, fleece, insulation, backpacks, boots, and hats are all great to find secondhand at thrift or consignment shops, Facebook Marketplace, or resale sites like Poshmark, eBay, and Mercari. Kids grow so fast that used outdoor gear is often in excellent condition.
A special mention: iksplor runs their own pre-loved store (opens in new tab) where families can buy and sell gently used iksplor gear for cash or store credit. Kids outgrow merino layers fast, but the wool itself holds up beautifully across multiple kids and seasons, so the resale market is really good. Trading in for credit when your child sizes up helps keep the cost down.
No experience needed. Just bring your boots.
Every family starts somewhere.