
WARM CLOTHING GUIDE
“There is no bad weather, only inappropriate clothing.” - Ranulph Fiennes

1. BASE LAYER
Keeps the body warm and dry.
The first layer acts like a base layer and should ideally be made of a warm, thin and quick-drying material. The base layer is closest to the skin and its role is to keep heat in and wick away moisture and sweat.
Which material should I choose for my base layer?
Choose a thin material that is warm and breathable, such as wool or polyester. Avoid cotton closest to the body as it absorbs moisture and takes longer to dry

2. MIDDLE LAYER
Insulating.
The role of the mid-layer is to keep you warm and wick away moisture. Ideally, this garment should also be easy to put on and take off in case children get hot while playing. Therefore, choose openable garments for easy and quick changes.
What material should I choose for a mid-layer?
Fleece, or microfleece, is perfect for this layer as it is warm and breathable, easy to clean, and dries quickly after washing. Wool is another good material that insulates heat and retains its warming properties even when wet. Lightweight down jackets also work well.

3. ADDITIONAL PUFFER LAYER
Keeps you extra cozy.
This layer is for those cold days throughout October-February. This will act as an additional layer over the second fleece layer to keep your child nice and cozy warm.
What material should I choose for my additional layer?
Ideally, this layer should be synthetic, down-filled or polyester. This will keep body heat locked inside.

4. OUTER LAYER
Keeps the storm out.
The outer layer is your child's shield against rain, snow and wind. It should be durable, but also flexible and easy to move around in. It should be waterproof and windproof and have reflectors so that children are visible in the dark. For younger children, an overall is preferable, while older children usually want a two-piece.
What material should I choose for the outer layer?
The most important thing when choosing an outer layer is that it is windproof and water-repellent. It is also important that the material releases the vapours transported through layers 1, 2 &3. The type of outer layer you should choose depends on how cold it is outside and how old your child is. In milder climates, shell garments work well, while warm-lined garments are preferable in the coldest winter.

ACCESSORIES
A toque, mittens & neck warmer (optional) are required in the colder months.
Each child should have a waterproof pair of mittens with them. As well as plenty of changes of regular mittens. (Think dollar store mitts, we will change them out as they get wet and are awesome for layering under thick winter/waterproof mitts.)
Winter mitts are also encouraged.

FOOTWEAR
Rain boots are fantastic for the spring and fall but very cold for the winter months.
Insulated winter boots are encouraged with warm socks.
SOCKS
We love Merino wool socks, little hotties from Costco and non-cotton thick socks for winter.
Please pack along extra pairs in case severe puddle jumping has occurred.