Brands We Use

We operate under the idea that there is no bad weather, only bad clothing. The best way to guarantee your child has a great day in the forest is to make sure they are adequately dressed. Some of these brands we know and trust have given us discount codes to share with you, but please feel encouraged to buy whatever works for you. If you are purchasing from one of the brands below, please contact me so that I can check if an active discount code is available. Also, you don’t need to purchase multiple pairs of all of these items. We are all okay wearing the same outer layer items each day into the forest—don’t let that be a concern.

• Biddle and Bop

• BOGS

• Cabelas

• Columbia

• New Organics

• Oaki

• Patagonia

• Polarn O. Pyret

• REI

Checklist

1. Child-sized backpack—big enough to fit extra clothes, (if needed).

2. Water bottle, full lunch, and snack containers.

3. Proper footwear, wool socks, and comfortable rain boots. We suggest finding flexible rain boots that have grip and can be worn every day (no matter the weather) so we can enjoy any water we find. 

4. For colder weather, base layer—silk, wool, or polyester for shirts and pants. AVOID COTTON on cold days. Mid-layer-fleece, wool, or insulated pants and a fleece or wool jacket. Make sure the fleece is 100% polyester.

5. An insulated jacket and vest. We love a warm vest for spring and fall.

6. Waterproof shell—waterproof bottoms (rain pants, bib pants), waterproof jacket, rain mittens are optional but something worth thinking about. 

7. Accessories—warm winter hat, sun hat insulated mittens with long sleeves.

8. Sunscreen

9. Bug spray or bug balm

10. Chapstick

11. Masks

Suggestions on what you will need:

• Child-sized Backpack
  Any pack that is comfortable for your child, you may consider one with a chest clip and any pack that is around 10-21L capacity to ensure a child can have room for all their essential items. REI-Co-Op, Kids12 Tarn pack, Osprey Daylight pack are great suggested packs. 

• Wool Socks
  NEEDED for any days under 50 degrees, at least 50% wool. PLEASE make sure you send an extra pair in their backpack. 

• Rain Boots
  It is important that the boots be tall enough to allow for stream play, have flexible soles without a heel, lightweight, and stay on while running and climbing.

  • These are NON-INSULATED. These boots are great for everyday play. 

    • Suggested boots:

      • Croc Handle-it

      • Thandi Plae Boots

      • Oaki

      • Cabela's

• Winter Boots
  Winter boots SHOULD BE INSULATED, and please keep in mind that you will be adding wool socks to the winter boot. Make sure they have room. 

• Rain Gear
  Waterproof bottoms (rain pants, rain suits, rain bib)-there are so many options. Rain pants or rain bibs with foot stirrups are great to have when it rains, or the ground is wet; these items can also be used everyday over their first layer. (We encourage rain pants or rain bibs) Any sort of WATERPROOF rain coat.

  • You may want to consider waterproof rain mittens

• Insulated Jacket or Winter Coat
  For colder months, look for slim-fit insulated jackets that could be worn under a raincoat if needed. Suggested:

  • REI

  • Patagonia

  • L.L.Bean

  • Lands End

  • Columbia

  • Polarn O. Pyret

• Skin Protection

  • Sun screen

  • Bug spray

  • Nantucket tick spray

  • Buzz away

• Tick checks
  Tick checks will be done at the end of the day, but we HIGHLY recommend another tick check after school. ALWAYS check the back of the ears, belly button, neck, behind the knees, and any other small places they like to hide.

• Wool hats are the best and magic gloves are great to wear under rain mittens with long sleeves.

• Layers are essential in forest school. Layers that can be removed and put back easily. Wool is king for colder months, and make sure to practice with your child how to undress and remove items for bathroom breaks.