Forest School gear

Some gear is required to ensure the safety of the group. Other gear is recommended depending on the weather or the locale.  

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Required gear

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Sturdy, waterproof hiking boots (no rain boots, snow boots or sandals)

The group sometimes walks a significant distance, over uneven terrain and puddles or creeks, with opportunities to climb rocks and trees. Invest in sturdy, supportive, waterproof footwear to protect your child’s feet such as Keens or neoprene boots. Rubber rain boots don’t provide sufficient stability for hiking over uneven terrain. Snow boots are awkward and clumsy for children to hike distances with us. Children will not be allowed on hike this year if they are wearing rain boots, snow boots, or sandals.  

 

Wool socks

 Buy several pairs of wool socks so your child always has a spare. ALWAYS dress your child in wool socks for the hike and include a second pair of wool socks in a ziploc baggie at the bottom of your child’s pack. Cotton socks are insufficient for hike, even on a warm day. Wool socks are necessary both to keep children’s feet warm and to provide adequate cushioning inside their hiking boots. Wool socks keep feet cool in hot weather and warm in colder weather. A hat every time: A warm wool hat for cold or rainy days or a sun hat for sunny days. Teachers will not take your child on hike if she doesn’t arrive at the drop off point with a hat. 

 

A hearty lunch plus a snack

Children work up an appetite during hikes! The group stops for a snack at mid-morning and for lunch around noon. 

 

Avoid packing wet foods that spill easily or can’t be re-sealed after opening, such as yogurt. Also avoid exciting treats that other children will covet. 

 

Remember that whatever you pack for lunch may end up all over the inside of your child’s pack. Think about this as you choose foods for your child’s lunch.

 

A solution: A hard-sided lunch box helps keep food from being crushed when backpacks are thrown down. A napkin is helpful. Avoid paper bags on wet days.

 

5.  Water bottle or two drink boxes

Pack a full water bottle for your child’s hydration. LABEL IT PLEASE.

Or you can pack two disposable drink boxes, such a juice, milk, or coconut water. Your child will drink one during snack time and one during lunch time.

 

6.  One complete change of clothes, including an extra pair of wool socks, in a plastic ziplock bag or other waterproof bag.

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You never know when or how a child’s clothes might get wet, damaged, or lost. Always pack a change of clothes so your child can stay warm and dry.

 

7.  A hat every time please!   Pack either a sun hat or a warm hat (or both), depending on the weather. Hoods don’t work as well as hats. Sew a bit of your child’s special fabric onto her sunhat as well as the outside of her backpack.  

 

SUNSCREEN:

Note: Teachers are prohibited from applying sunscreen to your child, so don’t pack any unless your child can reliably apply it without help. Consider applying sunscreen before drop off if it’s a bright day. The best solution is to provide a sun hat.

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Additional gear for wet/cold/rainy days

Always check the weather forecast and look out of the window before you dress your child for hike. Sometimes heavy rain happens even when the forecasted chance is only 10%. Sometimes the fog is heavy enough to soak you, even if it’s not technically raining. Plan ahead to keep your child dry and warm on hike.

 

On wet days, think: synthetic, wool, and waterproof fabrics:

• Wool is a fiber with the amazing property of retaining body heat even when it gets wet.

• Synthetics do the same, and they dry quickly. 

• Waterproof fabrics keep water away from everything underneath. One piece suits, snow jackets and bibs, or rain jack and rain pants.

 

Do not put cotton next to your child’s skin on wet days. Cotton is cold when it gets even slightly damp, and children in damp cotton end up shivering and miserable, with a risk of hypothermia.

 

If there’s a chance of wetness on hike day, outfit your child with:

• Wool or synthetic long underwear, top and bottom. They keep your child warm even if they get damp, and they dry quickly.  Tuck the hems inside your child’s socks or boots to keep them from wicking water off of the ground.

• Waterproof jacket or suit (Gore-Tex or vinyl rain) with hood 

• Wool or polar fleece jacket (if it’s cold)

• Rain pants or snow bib

• Wool or synthetic hat:  

 

Finding gear

An initial investment in kids’ hiking gear can be a little pricey. Before you buy new gear, check Chloe’s Closet for consignment items, Steep&Cheap, REI Outlet for clearance items, and ask other families if they have hand-me-downs to spare. You can also find inexpensive wool and synthetics at places like Old Navy, Uniqlo, Amazon, and so on. If you find a good source or a sale, tell other families about it!

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