We spend a LOT of time outside between hikes, playground visits, and nature play sessions. The one thing that I always notice at this time of year, is the drop-off in kids at these different events.

I totally get it. It can be hard to motivate to get outside once winter weather arrives. BUT, after playing through the seasons for the past few years, I’ve come to rely on a few specific brands and types of gear.

Here are our favorite laying options for winter adventures.

• Oaki rain suit: I bought these a little bit big so that they’d last for at least two years, and so far they’ve held up wonderfully. This is a water and wind-proof suit and makes for a nice thin outer layer. It’s great on rainy days, snowy days, or even just blustery days. I prefer it over snow suits because they are often super bulky, and with this suit, you can add your own layers underneath to get the insulation just right for the day’s weather.
• Bogs: We’ve been using bogs for the past 5 years, and again, this is a product that I love. Bogs are waterproof and come with different insulation levels. The boots are a little bit heavy, but my boys have never minded.
• Puffer: When it comes to layering under the rain suit, I opt for a puffer. We have puffers that are thin but warm, perfect for allowing the boys to stay agile and warm.
• Smartwool socks: Good wool socks are worth the money. Wool provides fantastic insulation, even when it gets wet – perfect for those days when they are too adventurous near the water. I only have a couple pair of wool socks for the boys, enough to have one pair at the ready while the other is washing.
• Sunscreen : In Colorado, the winter sunshine is no joke. When we don’t have our homemade supply on hand, we love Badger sunscreen for its equally simple ingredients.
• Wool Base Layers : wool base layers are an investment, but if you’re going to be spending a lot of time outside, there’s nothing like the temperature regulation provided by wool.
• Fleece Bottoms : We love these fleece-lined leggings! The boys will often wear them alone or as a layer under the rainsuits. These are from Primary, and if you’re interested in buying some, I have a friends and family code ( PRIMARYKATHRYND539 ) that will get you 25% off your first order.

I didn’t include a hat or gloves on this list. For hats, we’re always wearing something that I knit. When it comes to gloves, I feel like I’m still on the hunt for a perfect pair for small hands. My boys don’t love mittens because of the limited dexterity, but I haven’t found the perfect gloves yet.

Fortunately, we have our winter layers so dialed in that we can head out the door with minimal effort, but I’d love to hear from you – anything that you consider essential that didn’t make my list?