2023 OAK Winter Gear Guide!

Patagonia Kids' Capilene Mid Weight Crew. Not pictures, Capilene bottoms.This makes a perfect base layer for bundling over on a frigid day or a perfect shirt to wear for a hike on a fall or spring day. It wicks moisture away from the skin and keeps kids warm and dry, even when they are working hard. Many colors and styles to choose from and they do not age. We see 4 and 5 year old Capilene living 

Darn Tough kids' ski socks. These are built just as well as all the other Darn Tough products. They don't bunch, they are somewhere between thin and thick and fit well in snug ski boots. Our kids use them year round. They are great for mountain biking when you want to have a barrier between you and the poison ivy/pricker bushes too. 

Patagonia Kids' Nano Puff Jacket. These come with and without hoods and in many colors, shapes and sizes for all ages. Skip the hooded version, this is more versatile when you can wear if as a primary jacket or a layer. It's impossibly warm for how light and thin it is. These are virtually indestructible. Mine are about 10 years old and look new. The kids wear these to school, on hikes, as a layer

Patagonia Kids' Powder Town Bibs. These are a must. They are adjustable beyond the snaps/cinch over the shoulder. The hem in the snow cuff and outer cuff EXPAND when you cut the purpose sewn single thread hem. So, if you buy these a tad long to start, you can stretch these 2-3 years before handing them down. 

Reima Quicker Winter Boots. These are easy wearing, fully waterproof snow boots that aren't bulky. In school I see a lot of big clunky boots thumping around. These are not clunky at all which means they are fine in the back yard but even better for long winter walks or snowshoeing adventures.  Also, you can toss them in the washer machine when they need a refresh.

Skida Kids Balaclava. A theme developing in this gear review if function over bulk. Quite often kids winter clothing is hard to move in. Our kids have worn these "neckies" in whipping cold wind at the mountain and they are always warm. Thin and cozy. They fit under a helmet or a hat and they stay in place, they don't spin and there is plenty of room for jackets to zip up.

CamelBak Mini M.U.L.E. hydration bag. These are really the only option for hydration bags for kids. There aren't many options from other manufacturers. This little bag had a nice zip pocket that can hold snacks and a small first aid kit. There is also a small expandable pouch on the front to carry a layer for the summit or to carry a layer shed mid morning during a ride. This pack provides just th

Patagonia Kids' Capilene Cool Hoodie. These are cheap and go the distance. Unlike the winter mid weight capilene, the hooded version of this is a must. It you are on the go, and don't have a hat, the hood is a nice save. They really are cool, even in hot sun. I own a couple. Sometimes, parents get sick of putting on sunscreen. These help.

Swim Zip hats might be the best deal ever. 20 bucks and you get this indestructible sun hat. They can get drenched, they dry, they tighten, they go through the wash and they don't lose their shape. Us outdoorsy folks love to waste money on silly accessories for our kids, don't spend a bunch of money on a sun hat. Get this one.

Classic Kids Big Truck hat. This company is a still a locally run (California based) company. They make high quality stuff. They pick up the phone and talk to you if you have an issue with their product and they deserve your business. They make these hats for infants, straight up to adult sizes. Awesome product and company. We have had our kids in these hats for a long time. 

BALEAF kids bike shorts. As kids get more excited about mountain biking, they need more gear to go further. These are a game changer! 

Troy Lee Youth Flowline or A1 helmet. Helmets are a category of outdoor gear that companies don't focus on. Kids just wear stuff we give them. R&D is not a priority. But these actually fit, have MIPs and are truly a shrunken adult helmet. No shortcuts. Try on every helmet in the shop and you will land on this one for sure.