Outdoor Family Winter Gear Guide

Tales of a Mountain Mama

OUTDOOR FAMLY WINTER GEAR GUIDE

GEAR RECOMMENDATIONS FOR: ~ SNOWSHOEING/XC SKIING ~ WINTER CAMPING ~ DOWNHILL SKIING/SNOWBOARDING ~ OUTDOOR PLAY

SNOWSHOEING + XC SKIING Zeta SL Arcteryx

The new Zeta SL is light and packable AND breathable so perfect for aerobic outdoor pursuits in colder weather. The 2 Layer Gore-Tex Paclite plus technology also has improved next to skin feel.

TUBBS Flex Snowshoes - Kids

The Flex in the kids snowshoes by TUBBS makes it easier for them to step and get good grip on the snow. Our kids have and love these!

Crescent Moon EVA Snowshoes I had an opportunity to try these before they were released to the general public and they are fantastic. They're very light and make workouts (or wilderness jaunts) easy and fun.

Atlas 2-Piece Adjustable Poles We love these poles since they work for both XC skiing and snowshoeing, can be adjusted to however needs them and store away easily.

HydroFlask Bottles I know these are $$$, but they

last forever, truly keep drinks hot AND cold and are the one bottle that we keep around our home year after year.

Deuter Kid Comfort III

No one is happy on the trail unless they're comfortable ,and the Kid Comfort I I helps assure that both the child AND the parent/wearer are able to full enjoy the great outdoors. This is our family's favorite framed carrier.

Thule Chariot Lite Thule recently updated the Chariot series to make switching between

different sports easier than ever. The Chariot Lite truly is LIGHT, folds up easily and works for biking, jogging, strolling AND skiing.

Thule Chariot Lite Ski Kit

For all groomed XC ski trails, the Chariot Ski kit is a must-have. We use it for both skate and nordic skiing on a weekly basis. It pulls the kids along effortlessly. Add some music to keep them entertained and a blanket to keep them warm and you're all able to get out happily!

2018 OUTDOOR FAMILY WINTER GEAR GUIDE | TALESOFAMOUNTAINMAMA.COM

SKIING + SNOWBOARDING Annon Rime Timber Mountain Pants Snow Helmet

Helmets while doing anything in the snow at speed (though our kids wonder why we don't wear helmets XC skiing) isn't optional. This one has a great fit and keeps kids safe!

Pants to keep kids outside doing what they do best - playing! These allow easy bathroom stops, keep the snow out and keep kids dry. We also think the price is fantastic!

Guide Insulated Gloves The perfect gloves for the dad/man in your

Timber Mountain Jacket

family. The leather holds up to years of abuse and hard work and keeps hands warm.

A classic jacket for the mountain with details to keep the skiing/boarding fun while they stay warm and dry. Easy to layer under and a great hood!

Tracker 3 Avalanche Women's Tranceiver Stormhenge jacket Whenever we are in a possible avalanche zone, A puffy that is waterproof too?! Yes, we carry our tranceiver.

And, while that doesn't happen very often yet with young kids, it is a GREAT tool to teach them to use now. Safety first.

please! This jacket is going on my own wish list. Check out the reviews - it's bomber!

Spy Cadet Snow Goggles

Snow goggles for skiing, snow boarding, sledding and even XC skiing in a blizzard (with hot chocolate afterwards, of course!)

2018 OUTDOOR FAMILY WINTER GEAR GUIDE | TALESOFAMOUNTAINMAMA.COM

WINTER CAMPING Jet Boil Flash Black Diamond Headlamps There's obviously less daylight in the winter and our headlamps get used on an almost daily basis for evening walks, skis and especially when winter camping. We opt to spend a little more and get ones that we know are bright and light our way adequately.

In our family the JetBoil = hot chocolate. I guess we trained the kids well?!?! Maybe my kids just love winter becuase of the hot chocolate?!?! Whatever works!

Spot Storm SOL Magstriker REI Co-op Toasty Fleece Pants Thecozybestfires.partThisofhelpswintermakecampingit justarea littlethose Every kid (and adult) needs a great pair of fleece pants for a mid layer. They're also cozy and perfect for evenings around the cabin fire.

Cabineste Down Booties

Down booties are perfect for the cabin or yurt cold floor AND at home. These are available for both men and women and are like sleeping bags for your feet. A must-have.

easier to light both in a woodstove and/or a bonfire outside.

Grabbers Warmers Excursion Pack You can have all the best gear and sometimes it is still not enough. Many a winter adventure has been saved by hand/foot warmers. In fact, they usually show up in our stockings every year.....

2018 OUTDOOR FAMILY WINTER GEAR GUIDE | TALESOFAMOUNTAINMAMA.COM

Kahtoola MICROSpikes Traction System Minimize falls on the ice this winter with this simple system that makes a huge difference. Perfect for trail time AND walking to work.

Lucky Bums Toboggan Sledding maybe THE most fun you can have in the winter. This toboggan is perfect for piling on tons of kids...who usually end up in a laughing heap at the bottom of the hill.

Skhoop MaudMidi Insulated Skirt This is not just a down

skirt. It's the key to a warm bum, easy layering, stylish outdoor fun and will become what you wear every cold day. I use mine for nearly everything involving snow.

WINTER PLAY REI Co-op Timber Mountain Overall

REI's snow pant overalls for kids are a great price point, hold up well to hard play and keep toddlers warm and dry!

REI Co-op Midweight Crew Long Underwear Warmth truly starts from the skin out. Keep little bodies warm and

happy outside with these polypro base layers from REI. These midweight ones are great for colder days OR layer them over a light base layer for extra warmth.

REI Co-op Chillypuff

Puffy coats, especially ones with a low profile are a staple for layering and a must in our family. Add a shell and you have a jacket for all seasons.

Landscape Beanie Keep your head warm all winter long and do it

stylishly. This beanie for kids is timeless, warm and inspires more time outside.

2018 OUTDOOR FAMILY WINTER GEAR GUIDE | TALESOFAMOUNTAINMAMA.COM

Gloves (Left to Right) All the gloves and mittens for kids. I swear I wish we could staple

these to their hands....or jackets. But, good hand protection is the difference between a happy kid and one completely melting down.

Light gloves are perfect for warmer days, while thick mittens keep them comfortable on the coldest days.

All Season Tech Comp Gloves REI Co-op Fleece Mittens Timbermountian Insualted Mittens

REI Co-op Wool Socks for the Whole Family Wool socks. Not optional in the winter and the one piece of clothing I seem to hold tightly to and never let go. We also seem to never have enough. These ones from REI are a good budget-friendly price that are high quality.

Kamik Snowcoast3 Boots Kamik boots continue to be some of the

warmest around. We love the ankle strap on these to keep feet from flopping around when kids are moving and playing.

Bogs Classic High Insulated Boots If you live in a wetter climate OR want boots to transcend the seasons, these are great for warm, dry feet! TIP: Order a size up.

Neoprene boots do not keep feet warm when they don't have room to breathe.

Kids Coozie Pullover A fleece is one thing we make sure everyone has for layering. This one has lowprofile pockets too which everyone loves. We buy gender-neutral to pass them down through all the kids.

The first fall of snow is not only an event, it is a magical event.

You go to bed in one kind of a world and wake up in another quite different, and if this is not enchantment then where is it to be found?

J. B. Priestley 2018 OUTDOOR FAMILY WINTER GEAR GUIDE | TALESOFAMOUNTAINMAMA.COM