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Welcome to our hand-curated selection of the best winter gear to keep your family warm, comfortable, and ready for whatever winter adventures you have planned.
Winter with kids can be challenging, but we’ve learned that the right gear makes all the difference. Quality winter gear doesn’t just keep everyone warmer; it extends outdoor time, reduces meltdowns, and turns potentially miserable experiences into memories you’ll actually want to repeat.
Whether you’re gearing up for backyard snow days, daily walks to school in freezing temperatures, sledding adventures, skiing, or even winter camping, having gear you can trust means less time wrestling with zippers and more time actually enjoying winter as a family.
Everything featured in this guide has been tested by our family with multiple kids, various ages, and plenty of wet and cold adventures. These are the products that have genuinely made our family’s winter experiences better, and we hope they do the same for you. We’ve also included discount codes wherever possible to help make outfitting the whole family a little easier on the wallet.
Reima Snowsuits
Reima snowsuits are one of our all-time favorites for keeping kids warm and dry during winter play. These suits deliver serious warmth while being incredibly practical for everyday use — the long zippers make getting kids in and out quick and easy, and the silicone boot loops and adjustable wrist closures create an effective seal that keeps snow from sneaking in during all that rolling and tumbling.
Use code SKIINGKIDS20 for 20% off at Reima
Reima Stavanger
This will be our fifth winter with the Stavanger snowsuits, and I was initially sold when my 4-year-old could completely dress himself for snow play in this snowsuit. Literally, a moms dream come true! But there’s so much more to love about these suits beyond the easy on-and-off design.
- 12,000 waterproof rating
- Dirt-repellent material that actually works
- Incredibly durable fabric (ours has been in the family for 4 years and still looks great)
- Warm down to -5°F
- Detachable hood and removable fur trim
- Silicone foot loops to keep legs down
Reima Kipina
For kids who need extra warmth, the Kipina is perfect for really cold and windy days. Rated warm down to -20°F, this is one of our top picks when temperatures plummet, and kids love all the fun patterns and colors it comes in.
- Incredibly warm down to -20°F
- Reinforced lower legs and seat
- 10,000 waterproof rating
- Windproof
- Adjustable waist
- Silicone boot cuffs
Reima Snow Boots
Reima snow boots have earned their place as our top pick for keeping kids’ feet warm and dry all winter long. My kids are incredibly hard on their footwear, and these are hands-down the best quality boots we’ve found. They combine serious insulation with fully waterproof construction that withstands active kids, deep snow, slush, and freezing temperatures.
My kids typically wear their snow boots all day at school, and we’ve learned we can rely on Reima for making boots that are just as comfortable on the playground as they are on a winter hike. The easy-on design with wide openings and adjustable closures means kids can get them on independently (a huge win for busy mornings), while the non-slip rubber soles provide excellent traction on ice and packed snow.
Reima Nefar Winter Rubber Galosh Boots
The Nefar is my favorite for younger kids. The bottom is a fully waterproof rubber galosh (perfect for slush puddles), and the top is waterproof fabric, which makes them incredibly easy for kids to get on and off. These run from toddler size 4.5 to big kid 3.5, so they’re perfect for younger kids who just want to get their boots on fast and get outside.
- Outsole made of thermoplastic rubber for excellent grip
- Warm to -10°F
- Cozy warm lining
- Easy to pull on and off
Reima Quicker Winter Boots
For an all-day snow boot for active kids, the Quicker is incredible. These are our favorites for snowshoeing when you need a secure fit, and they even work great for running at the playground. The elastic laces and velcro strap make them really comfortable for extended wear.
- Warm to -5°F
- Excellent traction
- Wool blend lining for extra warmth
- Fully waterproof lowers
Akova Element Jacket
If you’re looking for a versatile kids’ coat that can do it all, the Akova Element Jacket is it. Loaded with 150g of insulation, this is the warmest jacket Akova makes, and we’ve found it’s perfect for cold climates or kids who tend to get cold easily. It works for everything from wearing at school to the ski hill.
Use code SKIINGKIDS for 25% off regular-priced items
What really sets the Element apart are the sleeves that extend and shorten with Akova’s Adjust-A-Fit system. The sleeve length easily adjusts, making them longer or shorter as needed. This is a dream for using the coat for multiple years because it can be passed down while preserving the adjustability. No other brand has something like this, and it allows you to get so much more use out of your gear.
Our kids have been wearing Akova outerwear for six seasons, and we’ve been constantly impressed by the quality. It’s the most waterproof kids’ outerwear we’ve found and incredibly durable. Akova is direct-to-consumer, so you won’t find them in stores — their pricing model allows them to offer significantly higher quality gear at prices similar to average gear in retail shops.
Key Features:
- Helmet-compatible and adjustable hood
- Built-in powder skirt
- Fleece-lined hand pockets
- Internal pockets for storage and snacks
- 10k/10k waterproof and breathability rating
- Drop back hem for extra snow protection
- Critically taped seams
Want more? Check out the Akova Elevated Hardshell for kids with a 20k/20k waterproof and breathability rating that pairs perfectly with their Elevated Insulator for the perfect layering system.
Akova Elevated Convertible Bibs/Snow Pants
Snow pants are where waterproofing matters most for kids — it’s where the most water seeps in and gear wears out fastest, so invest in the best you can afford. The Akova Elevated snow pants deliver the highest-end protection with a 20k/20k waterproof and breathability rating.
What really sets these pants apart is the convertible feature that allows them to function as both bibs and regular snow pants. The top zips off completely, so you can use them either way. This has been wonderful with our own kids because we pass gear down, and each child gets to choose whether they want pants or bibs, regardless of what their older sibling preferred. The Adjust-A-Fit system in the legs works just like the jacket sleeves — legs adjust longer or shorter, which is amazing for passing gear down and dealing with mid-season growth spurts.
Tip: These run slightly large, but with the Adjust-A-Fit system, we still typically order a size up. My son who was a size 7 fit into a size 8 because we could shorten the legs and cinch up the waist. This size will likely fit him for three winters.
Best Features:
- 20k/20k waterproof and breathability rating
- Convertible bib/pant design with removable top
- Adjust-A-Fit leg system for multiple seasons
- Built to pass down between siblings
- Exceptional durability that outlasts cheaper options
Chopper Mill Mittens
The Chopper Mill mittens have solved every single frustration we’ve had with kids’ winter mittens — they’re warm, they stay dry, they don’t fall off, and they keep snow out. The combination of waterproof leather, a waterproof insert, and 3M Thinsulate lining keeps kids warm and dry at the same time.
Use code SKIINGKIDS for 15% off
What really sets these apart are the longer cuffs that are the perfect length to tuck over a coat sleeve and keep snow out. The cinchable arm strap creates a customized fit and keeps hands dry even during the most intense snow play.
Designed and tested in Minnesota by a hockey mom, these mittens are built to last and keep kids incredibly warm and dry. I’m not exaggerating when I say these are the best kids’ mittens we’ve ever used. If I were to design a mitten with every feature I could ever want, I would make these exact mittens.
- Longer cuffs fit over sleeves
- Cinchable arm cuff
- Adjustable wrist strap
- Waterproof leather
- Super warm
- Personalized leather name patch
Bonus: Chopper Mills’ re/PAIR program will replace a mitten when one inevitably goes missing — you get a free replacement shipped to you, no questions asked. Perfect for kids who are always misplacing things!
Iksplor Merino Wool Base Layers
Every single one of my kids reaches for iksplor merino wool base layers constantly — they’re the softest, most versatile pieces in our winter wardrobe. Made from 100% superfine merino wool, they’re incredibly soft and never itchy. Even my child with sensory sensitivities wears them comfortably all day long.
Use code SKIINGKIDS for 10% off
The lightweight merino is perfect for layering under winter clothes without adding bulk, and the temperature-regulating properties mean they work year-round. My kids wear them for warmth in winter and coolness when they’re active (they regularly wear them biking in summer). The fact that they’re machine washable has been a game-changer — no hand washing or special care needed, and they come out looking great wash after wash.
These base layers fit both thin and hefty kids well, and they truly last for years, making them worth every penny. Whether we’re heading out for a ski day, family camping trip, or just layering up for cold mornings at school, these are always our first choice.
We love that iksplor is run by two sisters and moms in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, who just get it — they’re creating merino wool base layers that actually solve the real challenges of layering and getting kids outside year-round.
Design Details We Love:
- Thumbholes that keep hands warm
- Extra length in the arms and legs (our kids usually wear the same size for 3 years)
- Flat seams that don’t cause any irritation
- Sizes that fit infants up to adults
Did you know? Merino wool is naturally odor-resistant and antibacterial. That means you can wear it day after day without washing. Airing out between wears is recommended, but they resist odors so well that my kids have worn them several days in a row with no smell.
Need extra warmth? Grab some Iksplor Mid Layers. Made of thicker merino wool, they’re my personal favorite for really cold days.
Aurora Heat Hand Warmers
These reusable hand warmers are made from beaver fur, an incredible natural insulator that keeps your hands or feet at just the right temperature all day and lasts over 10 years. We use them inside our mittens on really cold days and inside our socks when our feet need extra warmth — they add a layer of insulation that actually works.
Use code ADVENTUREFAMILY to save 10%
What really draws us to Aurora Heat is how they’re keeping something meaningful alive. They make handmade warmers from beaver fur using Indigenous traditions that go back generations. It’s about honoring the wisdom that’s been passed down while creating something that still makes sense for how we live today — real warmth that connects us back to nature and tradition.
What We Love:
- Keeps hands at the perfect comfortable temperature all day
- Super soft against skin
- Long-lasting (we’ve had ours 4 years and they look new)
- Pack down small so they don’t add bulk
Tobiq 60L Duffel
One of the most stressful things about winter adventures is coordinating all the gear and clothing. This 60L Tobiq duffel solves that problem with four main compartments and interior pockets that make organizing everything incredibly easy. Made from recycled CORDURA fabric that’s tough and machine washable, it handles whatever you throw at it.
Use code ADVENTUREFAMILY for 15% off
We love being able to sort all our gear easily, and the kids know exactly where things go when they’re done using them. Whether you’re heading out for a day trip or a weekend adventure, this bag keeps everything organized and accessible without the chaos.
Features We Love:
- Easy to sort gear by person or by gear type
- Can be carried as a duffel or backpack with interchangeable straps
- Perfect carry-on size for traveling
- Durable fabric that wipes clean easily and is stain-resistant
- Made from recycled materials
Tobiq is a small business created by an outdoor-loving mom of four who was tired of carrying tons of bags with everyone’s gear. Her simple duffel design solved gear organization for her family and so many others. We use ours year-round — it’s perfect for winter, but also great for camping and biking.
NoSo Patches
NoSo patches are peel-and-stick repairs that make fixing torn jackets, ripped backpacks, or worn-out tents incredibly easy with no sewing required. The philosophy is simple: the most sustainable product is the one that lasts, and NoSo helps you extend the life of quality gear while keeping it out of the landfill.
NoSo patches are waterproof, lightweight, and flexible, so your gear functions like it always has with the addition of these incredibly affordable patches.
Our Favorite Ways to Use NoSo Patches:
- Patching torn puffy coats
- Using their merino wool patches to fix holes in base layer knees and elbows
- Adding some flair to personalize your gear
Stanley Adventure Crock
The Stanley 3L crock is our winter essential that keeps food piping hot for 12 hours, whether we’re tailgating, skiing, or having a cool-weather picnic. It’s the best way to bring real, hot meals during the colder months instead of settling for cold sandwiches.
We can pack it with chili, soup, homemade mac and cheese, or whatever we’re in the mood for that morning, and it’s still piping hot 12 hours later when we’re ready for dinner. The clamps on top keep everything locked down tight so you can toss it in the car without worrying about spills, and after five years of heavy use, ours is still going strong with that legendary Stanley quality.
5 Key Features:
- 12-hour heat retention
- 3L capacity perfect for big families
- Secure locking clamps prevent spills
- Legendary Stanley durability (5+ years and counting)
- Hot meals on the go all winter long
Nikwax Waterproofing System
Waterproof gear needs special care — regular detergent can damage the protective coating, and when your jacket gets dirty, it stops repelling water like it should. That’s where Nikwax comes in: Tech Wash is specifically designed to clean your gear without stripping away its waterproofing, and TX Direct refreshes that water-repellent finish when needed.
It’s a simple two-step process that keeps your gear performing the way it’s supposed to and lasting way longer. If your gear has lost some of its waterproofing, don’t replace it — just Nikwax it!
What We Love About Nikwax:
- Tech Wash is as easy to use as regular laundry detergent
- TX Direct available in wash-in or spray-on versions
- Restores fabric breathability
- Helps gear last significantly longer
Hedgehog Dryer
The Hedgehog dryer has been a total game-changer — what used to take 12-16 hours draped over heat vents now dries in under an hour, handling four pairs of boots or mittens at once. We use it year-round for everything from winter gear to sweaty running shoes, and with silent mode, tornado mode, and odor-fighting ionic technology, it’s become essential.
No more mittens, hats, and boots draped over every heat vent in the house. Now we just load everything on, and everyone’s gear is always ready when they need it. While it really shines in winter, wet hiking boots and sweaty athletic shoes dry just as quickly.
Our Favorite Features:
- Consolidated drying space
- Multiple drying speeds, temps, and noise level adjustments
- Naturally kills odors with ionic technology
- Perfect for active families
Ski Squadron Backpack
I wish this backpack existed when all my kids were little because it’s so helpful for getting families to the slopes. We’ve carried four pairs of skis at once with the Ski Squad, plus there’s still room inside for snacks, extra layers, and helmets — no more juggling armfuls of gear through crowded base areas.
The padded straps and waist belt make it surprisingly comfortable even fully loaded, and thoughtful touches like the wide glove-friendly handle and soft-lined pocket for your phone show this was designed by a ski mom who needed a true solution for her own family.
One of the hardest parts of skiing with kids is just getting from the car to the lift and back. I know this because there have been many tears shed in our family along that path, especially when the kids were little. The Ski Squadron Pack takes so much of that stress away by allowing parents an easy way to carry multiple skis and extra gear too.
Gravity Grabber Ski Rack
The Gravity Grabber is incredibly easy to use — skis slide in from the bottom, arms swivel up, and gravity locks them securely with anti-slip pads that prevent falls even when bumped. The interlocking corners let you customize the rack height for each person in your family.
Ours get bumped all the time in our busy garage and have never once fallen. You just slide your skis in, and the gravity does the rest. It’s so simple and incredibly effective.
Fun fact: It took less than 30 minutes for my husband and me to install eight of these in our garage! It’s a simple product that will completely change how you store your skis or boards.
Roces Adjustable Ski Boots
We’ve been using Roces adjustable ski boots for 14 years — since they first came to the US market — and all five of our kids have learned to ski in them. What makes them brilliant is that they adjust through multiple sizes as your kids grow, so you’re not stressing about growth spurts or shelling out for new boots every season.
They cost about the same as a regular pair of kids’ ski boots, but you’re getting three to four sizes in one, which is incredible value when you’re outfitting multiple kids. The soft liner keeps little feet warm and comfortable, and they’re easy enough for kids to get on and off themselves, which means less wrestling in the lodge and more time actually skiing.
These are our top recommended ski boots for kids learning how to ski!
Rocky Talkie Radios
We absolutely love our Rocky Talkie radios — they’re built tough enough to handle real mountain use, and the battery life is incredible at 3-5 days even in brutal cold down to -20°F. The carabiner clips are a game-changer because you can clip them right to your jacket or pack, which means you don’t have to fumble around opening pockets with cold hands just to talk to your group.
They work right out of the box with zero setup, and the five simple buttons make them super intuitive even when you’re wearing gloves. Whether we’re skiing, hiking, or just keeping track of kids on the mountain, these radios have proven themselves to be durable, reliable, and way more practical than trying to use our phones in the backcountry or on the ski hill.
We use our Rocky Talkies all the time, but they especially stand out for winter use where communication can literally be a safety issue.
Kids’ Crampons
These kids’ crampons are perfect for keeping little ones safe and steady on icy trails, snowy sidewalks, or winter hikes. The 11 steel spikes provide serious grip on slippery surfaces without being overly aggressive, and they’re incredibly easy to put on and take off.
They stretch to fit over most kids’ boots and shoes so your kids will get several years of use from them and you can pass them down as your kids grow. The durable construction and tough rubber straps hold up to serious use, and they come with a storage pouch so you can toss them in your pack when you don’t need them.
Tip: The spikes on the bottom are sharp enough to cut through fabric, so kids need to remember to be careful and not kick anyone while wearing them. I find it’s best to put them on right before we start hiking.
This guide represents years of testing, multiple kids, and countless winter adventures. We hope it helps your family stay warm, dry, and ready for whatever winter throws your way!