Gear Guide

Merino wool is our favorite here. It regulates temperature, wicks moisture, and stays warm even when wet.

A puffy jacket or snow pants over the fleece, under the rain layer. You may not need this layer until November or December, but on the coldest mornings, it makes all the difference.

This is the most important layer and the one we’d recommend buying new. Used waterproofing can break down over time, and a leaky rain jacket on a PNW morning is miserable for everyone. Buy it big enough to fit all your other layers underneath.

Every brand below is PVC-free, and we choose PFAS-free whenever possible.

iksplor Natural Fiber Trail Socks (2 Pack) (opens in new tab) and the Reima Parit socks below are our top picks. My daughter wears both. Avoid cotton socks on cold or wet days.

Boots should have a little wiggle room with wool socks on. Tight boots make cold toes.

If you have a younger sibling tagging along or think a carrier would be handy for your toddler throughout class, here’s the one I use, plus a ring sling from the same brand.

I bring my hope&plum Lark to every session. It lives in my Little Roots backpack and comes out when my daughter wants to be held while I’m hauling bins and setting up stations. If you have a baby in tow or a toddler who needs a quick snuggle break, a good carrier makes forest school mornings so much easier.

The best forest school snacks are nut-free, easy to eat with muddy hands, and won’t melt or crumble everywhere. Some favorites: banana, blueberries cut in half, squeeze pouches, shredded cheese, crackers, puffs, dried fruit, veggie pouches, hard-boiled egg, rice cakes, and yogurt melts.

A ziplock bag with a mix of things works fine. Each family brings their own. We don’t share food between families.

Picnic or outdoor blankets work great. Families like to set them up when they arrive as a “home base” so it’s ready for them when it’s snack and circle time. One with a waterproof backing keeps everyone dry on wet mornings.