Best Outdoor Gear for Kids
There’s something truly magical about exploring the great outdoors with little adventurers in tow.
Whether it’s splashing in puddles, scrambling up rocky trails or discovering hidden woodland dens, getting outside with kids is always an adventure. But as any hiking parent knows, the right gear can mean the difference between a joyful outing and a chilly, miserable one.
I recently asked my fellow hiking community on our Hiking with Kids Facebook Group and over on Instagram for their top gear recommendations for outdoorsy kids, and they came through with some absolute gems! A massive THANKYOU to everyone who contributed! I love our hiking family community!
Getting outdoors with kids is all about making memories, and having the right gear makes those experiences even better. Now, let’s dive into the top recommendations from the hiking community!
P.S This page contains affiliate links. If you click and purchase, I'll earn some cuppa money, which I promise to drink while continuing to create content for you. I only ever recommend products that I personally love and use myself.
Baselayers
A good baselayer is essential for keeping kids warm and dry, wicking moisture away from their skin while providing a cosy foundation for layering. Whether it’s a crisp autumn morning or a frosty winter day, the right baselayer ensures they stay comfortable no matter the adventure.
Merino wool is the ideal fabric for baselayers, keeping your little one the right temperature all year long. I personally love Smalls Merinino and Polarn O’Pyret for baselayers!
“My absolute go to is Dilling for merino base layers both the boys wear these pretty much every day, I love them for lots of reasons, they keep the boys warm, I love the colours they come in and it’s not recommended to wash them unless soiled so saves on washing too!” - Tasha @theunoutdoorsmum“We’ve used Polarn O’ Pyret base layers since my eldest was a baby, and now both kids wear them for hiking and playing outside. The quality is fantastic - they stay warm without overheating, and they’re really durable. I’ve also heard great things about Small Merino for soft, ethical merino wool layers.” - Sam, Hiking with Kids UK Member“My go-to for kids’ base layers is Dilling. Their merino wool tops and leggings are brilliant—super soft, breathable, and they regulate temperature so well. Plus, they last ages, even with all the outdoor adventures! I also love that they don’t need frequent washing, which is a huge win.” - Laura, Hiking with Kids UK MemberMidlayers
Midlayers help trap body heat, adding that extra bit of insulation on colder days. From fleece pullovers to merino wool tops, the right midlayer makes a huge difference in keeping kids warm without overheating. The best options are breathable, easy to move in, and can be taken on and off quickly when temperatures change.
The Midlayer is important on those cold winter hikes and will help your child stay insulated and warm. Fleece is a great option here! Lily had the H&M Fleece Onesie and absoloutely loved it! We also shop at Dilling and Polarn O’Pyret for midlayers!
“Ives really struggles with being cold so getting warm clothes is an absolute must, he has a really thick Columbia fleece that’s been amazing. Heath has also used a Columbia bunting for this winter which I can’t fault it’s great for layering underneath and always keeps him warm. Also reversible so 2 looks for the price of 1!” - Tasha @theunoutdoorsmum“Spotty Otter gear is fab. I love the Frugi Snuggle Suits for my baby on top of his clothes and for my older girl on none rainy days.” - Rachel, Hiking with Kids UK Member“My son is 7 months old and we’re currently loving an old vintage Mountain Equipment Polartec red fleece onesie - it has a double zip feature which is a must when changing babies ready to get outdoors, and has fold over mittens and foot warmers, plus a hood!” - @teenytrails (Parent and Baby Walks)Waterproofs & Outerwear
A wet child is a cold (and often unhappy) child, so investing in quality waterproofs is non-negotiable. From puddle-proof trousers to storm-ready jackets, having the right waterproof layer ensures outdoor fun continues no matter the weather. The best ones are breathable, fully taped, and built to withstand serious downpours.
We currently have the Regatta Puddlesuit that Lily loves - and is great value!
“This year we have used Polarn o pyret and didricksons both I think are super popular brands and I know why they have been great for the boys who love splashing in water no matter the temperatures!” - Tasha @theunoutdoorsmum“Regatta for outdoor trousers. Literally the only outdoor trousers we've ever had for kiddo that have been able to withstand anything, including scrambling and climbing rocks. They still look practically new a year later!!” - Amy, Hiking with Kids UK Member“Muddy Puddles or Polarn O’Pryet for hiking waterproofs - we do a lot of mountain hikes so need waterproofs that will resist winds and all day wet weather and have found these fab”.- Laura @mama.hikes.mountains“Kidunk clothing - they are British and really economical. Kept Ives warm and dry all winter last year I love that the jacket and the trousers can be zipped together or worn separately”. - Tasha @theunoutdoorsmum“Didriksons for waterproofs! We accidentally bought way too big and they lasted from age 2 to age 5 and a bit, and took a serious hammering. They cope really well with falls without ruining the material and are a dungaree and coat rather than all in one, so if it’s not rainy you can use just the dungarees as mud protection!- @HappyCaterpillar34 r/UKhiking thread on Reddit“We have just stuck with polarn o pyret as it's worked for us. But I think my number one advice is don't spend money on something you don't want them getting muddy or well worn! The best gear is the one that gets you outside more!” - Nicci @wefouradventure (Scottish Outdoor Family Adventures)Accessories
Sometimes, it’s the little things that make or break an adventure. Hats, gloves, neck warmers, and even thermal socks all help keep kids comfortable in unpredictable weather. Bonus points for mittens that actually stay on and hats that don’t constantly fall over their eyes!
“For the baby I'm also loving the Maxomorra hats and balaclavas for cold winter forest school days.” - Rachel, Hiking with Kids UK Member“We learned early on that if they get too cold, that's a real mood killer, so gloves, buffs and hats that stay in their hiking bags (so they don't get taken to school and lost) are essential.... Lightweight kids' binoculars are good. The older one has a small compass, just to get him used to finding his orientation.”- @everythingscatter r/UKhiking thread on Reddit“Osprey Talon Jr Rucksack for day hikes and what we used on the Coast to Coast (admittedly I carried it more than I’d like to admit!)”- Paul, @OlliesDadventuresFootwear
Cold, wet feet can end an adventure before it even begins. The right footwear depends on the season—insulated boots for winter, waterproof hiking shoes for wet conditions, and lightweight trainers for summer scrambles. Whatever the choice, comfort, grip, and durability are key.
“Peter Storm Broadoak Mid Walking boot were really comfortable and fine for most reasonable conditions” and “Zamberlan Quantum Goretex boots which we managed to pick up for a steal at Gaynors of Ambleside. A step up in terms of rigidity and waterproofing.”- Paul, @OlliesDadventures“Footwear is the main thing we buy brand new for ours. Always Decathlon boots or shoes. We let them choose the model, but footwear is something I'd always want them to try on before buying and using. They have tried waterproof and non-waterproof and neither has really been better or worse.”- @everythingscatter r/UKhiking thread on Reddit“Footwear we use bogs for Heath and sorel snow boots for Ives both with merino wool socks to keep them toasty!” - Tasha @theunoutdoorsmum“Footwear wise, I've had them out in Decathlon stuff… But I keep coming back to Salomon. They do a range of Speedcross kids shoes that are often to be found cheap, don't wear quickly (your eldest will outgrow them with tonnes of wear left, leaving a perfect hand me down) and they're just as good as their adult equivalent shoes as far as I can tell.”- @runner_1005 r/UKhiking thread on RedditCarriers
Even the most adventurous kids get tired, and a good child carrier can make all the difference. Whether you’re tackling longer hikes or just need an emergency backup for tired legs, having a comfortable and supportive carrier can keep the adventure going without stress.
If your baby is under 6 months, you’ll need a soft carrier for your hikes. Always ensure the carrier offers an ergonomic design that supports the baby's natural hip and spine development, provides proper head and neck support, and has breathable fabric to prevent overheating. My favourites are the Baby Bjorn One Air and the Ergo Baby Omni 360.
If you’re hiking with a toddler, you’ll be wanting a more structured backpack carrier. We use the Deuter Kid Comfort Active and absolutely love it. I’d recommend this carrier if you’re on the slightly shorter side and also looking for a lighter carrier.
“Ergo Baby Omni 360 - Our first long-distance hike as a family was a special milestone, and we couldn’t have done it without our trusty, durable baby carrier. From the time Miles was just **2 months old** to now at **15 months**, this carrier has been with us every step of the way - supporting him and making our adventures possible. It’s amazing to see how far we’ve come together!” - Genre, @lifeadventurefam“Osprey Poco Plus for the carrier as it has an adjustable back so both me and my partner can use it comfortably and it has tonnes of storage!”- Laura @mama.hikes.mountains“I love our tula explorer, I have a two bare feet changing robe that zips up round baby. Likely not the best choice for a long hike but good for exploring.”- Rachel, Hiking with Kids UK Member“The Deuter kid carriers are brilliant, if you've got the fitness and if the kids take to them. One of mine came to a grudging acceptance of being cooped up in there, the other didn't (but ended up doing some punchy fells like Steel Fell etc much earlier as a result.)”- @runner_1005 r/UKhiking thread on Reddit“Osprey Poco Plus for carrying him round as a baby - really secure, sturdy and comfortable for both adult and child.” - Paul, @OlliesDadventures“They are both too old for a carrier now, but when they were younger we used a Deuter one (not sure of the model) and it was great. Really supportive and a great mesh back so it was comfortable even in summer.”- @everythingscatter r/UKhiking thread on RedditHow to Make Outdoor Gear More Affordable
Outdoor gear for kids doesn’t have to cost a fortune! With how quickly they grow, it makes sense to look for pre-loved options or budget-friendly finds. Sites like Vinted, Facebook Marketplace, and outdoor gear swaps are goldmines for great deals. Plus, hand-me-downs from family and friends can be a fantastic way to keep kids kitted out without breaking the bank.
“As someone else said, Vinted is a good place to start. But Decathlon also do a great range of technical gear in kids sizes. For the eldest I always just splashed out for half-decent stuff, and it means the youngest rarely needs new gear. But I would absolutely buy second hand if I needed something I didn't already have, the amount of use most kids get out of technical gear is minimal.”- @runner_1005 r/UKhiking thread on Reddit“In terms of clothing, basically everything is second hand from Vinted. Just whatever outdoor brands to be honest. Tons of lightly used Regatta, Mountain Warehouse, Karrimor, etc gear to be had really cheaply…they just outgrow stuff really quickly. Plus, the number of miles you'll be putting in is limited by little legs, so their stuff tends not to get worn out… Most of the stuff bought for the older one has been passed down to the younger with no issue.”- @everythingscatter r/UKhiking thread on Reddit“We've saved a fortune by checking local Facebook Marketplace groups and Vinted. You’d be surprised how many people sell barely worn Polarn O’ Pyret or Spotty Otter layers for a fraction of the price. Also, keeping an eye on end-of-season sales from brands like Decathlon and Mountain Warehouse can mean big savings on waterproofs and base layers.”- Rachel, Hiking with Kids UK MemberFinal Thoughts
Investing in the right outdoor gear for kids makes all the difference when it comes to keeping them warm, dry and comfortable on adventures. Whether you opt for high-quality brands, second-hand bargains, or a mix of both, having the right layers means you can focus on making memories rather than worrying about the weather.
If you're preparing for your next family hike, be sure to check out my Hiking with Kids Checklist for a full rundown of essentials. And if you're heading out with a little one in tow, my guide on What to Pack When Hiking with a Baby has everything you need to make the journey stress-free.
Wherever you're off to next, happy hiking!