Dressing right for the weather is the key to enjoying outdoor adventures both for adults and children. For the active outdoor adult, it has long been a consensus that layering is the best system for comfort and warmth. With multiple layers you can adjust the combination to the weather, but the layers also keep you warm.
As adults we dress for our activity level and the weather we are in. Someone who is x-country skiing dresses different than a person out in the cold not exerting themselves very much. Children can be both in the coarse of an afternoon outside and dressing them properly can be a big challenge.
That is why a layered system of wool can be so advantageous. The proper layers of wool can keep them warm when they are inactive, but wick away sweat and water vapor away from the body towards the outer layer where it can either escape or at least not interfere with the layers trapping body heat. Man-made fabrics are warm, but don’t perform as well with sweat and water vapor and cotton is even worse.
The purpose of the inner layer is to keep you warm and to allow water vapor to escape and wick moisture away from your body so you don’t get cold and wet.
You have basically three options for an inner layer.
We don’t recommend cotton is as an inner layer. This is because cotton absorbs moisture and holds it next to your skin. When the excess moisture evaporates it cool the surface of your body. Wool can in some cases absorb up to 18% to 35% of its own weight in water and still retain its insulative value.
It also wicks the excess moisture away from your body. Wool is back and it does not itch any more, thanks to new technology in weaving and utilizing the finest quality wool. Merino wool. Wool is nature’s insulation, and is the best options for an inner layer.
Synthetic fiber underwear does allow water vapor out but has trouble wicking excess sweat away from the skin and loses its insulating properties when wet.
Blends of wool and synthetic fiber have a mixture of advantages and disadvantages.
The middle layer is a very important component. As adults we dress for our activity level and the weather we are in. Someone who is x-country skiing dresses different than a person out in the cold not exerting themselves very much. Children can be both in the coarse of afternoon. That is why a layered system of wool can be so advantageous.
The proper layers of wool can keep them warm when they are inactive but wick away sweat and water vapor away from the body towards the outer layer where it can either escape or at least not interfere with the layers underneath trapping body heat. Man-made fabrics though warm don’t perform well with sweat and water vapor and cotton is even worse.
The middle layer must be warm and insulating - suitable for low level activities as well as for high activities. Again, there are two alternatives; wool or synthetic fleece.
The outer layer should be windproof, water-resistant but still allow water vapor to escape (breath). I’m a fan of the one-piece park suit, found in Scandinavia, for active small children. If it has a liner that you can remove, you can use it in the fall and spring. These suits are made to allow mobility and don’t restrict your child’s movement with a lot of bulk, but still keeps them warm and dry.
Always wear a hat; the head looses a lot of body heat. A hat should be windproof and cover ears. Also cover their necks. I love to use mock turtlenecks instead of scarves they stay on and don’t pose any risk of getting caught on something.
Make sure the feet is covered with good socks (wool, blend or synthetic fiber) and that the boots are big enough so they can wiggle their feet. Make sure the boots are waterproof.
So whatever material you choose to wear for the winter for your child. This it what we suggest your children wear for outdoor fun.
It is also important to choose a snowsuit that is not big and puffy for small children. Big puffy snowsuits make it hard for children to move around. All Weather Suits are good for small children, it encourages movement and you have the option to use them in mild weather as well. These suits are based on the same technology used in adult activewear and will keep your child dry, warm and active!
What is best for children one piece or two piece suit? A one-piece suit is best for small children because it generates heat and you don’t have any gaps where snow or cold air can sneak in. It also creates better movement, more activity and the need for fewer layers, which makes it easier for children to move around.
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