Winter hiking with little kids - what gear actually matters? | DadHQ

Winter hiking with little kids - what gear actually matters?

1w ago1 min read

Want to take the family hiking more (kids are 5 and 7) but it gets cold here in Denver. Do I need to go crazy with special jackets and boots or can we just bundle up in regular stuff? What about hand warmers - gimmick or actually useful?

We're looking at easy trails, nothing intense. Just want to get outside without everyone being miserable. Budget is real so not trying to drop $400 on gear.

5 comments159 views

Comments(5)

SSteve B.Regular1w ago

Hand warmers are clutch. Grab the little disposable ones and stuff them in gloves or pockets. My 6yo would've quit halfway up Mount Bierstadt without them. Also keep the hikes shorter than you think - they tire faster in cold and cold makes them whiny

RRick J.New Dad1w ago

Real talk - start with short neighborhood trails to build confidence. My kids hated winter hiking until we just did easy stuff around Wash Park for a few weeks. Now they ask to go. Don't try to summit something with a 5yo in January

HHugh S.Regular6d ago

Layers > fancy gear honestly. We do a lot of hiking around Boulder and my kids just wear normal winter clothes in layers so we can strip stuff as needed. One good winter jacket each is worth it, but those $300 technical kids jackets aren't necessary. Wool socks matter way more than special boots imo

DDex J.New Dad5d ago

OP if you're doing consistent winter hikes definitely invest in actual insulated kids boots though. Regular shoes get wet, feet get cold, and suddenly your 5yo is miserable and you're carrying them back. Learned that one the hard way. Salomon makes decent ones that won't destroy your wallet

FFinn M.Regular5d ago

lol the post got cut off mid-sentence about hand stuff but same question I had last winter. If you're doing Denver area trails, honestly don't overthink it. We just use REI midweight kids jackets ($60-80) and regular winter stuff otherwise. Total non-issue