Outdoor Gear Must-Haves

While cross-country skiing the other day during a family outing we came across a man who was, by the looks of him, a very experienced skier. He had a perfect kick and glide and carried himself quite athletically for being older. I not only admired his seemingly easy canter but also his effort at thriftiness.

The neon green windbreaker pants he was wearing were my first hint at this thriftiness. After that my eyes led up to the white fanny pack. Next came his oversized coat with purple and pink geometric shapes scattered across it. To top it off he had on a bright orange hunting hat. He obviously has had this outfit for as long as he’s been skiing…which is forever!

Now I don’t want to dog on the guy too much. I truly do admire his desire to make do. But I was so tempted to cut our ski route short and immediately take this guy to a local outdoor shop to show him the plethora of new fabrics and designs that are offered to the growing amount of outdoor enthusiast these days. No longer is outdoor gear ill fitting, oversized and extremely ugly.  

Nature For Kids  presents the  3 must-haves  for buyers who haven’t shopped since the 80’s:

1.) Find a light fitting soft-shell jacket that’s breathable and good at stopping the wind and rain. They are durable enough for performance use but stylish enough for everyday. You’ll never regret a purchase like this…I promise!

Marmot Gravity Jacket

2.) Base Layers: Don’t choose your ordinary cotton long johns here folks. Go for something with heavy-duty wicking power so when you sweat you stay dry and comfortable all day. There are also certain types of fabrics that are anti-microbial, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal. (translation…you won’t stink). I know it’s amazing what they’ve come up with isn’t it.

Mountain Hardwear Base Layer

3.)  Find a pair of outdoor shoes preferably with Gore-tex. That way you can walk a puddle strew trail and keep your feet nice and dry or simply go out to eat and have something that compliments your soft-shell jacket so nicely.

Nike Wildedge GTX Shoe





Now some of you may be reluctant to get rid of the old school outdoor gear because of all the fond memories it carries with it. But never fear…I’m sure it will come in handy for a dress up bucket for the kids or a backup Halloween costume. Take a look at what companies like Arc’teryx, Patagonia, Mountain Hardware and Marmot  have to offer because if you don’t you’re  better off dead .

All of the equipment highlighted here today is also available for children of all ages at Upside Over. Pick something up for your little adventurer for your next Family Outing.

Other Posts Of Interest:

• Winter Wear For Kids
• LIKEaBIKE
• Nalgene Grip n Gulp
  

nature for kids, family outing, outdoor gear, Gore-tex, wicking material, Better Off Dead

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