Kids in the Mountains: What to Pack
Going to the mountains with our children, playing, or walking with them is a great joy. However, it's crucial to pay special attention to their clothing, which needs to be as well-chosen and considered as ours, with a few extra considerations.
We must always remember that children move much more than adults, running back and forth. This means that even a simple walk on flat ground can make them sweat a lot. Therefore, it's important to use comfortable, breathable, and fast-drying garments.
Whatever the season for our walks or snow trips, it will always be important to keep these practical tips in mind:
- Dress appropriately for the season without overdoing it.
- Use waterproof clothing.
- Cover extremities well if walking during the cold season.
What to Wear to Stay Dry and Warm?
With children, as with adults, the rule to follow is always the same: dress in layers (like an onion). Each layer of clothing will have its own function, from the base layer to the final waterproof layer:
- Base layer - breathable underwear
- Mid-layer - fleece
- The right trousers or bib pants (not just for skiing)
- Outer protection - softshell or hardshell
- Protect extremities - from head to toe
What makes a good base? Let's start with breathable underwear.
xAs for adults, our children's comfort greatly depends on the first layer worn. The base layer or technical underwear primarily serves to wick sweat away from the body during movement, directing it towards the next layer and then dispersing it into the environment. It goes without saying that choosing good quality underwear, never cotton, provides a certain level of comfort.
The All-Purpose Fleece: Why It's a Good Choice
It's now common knowledge that fleece has replaced all other forms of mountain jumpers, surpassing wool. A good quality fleece is a lightweight garment that doesn't soak up water or sweat and dries very quickly. For our children, we should have no doubt in preferring a garment with a long zipper. This detail will be very useful when it's time to change or when they need to go to the bathroom. A long zipper will be useful for unfastening ski bibs or for a quicker change during the summer.
For summer or autumn walks, don't use cotton trousers or jeans; instead, prefer mountain trousers for our children. Good trousers, in addition to the comfort dictated by elasticity, ease of washing, and quick drying, are also very durable garments specially built to resist abrasions in key areas. During winter, it's a good habit when going to the snow to use bib pants not only for skiing; the bib will help prevent our children from getting wet and will keep their trousers in place during bob or sled rides.
Outer Protection or the Shell
The main distinction when choosing outer protection is whether to prefer:
- Softshell
- Hardshell
A softshell is a very comfortable garment suitable for more dynamic activities. It's an excellent solution when engaging in demanding sports because it's particularly light and breathable. However, it's water-repellent but not waterproof. It's suitable for spring or autumn walks, and during the winter season, it might be suitable for experienced young skiers, but it's not recommended for those who want to spend the day rolling in the snow carefree.
Hardshells, with their "cardboard" feel, are not liked by everyone. Compared to softshells, they certainly have greater rigidity, which in some cases restricts movement. However, they are an absolute guarantee in terms of waterproofness and lightness, making them the most suitable garment for recreational activities in the snow or for mountain walks in rain or snowfall.
From Head to Toe
For skiing, a day in the snow, or an autumn walk, it's important that the most delicate extremities of our body are well protected:
- Head and ears
- Neck
- Hands
- Feet
The Head and Ears
The head is one of the most exposed parts of our body and, at the same time, disperses the greatest amount of heat. A classic beanie that covers the head and ears, which are extremely sensitive to low temperatures, is more than sufficient. Sometimes girls prefer fleece headbands, which are much more elegant, perhaps matching them with the color of their jacket.
The Neck Gaiter: A Valid Alternative to the Scarf
Protecting the neck is of fundamental importance to prevent seasonal ailments. The good old scarf, useful in the city, can be inconvenient when busy driving a sled, bob, or playing in the snow. A valid alternative solution is a fleece neck gaiter for the cold season or a cotton one for year-round trekking. Indispensable in a hiker's backpack, it becomes an extremely useful and versatile item for our children too; it doesn't slip down or get lost like scarves!
How to Protect Hands from the Cold?
Too often neglected, warm and dry hands help us avoid annoying chilblains. If we're just walking, fleece gloves are an excellent solution – warm, soft, and practical. However, if we're moving in snowy environments where hands will often be in contact with the snow, the best solution is to choose waterproof gloves.
The Right Footwear to Protect Your Feet
Often overlooked, warm feet ensure well-being for the entire body. The first thing to consider is the right socks. Good quality technical socks can make the difference between a pleasant day and actual torture. If we use ski boots, the sock must be of the right thickness, reinforced in particularly stressed areas when trekking. Often, great effort is put into choosing all the right clothing, but then footwear is neglected. In the mountains, both in winter and summer, the right footwear will help us reduce fatigue and avoid unpleasant accidents. Our children are used to low-cut shoes, which can also be a good solution for trekking, while in winter, especially with snow, it's essential to use a more technical boot. The fundamental thing always remains the sole, which must be of good quality to ensure grip on the ground in any situation.
And Finally: Some Essential Accessories
For children, but not exclusively, a few extra accessories will be of great help:
- High-protection sunscreen
- Protective stick for hands and lips
- Sunglasses
Now you're ready to spend a few serene days with your family in the snow or walking peacefully in the mountains. If you're missing anything, check our website, and you'll surely find the garment or accessory that's right for you.
Article by Loris Giuriatti
