Planning a trip with children and wondering what clothing they should wear? You’re not alone. On this page, you’ll find helpful tips on how to dress children for a comfortable and enjoyable outdoor experience.
Good clothing = A better hiking experience
Wearing the right clothing increases the chances of having a great day outdoors. At the same time, it’s important to remember that you don’t need to buy a lot of new gear just to go on a hike. Clothes children already use for outdoor play at kindergarten or school often work perfectly well.
These tips apply to both summer and winter hiking. You can adjust to the temperature by adding or removing layers and choosing thicker or thinner garments.
Our general tips
Dress children in several thin layers instead of one thick layer.
Sturdy and waterproof shoes (such as Gore-Tex hiking shoes) work well.
Avoid filling shoes with thick socks that make them tight — thinner socks with a little extra space are usually warmer.
Always wear wool socks in the mountains.
Remember a hat, mittens, and a neck warmer or buff. The head is where the body loses a lot of heat.
Choose clothing that is comfortable and easy to move in.
Adjust clothing to the activity level. Children often move more than adults and can quickly become sweaty if they are overdressed.
Dress in layers
Base layer
Wear wool closest to the skin, and add wool long underwear if it’s cold. Wool keeps you warm even when it becomes damp from sweat or moisture, and it dries quickly.
Avoid cotton, as it absorbs moisture and becomes cold when wet.
Mid layer A fleece or wool sweater works well as a mid layer. In colder conditions, fleece or wool pants can also be useful, but remember to consider how active the children will be.
Outer layer The outer layer should be windproof and waterproof. It doesn’t need to be very thick if the child already has enough warm layers underneath.
Tips for buying and borrowing hiking clothes and equipment
Children grow quickly, and outdoor clothing can be expensive. Fortunately, there are many ways to find good gear without buying everything new.
The second-hand market also offers many good options at reasonable prices. Websites such as Tise or finn.no often have outdoor gear for sale. Some stores also offer equipment rentals, and at BUA, children and young people can borrow equipment for free.
