gear list + Guide
Forest School Gear List 2024-2025
Regular school supplies (markers, glue sticks, pencils, tissues, etc) are provided by school and do NOT need to be purchased by families.
Please note that this list contains Amazon Affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, Forest School will receive a small kick back. All Amazon funds will be used for future purchases of classroom supplies and materials, helping to lower our costs!
Full time students (4-5 days per week) may leave outdoor gear at school each week. Gear should ALWAYS be brought home and cleaned on your child’s last day of attendance for the week. We understand that all gear may not fit in a child-size backpack, and should be placed in a separate “gear bag” labeled with your child’s name as needed.
Lastly, we are huge fans of thrift shopping! Before buying new, please check local thrift stores and swap sites for lightly used gear. If you are a returning family and have gear that no longer fits that you’d like to sell - let us know! If you are unable to find used/reasonably priced gear and need financial assistance purchasing quality items, PLEASE let us know.
If you would like to purchase our gear list in a bundle directly from school, please let us know.
September
Water Bottle - must be fillable without removing the entire cap, able to be opened by your child independently, NO straw, and dishwasher safe. Water bottles will stay at school for the year and be cleaned daily after use (it is a licensing requirement that they stay and be cleaned at school). OUR FAVORITES:
Backpack that fits daily needs
Note: character/fun backpacks do not hold up well in an outdoor environment. We recommend a backpack that has thicker, adjustable straps that fits your child and that your child can carry independently for short periods.
What should fit in the backpack: extra set of clothes and shoes, water bottle, clothing layers for the day including rain gear/hat/mittens, lunch box if possible
Preschool examples: 15L Kids Outdoor Backpack or 15L Preschool Backpack
School Age example: 18L Kids Outdoor Backpack
Lunchbox + Bentgo box - there are many plastic and stainless options available
preschool Bentgo option
school age Bentgo option
Lunchbox should fit Bentgo or storage container of your choice
Lunchbox should close securely to avoid critter access + have a handle to hang
Ice pack if needed - lunches are not refrigerated
Extra set of clothes - including socks, underwear and shoes - labeled with child’s name (these will stay at school) - stored in wet bag or large clear ziploc bag is ideal
Wet bag for any wet clothes that need to go home
Rain Suit - with a hood that stays up and cinched legs that go over boots. We highly recommend that you purchase:
Wildlings: One Piece Suit
Top brands include Reima, Helly Hanson, and Polarn O Pyret
OAKI one piece has been our go to, but we have noticed a decrease in quality in the last year or two - they are still okay (please use it if you already have it!) but are no longer our favorite brand/top choice
Use google to find discounts!
Explorers:
Reima or Helly Hansen two piece suit (suspenders/higher pants preferred)
Oaki has been our go to, but we have noticed a decrease in quality in the last year or two - they are still okay (please use it if you already have it!) but are no longer our top choice
Receive 25% off your OAKI purchase with code rootsandwingsfs
Warm hat that covers ears and stays in place
Wildlings (or smaller head): Columbia Earflap Beanie or Waterproof Trapper Hat
Explorers (larger head): Winter Trapper Hat with face mask
2 Pairs each day of thinner mittens* (Wildlings) or gloves (Explorers)
*Wildlings may wear gloves if they are able to get their fingers in the correct position independently in a reasonable amount of time
A few ideas for mittens -
A few ideas for gloves (waterproof is nice for wet but warmish days) -
Warm, tall socks (NON-COTTON - wool or polyester blend)
Waterproof, slip on boots - insulated boots are required for winter + can be used year round. Our recommendations:
By November 1
Balaclava that covers neck AND head (one piece)
Option 1: https://amzn.to/3WBuwm5
Option 2: https://amzn.to/4fwcyu5
MCTI mittens: https://amzn.to/3AiQoeH (These specific mittens are REQUIRED)
Winter Jacket - waterproof rated to at least 0 degrees
We recommend: Lands End Squall Waterproof Insulated Parka (expensive but OFTEN on super sale)
Purchase directly on website (often have sales)
Boys - Purchase on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4dxZGli
Girls - Purchase on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3AkH7ms
Waterproof Snow Pants - WATERPROOF with knee reinforcements
TOP PICK: LANDS END SQUALL SNOW PANTS/BIBS
Bibs (preferred over pants for all ages)
What should my child wear to Forest School?
We get it, dressing for the outdoors can be tricky. Especially when you have a child who refuses to wear a hat, says they aren’t cold, and wants to wear their slippers to school - yep, it happens. OR you have a child who is always cold, no matter what.
The answer? Layers and packing to be prepared for anything. The temperature in the morning can vastly differ from the temperature mid-afternoon, especially in fall and spring. We encourage students to be prepared for colder weather no matter what, so they are never left unprepared.
Our #1 guideline for this school year - limit your cotton! Cotton is terrible at wicking and drying. In hot weather, this makes you sticky and uncomfortable. In cold weather, it sucks warmth away from the body - especially when wet. So what’s the alternative? Wool, fleece or polyester/synthetic fabrics. Wool can be expensive, but is a worthy investment for the outdoors if you can swing it. Polyester is a great, cheaper alternative that is much preferable to cotton.
Below are links to layering guides to give you some ideas. We’re always happy to help!
LAYER ONE - Base Layer
LAYER TWO - Insulating Layer (in colder weather)
LAYER THREE - Waterproof Layer
https://outdoorschoolshop.com/layering-guide/
https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/how-to-dress-your-kids-for-the-outdoors.html