gear list + Guide
Forest School Gear List 2025
year-round
Water Bottle (that can be opened independently by your child) *Beginning June 2026 water bottles will be sent home each day instead of remaining at school
Water bottles MUST be labelled with your child’s first AND last name
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, clothing layers for the day including rain gear/hat/mittens
Top Picks for Preschool: REI Kids 18L Backpack or PB Mackenzie Backpack sz Small
Top Picks for Elementary: PB Mackenzie Backpack sz L/XL
A 15L to 20L size backpack is best for preschoolers, larger is better for elementary
Lunchbag + Bentgo box - there are many plastic and stainless options available
preschool Bentgo option
school age Bentgo option
Top Choice for Lunchbag: Bentgo Kids Lunch Bag
Lunchbag should fit Bentgo or storage container of your choice
Lunchbag should close completely (zipper) to avoid critter access + have a handle to hang
Ice pack if needed - lunches are not refrigerated
Extra clothes - one short sleeve, one long sleeve, pants, two pairs of underwear, socks (label bag with name)
Wet bag for any wet clothes that need to go home
summer
Clothes:
Tank, t-shirt, or long sleeve sun shirt (also helps protect from bugs!)
Sweatshirt/fleece for cool mornings
Pants/leggings/shorts
Note: quick dry fabrics polyester/wool/etc are best, prefer no cotton and no jeans
Gym / athletic / hiker shoes: We require closed toe shoes for safety and practicality in the forest. Bare feet will be allowed during water activities. NO CROCS PLEASE!
Mud/Bog Boots (or an extra pair of athletic shoes): for muddy/rainy days
Bug Spray and Sunscreen IF your child is not using what we provide
Swimsuit and Towel, water shoes optional (NOT CROCS)
Sun hat and sunglasses optional
Rain Suit - with a hood that stays up and cinched legs that go over boots. We recommend these brands:
Helly Hansen set
Therm 10K Jacket and Splash Pants (note - this jacket is the thinnest option and great for summer)
Jan + Jul Jackets and Pants (note: there are fleece-lined and non-lined options here)
Note that suspender/overall style pants provide a bit more coverage than a traditional waistband
fall/spring (generally sept/oct and april/may)
Gym / athletic shoes: We require closed toe shoes for safety and practicality in the forest. Bare feet will be allowed during water activities. NO CROCS PLEASE!
Mud/Bog/Neoprene Boots : there is almost always mud in the woods! (we recommend wearing these to school each day and packing gym shoes)
Rain Suit - with a hood that stays up and cinched legs that go over boots.
Wildlings: One or Two Piece Suit
Brands include Reima, Helly Hanson, Polarn O Pyret, Hapiu < under $40 on Amazon! (look for a waterproof rating of 10,000+)
Use google to find on discount outdoor gear sites!
Explorers:
Reima or Helly Hansen two piece suit (suspenders/higher pants preferred) - look for a waterproof rating of 10,000+
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
Idea for mittens: https://amzn.to/4cie93G
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:
OPTIONAL but really great to have: Shoulder season gear including softshell jacket and waterproof pants (that aren’t rain pants), fleece layer for top/bottom
Waterproof Pants:
Fleece pants example (look for polyester fleece, not cotton)
winter (november-march + any weather below 32 degrees)
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 Bibs - WATERPROOF with knee reinforcements
TOP PICK: LANDS END SQUALL SNOW PANTS/BIBS
Bibs (preferred over pants for all ages)
OR One Piece Snowsuit instead of bibs and jacket (helps maintain more body heat, can be easier to put on for littles)
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 keep costs lower.
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.