gear list + Guide

Forest School Gear List 2025

year-round

  • 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 while your child is enrolled and be cleaned at school daily after use (it is a licensing requirement that they stay and be cleaned at school). OUR FAVORITES:

  • Backpack that fits daily needs

  • Lunchbox + Bentgo box - there are many plastic and stainless options available

  • Extra set of clothes - including socks, underwear and shoes - labeled with child’s name - stored in wet bag or large clear ziploc bag is ideal

  • 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

  • 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 Boots (or an extra pair of athletic shoes): there is almost always mud in the woods!

  • Bug Spray and Sunscreen IF your child is not using what we provide

  • Swimsuit and Towel, water shoes optional

  • Sun hat, sunglasses optional

  • 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 on discount outdoor gear sites! 

    • Explorers: 

      • Reima or Helly Hansen two piece suit (suspenders/higher pants preferred)

      • OAKI two piece - waterproof shell jacket and pants

        • 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

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 Boots (or an extra pair of athletic shoes): there is almost always mud in the woods!

  • 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 on discount outdoor gear sites! 

    • Explorers: 

      • Reima or Helly Hansen two piece suit (suspenders/higher pants preferred)

      • OAKI two piece - waterproof shell jacket and pants

        • 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 may wear gloves if they are able to get their fingers in the correct position independently in a reasonable amount of time

  • 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:

    • Top Choice: BOGS

    • OAKI - Receive 25% off your OAKI purchase with code rootsandwingsfs

winter (november-march + any weather below 32 degrees)

  • MCTI mittens: https://amzn.to/3AiQoeH  (These specific mittens are REQUIRED)

  • Winter Jacket - waterproof rated to at least 0 degrees

  • Waterproof Snow Pants - WATERPROOF with knee reinforcements

    • TOP PICK: LANDS END SQUALL SNOW PANTS/BIBS

      • Bibs (preferred over pants for all ages)

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.