Kid-Friendly Camping Clothes: Dressing the Little Adventurers
Kid-Friendly Camping Clothes: Dressing the Little Adventurers
Family camping trips are filled with many unforgettable moments that become special memories: gazing up at the starry skies, warming up around the campfire, taking forest hikes, and spotting wildlife. However, something that can put a damper on these otherwise idyllic experiences is the discomfort that comes from not being appropriately dressed for the outdoors. This is especially true for children, who tend not to tolerate discomfort or weather extremes as much their parents might do.
With that in mind, it’s essential to know what type of clothing to pack for your little adventurers on camping trips. Dressing children appropriately not only keeps them comfortable but also helps protect them from various weather conditions, preventing ailments such as hypothermia, sunburn, or insect bites. This article will provide you with a comprehensive guide on kid-friendly camping clothes
1. Layering: The Fundamental Principle of Outdoor Dressing
When dressing children for camping and other outdoor activities, the key principle is to layer clothes. Layering clothes allows children to adjust their clothing based on their activity level or the weather. Three primary layers work in synergy: base layer, middle layer, and outer layer.
The base layer is known as the moisture control layer, which includes underwear and the first layer of shirts. Their role is to wick moisture away from the skin, preventing instances of hypothermia and ensuring comfort when children are active. Ideal materials for this layer are synthetic fabrics like polyester or natural ones like merino wool.
The middle layer serves as the insulation layer. This layer helps retain body heat by trapping warm air close to the body. Depending on the weather, this could mean anything from a light fleece to a thick sweater. Fleece and wool are the usual favorites for this layer.
The outer layer, often referred to as the shell layer, protects against wind, rain, and snow. This layer should be waterproof and breathable to keep the kid dry while also allowing any sweat to evaporate. Rain jackets, parkas, and snow pants fall into this category.
2. Fabrics Matter: The Best Materials for Kids Camping Clothes
Apart from the three-layer rule, another crucial aspect of kid-friendly camping clothes is the material of the garments. The wrong fabrics can trap sweat, making your child uncomfortably damp, or hold water, making them cold. The three recommended materials for children’s camping clothes are:
1) Merino Wool: This natural fiber is a great all-rounder and perfect for base layers. It wicks sweat away, insulates effectively, is soft and itch-free, doesn’t hold odors and stays warm even when wet.
2) Synthetic Materials: Synthetic materials, mainly polyester, make for great moisture-wicking base layers or breathable water and wind-resistant outer layers. These materials are durable, lightweight, and often more affordable than wool.
3) Breathable Waterproof Materials: These are your outer layers, designed to keep out the elements. Look for clothes that have waterproof treatments or are made from waterproof materials, but make sure they’re also breathable to keep children from getting sweaty underneath.
3. Proper Footwear – More Than Just An Afterthought
Having suitable footwear while camping is as crucial as having the right clothes. Wet, cold, or blistered feet can quickly ruin a camping experience. When considering footwear, keep the following advice in mind:
1) Hiking Shoes: For children, lightweight hiking shoes provide the right balance between comfort, foot support, and durability. Ensure they are waterproof to prevent water from soaking through during rain or crossing streams.
2) Camping Slippers: A pair of warm, comfortable indoor shoes or slippers can be useful for keeping little feet warm inside the tent or cooling them down on hotter days.
3) Socks: Wool or synthetic socks are preferable to cotton, as they wick moisture away from the foot, reducing blisters’ risk. It’s always good to take more pairs of socks than you think you may need – they tend to get wet and dirty on camping trips faster than you’d imagine.
4. Other Essential Kid-Friendly Camping Clothes
Now that we’ve covered the essentials let’s look at other items that can come in handy on your camping adventure:
1) Hats: For summer camping, pack a wide-brimmed hat for your child to shield them from the sun. For camping in colder seasons, take a beanie or a warm hat that provides good coverage for the ears and head.
2) Gloves: If you’re camping in the cool season, a pair of warm, water-resistant gloves is a must-have. On colder nights, these are helpful even if you’re tucked into a sleeping bag.
3) Swimsuit: Irrespective of whether you plan to swim during camping, always pack a swimsuit for kids. They can double as a quick-dry outfit if necessary!
Remember, the key to kid-friendly camping clothing is preparation. Pack for all possible weather scenarios, involve your kids in the packing process, and have them try everything on before you leave to guarantee a good fit. Also, remember – even the best clothing won’t do much if it’s sitting in the backpack; dress your child appropriately for the weather and change their layers as conditions shift. Happy dressing and happy camping!
