Having the correct gear for your child is crucial for them to have a successful year. We cannot emphasize enough the importance of good quality gear, especially in the winter. We have provided a list of gear that we highly recommend with corresponding links. Keep in mind that you can find a lot of the brands we recommend gently used or on sale, on sites like Poshmark, eBay, Facebook Marketplace etc.

Please dress your kid in pants (no shorts) to protect their legs from scratching up. We often explore and hike through brush and plants. 

What your child will need in their pack everyday:

• A full bottle of water

• Morning snack 

• Wholesome Lunch 

• Extra set of clothes, including: socks, underwear, pants, shirt (please switch out seasonally).

• Sunscreen

• Hat

• Sunglasses

We are a year round program, which means we still hold school on very cold days. The children who are adequately prepared, with plenty of layers and good quality gear, do much better. 
 

Winter dress checklist:

• Wool winter/ski socks (one pair on feet and one in pack)

• Base layer

• Mid layer (fleece pants and top)

• Lightweight down coat

• Bibs and snow coat, or one piece snow suit

• Waterproof forearm length mittens, with adjustable wrist strap

• Snow boots

• Hand and toe warmers

• Balaclava and beanie

• Goggles or sunglasses

Please do not pack toys or stuffed animals into the forest.  

While we are always available to help, we encourage the kids to be as independent as possible. Please help set them up for success by supplying them with items and clothing that they are able to put on/use themselves (lunch boxes, shoes, water bottle). 

We highly recommend this REI backpack. We love the size, pockets and quality. When buying a backpack it is very important that it has a chest strap for extra support. Please make sure it isn't too bulky, but also has adequate room for gear (~18L), and that it is made for being out in the elements. We have had luck finding similar backpacks secondhand.

We recommend waterproof hiking shoes for late summer/early fall. Make sure the shoes are made for hiking with proper tread. No sandals or open toed shoes, please.

Waterproof forearm length mittens, with adjustable wrist strap. Brands we recommend are: Reima, MCTi, Gordini, Hestra. 

Please dress your kids in waterproof winter boots. We highly recommend these insulated Bogs, as these are great for mud season and winter.

Having a rain suit, with mud/rain boots and mud/rain mittens, makes a huge difference during mud season. We recommend the Reima rain gloves and rain suits. Reima discount: OUTDOORSCHOOL20. You can get a discount with Oaki, if you mention that you are with In the Pines Nature Program. 

We highly recommend the Reima snowsuits. They are high quality and we love that they have the stirrups to keep their pants down and snow out of their boots.