The best kids gear should keep them dry, warm, and safe from head to toe.
Our youth testers have spent hours and hours on the boat, riding snow machines, hiking, and of course fishing around the state to provide the best kids outdoor gear list possible.
This is the best outdoor gear for kids for 2020
| Kenetrek 10” Grizzly Boot kenetrek.com  The first thing our youth tester said is that these boots are comfortable when hiking and warm when he sat glassing for game. Our youth testers often have cold feet, so this is a real positive endorsement. He said that his feet stayed dry even when hiking through creeks and wet terrain. Among the many features of these quality boots are the removable 6 mm liners that have three layers of materials quilted together. Kenetrek starts with a layer of Cambrelle, which is a durable and excellent wicking material, then adds 400 grams of Thinsulate insulation which provides warmth without bulk, and finishes with 3 mm of wool felt for insulation even when damp. These liners are more durable and much less bulky than traditional felt liners, and are the reason our tester’s feet stay warm and comfortable. Other features include snug-fitting leather uppers made of heavy-duty 6-ounce oil-tanned leather and incorporate a snug-fit lacing system with the Power D-ring that secures the ankle area of the boot for maximum support. Handmade natural-rubber bottoms with supportive steel shanks are scent free and waterproof and the Kenetrek Talon outsole utilizes the finest rubber compounds to give you the grip, durability, and support you’ll need to climb anything. The deep relief and open tread pattern give serious bite in snow, mud, or dry ground. The Grizzly is available in 10” or 13” heights and can be completely rebuilt when the bottoms wear out.
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| The North Face Boys’ Resolve Reflective Jacket thenorthface.com  This lightweight shell is perfectly suited for young outdoorsmen. It’s waterproof, breathable, fully seam-sealed and comfortable to wear. Our tester said that he likes the feel of the brushed collar lining. Other notable features include zippered hand pockets, center front zipper with a Velcro closure for added protection, elastic cuffs, chin zip guard and hood. This product is available in five color combinations and six sizes.
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| Under Armour Kid’s Mallowpuff Down Jacket underarmour.com  Our adorable tester looks great in this jacket. The loose-fitting jacket gives her room to run, which she loves to do, and keeps her warm when fishing from a boat and in wintery conditions. The hood, cuff and hem all have a binding to keep heat in. The jacket also features hand-warmer pockets and 550 fill-power down; it’s breathable and repels water.
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| Huk Youth Packable Jacket hukgear.com  Our young testers ask for rain jackets that are light, windproof and waterproof, comfortable to wear and easy to pack. This jacket checks all those boxes. In addition to being quick to dry, it also features vents for letting out body heat when hiking, and conveniently packs into its own pouch. Available in two colors and four sizes.
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| Icebreaker Kids’ Merino 200 Oasis Long Sleeve Crewe and Leggings icebreaker.com  These Merino wool base layers are warm, breathable, non-itching, odor resistant and machine washable. Our littles love them.
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| Polarized Mini Shades polarizedminishades.com  Perfect for your little ones, these glasses are light, comfortable, provide eye protection and allow your young ones to see into the water just like their angling mentors. We appreciate that this company provides a replacement service—they call it their Hide ’n Seek Loss Warranty—should the glasses get lost or broken. They are available in a range of colors and in models for ages 0-3, 3-7, and 8-12.
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| All Good SPF 30 Kid’s Mineral Sunscreen Spray allgoodproducts.com  This sunscreen is kid-friendly, and includes natural ingredients for healthy protection from the sun. We like that it is easy for our kids to apply it, which increases the chance that they will use it, making it an obvious choice for best kids gear.
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| Buff Junior CoolNet UV+ buffusa.com  Our junior field tester loves the awesome Mosaic pattern on this item. And her mother likes the sun and wind protection that this piece of apparel provides to her daughter. The ultra-stretch fabric features UPF 50+ sun protection. It can be worn 12 different ways including mask, beanie, balaclava and headband.
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| Hot Chilly’s Youth Originals II Print Crewneck and Tight hotchillys.com Our junior tester loves the feel of this crewneck and tight. They are soft on the skin, wick moisture, are designed with a 4-way stretch for greater range of motion, and include UPF 30 protection. The pattern we tested—called Critters 462—is bright, cheerful and eye-catching. Also available in four other colorful patterns.
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| Bogs Kids Rainboot Slip On Solid bogsfootwear.com  Our tester likes how the side handles make it easy to get the boots on and off. They feature a non-slip outsole and are completely waterproof. Bogs offers lots of options for kids’ boots, in both solid colors and bright patterns. Many of our kid testers give their boots high marks, earning them a spot among the best kids gear. |