Gear Brand Recommendations

Written By Anne Adams

Below you will find notes on brands that you may be considering. Some include specific links but mostly the brands sites are listed here at the top of the page. There are many considerations when choosing gear, reach out to info@maineeco.org if you have questions or want to talk through your options.

RECOMMENDED COMPANIES & WEBSITES

BASE LAYERS & SOCKS

  • Polarn O. Pyret (100% merino wool, available on Outdoor School Shop frequently)

  • Oaki (100% merino wool, wholesale order eligible)

  • L.L.Bean (100% polyester, synthetic)

  • Reima (100% merino wool, available on Outdoor School Shop frequently)

  • Helly Hansen (100% merino wool)

  • Oaki Boot Socks  - 82% merino wool, high sock (wholesale order eligible)

  • Bombas Calf Sock - 77-79% merino wool, high sock

  • Smart Wool Socks - 52% merino wool, high sock

  • Darn Tough Above the Calf Sock - 45% merino wool (no seams, fits well and can be sent back if they rip or have holes)

INSULATED GEAR

  • Helly Hansen - tough gear, holds up well, can find on sale and has competitive pricing, many styles of jackets and snow pants are wind/waterproof as well as insulated

  • L.L.Bean - warm, Maine company, mixed reviews on toughness…some report tearing or wearing down quickly on high impact areas

  • Patagonia - warm and expensive but has own gear repair service, sells used gear on their website

MITTENS & HATS

  • Snow Stoppers

    • long cuffs are good for younger ages, pretty waterproof, warm for shorter periods of time, make mittens and gloves.

    • Mittens are warmer but gloves allow movement and dexterity (Often found at local retailers such as Reny’s, Hardware Stores or Children’s Clothing Stores)

  • Helly Hanson Fleece Lined Rain Over Mittens

  • Reima and Polarn O Pyret make WaterProof Over Mittens - often available on Outdoor School Shop

  • LL Bean Trapper Hat - under chin buckle, no pom-pom

  • Carhardt Knit or fleece hats - stay on well, no pom-pom, warm

RAIN GEAR

  • Oaki Rain Suits - full piece suit, fits well and easily goes over layers. Not 100% waterproof but good exterior material that is waterproof treated

  • STONZ suits for infants and toddlers

  • Tuffo are a good fit for infants and toddlers but are not 100% waterproof

  • Rain Bib Pants:

  • Grundens - good fit for 4-8 year olds, no discounts

  • Reima - great fit for 2-8 year olds, often on sale on Outdoor School Shop

  • Polarn O Pyret - great fit for youngers through preschool, wholesale or discounts available, also available on Outdoor School Shop

SUN CLOTHING

  • Coolibar shirts and hats

  • Columbia shirts

  • Avoid rash guards, look for UPF or sun clothing

Anne Adams
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Winter Dressing - Layering