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Looking for gear for cold weather that will withstand not only the cold but also the snow? We live in cold and snowy Minnesota and here I’ll share what works for us!
Kids Gear for Cold Weather
Let’s be honest, gear for cold weather isn’t cheap and due to how fast kids grow doesn’t usually last more than one season. Therefore, it’d be really nice if they actually did last the whole season! Here are the tried and true winter gear we buy for our boys for our long, cold, and snowy Minnesota winters.
Kids Gloves
It’s so important to find great gloves for kids that will keep their hands warm, dry, AND let them still have flexibility to actually play!
Warm, Waterproof, and Snow Proof!
Long elbow length cuffs keep the snow out.
We're from Minnesota. IT'S COLD UP HERE! With over 30 years of experience shoveling snow in Minnesota winters, we at N'Ice Caps understand the importance of having quality and safe winter apparel.
Kids Winter Hats
Finding good winter hats for kids is important to keep them warm! My boys LOVE their hats with ear flaps just like my husband’s. They love it because it keeps them warm and also because they look like dad 🙂 It’s pretty cute.
This hat comes in various colors and sizes.
- Water repellent Taslon shell, quilted lining in crown of hat, hook and loop
- Heathered faux fur berber lining on flaps and brim and ear tabs
- Authentic trapper construction, N'Ice caps TM specialized design
- Matches up with other N'Ice Caps gloves and mittens of the same fabrics
- Elastic in back of earlap for better neck cover, top stitched shell
Kids Winter Beanie & Scarf
If your kids prefer a beanie instead of a trapper hat, this one will keep them warm, as will the scarf! It has a soft fleece lining that keeps heat in and the cold out.
There are many different colors to choose from!
Soft Fleece Lining, Stay warm all the time, made of soft-spun acrylic and fleece lining.
Kids Hat with Pom
Ok, last hat, sorry I just have to include a cute one with a little pom on top!!
This hat has fleece inside and is machine washable. It is made of cotton with faux fur for the pom pom.
There are many different colors and sizes to choose from.
Great Quality, Fit, Keeps kids warm and is machine washable!
Kids Jacket
I love 3-in-1 jackets because they keep me so warm in the winter and are versatile for the fall and spring when I might just need one of the layers. The All in Motion brand kids 3-in-1 Jacket from Target is a great one that we’ve used for our kids and continue to love.
They’re not as expensive as a Columbia jacket but still have that great 3-in-1 warmth and versatility. This jacket comes in various colors and sizes.
Kids Snow pants
Snow pants are essential when it’s cold out and especially when it’s snowy! There are a lot of great brands out there but we tend to stick with the Target Cat & Jack brand because they’re inexpensive and hold up well. I like that they’re inexpensive since the kids tend to wear them for just a season or so as they keep growing.
Target tends to run out of seasonal gear so if they don’t have what you need in stock I’ve also included a link to Arctix snow pants for kids.
Kids Boots
For boots we love the Cat & Jack Brand as well! I always wait until they have a sale such as 30% off or 40% off before I buy the kids new boots since I typically have to buy 2-3 pairs at a time.
My boys love playing in the snow and are out as much as possible in the winter so these get used a lot. With that said, their boots from last year looked basically brand new when the season was over. We only got new ones because they outgrew them.
Boot Dryer
I’ve always thought these things look neat but didn’t think I needed one UNTIL I had 3 little boys who love to be out in the snow. My sister-in-law’s kids are older now so she gave us hers and I’m soooo excited!
It’s so great to be able to dry their boots, mittens, socks, and shoes more efficiently. I honestly think we might need to get more of these but we’ll see!
Bigger Boot Dryer
If you need more space to dry boots, gloves, hats and more after playing outside, this larger boot dryer with timer and fan will help!
Faster shoe drying - Convenient Timer - Whisper Quiet Operation - Dries more than shoes such as helmets, hats, ski masks, gloves, and thigh boots! - Simple assembly and compact storage.
Adult Gear for Cold Weather
Honestly, I don’t like being outside in the winter BUT I have 3 little boys who do so often I’m out there with them and I NEED winter gear that’ll keep me warm. Below is what I wear to stay warm and dry.
Women’s Jackets
I’ve lived in the Midwest my whole life and have come to trust the Columbia brand for jackets. They are warm, often multilayered depending on what you choose, and aren’t super puffy. My current Columba jacket is one I purchased over 15 years ago and it’s still in great shape. This is an image of it below and a link to it as well. Honestly, it’s held up amazingly well.
Omni-Heat - Omni-Tech - Comfortable Winter Jacket - Classic 3-in-1 Design - Waterproof and Breathable Winter Coat
Women’s Snow Pants
Arctix women’s snow sports insulated cargo pants are perfect for being outside in cold weather and playing in the snow!
They come in many different colors and sizes, even petite and tall sizes!
They also have something most women’s pants don’t have, BIG POCKETS!!! 🙂
If you’re a Prime member you can even try them before you buy them!
INSEAM: Short (5'1" – 5'4"), Regular (5'5" – 5'8"), Tall (5'9" – 6'1")
85 grams ThermaTech Insulation offers warmth in a lightweight, low bulk garment (keeps you warm at temperatures from -20° to +35°)
Adjustable waist for comfortable fit; Boot Zippers for easy on and off, along with cargo pockets and O-ring for keys, gloves, and/or lift tickets
Boot Gaiters with Grippers form a seamless integration with boots to keep warmth in and moisture out
Women’s Mittens
I used to always wear gloves BUT after spending more time outside with my boys who also have mittens, I’ve realized I prefer mittens. These Gordini mittens keep my hands much warmer than gloves ever did and much dryer.
- Providing warmth when you need it while maintaining the highest level of dexterity.
Women’s Snow Boots
These Columbia Women’s Snow Boots are durable, warm, and cute! They have great grips underneath as well that will help in the snow and ice.
Advanced Technology - Style Meets Function - All Weather Traction - Cozy Warmth - Temperature Ratings - Techlite Midsole for added comfort and cushion - Lace Up - Non-Marking Sole
Various sizes
Adult Hats
These trapper style hats with the ear flaps and even a clasp are great for cold, snowy, and windy winters!
There is a mask option that comes with it as well which would be great on particularly blustery days, even if you aren’t being covid cautious at this point, even using it like a scarf over your face would be nice. If you don’t want the face mask on, that’s alright too. It comes right off!
Warm and Comfortable - Polar Fleece Interior Lining - Windproof and Water Resistant - Adjustable for Good Fit - Chin Straps with Durable Copper Snap - Face mask with adjustable buckle
Adult Hats
If you aren’t the trapper style hat type of person (I totally understand, I’m not either though that one above is tempting…) Here is another hat that I really like.
The Love Your Melon beanie is made of 100% knit cotton and is really warm and thick. Even better, every purchase helps support cancer research.
They have different colors and styles as well.
Perfect for Everyday Use - High Quality Design - Care & Long Lasting - We donate 50% of our net profits to nonprofits in support of the fight against pediatric cancer.
Perfect for Everyday Use - High Quality Design - Care & Long Lasting - We donate 50% of our net profits to nonprofits in support of the fight against pediatric cancer.
Perfect for Everyday Use - High Quality Design - Care & Long Lasting - We donate 50% of our net profits to nonprofits in support of the fight against pediatric cancer.
Men’s Jacket
My husband and I have both had our Columbia jackets for years and years, long before we met each other. It’s kind of funny that we both have Columbia Bugaboo interchangeable jackets even though we didn’t know each other when we got them!
Just like mine above, this one has an outer shell that is great for blocking the wind and rain or snow and an inner layer that is fleece that can be worn under the outer layer or on it’s own.
Omni-Tech weather proof and water proof yet breathable - Omni-heat reflective garment for body heat management - All-Weather Technology 3-in-1 jacket solution - Removable and Adjustable Storm Hood - Zippered Hand Pockets - Adjustable Cuffs - Draft Protecting Drawcord - Adjustable Hem
Men’s Snow Pants
My husband likes to have the full bib snow pants like my kids have because it keeps him warmer.
The Arctix brand again! Really though these are great. They aren’t super expensive and they surely get the job done!
There are many different colors and sizes, some of which are on sale!
Various Sizes Available - Warmth yet Lightweight - Adjustable Comfort Suspenders - Boot Zippers - Boot Gaiters with Grippers
Men’s Winter Boots
These Men’s Winter Boots by Aleader brand are rated to keep your warm in negative degree temps! They are also waterproof and easy to get on and off. These are perfect gear for cold weather whether you’re shoveling the driveway or playing with kids in the snow.
They come in many sizes and colors.
Comfort and Warmth - Fit and Easier Entry - Waterproof - Keep out the Elements
Need Indoor Ideas?
Do you need ideas for what to do inside with kids when it’s too bitterly cold to go outside? Check out my blog post linked below!
As a mom of identical twins and a son two years older, I have gained invaluable experience in the realm, and chaos, of parenting. With a Master's Degree and Education Specialist Degree in School Psychology, I spent years as a school psychologist, helping children navigate through their educational and emotional challenges. Now as a stay at home mom and professional blogger, I combine my areas of expertise to help you in your parenting journey.