Looking for cold weather gear 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!
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Basics about Cold Weather Gear
When you’re going to be outdoors in cold air you’ll find wearing layers including a base layer, mid layer, and outer layer. Multiple layers of warm clothing help keep your body heat in and the cold air out during winter months. Beyond the basic cold weather gear, extreme cold weather clothing include even more protections against below freezing temperatures, wet weather, and durable construction to help you stay warm.
Whether you live in a cold climate like we do or are going on a cold winter trip up North, you’ll love this cold weather gear that will keep you warm, even in freezing temperatures and below!
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 in wet weather or snow, AND let them still have flexibility to actually play!
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.
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!
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.
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, either the inner layer or outer layer.
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 and includes a light weight outer layer that is great in wet weather and warm inner layer.
Kids Snow pants
Snow pants are essential when it’s cold out and especially when it’s snowy!
It’s great to have two pairs per kid if you can afford it but one will be fine as well. We go with the Artix brand as it’s inexpensive but will also last.
We’ve found that the bib style overalls keep our kids drier and warmer than the pants only.
Kids Boots
My boys love playing in the snow and are out as much as possible in the winter so boots 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!
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.
Though I love the Columbia brand, they tend to change their offerings often so I have the button above to see all of their coats and below I’ll recommend another brand that I think is great!
After almost 20 years my Columbia jacket needed to be replaced as the zipper broke. I decided I wanted a coat that went down lower on my legs so I bought this one and I LOVE it!!
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!!! 🙂 I can even fit my cell phone in these pockets.
If you’re a Prime member you can even try them before you buy them for easy free returns and free shipping!
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.
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.
Adult Trapper Style Hat
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!
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.
Men’s Jacket
You’ll want layers when it’s winter so this one has an outer shell that is great for blocking the wind and wet weather including rain or snow and an inner layer that is fleece that can be worn under the outer layer or on it’s own.
This is a great winter jacket that will last you for years!
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.