Forest School Kit List
Hello! If you’ve seen my latest post on why we chose forest school I mentioned I’d write a follow-up kit list post! Here it is! Please note, this kit list is what has worked for us but it very much depends on the setting you find yourself in, and how likely your child is to roll around in the mud (daily). As I said, one of the biggest hurdles in attending a forest school can be the initial outgoings to gather everything together but, while merino wool is probably the best for a base layer it’s not the only option, there are probably some great ones already in your kids’ drawers! Get creative, borrow clothes, swap, search and search used sites and you can really find some great deals! We chose to invest in the key pieces (a few base layers which would be closest to their skin) but find your own way! We also held off a few things until we were sure we would really need them such as buying winter boots. Last winter Heppy got away without needing any as it was fairly mild, the winter before I definitely needed to buy a pair! Let me know anything you’d add or change!
Autumn/Winter
In the colder wetter months you need to ideally allow for 2-3 changes of clothes a day. There is a lot of washing!
Hat x 2
We have always used balaclava-style hats as I love how snuggly they are and also eliminate the need for a scarf or neck warmer which my guys often wriggle off. We LOVE these ones from Dilling and have bought them every year. For really cold days you can add another hat on top.
Neck warmer/snood x 1
We have something similar to this one on hand from Siskin
Gloves x 2-3
This year we went for two pairs of waterproof gloves and a pair of cotton gloves as though easier for Heppy to play in, they just get wet so quickly as they are playing. We found a secondhand pair of these Polarn O Pyret gloves which seem to be being discontinued and another pair from Vinted that weren’t mitten style but are waterproof and insulated. I often put in extra socks to be used as gloves too in case needed.
Base layers x 2-3
I would recommend moisture-wicking base layers such as Merino wool. For the winter these are long-sleeved tops and leggings that stay close to the skin. And, as the base layers are the closest to the skin I invest in these the heaviest and they are key in keeping them warm for the day. We love the base layers from Dilling and Engel and Siskin.
trousers x 2-3
Heppy has a mix of trouser options in her bag. On very cold days I will put her in fleece trousers like this, but you can easily layer up with jogging bottoms or other pairs of leggings too on top of your base layer.
Jumper/fleece x 2-3
Again hoodies/jumpers/fleeces. My choice for warmth in the winter is something like this, but you can also use items you have to hand.
Waterproof dungarees x -2-3
Some people choose all-in-one suits or just waterproof trousers but for us, we have got on best with waterproof dungarees. When Heppy started Forest School at 3 she could put them on and off herself to get dressed/undressed and use the toilet. Plus, her top half was nicely covered for crafts/time in the mud! We have one pair from Toastie (my favourites), another from Muddy Puddles, and another from Frugi. None of ours are insulated but they’re easy to find if you’d prefer that!
Waterproof jacket/shell
We’d go for this if we are multiple fleeces deep or it’s more autumnal weather. We have this jacket from Muddy Puddles which is super thin and easy to throw over things.
Waterproof winter coat
We reserve the winter coat for the coldest months! We have this jacket from Muddy Puddles.
Socks x 4
Merino ones are preferable for the colder months!
Wellies:
I wouldn’t suggest wellies for winter unless you have some really warm welly socks. We mainly use Wellies Spring to Autumn then move into Winter boots for the coldest months!
Winterboots/shoes
We have some winter boots from Aigle that are fur lined (can’t find a photo) but something super snuggly and practical is ideal!
Spring/summer
Spring and summer is MASSIVELY welcomed as the kit bag dramatically decreases in weight and there is far less washing! This is what ours has in it:
sunhat
Base layer of long-sleeved t-shirt, leggings or cotton/sweat trousers x 3
I still choose to put Heppy in long-sleeved clothes during the summer just as it makes it easier to manage ticks. We switch out some of the thicker merino base layers to lighter cotton ones.
1 x waterproof jacket
1 x waterproof dungarees
Wellies
sturdy Trainers
Sunhat
socks x 3
Neck warmer
Jumper/fleece x 2
SUNCREAM
Natural bug spray/balm
Extras
Waterproof Bag:
We found a secondhand one through a local seller on FB marketplace. We put everything in that one bag and it’s around 30 litres. It’s similar to this bag.
Waterbottle
We love these water bottles from One Green Bottle! You can get 10% off your first order on &Keep when you sign up for their newsletter.
Lunch box
We used a lunchbox like this from Liewood, but any one will do! Tiffin lunchboxes, stasher bags, old Tupperware!
Thermos Flask
We have loved this thermos flask for the colder days when soup or warmed-up leftovers are needed! Again, it’s one I was happy spending my money on, but there are plenty of other options out there!
I always prioritise buying secondhand and I prioritise how something is made and what it is made with! Here are some brands to look out for when shopping for Forest School Clothes Secondhand (note: some of these I wouldn’t buy new. Those in bold are those doing something significant to create consciously and ethically with little people in mind!): Muddy Puddles, Toastie, WHEAT, Lidl, Kuling, Polarn O Pyret, Didriksons, Frugi, Spotty Otter, Dilling, Engel, Siskin