The Best Kids Gear of 2020
Essentials for fledgling adventurers
Heading out the door? Read this article on the new Outside+ app available now on iOS devices for members! Download the app.
Altra Youth Lone Peak Shoes ($70)
Altra took the ultra-popular Lone Peak trail runner and shrunk it way down. Smart: the wide toe box leaves room for young feet to grow.
Sunday Afternoons Infant SunFlip Hat ($20)
Everything they need in protective headwear. The SunFlip keeps rays off wee faces and necks, breathes when temperatures rise, and crushes down for packing.
Keen Stingray Sandals ($40 and up)
Summer is easier when kids can get footwear on and off fast. The Stingray fits the bill, with solid support for all manner of outdoor activities, be they amphibious or terrestrial.
Patagonia Baby Capilene Cool Daily Sun Hoodie ($39)
The lightweight Capilene Cool makes keeping the sun off mini me easy, with a fun print and UPF 50+ protection. Odor control means more days between washes.
Osprey Poco Plus Carrier ($330)
Room for baby is only the beginning. With 26 liters of zippered storage and additional mesh pockets, the Poco Plus has ample space for your gear and theirs. It features a highly adjustable suspension system and a sun cover. The tough nylon outer meets Bluesign’s stringent chemical-safety requirements.
The North Face Infant Flurry Wind Jacket ($40)
This 100 percent -recycled wind layer is your secret weapon. Layer it with a sweater for stroller jogs or a T-shirt on cool evenings. Rated UPF 50, it also offers protection to sensitive skin.
This item is currently out of stock.
UCO Mini Spork Set ($7 for three)
Kids are magicians at losing small stuff like sporks. We like UCO’s because it comes in packs of three, is BPA-free, and doesn’t have any sharp edges.
Hydro Flask 3.5L Lunch Box ($45)
Hydro Flask’s signature pastel colors and stout construction make a pleasing pair in this simple, easy-to-clean lunch box. Two layers of insulation and strong zippers help keep food fresh.
Cosmo Crew Organic Cotton Beach Shorts ($43)
Super cute and sturdily built, these unisex shorts are made from 100 percent organic cotton. They’ll fade and soften as they’re handed down from child to child.