Selecting rain gear for hiking children

If rain should fall, wet-weather gear can make all the difference between
misery and a good time on a hike. Photo courtesy of Wikipedia.

A water-resistant poncho is sufficient most of the time for children on a day hike. But if the temperature falls into the 50s or lower, or if hiking in a place that sees a lot of rainfall or that is windy, more elaborate gear – such as a rain jacket and rain pants – will be better.

Other rain gear might include water-resistant boots and a rain hat with a wide brim.

As I advise against hiking on rainy days, we won’t spend much time on this topic. Still, carry a poncho or hooded, water-resistant windbreaker with you for each child on overcast days.

Read more about day hiking with children in my guidebook Hikes with Tykes.