Favorite Cold + Wet Weather Clothing

Packing for Alaska so I'm rounding up some of my faves that we're bringing with us! As a "crunchy" person I favor brands with ethical production practices, gear without chemicals, clothes made with natural fibers, and barefoot shoes. A barefoot shoe is designed to allow the foot to function as freely and naturally as possible, they are flexible and lightweight, and have a wide toe box, zero heel drop, and thin sole.

I'll group everything by brand and then pick my favorite for each category. For now I'm just featuring boots, rain gear, and accessories, one day soon I'll add coats and snow suits. (for 60 degree weather in Alaska we're just bringing rain gear with fleece layers)

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links, thank you for supporting my family!

Kids Gear

Jan and Jul

I love this brand. The Lite Waterproof boots are made with lightweight, breathable neoprene, yet are fully waterproof and lined with sherpa for cold winter days. We use these boots for both rain and snow, a 2 for 1 deal. Their hats are lined with sherpa as well, and the fabric is made without chemicals or dyes. The waterproof mittens cost the same as amazon options and extend up the forearm, so even when a mid season growth spurt happens and jacket sleeves are suddenly too short wrists can stay protected from snow, not to mention the fun colors and patterns. They have rain jackets or you can opt for the full rain suit, in either thin or fleece-lined options. Both will have space for extra layering as needed. With an adjustable waist and hood, magnetic closure, and eco-friendly waterproof coating, they really did think of everything. I don't love their rain boots because they don't meet the barefoot shoe criteria IMO, just being honest! Use this link for $15 off your first order of $100. You can also shop Jan and Jul on Amazon.

Ten Little

My go-to option for everyday shoes, but they also have rain boots and snow boots, which have ad adjustable collar to keep snow out and a cozy fleece lining. Use this link for $5 off your first purchase.

Stonz

The Stonz West boot is a great barefoot option. An all weather boot, for both snow and rain; made without PVC, phthalates, lead, flame retardants and formaldehyde. They have rain suits as well, I love that they have a band to keep the suit over boots, and the extendable cuffs with thumbholes are a nice feature. #IYKYK Use this link for 15% off your order of $50+.

Oaki

Another rain suit option, PVC and BPA free. A bit pricey though.

Reima

Reima gear is free from PFAs, PVC, and heavy metals. Their rain suits are made from recycled fibers which is a nice sustainability feature, keep your eye out for sales as they are also pricey. Not to sound nit-picky but their rain boots have the slightest heel, there are better options.

1000 Hours Outside

Their rainboots are reasonable priced and a true barefoot shoe. The beanies are great too! Not an affiliate, I just love the brand!

Winners for each category:

rain boots: If you're looking for a rain only shoe, I'd go with 1000 hours outside, priced lower than Ten Little for similar quality. Otherwise Jan and Jul for both rain and snow.

snow boots: Jan and Jul if you don't get a ton of snow and you really just want a warm, yet waterproof boot. I'd go with the adjustable collar from Ten Little if you live in a snow heavy area and want a dedicated snow boot for less than Stonz.

gloves, mittens, and hats: Jan and Jul!

rain coats: Reima wins for the price

rain suits: Jan and Jul wins for the price

Adult Gear

Not much here, I spend my money on my son's clothing, and I'm obviously not constantly growing out of stuff.

I purchased a Mammut rain jacket secondhand on ThredUp a few years ago and it's been the MVP of my coat closet ever since. Get 45% off + free shipping on your first order with this link.

Whether it's rain, snow, or a hike, my default shoe option is Xero Shoes. Whenever I need a new pair of shoes, they're always the lowest price option out of all the barefoot brands, and they fit my feet well. The Z-Trail EV made me a believer of barefoot shoes - I was having intense daily foot pain until I ditched my uneven, heel cup style sandal and switched to a flat shoe. They're on Amazon if you prefer to shop there.

I love that we get to have matching hats from 1000 hours outside. I also have a hat from Peru that I love, got it during my study abroad in 2012.

Refer back to this post for weather in Alaska, and as always I'm here if you have questions!