As the adage goes, “there’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing”. If we want our kids to play outdoors in all weather (and yes, we do!), then we need to make sure they’re properly equipped. But how can we find affordable outdoor clothing for kids?
Welcome, outdoor-loving parents, to your ultimate guide for finding top-quality affordable outdoor clothing for kids that won’t the bank. As guardians of adventurous spirits, we understand the importance of ensuring our little explorers are properly equipped for all weather conditions. However, the perpetual growth spurts of our children often pose a challenge when it comes to keeping them outfitted in gear that fits and performs well.
But fear not! In this comprehensive guide, we’ll unveil a plethora of strategies and insider tips to help you navigate the world of affordable outdoor clothing for kids. From savvy shopping techniques to exploring alternative options like rentals and hand-me-downs, we’ve got you covered. So let’s dive in and discover how you can outfit your young adventurers with top-notch gear that stays in budget. It’s time to gear up and let the outdoor escapades commence!
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Affordable Kids’ Outdoor Clothing: Buying Strategies
Affordable Outdoor Clothing for Kids: BUY NEW
There’s nothing worse than a so-called waterproof jacket that is no longer actually waterproof, so many parents prefer to buy new items. You can better trust the quality and sometimes take advantage of brand guarantees. That being said, new outdoor clothing can get very expensive, so consider a few strategies for getting new items at a better price.
Shop sales
Buying things on sale isn’t a revolutionary strategy, but it often comes down to timing. In order to fully take advantage of sales as they pop up, it’s helpful to keep an ongoing list of what clothing and gear you will soon need — not just what you need right now. If at all possible, plan ahead for the next season. Sometimes it’s hard to predict the size they’ll be when they need a certain item, so consider stores that have generous return policies.
Some online recreation stores have semi-annual sales that you can plan for, outside of the regular holiday sales. Don’t be afraid to put them in your calendar! For example, REI has has a Members Sale in March, an Anniversary Sale in May, and its Get Up Get Out Sale in September. In addition, REI’s membership often give you a boost to those sales, supplying coupons and special discounts.
There are many reliable outdoor clothing stores out there. Here are a few to consider:
- REI
- Backcountry
- Outdoorplay (online only)
- Campsaver
- MEC (Canada)
- Public Lands
independent stores:
- Outdoor Gear Exchange (online + brick and mortar)
- Outdoor School Shop (online only)
Shop outlet stores
Many stores and brands have their own outlet branch where the sell closeouts or the previous year’s models. They’re all brand new and a great option for those who don’t care as much about the “latest and greatest” but still want quality items and affordable outdoor clothing for kids.
REI’s outlet includes end-of-season closeouts and previous-year models, but “no outdated leftovers”. Their membership also allows access to deals and further discounts, backed by REI’s 100% satisfaction guarantee. A great option for affordable outdoor clothing for kids!
This is Backcountry’s outlet site, offering many outdoor products (closeout and last year’s) at a discounted price. You can find great deals here, but be forewarned that their shipping and return policies aren’t quite as generous as REI’s.
Sierra Trading Post has been around 1986 (do you remember its hand-drawn paper catalog?), but was bought by TJX in 2012 and re-branded as Sierra. Their retail stores are increasing in number and although they feel very similar to their brother/sister stores (TJ Maxx and Marshall’s), the outdoor focus is obvious and they carry several more outdoor brands. In-store stock is hit-or-miss, so it’s definitely worth checking online if you’re looking for something specific.
“This is the last gasp for last year’s merchandise and discontinued items.” The selection here changes quickly, but you can find great discounts on major brands like Marmot, Bogs, Obermeyer and Smartwool.
Use a discount code
Get the Kids Outside followers all receive a 15% discount on full price items from the Outdoor School Shop. Just use the code GTKO!
Buy off-season
I’m not always successful with this particular strategy, as it can be hard to anticipate my kids’ change in size. But if you find yourself in a mountain town in the middle of the summer, be sure to check the stores for killer deals on winter wear!
Size up
One strategy for helping gear and clothing to last more than one season is to size up. This doesn’t work for all items (e.g., footwear), but some products are even designed to grow with your child. For example, Columbia has a line of outerwear with the OUTGROWN Extend System, which can extend in length by up to 1.5 inches.
Affordable Outdoor Clothing for Kids: BUY USED
Buying used outdoor clothing can be a savvy strategy for several reasons, especially for seasonal items that don’t always get a lot of use.
As we’ve all seen for ourselves, kids grow quickly and often outpace the lifespan of their clothing (except, of course, for pants and sneakers!). Many secondhand items are still in excellent condition, allowing parents to access high-quality outdoor clothing at a fraction of the cost.
Purchasing used items also contributes to sustainability efforts — “reduce, reuse!” — a win-win solution for both parents and the planet.
There are a few different approaches to take in searching for good-quality outdoor clothing for kids.
Buy brand-sponsored used clothing
Although it may seem counter-intuitive, you can often buy used outdoor clothing directly from major name brands. Some companies even repair and inspect the used clothing before putting it up for sale, so you can be confident in its condition. This is also a great way to support companies whose ethos you support, but whose products aren’t always in your price range.
Re/Supply consists of items that customers have either returned or traded in, for reasons that are either legitimate (zipper broken) or trivial (changed mind about color, “squeaks too much when I walk”.
REI inspects the items and chooses the best for re-sale. Now only in-store, only for members, and only final-sale, but our family has had some great wins here!
“Worn Wear is a set of tools to help our customers partner with Patagonia to take mutual responsibility to extend the life of the products Patagonia makes and customers purchase.” You can trade in your own gear and clothing and get credit towards your next purchase. Or just search for items you need in good used condition.
“Shop used gear that’s inspected, washed, tuned up and ready to hit the trail—again.”
“Our team meticulously inspects, repairs and rejuvenates used Arc’teryx gear, before making it available for resale through our online store.”
Shop consignment stores
Consignment stores are another great strategy for finding used outdoor clothing in good condition. Their inventory is generally more curated that thrift stores, so the overall quality is higher.
And can you imagine consignment stores that are specifically focused on outdoor clothing (and gear)? Amazing, but they do exist!
Geartrade: (online)
You can buy both new and used clothing through Geartrade, “an online re-commerce exchange amongst outdoor enthusiasts, outdoor brands, and outdoor stores of pre-owned, reusable, returned, repaired, and quality outdoor gear”.
brick and mortar stores:
Wonderland Gear Exchange: Seattle, WA
The Hoarding Marmot: Anchorage, AK
Colchuck Consignment: Cashmere, WA (North Cascades) @she_colorsnature
Ragged Mountain Sports: Carbondale, CO
Tahoe Used Ski & Snowboard: South Lake Tahoe, CA
Outdoor Gear Exchange: Burlington, VT
For more stores in the US, see Always the Adventure’s list: A Complete Guide to Used Outdoor Gear Stores in the U.S. (though inventory not guaranteed to include kids’ clothing/gear)
Shop thrift stores
It doesn’t happen every time, but once in a while you can find good-quality kids’ outdoor clothing at your local thrift store. (I’ve had a few amazing wins, like these Helly Hanson ski jackets for $7.99 and $8.99!)
But pay special attention to their condition — look their over carefully to make sure there aren’t any issues that can affect their performance. If you’re purchasing outer wear, consider re-waterproofing them either by washing in a special solution or using a spray. (Some instructions here and here.) We’ve had good success using NikWax for cleaning and waterproofing in our washer/dryer.
* This site is reader-supported. When you buy through our affiliate links, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Engage personal relationships and local networks
Hand me downs:
Hand-me-downs aren’t just from within the family! Consider friends whose kids are older than yours and let your need be known. It may not have occurred to them that you could benefit from their children’s outgrown clothing.
We survived for years on my husband’s colleague’s children’s winter jackets and boots and were even able to pass many of them along to friends afterwards.
Local parenting organizations:
You can find some great hand-me-downs through parent organizations, either through personal contacts/relationships, or organized clothing swaps. (Swaps aren’t just for Halloween costumes!)
Facebook groups:
Local parenting and yard sale groups on Facebook can be a great resource for used outdoor clothing. Either post a need or take advantage of someone else’s sale.
Facebook Marketplace:
If you’re looking for something specific, this might be a good place to check. Local pickup can help you avoid shipping charges, but be mindful of a safe meeting place. Many police stations have parking spaces dedicated to online purchases: “Internet Transaction Safety Zones” or “Internet Purchase Exchanges”.
Craigslist:
Craigslist is still around, though maybe overshadowed by Facebook Marketplace. But it’s still worth a check if you have a local chapter!
Shop online marketplaces
eBay:
They say that you can find just about anything on eBay, and “kids’ quality outdoor clothing for less” is definitely included. It helps to know just what you’re looking for, or you might just be scrolling for days.
Most known for their designer brands and fashion, you can still find some useful outdoor clothing and shoes for kids on Poshmark. (Fleeces, swimwear, sandals, etc.) Please note that all sales are final.
Thredup is a good place to both buy and sell used kids’ clothing, especially when you use one of their coupon codes. But beware that their 14-day return policy also involves shipping fees a $3.99 restocking fee on each item.
You can buy both new and used clothing through Geartrade, “an online re-commerce exchange amongst outdoor enthusiasts, outdoor brands, and outdoor stores of pre-owned, reusable, returned, repaired, and quality outdoor gear”.
Outdoor School Shop‘s selection of gently used outdoor clothing continues to grow, offering items that are perfectly suited for outdoor play (whether or not you’re attending an outdoor school). You can also trade in your own outgrown items for store credit, making room for clothes that actually fit!
Affordable Outdoor Clothing for Kids: RENT
Rent clothing
Have you ever considered renting clothing? It’s becoming more popular to do so for formal occasions (e.g., Rent the Runway), but you may have noticed a number of companies introducing kids’ clothing rental in an effort “reduce and reuse”. Sustainability is the goal, but it also makes kids’ outdoor clothing more affordable, especially when used for a season at a time.
The Little Loop: (UK)
“It’s like a library for clothes! Become a member and choose clothes you love, curated from the best quality sustainable brands. Then swap anytime – when they grow, the seasons change or you fancy something new. All clothes are professionally laundered, and we never charge for stains, or wear and tear!”
Imagine that you live in Florida, but you’re heading for a long weekend of skiing in Colorado. Do you buy all new clothing and gear, knowing that you may never use it again? Enter Kit Lender, where you can rent all the necessary clothing (and gear), returning it when you’re done!
For ages 2-4, this company give options for renting clothes by the month. You can browse and choose individual items or pay for a bundle. Born out of concerns for the environmental impact of the clothing industry, they “only stock brands that have sustainability at their core”.
In addition to everyday clothing, you can rent outerwear for the season (winter) or add on to your membership (swimwear) to get just what you need. Their goal is to help support parents who aim to be more sustainable and reduce their consumption.
Intrigued with the idea of clothing rental for your kids? There are several companies you can investigate, although they’re not all guaranteed to have a wide selection of outerwear. Rent a Romper, Kidpik, Upchoose, Bundlee (UK), Lullaloop (UK)
Finding affordable outdoor clothing for kids doesn’t have to be a challenge. With a bit of savvy shopping and some creative thinking, you can outfit your little adventurers for less without sacrificing quality or performance. From hunting down sales and exploring outlet stores to embracing the world of used gear, there are numerous strategies to explore.
Remember, when it comes to outdoor play, proper gear is essential, but it doesn’t have to break the bank. So gear up, get outside, and let the adventures begin with durable and affordable kids’ outdoor clothing options!
And to help figure out what clothing would be most useful, don’t miss this post:
How to Dress Your Kids for Outdoor Play in Any Weather
