My Favorite Outdoor Gear for Moms: What I Actually Use on the Trail, In the Snow, and Everywhere In Between

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If you spend your days chasing toddlers through leaf piles, trudging through early winter slush, playing outside in the mud, or adventuring across mountain trails with a baby on your back, you quickly learn this truth: the right gear makes everything easier.

Outdoor motherhood isn’t glamorous, but it is beautiful - and when you’re warm, dry, comfortable, and caffeinated, it’s even better. After plenty of trial-and-error (and a lot of “why did I think breathable meant warm?” moments), these are the pieces I rely on every single week, through every season of exploring with my kids.

If you’re building your own adventure kit, refreshing your favorites before winter hits, or looking for the perfect gift for an outdoor-loving mama, here’s my tried-and-true gear lineup - the staples that make outdoor time doable, enjoyable, and honestly… magical.

My Favorite Outdoor Gear for Moms Who Love to Be Outside

1. Hiking Boots That Actually Support Busy Mom Feet

Whether it’s a toddler-paced trail or even chores outside, good boots matter. You want support, traction, waterproofing, and comfort right out of the box. My boots have carried me through muddy springs, crunchy autumn hunting mornings, and snowy shoulder-season hikes - and my ankles and toes thank me every time.

Add these perfectly waterproof, all-activity Ariat Terrain boots to your wishlist. I also have the Danner 8" Wayfinder boots which are so comfy; I consistently wear them on bigger hikes because of the high ankle support, extra height for snow and slush, and warmth for colder days. If you're looking for something catered to warmer weather and more of all-purpose function, I love the Columbia Novo Trail tennis shoes that have some traction but are also cute and versatile enough to wear out and about.

Ariat Terrain Boots

Danner 8 Inch Wayfinder Hunting Boots

Columbia Novo Trail Tennis Shoes

Ariat Terrain Boots Danner Wayfinder Columbia Novo Trail

2. A Baby-Carrying Hiking Backpack (aka Freedom on Your Back)

Once you’ve worn a baby-carrying hiking pack, you’ll never go back to juggling a diaper bag and a sling on outings ever again. With both of my babies, I have been so excited once they were big enough for the carrier. A great pack gives you:

• Even weight distribution

• Storage for snacks, layers, diapers, and water

• A few pockets you can reach without taking off the pack (for toddler snack emergencies)

• Sun, rain, or wind cover for your little

• A stable, comfortable carry for hours

  
  

It’s one of the few pieces of gear that truly transforms outdoor life with kids. And even indoor life! I recently wore my 10 month old while decorating for an event because he just couldn't keep his little hands to himself. He's way too big and busy for a traditional front back baby carrier, so the hiking backpack is our saving grace.

I have the older, hand-me-down version of this but they've made the Osprey Poco LT Carrier Backpack even lighter and more compact. You are going to love! (And it's dad-approved too.)

3. A Toddler Hip Carrier for the In-Between Years

The hiking backpack's cousin that a girlfriend of mine with twins got hooked on. For the kid who’s too big to constantly wear but too little to always walk, or if you have multiples that you're trying to manage on the trail, the toddler hip carrier is a secret weapon.

A Tushbaby Hip Carrier is perfect outdoors, because we know how much littles can change their minds. If you just have a tot with you, this is ideal for carrying a few snacks, some water, and your little when they need a break. When you already have a baby in the hiking backpack, you can wear the Tushbaby along with it to carry multiples without killing your arms.

4. A Waterproof Jacket for All-Weather Wandering

A mama needs a shell she can trust. Something waterproof, windproof, lightweight, and breathable - a jacket that goes from fall drizzle to winter snow flurries to spring puddle-splashing without missing a beat and can easily be wadded up in the hiking backpack when you get too hot for carrying your kids and all of their gear.

This Carhartt Rain Defender Lightweight Coat is my grab-it-and-go layer for:

• Evening walks

• Hiking

• Nature play

• Unexpected rainstorms

• Cold, windy playground days

  
  

I love that's long so it doesn't ride up when I have a hiking backpack on and that the waist cinches so it isn't baggy. Invest in one good waterproof jacket like this one and it will serve you all year long.

5. Snow Boots Built for Real Winter

In Colorado, even an evening stroll through their neighborhood in winter demands warm, fully waterproof snow boots with great traction. I rely on mine from October to May (if not longer) - grocery-store trips, sledding days, snowy hiking, you name it. Warm, dry toes = happy mom. Plus you do NOT want to fall on your butt with a hiking backpack on if you don't have enough traction.

I love these Arctix Boreas Winter Boots for all sorts of outdoor play and activities including snowmobiling and teaching our kids to ski, but I'm also one for aesthetics so if you're just looking for a cute tromping around boot, add these Aleader Winter Duck Boots to your outdoor mom Christmas list too!

6. WATERPROOF LIGHTWEIGHT PANTS

Moms kneel everywhere: in the snow, in the slush, at the bottom of sledding hills, and on icy pond edges when your toddler wants to look at every rock. Waterproof, stretchy, and knee-friendly isn't optional, it's essential.

There's plenty of times, even in the middle of winter, when I don't feel like putting on my entire snow suit. I save that gear for skiing and snowmobiling because its so bulky. Enter Lightweight Waterproof Snow Pants. These are practically the same material as a shell jacket, allowing busy moms to chase their kids through the snow without the bulk of snow pants. Perfect for hiking, outdoor play, chores, errands, and evening walks.

7. Thermal Layers for the Coldest Days

Thermals make the difference between:

• “We lasted ten minutes” and

• “We stayed outside for five hours and no one cried...including me”

Look for merino or fleece-lined layers, but most importantly, make sure they're water-wicking so you can wear under bibs, jackets, joggers, or leggings without sweating. I love my Spyder Thermal set.

Pro tip: You need these just as much as your kids do, even if you don't plan on rolling around in the snow like they do!

8. MERINO WOOL SOCKS

Having good socks is an absolute necessity for enjoying the outdoors comfortably. In all weather, you want socks that keep your feet dry and comfortable, so reach for a few (dozen) pairs of these Merino Wool Hiking Crew Socks. You can also find taller boot socks or short ankle socks depending on your footwear, but I find the crew socks the most versatile.

9. A Cozy Hat with a Leather Patch

Is it cute? Yes. Is it warm? Also yes. Does it make you feel slightly more put-together while wiping noses and packing snacks at the trailhead? Absolutely. Does it make for cuter adventure selfies with your kiddos when you haven't washed your hair? Uh-huh.

Convinced? You should be! Practical can be cute too! My go-to winter hat is soft, warm, neutral, and pairs with everything with a cute leather patch. Outdoor mom uniform approved.

10. A Spill-Proof Water Bottle That Survives Mom Life

While I do carry around my favorite straw cup in the car, on the go, I don’t need a glamorous, giant bottle. I need one that:

• Doesn’t leak in the hiking backpack or stroller

• Survives being dropped 47 times

• Keeps water cold

• My toddler can easily drink from without spilling everywhere

  
  

This Powcan Insulated Water Bottle keeping water cold all day, has a straw for easy toddler sips, and has a screw-on lid to ensure it doesn't spill.

11. A Coffee Thermos That Keeps Your Latte Hot Forever

Motherhood = reheated coffee, especially if you're outdoors… unless you have a thermos that actually keeps it hot. Here in cold weather, high altitude, coffee gets cold in about 4.5 minutes.

Mama, you need a Yeti Rambler. This is probably my favorite piece of outdoor gear for moms. I can be wet and cold but if my coffee is still hot, it's still a good day. (Can I get an amen?) I love the "commuter" lid that practically vacuum seals it closed so it won't spill and the contents stay piping hot. I saved the best for last. You need this cup!

Why Good Gear Matters for Outdoor Moms

The goal isn't to be fancy (that's just a bonus) - it’s to be prepared. When you're comfortable, supported, and equipped, you say “yes” to more:

• More outside time

• More fresh air

• More tiny adventures

• More memories

  
  

Good gear removes the barriers. It helps you get everyone out the door with less stress and more joy. Follow our Kids Gear Guide for similar finds for your littles. Having these things on hand means you're prepared for changing weather conditions and keeping your family outdoors year-round.

And that’s what outdoor motherhood is all about - choosing presence, building resilience, and following your children into wonder.