Most places have seasons like spring, summer, fall and winter. In the mountains, we have another season, we like to call shoulder season, and it occurs between winter and spring. One day, you’ll have a perfect spring day of 10c degrees with the sun shining, and the next will give you a frozen -2C and 2″ of snow. 

My husband and I both laughed a little last spring when we left the mittens and toques in the RV. The mountains just have crazy weather like that during spring. You never know if it will be a puddle day or a snowboot type of day.

What I do know is, not having the right gear can affect the outcome of your trip. Wet, and cold kids are not happy ones. Investing a few dollars to have the right gear in tow is crucial! I want the gear to be gender neutral and last through two kids to maximize my investment. This is harder than you would think to find. 

Layer, layer, layer

Same concept we use in winter applies to Spring – think smartly about what layers you are using. Our basic base layers consists of rashguard shirts, long johns. Our mid-layer in is fleece one-piece pj’s (insulating). Our top layer is a rainsuit! Does getting dressed take a little longer? Yes. I try to lay out these pieces the night before and then dress in the base layer before breakfast and go from there. 

Water-Repelling Rain Suit

Look for a rain suit that is going to repel water (aka, if you dumped a cup of water on it, it would slide off). These are terrific for days you want to jump in puddles, wet forest play, and keeping warm. Watch kids carefully when they are wearing it for signs of overheating – these babies lock in that precious body heat. Our favourite types have been a Tuffo Muddy Buddy or a Patagonia Bunting Suit (does winter & spring). 

Rain Bootz

Last spring, I took my little adventurers out to play, and we splashed through a few large puddles, and almost immediately Mr J was complaining he was wet & freezing cold. I whisked him quickly back home, and reexamined where I had dressing him inappropriately – it was his boots. His winter boots although amazing in winter, not so great in deep wet spring time puddles.

Round two, I took him out again the next day with rain boots I had picked up locally. What I didn’t know is not every rain boot is created equally. After a trail walk & romp through the forest, Mr J’s feet were again soaked. 

In searching for the answer, I realized I had overlooked over my one of my favourite companies for Canadian kids’ gear – Stonz Wear. I vigorously recommend their Mittz to my friends and readers because of their quality, well-thought out design from a West Coast mama and amazing customer service. I contacted them and asked for a pair of Rain Bootz to review. They said sure!

Make no mistake, Toddlers don’t pull any punches in their reviewing process. These boots got worn around the house, jumped in deep puddles, ran through the forest, paved trails, and waded through snow. These were no little puddles either. Check out Miss P stomping & splashing:

I wasn’t sure ANY boot could keep her feet dry after that marathon play session. I was pleasantly surprised. Her feet were dry. Thanks for exceeding my expectations once again, Stonz Wear!

More About Bootz:
-Made of 100% Natural Rubber
-Quick-dry cotton lining (in case they do get wet)
-Comes in a rainbow of colours (6 different ones)
-Flexible, good treads for sloshy trails
-PVC-free, Phthalate-free, Lead-free, Formaldehyde-free
-Sized Toddler 4 up to Youth 4.

Hop on over to Stonz Wear and pick up your own pair of Rain Bootz. 

What’s your favourite gear to wear during shoulder season?