Guide to Rain Gear

Nature Explorers

Why does it matter?

Our mission is to teach children how to enjoy the outdoors, in ALL weather. Proper clothing and “gear” is crucial to that ability to enjoy nature. When you are uncomfortable, you can’t enjoy things! Staying comfortable allows children to enjoy their time in Nature Explorers, participate in all the lessons and activities, and teaches them about self-care.

Furthermore, and especially in the colder months, it is not good to be wet and cold for an extended period of time, and in some conditions this can lead to hypothermia. Teachers do not allow it to get this far, and will call a family for an early pickup, but this disrupts the whole class, is stressful for the teachers, and is not fun for the child. Thus, we require all children to come with all required gear for that day’s weather.

Proper Raincoats and Rain Pants are Required

• Either a rain coat WITH A HOOD and rain pants, or a full rain suit are required on wet days and rainy days. This includes days when the ground is wet from dew or a previous day’s rain.
• Rain coats, pants, and suits MUST be WATERPROOF. This is different from water resistant or water repellent. Water resistant gear is not enough for wet, rainy days. You must read product descriptions to find waterproof gear, as many things labeled for rain are actually only water resistant, and sometimes even SAY they’re waterproof and they aren’t. One hint is to look for ones that have “fully taped seams”

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Don’t get tricked!

This website has a great description and breakdown of differences between waterproof, and water resistant/ repellent. Disregard the products being sold.

Snow Gear vs. Rain Gear

• Most snow pants and snow coats are NOT waterproof.
• Nashville rarely gets dry snow, but mostly cold winter rain.
• On cold wet/rainy days: layer thick, warm pants and shirts and fleece/sweater under rain gear.
• For example: base layer pants, thick fleece pants, rain pants on top. Base layer shirt, thick wool sweater, puffer vest or thin jacket, rain jacket on top. Layers are key.
• Or…. you can invest in waterPROOF snow pants and snow coats. Look for the product descriptions.

All About Boots!

Not all boots are created equally. Different weather scenarios call for different boots.

Hot wet/dewy weather: closed toed sandals like keens are fine, or rain boots

Warm wet/dewy weather: water resistant/repellent shoes

Cold wet/dewy weather: WATERPROOF boots. Either pair rain boots with boot liners for warmth, or get waterproof snow boots. (Most snow boots are NOT waterproof but only water resistant/repellent since snow is dry in most of the US.)

At home, practice putting rain pants OVER boots, so rain doesn’t fall into the shoe and get socks wet.

Many boots are labeled rain boots, but don’t work for us

A quick Amazon search for children’s rain boots renders mostly the right thing: rubber, waterproof, over the ankle boots.

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It also renders the wrong thing: lace up boots, or partially cloth boots that don’t protect feet fully

Boot Liners

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Regular (not waterproof) Snow Boots

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Waterproof

Snow Boots

Changes of Clothes

Please remember also to pack a change of clothes that is weather appropriate, and in a plastic bag. We use the plastic bag to hold wet clothing that is changed out of. In cold seasons, changes of clothes should include the following:

• A change of socks (wool preferably, but definitely warm socks)
• A change of underwear
• A change of base layer long pants and long sleeve shirt
• An extra dry sweater or sweatshirt or jacket

A change of clothes helps us keep students dry and warm throughout the day. They can also serve as extra layers if needed. Some parents also choose to send an extra pair of shoes on very wet days.

What if we don’t bring the required gear?

Children can be sent home if they arrive without the proper gear for the day. At the teachers’ discretion, we may ask parents to return home and bring the gear needed. For older children (not Little Explorers) the child will receive a Reminder for not following the agreement of Respect Self.

If you don’t have the gear and need help getting it, we are happy to direct you to recommended gear and ways to acquire it.

If the cost of gear is an obstacle (good gear can be expensive), try second hand gear via eBay and thrift stores, or discounted gear via sites like REI Outlet. You can also talk to us about Scholarship help for gear.