Gearing your Kiddo for Outdoor Adventures with Oaki
When my oldest started at her Montessori school, I was hit with a little nugget of wisdom that I now hold dear: “There’s no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing.” Suddenly, I was knee-deep in a whole new world where my kiddo was out there—rain, sleet, hail, or shine—having the time of her life in nature every single day. After a few chats with the seasoned school parents, one item kept coming up: the Oaki Trail Suit.
Oaki’s mission is all about helping kids discover the magic of the outdoors, no matter what the weather’s up to. The company is the brainchild of Sue Simper, a mom from Vancouver, Washington, who was desperate to find waterproof outdoor gear for her sons’ love of rough and wet outdoor play.
What I Love About It | This suit? It’s a tank. Totally waterproof (but non-toxic) holds up in the wash, and comes with reinforced knees and elbows—its the perfect outdoor investment that’s going to be handed from one sibling to the next. It’s not just a one-season wonder.
As far as the non-toxic element, it’s incredibly hard to find outdoor waterproof gear thats free of—BPA, PVC, cadmium, phthalates AND pesky PFAS chemicals (you know, the ones that stick around for decades in your body and the environment). Oaki opts for Oeko-Tex II standard waterproof treatments, making their gear safer and more eco-friendly. Plus, the suit’s PU coating gives it that awesome waterproof power without the use of plasticizers or solvents, so no harmful toxins are involved. It's outdoor gear that’s good for your kiddo and the planet!
Also, Oaki’s hand/foot straps and waist cinch is genius. They let you size up (or in my case double-size up) without worrying about it looking like your kid’s auditioning to be the Ghostbusters’ Stay Puft Marshmallow Man. For my 4 year old I went with size 6/7.
Good To Knows | Got a tall kid? Definitely size up since I feel like the legs run a bit shorter than I expeted. Also, you might want to check out some customer review pictures before you choose your color. This trail suit I purchased was labeled as “lavender” but it definitely has a more pink hue in person. Oh and DONT put the suit in the dryer. It’s hang-dry only.
Ethics | Oaki's Outdoor School Program gives hundreds of outdoor schools wholesale pricing to help make it more affordable for kids to be out in nature. I couldn’t find as much as I was hoping for regarding sourcing—so I’m hoping they post a bit more about it in the future.
Price | $80
Sustainability | Oakiwear’s dedication to sustainability and PFAS-free gear is appladable, but the company also partners with with Eden Reforestation Project so that for every order placed, they plant a tree. So, not only are you gearing up your kiddo for outdoor adventures (and helping raise an earth-adoring-enthusaist) but you’re also helping the planet. Double win!
C & C Overall Review | All in all, the Oaki Trail Suit has been a total delight. It was unscathed from 5 months of rough-and-tough recesses full of mud-jumping, sledding and snowangels. I’ve already pulled it out in preparation for a rainy-fall season and it still looks nearly brand new.
Do you have outdoor gear that you adore? What brands are you go-to options for staying dry and warm? My sister and I would love to hear!
Cheers,
Hazel
