Sorel Tofino II Boot / Patagonia Women’s Down Hooded Jacket (No hood here) and Men’s Down Hooded Jacket / Patagonia Women’s Better Sweater 1/4 Zip, Men’s Better Sweater 1/4 Zip and Girls’ Better Sweater 1/4 Zip / Patagonia Furry Friends Toddler Hoodie / Patagonia Hi-Loft Down Toddler Jacket and Girls’ Hi-Loft Down Jacket / Kids’ Uggs /Similar Bear Hat, Ski Mittens, Duck Boots, Leggings, Sunglasses, Pom Hat
Use code “INTHECITY15” to take 15 percent off your Backcountry order! Note: Exclusions may apply in association with the code.
We’re lucky to live about about a 30-minute drive from Lighthouse Beach in Evanston. If you’re not from the area, Evanston is basically part of Chicago; it’s right above the Rogers Park neighborhood, and it’s on the subway “El” line. It’s also home to Northwestern University, and who doesn’t love college towns?!
It’s pretty easy to fall victim to the gloom of Chicago winters, so when the sun peeked out from behind the clouds this past Thursday, we bundled up the crew and drove up to Lighthouse Beach. Lighthouse Beach is gorgeous, and if you haven’t been, I highly recommend visiting—even now. We’d never seen it in winter, but it’s currently frozen over, and in photos, you almost can’t determine where the beach stops and the water begins. In person, though, the snow-capped waves lap against the icy shore, and it’s quite the sight. It looks like the ground is swaying.
Anyway, our best gear for outdoorsy family adventures like this one is from Backcountry—who believes everyone is capable of enjoying outdoor experiences—because the company carries the best brands and has the best customer service. (Former Olympians, athletes and guides called “Gearheads” are there 24/7 via chat, e-mail or phone to answer your questions and aid with purchases!) I’ve been buying from them for years, so partnering with them over this past year has been such a dream. I should note that my code for 15 percent off your Backcountry order—“INTHECITY15”—is still active, so definitely take advantage! It applies to so many brands that normally don’t go on sale, too. 🤗 (Note: Exclusions may apply in association with the code.)
Here are some of our favorite products for winter adventures:
Sorel Tofino II Waterproof Boot: This is one of the best kept secrets re: Sorel. It features a fleece lining, synthetic insulation, molded rubber outsole for traction and grip, and an EVA footbed and rubber midsole assure impact absorption and comfort. The other option is the Joan of Arctic Boot, which I also own in hot pink from my younger years. (I seriously think my pair is 14 years old at this point!) The Joan of Arctic is very similar to the Tofino, but it has a removable felt liner meant to keep your feet warm in temps down to -25 degrees. Insanity. (Fun story: When I first moved to NYC, I was crying to my dad about how freezing my feet were due to walking to and from work in the snow with Raynaud’s disease. He told me I undoubtedly needed Sorel—what he wore in the Air Force—and he was right. The hot pink boots solved all my problems!) Sizing: I normally wear a size 7.5 in shoes but I always go up 1/2 size to a size 8 in Sorel boots.
Patagonia Women’s Down Hooded Jacket (No hood here) and Men’s Down Hooded Jacket: Literally designed for chilly hikes, this jacket is ridiculously lightweight yet features 800-fill down that’s responsibly-sourced and ultra-warm. When I first got the jacket, I thought there was no way it would keep me toasty, and I brought a backup jacket along on my first outing in it. 😆 But lo! I was totally fine in 20-degree weather. It’s shocking. It’s also wildly easy to move in, making adventures with kids so much more enjoyable. Normally, bending down and picking up Lucy in my giant puffer is a feat. In the Patagonia though, it’s a cinch. If you live in a warmer climate, you might try the Nano Puff line, which has the same look but meant for more temperate conditions. Sizing: In general, I find that Patagonia runs small. I would say that I’m a true XS, but I always order a size Small in Patagonia.
Patagonia Hi-Loft Down Toddler Jacket and Girls’ Hi-Loft Down Jacket: These are the kids’ and toddlers’ versions of our coats. They’re phenomenal. Emma never complains about the cold when she wears hers, and it was an absolute godsend last year for recess when she went to school in-person. Sizing: I would recommend going one to two sizes in kids’ Patagonia jackets so you can get a few years’ wear out of them. Simply cuff the sleeves! I would also recommend buying navy so they can be passed down to any sibling regardless of gender.
Patagonia Women’s Better Sweater 1/4 Zip, Men’s Better Sweater 1/4 Zip and Girls’ Better Sweater 1/4 Zip: Everyone needs one! It’s the best mid layer, and you’ll have it for years. It’s made out of fleece that insulated and manages moisture, and the soft interior is wonderfully cozy for chilly days. It also doesn’t add much bulk, which prevents you from looking like the Stay-Puft Marshmallow (Wo)Man/Kid. The best part, though, is that it’s available for men, women and kids. Matchy-matchy! ;) I should note here that we didn’t purposefully leave the littlest Larkin out 🙈; Emma will outgrow hers next year and it’ll be passed down to Lucy! Sizing: Again, as I think Patagonia generally runs small, I would recommend going a size up. I’m wearing a small here. Emma is four years old, and I order her a size 6 or 7 so she can get a few years’ wear out of her gear. Lucy is 1.5 and I order her a size 3T.
Patagonia Furry Friends Toddler Hoodie: This is just the cutest. The whole Furry Friends line is, actually. I mean, those little bear hats and hoods?! Please. Stay little, Lucy. (Btw: This line is so soft! Makes for great gifts, too.)
Kids’ Uggs: You know my love for kids’ Uggs, so I’ll keep things short and sweet and say that when you invest in a pair, you’ll no longer worry about your kids’ feet getting cold because it just.doesn’t.happen. I’ll add that for sledding and similar activities, though, I’d recommend true snow boots like this pair or this pair from Sorel!
Please enjoy our snaps from Lighthouse Beach, and remember to use code “INTHECITY15” to take 15 percent off your first Backcountry order!
Note: Exclusions may apply in association with the code.
Shop the post:
Sorel Tofino II Boot / Patagonia Women’s Down Hooded Jacket (No hood here) and Men’s Down Hooded Jacket / Patagonia Women’s Better Sweater 1/4 Zip, Men’s Better Sweater 1/4 Zip and Girls’ Better Sweater 1/4 Zip / Patagonia Furry Friends Toddler Hoodie / Patagonia Hi-Loft Down Toddler Jacket and Girls’ Hi-Loft Down Jacket / Kids’ Uggs /Similar Bear Hat, Ski Mittens, Duck Boots, Leggings, Sunglasses, Pom Hat
This post is sponsored by Backcountry. All opinions are my own. As always, thank you so, so much for supporting the partnerships that keep Kelly in the City up and running!
Remember to use code “INTHECITY15” to take 15 percent off your first Backcountry order!
Note: Exclusions may apply in association with the code.