Good quality gear for kids. What's best?

[_AJ_]

Time to buy my daughter's new gear for sledding. Seems like most gear is not up to snuff for our sport and nothing is worse than being soaked and cold.

I've had some luck with Columbia gear but the oldest is 8 now and ready to step up a notch.

When they were younger, the rides were shorter and they mainly just rode on short rides. Like most kids, they spend as much time rolling in the snow as they do riding.

We parents have Klim gear and it is truly awesome. I see that they offer the klimate pants and jacket in youth sizes, but the website shows them out of stock on the pants.

Another concern is that $1000 bucks is just much for two coats and two bibs for kids. I'll be lucky to get two seasons out of them before they don't fit and I need to set some aside for avy beacons.

I'm sure I'm not the only one in this situation, so what are you guys using to keep your kids warm and dry?



AJ

 

[WatchThis!!!]

Im 14 and I wear Klim.
Pricey Yes, But It's worth being dry an warm.

 

[eludnu]

I have the same problem with gear for my kids. I've found top notch ski shops to have the good gear, even for kids. Ski expo's also.

 

[Flit-e]

my friends with kids outfit them in castle x gear

 

[Reeb]

FXR has awesome stuff for the kids. The styles look like the adults and I think their really sharp. I sell it at work along with Ski-Doo stuff. As well as GKS. The FXR sells out early every year. I try to keep it to almost the last thing I put on display and yet it still sells out quicker than the other two.

I do like what the CKS brand(Kimpex) looks like. I saw the line in Revy last spring and was impressed. Haven't brought any in though. 3 lines of kids stuff is kinda over-doing it.

 

[_AJ_]

FXR huh.... cool Who's the best online dealer for them? Do the have a direct website. I'll start searching for one.....

 

[_AJ_]

http://www.fxrracing.com/Product.aspx?noc=7

Any other suggestions?

 

[BackCountryBasics]

Hi AJ..Hope you all are great!!...Have you checked out Klim Kids yet also?

http://www.klimusa.com/news.php?newsId=167

 

[coptzeer]

we have always found factory polaris gear a really good deal, great gear for a good price, especially if you can find what you need in the clearance dept. now i am talking about ordering from the online store mind you. good luck and keep the kids warm!!!

 

[gmaredd]

Kids Gear

http://www.fxrracing.com/Product.aspx?noc=7

Any other suggestions?

Go into Dennis Kirk online - they have a pretty good selection / all youth sizes at very reasonable prices.

 

[snowrodeo]

Time to buy my daughter's new gear for sledding. Seems like most gear is not up to snuff for our sport and nothing is worse than being soaked and cold.

We parents have Klim gear and it is truly awesome. I see that they offer the klimate pants and jacket in youth sizes, but the website shows them out of stock on the pants.

Another concern is that $1000 bucks is just much for two coats and two bibs for kids. I'll be lucky to get two seasons out of them before they don't fit and I need to set some aside for avy beacons.

I'm sure I'm not the only one in this situation, so what are you guys using to keep your kids warm and dry?



AJ

yeah, you gotta keep the kids warm and dry, or NOBODY has fun on the ride. and everybody goes home early!!

your right about klim being some of the best out there - but very spendy as well.... on one hand, you ask, "whats it worth to keep your kids warm and dry", but its hard to justify that kinda $$ for a couple of years. im just getting to this stage as well - my boy will want to start coming with me on more/longer rides this year, im sure. have wondered myself between klim, columbia, etc.

i wonder if we could get a new section put in swap, just for kids clothes??? then, you could sell it after a year or two when they outgrow it, and re-coup some of the $$ spent on top quality gear, and use it to buy new, bigger stuff.

just a thought.........

 

[adrenaline junkey]

I too have used the Columbia stuff and had good success with it as much as my daughter rides one thing i have learned no mater what ya get keep it in good shape sell it when they out grow it makes the next purchase not so tuff Ive got anywhere between half and 3/4 the cost back.
I would also second the fxr stuff a couple Buddy's use it and haven't heard them complain about being cold yet

 

[vmaxfrank]

Another vote for Columbia. The Mrs. tries to find stuff at garage and church sales, even a year or two ahead. Mine never complains about being cold, except in the glove arena. Mittens help, but she has trouble holding on. I typically use a harness as added insurance.

Also good quality long johns seem to go a long way towards comfort.

I have a question about bibs for kids. I like bibs for me, the Mrs. likes pants. I figure bibs would be warmer and driyer, but may cause problems in bathroom emergencies. Any opinions from parents of kids in the 6 year age range?

I'm not sure how much all this matters as mine falls asleep within 10 minutes anyway.

 

[sledhead ut]

We went sown this road last year with our kids (5&7 yr. old). We had the best luck with Cabelas and REI. One thing I was happy to find was that they are making kids pants with a drop down hem for growth. Kinda nice considering how much the stuff costs. Our kids are always in the nasty elements and I would spare no expense to keep them warm.

We should have a kids gear swap on Snowest for all our kids that have growth spurts.

 

[KrazyKen]

"Kids Clothing" in the swapmeet!

Awesome idea! I know I would use it. I've got a 12 year old boy just starting another growth spurt who needs new gear this year. FYI- he wore a Castle X coat the last two years and it was great.

 

[_AJ_]

That is a great idea... Someone should PM Admin with it. I have used columbia the last couple years and it has worked well. The one piece suits averaged about 70 bucks on sites like ebay etc...