The 4 Questions I’ll Ask You Before You Buy Kids’ Winter Gear

If you’re a parent in Prince George or Northern BC, you know that winter is unpredictable. One day it’s puddles, the next it’s –30°C. That’s why when you walk into Nest & Sprout and ask for winter gear, I won’t just hand you a snowsuit.

Instead, I’ll ask you four important questions that help us find the right fit for your child, your lifestyle, and our Northern climate. For me, it's most important for you to buy the gear that bests align with your needs. Nothing worse than being disappointed by your gear.

And while I might not be the biggest outdoor person, I am amazing at collecting all the information and experiences from others in the community to help guide you into a solution.

1. When Do You Need This Gear?

Are we shopping for mid-season gear (October puddles, November slush), or for the deep cold of January and February?

• For fall and early winter: lighter waterproof ankle boots and rain suits may be enough. You'll probably wan to consider a rain mitten over a snow mitten.
  

• For –20°C to –30°C: you’ll want a technical snowsuit and insulated boots that are designed for Northern BC winters. We're thinking warmth, breathability - and less about waterproofness.
  

• There's also the - can I get something that lasts all the season? Yes, you can - but you'll likley have to give up some concessions and find balance in how and waht you buy. 

👉 Many families in Prince George shop too early or too late: by asking when, we make sure you’re buying for the season you’ll actually use it in. This is also important an important consideration because of size. We all know children grow fast and small gear is often cold gear - so ensuring we know how long and for what prupose can really improve the experiences.

2. What Will You Be Doing With This Gear?

Not all winter days look the same. Will your child be:

• Playing outside at daycare, where staff need easy-on, easy-off gear?
  

• Spending weekends at Purden or local sledding hills?

• Or simply running around the backyard, playground, or walking with you downtown?
  

Each activity calls for different performance levels:

• Reima snowsuits → built for active kids, reinforced knees/elbows, PFAS-free waterproofing.
  

• Therm Kids outerwear → perfect balance of waterproofing + insulation for everyday Northern BC use.
  

And for some families its about being realistic so that you don't over buy. We often see that the colder better quality gear is more expensive - but if you refuse to go outside beyond -10C, and just like quiet stroller walks the gear you need is totally different than the snowmobile family who lives and breathes the outdoors. 

Don't buy for the lifestyle you dont' live. 

3. How Did Last Year’s Gear Work Out?

This question tells us what needs to improve.

• Did your child’s boots leak in the slush?
  

• Complaints about cold fingers?
  

• Did knees or zippers wear out too quickly?
  

• Was your child sweaty at –20°C or cold at –5°C?
  

If last year’s snowsuit didn’t hold up, maybe you need something with a different Martindale rating. Perhaps the waterproof factor needs a little more oomph (some gear has taped seams, and some doesn't) . These details matter when shopping for Prince George winters, which are wet, cold, and unpredictable.

This also helps us get a base line - those boots didn't work, what might actually work?  Maybe the Nefar Galoush style boot? And if your kid was too sweaty, then that was way too warm.

4. What’s Your Budget?

Families in Prince George often juggle multiple kids’ gear needs at once. That’s why I’ll always ask about your budget. Budget is about ensuring we don't spend money you don't have because as a mom who has a little too much consumer debt, thats one thing I really understand. 

At Nest & Sprout, we offer:

• New children's outerwear gear from trusted brands like Reima, Therm Kids, and Jan & Jul
  

• Consignment and preloved gear that’s still high quality but easier on the wallet
  

• Honest advice: sometimes I’ll even recommend something we don’t carry if it’s the best fit for your family.
  

Because the goal isn’t just selling you a product. It’s making sure your kids are warm, dry, and happy all winter long.

Why These Questions Matter for Northern BC Parents

Prince George winters are tough. Between slushy school pickups, icy sidewalks, and deep-freeze ski days, your child needs gear that works in our climate ----  not just what’s popular online. And truthfully even the local comment section fails to address the unique environments families push gear through. 

Perhaps that snowsuit did work for that family but they weren't skiing - there child's metabolism was slower - and they only used it once a week. 

By asking these four questions, I can help you avoid:

• Buying too early or too light for the season
  

• Spending more than you need to
  

• Ending up with gear that doesn’t actually work for your child
  

And when we get it right? Your child is comfortable, your mornings are less stressful, and winter playtime is fun again.

Shop Kids’ Winter Gear in Prince George

Whether you need baby snowsuits, youth gear up to size 12/14, or just reliable mittens and boots, we’ve got you covered.

Visit us at Nest & Sprout, 3049 McGill Crescent, Prince George, BC. Shop online anytime at nestandsprout.ca