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We're braving skiing this year with out two boys aged four and two. As usual, this winter they both seem to have grown to make last year's trousers look like plus fours!
We've had some great Columbia jacket and salopette sets which have been ideal for the past few winters. Our four year old will be trying skiing rather than just playing in the snow. I'm aware how being cold or wet can affect morale, so would like to get something with better waterproofing and a snow skirt/gaiters.
I don't want to spend more than necessary, as they'll grow out of them by next year. I'd also prefer 2-piece rather than 1-piece as it makes it a little more versatile for general winter wear.
Any bargains out there?
TK Max?
TKMAX or Aldi
Trespass usually pretty good VFM too.
TK Maxx had been one of our ideas. I know friends who've got some really good ski kit from there. I suppose it just depends what stock they have and when: I know it can be a little hit and miss!
As above tkmaxx, plus might be worth a look at blacks coz there're about bust aren't they??
DARE2B
EBay. Sensible for all toddler clothing. Just got a 1 season worn (so, weeks then) snow suit for £20 delivered. It is mint.
Dare2Be have that 30% off code and some super cheap stuff!! TKMax or ebay, 2nd hand has to be the way forward for kids.
Trespass store at Xscape Castleford with a Trespass outlet store across the road in the outlet village if you're in the M62 corridor.
Had their stuff previously - a 3/4 jacket and salopettes was OK but largish at 3, but still just fits at 5 1/2 - and he's not that small. The jacket got worn to nursery and then school, plus last winter he was barely out of ski clothing.
I'll probably get a 5/6 one for him this year, which they have at either £50 OR £60 - £60 is buying a waterproof breathable one.
Colours are reasonable, but beware not all fabrics they use are breathable (if that matters to you) and some are down as water resistant not waterproof (which is probably fine provided the temperature is well below zero, but not if it isn't).
Decathlon are good for kiddies ski gear.
Go Outdoors usually have some gear this time of year
We got ours from Matalan who had a good choice at cheap.
The Dare2B kit looks great VFM. I thought i'd seen it in-store somewhere, or is it just mail order.
Big fans of Go Outdoors for camping kit, but last few times we've popped in it's been good for older children but not so good for those as young as our two.
I'd forgotten, we did buy a snow suit for our 2 year old from Decathlon early in the season. At £35 it seems really good value but is waterproof and not breathable.
Even though Decathlon is always good value I'd guess the big discount on the Dare2B kit would give more bang for my buck.
I know plenty on the forum have bought Dare2B kit. Is it well put together?
After being out with the boys in The Peaks today I realised we need to get better mitts as well. Both boys have a selection of well insulated mitts with wrist loops, but I really need to get some long waterproof, insulated mitts with a draw cord around the cuff that can tighten over the jacket sleeve to give a snow-proof seal and stop our youngest constantly pulling his gloves off!
Gooutdoors do some great stuff. We got a great Columbia ski suit for our youngest for about £40 and they also stock Dare2B.
Columbia is good, but avoid the Omni-Heat gimmick. It's rubbish, utter rubbish.
Otherwise, as above, Decathlon or Trespass are the pick.
Dare2be can be a but hit and miss in my experience where as decathlon you know you'll be getting good functional kit. That is where I would be spending my money.
Go Outdoors is where I've seen the Dare2B stuff before. From the comments I may hang fire getting the ski clothing but for thermals, soft shells and pack able waterproofs for the boys to have when we're camping I dont think we could go wrong- especially with the extra 30%
A big fan of Spotty Otter here.
They do one pieces, dungarees, jackets etc - and all in a choice of insulated or not.
I'd second the Spotty Otters suggestion. Very well made kit.
We went for the fleece lined stuff which also works very well for wet British winters.