Outside Years is a practical guide to outdoor gear for kids, written for parents who want to get their children outside without buying the wrong thing twice.
Why this site exists
Kids grow fast, outdoor gear is expensive, and most gear advice is written for adults. A sleeping bag rated for an adult does not keep a four-year-old warm in the same way, and a hiking boot that suits a teenager can be too stiff for a toddler. We focus on those differences: sizing, safety, warmth, weight and what actually matters at each age.
How we research
Our guides are research-based. We read manufacturer specifications and sizing charts, safety standards, guidance from organizations such as the American Academy of Pediatrics and the National Park Service, and large volumes of verified owner feedback. When we have not used a product ourselves, we say so plainly. We never invent testing, experiences or reviews.
How we make money
Outside Years is reader-supported. Some links on this site are Amazon affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission if you buy through them, at no extra cost to you. Commissions never decide what we recommend. You can read the details in our Affiliate Disclosure.
Who writes here
Articles are published by The Outside Years Team. We are not pediatricians or certified outdoor instructors. For health or safety questions about your own child, talk to your pediatrician, and always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for any carrier, seat or safety product.