No Such Thing As Bad Weather?

It's been two years since our family first took the plunge into the 1000 hours outside challenge.

It's also been two years since I first wrote about the idea of "There's No Such Thing as Bad Weather" here on our Acton blog.

​Out of our family's journey has come a new journey, one in which we are challenge all our learners to push their challenge zone and live life outside. Being kids, building forts, playing games, scraping knees, simply learning to 'be' in nature. But the question remains, is there REALLY no such thing as bad weather?

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“There’s No Such Thing as Bad Weather…”

A phrase most of us have heard at one time or another…sometimes easier said than done but a lesson we’ve learned in our home is all too true. “There’s no such thing as bad weather…only bad clothing.” An old tide and true saying- an even better book. One that changed the way our lives look here in the Harsin household. I also credit the book “Balanced and Barefoot” as the initial catalyst for my desire to make outdoor, free play an absolute priority in our children’s lives.

 I could talk for hours about my inspiration, about the books and the blogs and the podcasts and ALL THE RESEARCH that says, “we go to nature to become our best selves”. But that’s a completely different conversation. 

The goal here is to simply share a few tricks and tips that have served us well over the last two years as our family has continue to embody this concept. We’re by no means experts on this subject but hopefully, you find something here that you can add to your toolbox to make cold-weather, outdoor time a bit more enjoyable!

1. Cold heads, hands and feet are a deal-breaker. Pay extra attention to these areas.
2. If you can dress to block the wind you’re already way ahead of the game.
3. Layers. Layers. Layers. There’s no such thing as too many. They can always peel them away. 
4. Tuck things in! Tuck shirts into pants and mid-layers into base layers and base layers into boots, etc. etc. Anywhere you can keep the wind from getting in always helps.
5. Hand-warmers are a game changer. Not only because they actually help keep hands and feet warm but also because kids love them, they think they’re fun and special and if you save them for the cold days- it gives them something to look forward to.
6. Checkout Goodwill or Facebook Marketplace for AMAZING DEALS on really great quality gear. Think base layer (wool) items or high-end brands like Carhartt.
7. This is a great time of year to search online sales as winter gear starts to really get marked down. One thing I wish I would have been better at doing early on is buying gender, neutral colors and patterns!!

Some of our Favorites

• Our girls base layer- we’ve loved this for years. They come in boys too.
• A neck gator, scarf and/or a hat that completely covers the ears…one of the cheapest and simplest add-ons and they make a BIG difference. 
  
• Waterproof/fleece lined pants. These are great for all types of weather. But, in the winter paired with a base layer we’ve found that our girls don’t even need snow pants on top- they’re that warm (when they’re playing hard). 
  
• Both of our girls have worn these boots with much success. 
  
• All of our children have a couple pairs of these socks and we’ve loved them.
  
• These mittens come highly recommended from a friend in Colorado whose children live outside year round (not quite, but still). We just ordered them for our girls after realizing our current choice isn't cutting it for them.

My final resource is the link to a podcast hosted by the founder of 1000 Hours Outside with guest speaker,  Linda Akesone McGurk the Author of “There’s No Such Thing as Bad Weather”...two, true experts on the topic. Enjoy!

In closing I’m sharing a few pictures of our Sparks heroes because they (and their parents) have truly embodied the challenge this year as they have spent every Wednesday, all day, outdoors. They’ve shifted and acclimated with the changing weather and continue to blow us away every week with their grit and amazing attitudes. They play HARD and oftentimes we hear them talk of being too warm, even on a cold winter day! They should serve as a great inspiration to us all! ❄️