Winter Essentials
Many outdoor brands have made big changes in 2025 to phase out PFAS (“forever chemicals”) — a group of persistent, potentially harmful chemicals often used in water-repellent coatings. Patagonia and Reima are great examples. Other brands that are PFAS free:
Fjällräven – known for natural, durable fabrics, and alternatives to fluorinated finishes. They have been PFAS free since 2009!
LL Bean & Houdini – both brands are moving toward PFAS-free (with alternatives); Houdini eliminated PFAS earlier than many others.
Stio - PFAS free since 2020
RAIN GEAR:
Biddle and Bop This is what I personally have for my kids. I also like this kids rain suit. They outline on their site that they are very careful to stock only products that are free from PFAS.
RAIN BOOTS:
Hatley: -These handmade vulcanized rubber boots are waterproof, slip resistant, feature a removable insole, and are PVC-free..
Stonz: These are the ones I personally have: they’re 100% waterproof, made from toxic-free rubber—free of toxins, PVC, phthalates, lead, flame retardants, and formaldehyde—CPMA certified to support healthy foot development, easy to put on, take off, and clean, and feature an all-vegan construction with no animal by-products used
Bisgaard: These are PTFE and PFC free, with a polyester base, produced in Portugal and Asia within the EU, meeting BSCI and SMETA social responsibility standards for employee health, ethics, safety, and environment; featuring flexible, waterproof natural rubber boots and soles free of PVC and phthalates, leather tanned using plant-based powders, and incorporating chrome-free, biodegradable, sustainable leather and pure natural felted woo
SNOW BOOTS:
Keen Every shoe, boot, and sandal that KEEN makes is PFAS free since 2018. These are what my kids are currently wearing.
SNOW GEAR:
Burton one piece snow suit These are the ones I personally have. This snow suit uses PFC-free DWR coating and Bluesign-approved materials for weather protection without toxic finishes.
Burton: These snow jackets, puffy jackets, and overalls use PFC-free DWR coating, Bluesign approved materials, and critically-taped seams for protection, while features like vents, chafe-free chin guard, snag-free neckline, ThermacoreECO insulation, and microfleece-lined taffeta add comfort and warmth
Biddle and Bop: Features snow jackets and pants.
JACKETS:
Patagonia Jacket: This jacket features a lining made from 100% recycled polyester taffeta with a HeiQ Eco Dry PFC-free DWR finish, insulated with 600-fill-power 100% Recycled Down (duck and goose down reclaimed from down products), and both the shell and lining fabrics are certified as bluesign approved.
Stio Jackets: Designed with performance and responsible materials in mind. Check individual product pages for PFAS-free waterproof claims.
Ecoalf: These are the ones I personally have, but unfortunately they no longer make the kids' version. They are Bluesign certified and/or STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX, made entirely from recycled polyester derived from plastic bottles, and filled with recycled synthetic feather padding (Fellex), which is vegan.
Ropi Jacket : This product is PFC-free, Bluesign certified, and free of toxic chemicals such as BPA, phthalates, toxic dyes and perfumes, pesticides, PVC, and added formaldehyde.
Hatley: Rain Jacket or winter jacket Hatley markets its raincoats and outerwear as free from harmful chemicals, including PFAS.
Patagonia vest:This jacket is made from recycled fishing nets with a shell featuring a PFC-free DWR finish and insulated with 600-fill-power 100% recycled down reclaimed from duck and goose down products.
Disana wool jacket: 100% organic Merino wool, made in Germany.
Engel Child Jacket with Zipper, Fleece
CLOTHING:
Marino Wool Base Layer Items:
Warm & Weather also has Disana wool items:
ORGANIC SOCKS:
Little Spruce Organics: 80% organic merino wool, 18% organic cotton, 2% elastane
Hirsch Natur Child Sock, Mid-Weight, with Ribbed Cuff, Merino Wool
Baabushka kids wool bootie for after being out in the snow. My children report these are warm and comfortable, yet difficult to put on.
See my full blog on organic socks here
GLOVES + MITTENS + BEANIES:
Burton - Makes the ones we have and love.
Hestra Ski Gloves High-quality winter gloves built for warmth and durability in snowy conditions
Little Spruce Organics 100% organic merino and are double layered for extra comfort and warmth.
Mittens: 100% organic boiled virgin Merino wool.
BMS Child Waterproof Rain Mitts, Fleece Lined: 100% Polyester, 100% PU ECO Coating
EcoAble makes Toddler and Kids Mittens and Organic Merino Wool Snow Glovesthese are also sold on Amazon