What to pack
The gear list we send to enrolled families, shared publicly so any Vancouver parent can pack with confidence. These are not affiliate recommendations. We do not earn commission.
Tap any category to open it. These are the items we have seen work best across years of running outdoor programs.
Backpacks
Why it matters. Your child carries their own backpack. This is part of how they learn capability. The backpack must fit their body, not yours.
What to look for
- Sized for ages 5 to 8 (typically 10 to 15 litres)
- Two padded shoulder straps
- A chest strap to keep the bag from slipping
- Side pocket for a water bottle they can reach themselves
- Zippers your child can manage independently
Our recommendations
- Deuter Pico. German-engineered, beautifully sized for small children.
- Osprey Daylite Jr.. Well-padded and comfortable for full days.
- Fjällräven Kanken Mini. Popular and durable.
Water bottles
Why it matters. Children hydrate when water is easy to access. A leak-proof, durable bottle they can open and close themselves is non-negotiable.
What to look for
- Stainless steel for temperature retention and durability
- Leak-proof lid (essential inside a backpack)
- 350 to 500 ml capacity for ages 5 to 8
- Wide enough opening for ice cubes in summer
- Clearly labelled with your child’s name
Our recommendations
- Hydro Flask Kids 12 oz. Insulated, durable, leak-proof straw lid.
- Klean Kanteen Kid Classic. Stainless steel, simple, time-tested.
- Yeti Rambler Jr.. If you want indestructible.
Lunch boxes
Why it matters. A lunch your child cannot open creates frustration at meal time. A compartmentalized lunch box helps children eat a balanced meal.
What to look for
- Compartments to separate foods
- Latches your child can open independently
- Insulated outer bag or built-in ice pack pocket
- Easy to clean
Our recommendations
- PlanetBox Rover. Stainless steel, made for children, indestructible.
- Yumbox Original or Tapas. Compartmentalized, leak-resistant, very popular.
- Bentgo Kids. Plastic, lighter weight, good entry option.
Shoes
Why it matters. Closed-toe shoes are required for safety on forest terrain. Sandals, Crocs, and slip-ons are not appropriate for outdoor camp.
What to look for
- Closed toe
- Real grip on the sole, not smooth
- Quick-dry materials for mud and puddles
- Easy on and off for your child to manage independently
Our recommendations
- Keen Newport H2 Kids. Closed-toe outdoor sandal, handles water, durable.
- Merrell Trail Glove Kids. Lightweight, grippy, good for full days.
- Salomon XA Pro Kids. Trail-ready, great traction.
- Bogs Kids’ Boots. Waterproof for rainy West Coast days.
- Hunter Kids’ Rain Boots. The classic Vancouver rain boot.
Hats
Why it matters. Wide-brimmed hats protect the face, neck, and ears in ways a baseball cap cannot. A hat that does not stay on is not a hat.
What to look for
- Wide brim, not a baseball cap
- A chin strap that fastens (essential for windy days)
- Quick-dry fabric for unexpected splashes
- UPF 50+ rating
Our recommendations
- Sunday Afternoons Kids’ Play Hat. The gold standard. Worn by Sunhouse educators and children.
- Sunday Afternoons Adventure Hat. Larger brim, more coverage.
- Patagonia Baggies Brimmer. Lightweight, packs flat.
- REI Co-op Sun Hat Kids. Reliable mid-priced option.
Sun protection
Why it matters. A full day on open lawns and shorelines can produce a real burn. Sun protection is layered: hat plus shirt plus sunscreen.
Our recommendations for clothing
- UPF 50+ long-sleeve shirts. UV Skinz, Coolibar Kids, Patagonia Sun Shield.
- Lightweight long pants. For forest days.
- Babiators Kids sunglasses. With a strap.
Sunscreen
Why it matters. Most commercial sunscreens are chemical-based, scented, and irritating. Mineral sunscreens with zinc oxide are gentler on young skin and start working as soon as they go on.
Our top pick
- Blue Lizard Sensitive Skin Mineral Sunscreen. Mineral-based with zinc oxide, fragrance-free, gentle on sensitive skin, water-resistant. The Sunhouse founders’ personal pick.
Other reliable options
- Thinkbaby SPF 50+ Mineral Sunscreen
- Badger Active Mineral Sunscreen
- EltaMD UV Sport Mineral
What not to pack
- Anything precious or breakable
- Phones, smart watches, or screens
- Hard candy or sugary snacks (regulation suffers, energy crashes)
- Open-toed sandals or Crocs
- Lunch containers your child cannot open independently
- Brand-new shoes that have not been broken in
Cost
Outdoor gear for children is an investment. Most quality gear lasts several seasons and often passes down to a younger sibling.
Quality gear is cheaper than replacing cheap gear three times.
Enrolling at Sunhouse? Families receive a detailed, current packing checklist by email before the first day. Our favourite Vancouver parks
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