Best Baby Buntings for Hiking With a Baby: Canadian Rockies Adventure Mom Guide (Fleece Bunting, Snowsuits, and Snowsuit Bunting Options)
- Adrianna Skori
- 6 days ago
- 6 min read
When you start hiking with a baby in colder seasons, the snowsuit you choose matters more than almost anything else. It is not just about warmth. It is about movement, breathability, fit in a carrier, and how confident you feel stepping outside together.
You always want to start with a non-cotton base layer, then a fleece or merino wool bunting as a mid-layer, and then an outer shell bunting. I link up my favourites here and at no extra cost to you, my affiliate links go to Kids Who Explore to get more kids outdoors. Thank you in advance!
Over the years of winter hiking, snowshoeing, and shoulder season exploring with babies, I have learned that not all baby snowsuits are created equal. Some are great for quick stroller walks but feel bulky and restrictive in a carrier. Others are beautifully designed for active families and make winter adventures feel easy instead of stressful.
Below are the baby buntings and snowsuits I personally recommend. These are the ones I trust, reach for, and would use again. I am also including a couple of more affordable options that are not my top picks, but are still reputable and decent quality for families getting started.
Disclaimer: It is not always recommended by babywearing experts to have baby in a snowsuit as the extra puffy parts can impede babies airways. Super important to always ensure baby had clear airways.
My Top Recommendations for Winter Baby Snowsuit Buntings for Hiking With a Baby
Patagonia Hi-Loft Down Sweater Bunting (My Top Choice):
This is my personal favourite for hiking and snowshoeing with a baby. It is incredibly warm for how lightweight it feels, which makes a huge difference when babywearing. The hands and feet fold over to contain gloves and booties. The down insulation keeps babies cozy without adding unnecessary bulk, and it fits beautifully inside a carrier while allowing natural leg positioning. You can order new but I actually snagged my Patagonia gear on fb marketplace and I encourage you to do that same!! Patagonia is made to pass down and their gear holds value for resale too. I love that Earth is Patagonia's shareholder and the fun colours add positivity to our winter adventures!
One important thing to note is that this bunting is not waterproof. For snowy or wet conditions, I always pair it with a carrier rain cover or wind shell, or add a separate waterproof outer layer. With that simple adjustment, it becomes one of the most versatile and comfortable winter options for active families.
Purchase options:
MEC (Canada)
REI (USA)
Baby 1996 Retro Nuptse One-Piece:
The Baby 1996 Retro Nuptse One-Piece is one of those winter pieces that feels both nostalgic and incredibly practical for cold days with a baby. It’s seriously warm thanks to 700-fill Responsible Down Standard certified goose down, but still manages to feel lightweight and comfortable when baby is riding along in a carrier, sled, or stroller. The fleece-lined interior adds an extra layer of coziness, while the recycled outer fabrics with a non-PFC water-repellent finish help handle light snow, wind, and winter messes without feeling stiff or crinkly. The overall fit is streamlined enough to work well for babywearing, and the full-coverage design with an insulated hood helps seal in warmth on those brisk winter days when you just want everyone cozy and content. With sizing starting as small as newborn and going up to two years, it’s a beautiful option for families who want warmth, comfort, and a winter suit that actually gets used.
Purchase options:
MEC Besnow Bunting Suit: (New and Noteworthy!)
The MEC BeSnow Bunting Suit is designed for families who experience winter from the carrier, sled, or stroller and need serious warmth without unnecessary bulk. Insulated with 550-fill Responsible Down Standard certified down, it strikes a thoughtful balance between warmth and weight while still packing down small. The streamlined insulated hood stays close to the head to keep tiny ears warm on gusty days, while fold-over cuffs and convertible mitts and slippers add extra insulation for hands and feet without the worry of lost socks or mittens. Details like the diagonal front zipper and hidden inner-leg zipper make loading, unloading, and diaper changes easier, and the quilted construction helps keep insulation evenly distributed. It’s a cozy, well-designed option for cold winter days when comfort and ease matter most.
The North Face ThermoBall Baby Bunting:
North Face baby buntings are known for their slimmer fit, which makes them particularly good for babywearing. The ThermoBall insulation provides reliable warmth without excess bulk, allowing babies to sit comfortably in carriers. This is a great option if you want something streamlined and versatile that can transition easily between everyday wear and light hiking. Love the fold overs again on the feet and hands.
Shop Amazon Canada (Best Deal)
More Affordable and Reputable Options
These are not my top picks for hiking, but they are solid, widely available options for families who want something dependable at a lower price point. Always watch for sales on these buntings as I often see them on sale on my Amazon Storefront.
Columbia Sportswear Infant Snuggly Bunting:
The Columbia Snuggly Bunny is a very popular and accessible option. It uses synthetic insulation, which performs well in damp or variable conditions, and it is easy to find at a more affordable price. While it is slightly bulkier than premium options, it works well for shorter hikes, everyday winter use, and families just beginning to explore winter adventures.
Columbia Sportswear Unisex Baby Powder Lite Reversible Bunting:
The Columbia Baby Powder lite is more for mild winter days and it is very sleek for baby wearing and fitting into the hiking carrier. You want to ensure you have the appropriate layers under to ensure baby is insulated and warm.
The Best Fleece Buntings for Baby Explorers:
Patagonia Infant Micro D® Fleece Bunting:
My boys lived in their fleece buntings in all seasons. The kids stayed warm during camping trips, hikes, and backpacking experiences. This fleece has booties built in with rubber on the bottom. Ideally I would love if the feet folded over instead of being built in. Fold overs allow for booties and temperature checks in the winter a little easier.
Columbia Unisex Baby Snowtop II Bunting Snowsuit:
Baby Glacier One-Piece:
This fleece is my top choice as it has fold over booties!! I find it so much easier to unfold and check my baby's feet as a temperature check.
MEC Fireside Bunting or Overall Suit:
A non-bulky and super comfy fleece for babies by the MEC label.
Columbia Baby Bear Bunting (the cutest):
I dressed my youngest in this for our annual halloween hike on the trail and he was a little black bear. These buntings are adorable and super cozy.
Amazon Fleece Baby Bear Bunting Bodysuit:
This little bunting is top seller on my Amazon storefront and is loved by many outdoor moms but I don't love the fit as much. Please note that it does have a lose fit. It is very similar to the Columbia bunting and is often listed on sale. These also come in so many colour options too. This is such a great gift idea for an outdoor baby.
Merino Wool Bunting Suit
Wool bunting suits are great for the cold too but I never really had the chance to experience them and find an affordable option. I found the thick merino wool super stiff and uncomfortable. Fleece is a great mid layer and it is much more affordable of an option.
Baby Base Layers
I always used Wee Woolies or Ik'splor base layers for babies.
How I Think About Choosing a Baby Snowsuit
When choosing a snowsuit for hiking, I prioritize warmth without bulk, flexibility through the hips and legs, and breathability. I also think about how the suit will work inside a carrier and whether I can easily adjust layers as conditions change.
Down insulated suits tend to be warmer and lighter but need extra protection from moisture. Synthetic insulation handles wet snow better but can feel bulkier. Neither is wrong, it just depends on how and where you adventure.
You will need to consider waterproofing if you choose a bunting that isn't waterproof. I either use my Poco rain cover for my hiking carrier, my ergo baby rain cover, or a shell bunting. I have linked those up below for you.
Rain Bunting for Hiking Babies
Great to tuck into your hiking carrier if you get caught in a rain storm.
I hope you find these accessories helpful when exploring outside with your little babes.
Baby Snowsuits Keep the Adventures Coming!
The best baby snowsuit for hiking is the one that keeps your baby warm, allows natural movement, and gives you confidence to step outside more often. You do not need every option on the market. You need one that fits your climate, your carrier, and your style of adventure.
Winter with a baby does not have to be something you endure indoors. With the right layers, it becomes something you share.
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