While we may call them “baselayers” here in the U.S., I’ve recently learned that our neighbors to the North call them “thermals.”
We’re talking about what we all used to call “long underwear.”
And no matter what you call them, you’re going to want to check out Stripes Gear.
I’m going to start with a disclaimer. For four years, I’ve sung the praises of wool, not just singing, but shouting. With two boys and a husband, I’m totally sold on the natural anti-bacterial, anti-smell properties of wool baselayers.
The only problem is, my kids don’t like wool. They want something softer.
Lucky for me, my sons are big, so it’s easy to find alternatives. But I clearly remember those days when the boys were little. It’s not easy finding high-quality baselayers for active, athletic kids.
Hello Stripes Gear!
Cassy Campbell is an Australian turned Canadian, and the mother of two grade-school age children.
Living in the southern Canadian Rockies, her kids are outdoors year-round, which put her on the hunt for good, long-lasting thermals (see, I’m adapting!). When she found Stripes Gear, she found something her children wanted to wear.
Recently, she had the opportunity to buy the company. So she did.
I met up with Cassy in Snowmass this winter and learned a bit more about her story and her company.
It turns out this entrepreneurial mom had been hunting for a business, but hadn’t found the right fit. When Stripes Gear came along, she knew she’d found her calling. She knew the product. She believed in the product, and her kids love the product.
Or as she puts it, “I love the idea of keeping kids and adult layer clothing affordable and available so that we all get outside and play. Warm kids are happy kids!”
After just a few months in business, Stripes is so popular that Cassy has recouped her original investment.
Stripes Gear is made in Christchurch, New Zealand of premium weight 1×1 rib polypropylene fabric. Using a more substantial yarn than normal, the garments have enhanced moisture management capability. As you probably know, polypropylene is a popular outdoor fabric because it effectively transfers moisture away from the body, with minimal absorption. And best of all, this type of polypro is hypoallergenic and doesn’t stink!
Stripes Gear Under Review
As I mentioned above, I love wool, so I wasn’t prepared to like Stripes. Then I tried them on. My first impression was “Ooh, so soft.” My next impression was “Ooh, so cute.” Then I went for a trail run. I loved them.
I’ve skied in them all winter, and while I’ve added a second layer on the coldest days, I’m impressed.
In addition to the women’s thermals Cassy sent me, she also sent a kid’s set. I passed these onto my friend Christy and her son.
Here’s what they had to say about the Krazy stripe combo he tried.
“My son loved them so much he wanted to sleep in them. They are definitely warm, and I think they’re much cuter and softer than his other baselayers. I would definitely buy them depending upon price and availability.”
And while I thought the women’s styles ran true to size, if maybe even generous for the top, Christy thinks it’s smart to order the kids’ version one size large, because of the snug fit.
How to Get Stripes Gear
I really like my Stripes baselayers, and I like the designs for men and kids a lot, too — especially the Krazy Thermals with all the mixed up colors! For young kids, a market with limited options, I think Stripes Gear are definitely among the best baselayers we’ve found.
Stripes Gear is available online. Pricing is in Canadian dollars, which means US customers get a discount based on current exchange rates (for example, the two piece boy’s set my friend tried is $60 CDN or about $50 US). That’s just $25 per piece for something your kids will want to wear.
Shipping is calculated online according to where you live. For me, the international rate was $20 CDN, whether I was buying one item or six. Clearly, it pays to buy in bulk, for the whole family, and pay shipping only once.
Stripes Gear Giveaway
Cassy has generously donated a $300 CDN (about $250 US) gift certificate as a giveaway. Although the gift certificate will be spent in Canadian dollars, the giveaway is open worldwide.
Additionally, she’s offering a 20% discount on kids’ sets (top and pants) through February 10, 2015. Use this code at checkout: Brave Ski Mom.
TO ENTER: We want you to check out the Stripes Gear website, so please visit Stripes Gear and then come back to Brave Ski Mom and tell us about your favorite item.
For a second entry, please follow Stripes Gear on Facebook or Twitter and tell me that you did.
One winner will be chosen randomly on Thursday, January 29th from all comments received. Please note, the gift certificate applies to the full price of all items (not the current sales prices). All items must also be in stock. There are no backorders. Thanks!
Good luck!
To facilitate this post, I received a set of women’s baselayers and a set of kid’s baselayers to review. As always, all opinions are my own and are exactly what I would tell my family and friends.
More On Keeping Warm:
- Warm Kids are Happy Kids, Especially When Skiing, November 28, 2012.
- Overcoming the Enemies of Fun Family Skiing, November 20, 2013.
- Ski Fashion 2012 – 2013: Beautiful Baselayers, Midlayers and More, October 31, 2012.
- Smelling Sweet with Icebreaker Wool, December 5, 2011.
This giveaway is now closed. Congratulations to Kelly B!
© 2015 – 2017, braveskimom. All rights reserved. Any use or publication of content, including photos, requires express permission.
justen says
Have a 4 yr old who is just learning to ski this year. Finding out that you really have to look hard to find good base layers. Stripes gear looks awesome and my 4yr old boy would love the colors. Thanks for another great find!!
justeb says
Just liked on Twitter as well.
braveskimom says
Thanks! Got you entered twice!
braveskimom says
You bet! And I totally agree with you that if it’s hard to find good baselayers in kid’s sizing. I suspect manufacturers don’t think much about this market. Luckily, Stripes does!
KellyB says
GIRLS KRAZY KIDS 2 PIECE SET looks super cute. I also liked them on Facebook
braveskimom says
So cute, right? I love the mixed up, brightly colored, Stripes!
braveskimom says
Thanks for letting me know! You’re entered 2x!
hcgardiner says
I followed Stripes on Facebook and Twitter, and I love the Candy Cane set! I also think all of the kids pieces are terrific.
braveskimom says
I really like the Candy Cane set, too! It’s fun to find something cheery in adult sizing!
braveskimom says
Thanks for following on FB and Twitter. You’re entered twice!
Mel says
I love the Krazy Kids boys set, and the beanies are adorable.
braveskimom says
Beanies! So glad you mentioned them…a layer that fits under your ski helmet when it’s super cold!
Sarah says
I’d definitely get my kids the girls’ krazy 2 piece set. Love it!
braveskimom says
I agree! Good luck!
Mel says
And I liked on FB as Melynda Coble Harrison!
braveskimom says
Thanks! You’re entered twice!
Heather Chichester Pettis says
We are all about the base, ’bout the base – base layers that is! Finding good quality base layers isn’t always easy. I LOVE how fun these are! I’m loving the krazy kids design – but all of them are super cute. My girls would LOVE these! Liked them on facebook – they are running a GREAT free shipping promo right now too and so I hope lots of people order!
braveskimom says
SO Glad you mentioned the free shipping promo! Use the Brave Ski Mom coupon code, get a discount and free shipping! Order on!
Heidi says
The Krazy thermal zip neck gets my vote, with the candy cane top a close second. Cheerful!! Also intrigued by the beanies…thanks for the introduction.
braveskimom says
You bet! How was Austria????!
Heidi says
Kristen, Austria was Ausome! Thanks for the tip about the Transpack, our gear made it there and back just fine.
braveskimom says
Wonderful!
Adrienne edgar says
Wow-love STRIPES. Especially love the girls krazy kids set for my 4yr old ski bunny. So much more fun than the standard blue or pink.
braveskimom says
Right? It’s fun to get something that looks good — and doesn’t need to be covered up!
Olivia says
Definitely Like the Krazy kids boys set!
Also liked them on facebook!
braveskimom says
Thanks Olivia!
braveskimom says
Thanks for liking on FB! You’re entered twice!
Joy says
Love the Candy Cane three piece set and the kids rainbow two piece set. I liked Stripes on both Facebook and Twitter.
braveskimom says
Thank you so much Joy!
braveskimom says
Thanks for the social follows! You’re entered twice!
Krista says
I love the Krazy Kids 2 ounce sets! Both of my girls wear them and are now growing out of theirs!
Krista says
Followed them on Facebook
braveskimom says
Thanks for the follow. You’re in twice!
braveskimom says
So you’re an experienced Stripes Gear mom! How cool! Good luck!
Amy says
From one brave ski mom (aspiring) to another, I love all of the Stripe items! The candy cane set would go over best with my 5 year old, though. She dropped her mittens in the toilet at the base lodge Sunday morning, it almost broke me but I kept thinking “be brave!”. I’ll never ski Alta with her if I let a pair of tinkle soaked mittens get in my way. Thanks for creating a great place for snow loving moms to come and learn!
braveskimom says
Amy, thank you so much you made my day! And we’ve all had those moment — we had a tinkle accident during a ski race. And guess what? Speed suits take the pee right down into the ski boots. Agh.
Good luck! You’re no longer aspiring you are Brave!
Amy says
And I’ve liked Stripes on Facebook!
braveskimom says
Wonderful! Thanks! 2 entries for you.
Leslie H says
Fun! I want the Krazy thermals for my 5 yr old!!!
Leslie H says
Liked on Facebook as well
braveskimom says
And you’re in twice, too!
braveskimom says
Good luck Leslie!
Heather says
I visited their website and especially like the Women’s Krazy Thermal Zip Neck!
braveskimom says
I like that style too — a little extra warmth and color! Good luck!
Heather says
I follow Stripes Gear on Facebook and Twitter
braveskimom says
Thanks so much. Double entry for you!
Heather Mundt says
Love the boys’ Krazy 2-piece, which I know both of my boys would wear 24 hours a day! I also just followed her on Twitter. 🙂
braveskimom says
I kind of want to wear my Stripes 24/7, too!
Cindy Hayhurst says
Thermals, base layers, long johns or whatever you call them in our ski racing family we always need more & I love to see a Canadian company getting noticed south of the border. Visited the website and Liked them on Facebook. Thanks for introducing me to Stripes.
braveskimom says
Yes, I forgot about Long Johns! When you race, you always need more! Good luck!
braveskimom says
And thanks for the social follows. You’re in twice!
edmontonjb says
I really love the Glacier Kids 2 piece Set
braveskimom says
I like those subtle colors, too! Good luck!
Cassy Campbell says
This Is Cassy from Stripes.. and well… I’m kinda teary… Wow fellow ski moms and dads, I’m stunned and humbled at the great response to Stripes Gear from our US cousins. Stripes has become a big part of our family and this amazing response affirms our core belief that active winter kids are important to you too. Thank you for entering our contest and good luck to the winner!
braveskimom says
Cassy, not only do you have a great product, you are an awesome person! Hooray! Thanks so much for working with me on this! Yea!
Lia Keller says
Those are some of the most wonderfully colored items! They have such wonderful pictures on their website too – and they have a clearance section!
braveskimom says
I know! I love the colors…and I love sales! Don’t forget you can also get 20% off using coupon code Brave Ski Mom!
bebewagner says
Those krazy boys kids sets are super cute. Whether I win this giveaway or not I’m ordering some for my boys- way too cute to pass up! I also very happily liked them on facebook. Thanks!
braveskimom says
So glad to hear this! Thanks for supporting Cassy and getting in on some Stripes Gear action!
braveskimom says
Got you entered twice. Thank you so much for letting me know!
Janine McNally says
I love the candy cane 3 piece set!
braveskimom says
I’ve got it and I love it too!
Janine McNally says
Liked and following on Facebook!
braveskimom says
Thanks so much Janine!
Sara Koehn says
I can see both the grandboys rockin the beanies on the outside, and staying warm with the fabulous base layers on the inside! So many great color combos to choose from:)
braveskimom says
Inside or out, the quality is as good as the colors!
Brenda Shaw Doll says
These look awesome, love the women’s candy cane, and the kids are all so cute. Just stocked up on base layers earlier this winter, but the kids keep growing, so we’ll need more soon.
braveskimom says
That’s the truth…kids keep growing! Thanks Brenda!
Brenda Shaw Doll says
Liked on FB, too! Thanks for sharing!
braveskimom says
You bet! Entered 2x!
Sarah says
I love the Krazy Kids sets! I know my kids would love the crazy mismatched look!
braveskimom says
I know…mismatched stripes are surprisingly adorable!
Sarah says
following them on twitter
braveskimom says
Wonderful! Thanks!
Amber says
Love ’em all, especially candy cane!!!!! Also followed on Twitter. 🙂
braveskimom says
Thanks so much MHM!
braveskimom says
Cheers Amber! You’re entered twice!
iiisindyiii says
I like the kids Glacier Set.
braveskimom says
Thank you so much for checking out the Stripes Gear site! Cheers!
iiisindyiii says
Follow them on FB- SIndy Murray
braveskimom says
You are entered twice, Sindy! Thanks!
Amity Noble says
What a great piece – thanks for sharing this company. I just crusied their website and what adorable colors for the kids! My girls (7&3) are going to love the rainbow and I think my son (9) would go for the crazy stripe set…we ski often here in the Northeast and can’t get enough of being outside. We live on the coast and a favorite activity is walking our beautiful beaches – but that wind gets chilly so I am very much looking forward to outfitting my family in crazy stripes!
Thanks Brave Ski Mom ;p)
PS – I only use Instagram, and I’m follower!! – I don’t use twitter or facebook –
braveskimom says
I’ll admit, I’ve been wearing them for hiking, running and if I only had a beach nearby, I’d be wearing them then!
braveskimom says
No worries! You’re entered twice! Instagram is awesome!
Heidi M says
I too am a wool only gal, but I may just give these a go thanks to your recommendation! Plus the kids sets are super fun!
braveskimom says
I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised! And, I also layer them with my wool layers. There are simply days when one base layer won’t cut it!
Kimberly says
Love the fuschia thermal set. My daughter would never take it off! I happened on your website as we prepare for our very first family ski trip with the kids (ages 4, 3 and 3) and I really appreciate all the kids’ gear reviews. It looks a lot comfier and more attractive than what I wore when I learned to ski!
braveskimom says
Dear Kimberly, So glad you’re finding the reviews helpful! There’s so much good stuff out there! Enjoy your family ski trip and may it be the first of many!
Debby Singleton says
My family was in New Zealand two years ago and we actually bought some of the merino wool Icebreaker gear, but our girls thought it was “itchy”, so I totally understand the need for warm, yet soft base layers. It’s hard enough to get teenagers out the door early to go skiing and if there is an issue with clothing, well, it’s another battle. So I browsed the Stripes Gear website and liked them on Facebook. I love the multi crazy stripe zip shirts and just may have to order one. I am on snow 2 nights per week in the unpredictable NC mountains so it can be sunny and warm at 5pm and freezing and snowing at 9pm. Layering is key to staying warm. I also like the quarter zip feature, as a runner, I start out with everything zipped to the chin and as I warm up, unzip to vent. Thanks for the information about this really cool company.
braveskimom says
You make so many great points here…one of them being that kids are picky and if they like what they’re wearing life is much easier!
And then there’s the point about layering, which is absolutely essential, day or night! Finally, I agree, these layers are great for running and the zip is a strong feature!
braveskimom says
Thanks for liking Stripes on FB! You’re entered twice!
Megan Balfe says
I love the look of the Women’s Krazy Thermal Zip Neck! I LOVE color, I LOVE stripes, and I LOVE 3/4 zip tops! Super cute and functional to pair with a solid vest. I would wear this top skiing, Nordic skiing, snowshoeing, with jeans or teaching PE!!
braveskimom says
You’re so right — slope to street and all in between!
Roberto says
Great colors wont get lost.
braveskimom says
And that’s true too…plus it’s easier to tell whose is whose, when the stripes are all different! That’s the big problem with basic black. Whose stuff is this?
Jesi says
We just moved to Wyoming so base layers are essential! I love the adult set in Lichen and love the Krazy sets in adult and children! Will definitely be checking these out. Thank You!
braveskimom says
Hi Jesi! Congratulations on your move to WY! I think you’ll love these!
Jesi says
Also follow on Facebook (Jesi) and Twitter. (@kidclutterchaos)
braveskimom says
Thanks! You’re entered twice. Appreciate you supporting Stripes Gear!
Erica Lejins says
I have used these New Zealand made thermals for my two children for many years. They are super warm yet comfortable to wear. They have been an essential item on family ski trips to Canada, Japan and Europe as well as back home in Australia. My son also uses them as winter PJs. I highly recommend this product. In love the Krazy boys set.
braveskimom says
I can totally agree with your son….I’m quite tempted to sleep in mine. Now can I just say how ENVIOUS I am that you ski in Japan?!?! Lucky family!
Erica says
Hokkaido, is very popular with Australian families, as it is in the same time zone and can be easily reached with an overnight flight from Australia. It has great infrastructure and amazing powder snow !!
braveskimom says
On the list! Thanks Erica! So want to ski there…
Cassy Campbell says
Hi Erica, This is Cassy from Stripes. So grateful to hear how much you love your Stripes. I am often sending care packages to my mum in Sydney, Australia, and I have one leaving this week (she left a bunch of things when she visited at Christmas..LOL). If you ever need some more Stripes I’d be happy to get them to you down in Australia. I really appreciate your loyalty to Stripes! Happy Australia Day, the day I miss the
most every year!
braveskimom says
Totally off subject, but my one visit to Australia included the happy circumstance of being in Sydney for Australia Day! SO FUN!
Michelle Crowe says
I love the bright colors. I think the rainbow kids set was my favorite! Liked stripes gear on FB too
braveskimom says
Thanks so much Michelle!
braveskimom says
You are entered twice. Appreciate the support for Stripes Gear!
Cherie says
With three boys skiing now, I love the Glacier set…and Candy Cane for myself 😉
braveskimom says
You’ve got everyone covered! Good luck!
Cherie says
following on Facebook also….love that it’s a Canadian company!
braveskimom says
Entered twice! Thank you so much!
Nicole says
I love the Glacier adult set. So cute
braveskimom says
It is cute…nice subdued colors!
Nicole says
Following Stripes Gear on twitter
@cloudlessme
braveskimom says
Thanks Nicole! You’re entered 2x!
Karen Ung says
I love the candy cane set best, but for the kids, the Fuscia is my fav. I liked them on FB (Karen Ung) and Twitter (@playoutsidegal)! Beautiful stuff!
braveskimom says
Thanks Karen! Good luck!
braveskimom says
Thanks for the follows, too!
Kimberly says
Wow great products… Love the candy cane. Recently I recovered from Melanoma and base layers have become essential to keep me warm in the winter and keep the sun off me while out.
braveskimom says
So sorry to hear about the melanoma! Keep yourself well! Thanks and good luck.
Kimberly says
Just “liked” on face book
braveskimom says
Wonderful! Cheers!
Jason says
Love the Crazy Kids 2 piece set. Our 2 year old new skier would look awesome running around the lodge in it after a day on the bunny hill.
braveskimom says
I can see this now! So cute and so happy at age 2! Yeah!