Shop the post: 
On Liz: Backcountry Down Jacket, New Balance Sport Running Shoe
On Dave: Backcountry Silver Fork Down Jacket, Patagonia Fleece Pant, Nike Free Running Shoe
On Charlie: Patagonia Reversible Hooded Jacket (wearing a 3T)
On Jack: Patagonia Down Hooded Jacket (wearing a 2T)

Shop the post: 
On Liz: Backcountry Down Jacket, New Balance Sport Running Shoe
On Dave: Backcountry Silver Fork Down Jacket, Patagonia Fleece Pant, Nike Free Running Shoe
On Charlie: Patagonia Reversible Hooded Jacket (wearing a 3T)
On Jack: Patagonia Down Hooded Jacket (wearing a 2T)

Maybe I’m just a Midwesterner at heart, but I can’t imagine my life without the Chicago winter. Sure, our week in Florida felt pretty nice and I’m definitely counting down the days until spring, but there’s something about getting through these freezing seasons that makes you feel kind of powerful. Think of all that we have to do just to get through an average winter day in Chicago: head out extra early before work to scrape snow and ice off the car, spend thirty minutes getting everyone bundled up to just go for a short walk, clean all the salt off your shoes at the end of the season. These are things that don’t even cross the minds of people who live in LA! Maybe they know something I don’t, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. Plus, the long Chicago winter makes our summer seem all the more amazing.

With that said, winter can easily start to get you down if you aren’t able to do all the activities you usually enjoy. My number one tip for staying active and keeping your family from going crazy? Get the right winter gear. As long as everyone’s warm enough, you can pretty much go about your normal routine! One of our favorite activities to do together as a family is to explore our local forest preserve, and that’s definitely not something we would want to give up for five months out of the year. We recently packed up the boys for a morning walk on a particularly chilly Monday, and thanks to our jackets, fleece pants, and shoes from Backcountry, we ended up staying outside for a few hours!

I can’t say enough good things about this insulated jacket—it completely blocks the wind, it’s water resistant, and you can cinch the hood and sleeves and zip up the high collar if you need some extra defense against the cold. And the blue is such a pretty pop of color on a dreary day! It’s always a struggle to pull off winter attire while staying stylish, but Dave was looking like a cool dad in his camo down jacket and fleece joggers (under $100!). I also love this reversible hooded jacket for Charlie and this insulated coat for Jack. Super warm and cozy, but still comfortable enough so they can play!

I love that Backcountry believes in the importance of spending time in nature with your family, even in the middle of winter. I know we are always happier and more energized when we take time for our favorite outdoor activities! Use code ADAMS15 for 15% off your first purchase at Backcountry.com, and share your own winter experiences with your family using the hashtag #GOATworthy.

PS: Right now Backcountry is having their Semi Annual Sale – up to 50% off select items and an additional 20% off some of their biggest brands through today! Take advantage while you can!

A huge thank you to Backcountry for partnering on this post!