Words: Guinness Rider, Altitude Sports writer

Kids’ hand-me-downs are no longer just a retro-cool trend: they could play a massive role in reducing our collective carbon footprint. Thanks to innovations in design, materials and construction, you can find durable clothes that last through the seasons and maybe something that triggers great family memories along the way. 

We spoke to two Altitude Sports parents - Simon Pelletier-Marcotte, Vallier Project Manager; and Marie-Hélène Choquette-Zaurrini, Brand Marketing Director - about their own kids, their playing outdoors, and their hand-me-downs, and how to shop as a modern parent.

Simon Pelletier-Marcotte
My two children, having grown up in Montreal and the Laurentian mountains, have developed a great need to play outside. They enjoy the parks of the big city as much as the forests and lakes of the north, but each in their own way. 

Elliot is curious but also very thoughtful, almost cautious. He likes to understand what he’s getting into and asks a lot of questions. Quebec wildlife is his passion. His little sister Camille is the opposite - there’s no one more stubborn. But she loves to follow or even sometimes lead her big brother. Together they’re a great duo and complement each other well.

Marie-Helene Choquette-Zaurinni
Despite her quieter personality, Charlotte is courageous, athletic, very imaginative and likes to invent her own universe (where her little sister obeys her every word). As for Gisèle, she wants to do exactly as her sister does and is not afraid of a good time. She’s the one sliding head-first in the park.

Simon
Elliot has given a lot of clothes to his sister over the last two years, in particular a small black mackintosh from The North Face that’s already survived multiple puddles and frog hunts - and it's not done yet. 

Their Patagonia hats are summer musts, having followed us on every fishing adventure and family trip. During Camille's first summer, Elliot agreed to give one of his two hats to his sister. Deep down, I know he likes it when she wears his old clothes with pride. 

Honorable mention goes to all those hand-me-down shoes. From Vans to Kamik to Keen, they’ve all lived up to the hype. 

Marie-Hélène
I've been a Patagonia fan since I was a teen. My parents bought me a fleece-lined windbreaker for cold camping evenings. I wore it for years until my godson, then a teenager himself, fell in love with it. 

In addition to Patagonia’s ethical and responsible values, I like the confident, timeless side of the products that don't follow fashion. As soon as I had my first daughter, it was natural for me to turn to Patagonia for her first snowsuit. I bought it really big, so it fit both girls two autumns and two springs. My daughters wore it when they first tried cycling, skateboarding, and slept in the baby carrier on hikes. And now my younger daughter wears her sister's clothes and shoes almost exclusively. 

Simon
Durability might be the most important criteria when we buy clothing now. We like the fact we can save money by buying less clothing. We also find we can buy nicer clothes from well-known brands. It's a winning equation: a great solution for our family budget and a way to modestly reduce our environmental footprint. 

We now take the time to choose colours carefully so that both children will like them. It may be more difficult to shop this way as they grow up and their tastes develop, but I like to think that they’ll be aware of good consumer practice.

Simon
Don't be afraid to invest a few extra dollars to buy quality products. Buy less and pass the savings on to someone else. Most importantly, let your kids be kids and play without fear of destroying their clothes.

You might also make memories through these things. My father taught me all this unknowingly by leaving me a trunk full of outdoor and sports clothes from his youth: clothes could be a source of well-being and nostalgia.

Marie-Hélène
Like many parents, I give in to fast fashion, and often these clothes don’t stand the test of time. Although the price tag can be daunting at times, and kids grow up fast, opting for classic quality pieces, (changeable and reversible - bonus!) has saved me time and money, as they last and never go out of style.

Buying or selling used clothes can be interesting. Quality clothes can have a surprisingly good resale value! 

As for this Patagonia outfit, I'm saving it for my grandchildren (no pressure, girls!).