When outdoor enthusiast Amber Young became a parent, she naturally wanted to bring her son into the world she loved. “I spent every spare moment outdoors—backpacking, skiing, hiking—anything that kept me connected to nature,” she says. “But when Brooks was born, I realized there wasn’t great outdoor apparel in his size.”
That gap in the market became Keep the Littles Wild, a Colorado-based kids’ brand designed to help families stay outside together, no matter the season. “All littles are born to explore in nature,” Amber says. “I want to encourage them to keep doing that.”
Her designs cover every kind of adventure: bamboo shirts and UV tops for sunny hikes, moisture-wicking layers for ski days, and waterproof rain suits for puddle-jumping. Each piece is crafted for comfort, durability, and play, inspired by the rugged Rockies, where every prototype is tested. Amber spends countless hours outdoors with Brooks, testing zippers in the cold and fabrics under the summer sun, making sure each detail holds up to real life. “Everything about the Colorado lifestyle influences my design choices—fabric selection, colors, durability, and sustainability,” she says.
For Amber, keeping kids wild also means keeping waste out of the wild. The brand’s Trade-Back Program lets parents return outgrown gear for store credit while another family can purchase a gently used item at a discount. The idea, sparked by a fellow mom on the trail, fits seamlessly with Amber’s belief in reusing what lasts and reducing waste in the process. “Kids grow fast, and I stand behind the quality of our gear,” she says. “It’s a perfect fit for keeping clothes in use longer.”
Among her growing collection, the winter outerwear line has become both a customer favorite and a personal one. Watching her son Brooks ski and play outside long after dark inspired Amber to design pieces that keep kids warm, dry, and endlessly curious. “He loves the snow; he’ll grab a headlamp and play in the backyard every time it falls,” she says. “I wanted to make something that would keep him comfortable so he could stay out there as long as he wanted.”
What began with a single gap in the market has grown into a thoughtful, purposeful brand with a clear point of view. Keep the Littles Wild is carving out its own space—one built on intention, responsibility, and a deep respect for the landscapes that inspired it.
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