When outdoor time is part of your child's school day, there's no such thing as too much rain gear. And while we love a good rain boot, a kid's rain jacket is a true investment piece.
How to Choose Kids Rain Jackets for Outdoor School Days
After testing dozens of styles, we know what details to look out for in a great rain jacket. Here's how to find a kids' rain jacket that will keep your kid dry and comfortable for years to come.
Look for a waterproof rating of 10,000mm or higher. A waterproof rating - sometimes called a hydrostatic head rating, measures how well a jacket prevents water from penetrating the fabric. A jacket with a 10,000mm waterproof rating, for example, "has fabric that can withstand the pressure created by a 10-meter column of water before it begins to leak." A 10 -000mm jacket is a practical choice for commuting, hiking, and resort skiing, says Alex Johnson, outerwear specialist at REI Co-op.
The best way to determine breathability is to look for a jacket that uses 2.5- or 3-layer construction. All waterproof fabrics and coatings prevent both water and air from passing through - which can lead to condensation inside the jacket. Breathable fabrics counteract this by allowing moisture vapor to escape while keeping precipitation out. Most rain jackets achieve this with a combination of a waterproof outer layer, or "membrane," and an inner layer called a "liner."
These jackets, usually called 2-layer jackets, are bulkier and more likely to have strong odors when wet. Better jackets use a waterproof breathable membrane that's combined with both outer fabric and liner during manufacturing - reducing bulk and odor. Two-and-a-half-layer jackets combine an outer fabric with a waterproof breathable membrane that has built-in pores for breathability, eliminating the need for a separate liner. Patagonia's Torrentshell 3L Jacket, for example, is built with a 3-layer H2No Performance Standard waterproof/breathable membrane, and the REI Co-op Rainier jacket is made with similar 2.5-layer technology using recycled materials.
Why Fully Taped Seams Matter in a Rain Jacket
Even a highly waterproof jacket can fail if its seams aren't fully taped. Why? Because the threads that stitch the jacket's panels together create tiny holes in the fabric. "Seam taping is basically like taking tape and putting it over those holes to make them waterproof -" Johnson said. Fully taped seams are impermeable even when the jacket is stuffed tightly , making them ideal for high-output activities like skiing, snowboarding, or running in the rain.
Choose a Hood That Grows With Your Child
The best hoods fit securely without restricting movement or field of vision. Look for an elastic on the sides of the visored hood and an adjustable Velcro tab at the back for a roomy yet customizable fit. We also like styles with toggles at the hem and cuffs that can be toggled loose for easier movement on warmer days, then tightened for rainy - chilly weather.
PFAS-Free DWR Treatment Is Safer for Kids
Durable water repellent (DWR) treatment helps rain "sheet off" the jacket, allowing the waterproof membrane to do its job. Some DWR treatments are made with fluorocarbons (PFCs) - chemicals that can accumulate in the environment and break down into potentially toxic compounds such as perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). PFAS are often referred to as "forever chemicals" because they don't easily degrade in the environment or the human body. Many major brands now offer DWR-treated outerwear that's free of PFAS-heavy PFCs, including our top pick, the REI Co-op Rainier Rain Jacket, which is made with PFAS-free DWR-coated nylon fabric.
Recycled Fabrics That Stand Up to Kids
Some rain jackets use environmentally friendly recycled polyester - usually made from plastic bottles. While we haven't tested any rain jackets made entirely from recycled materials, we were impressed with the Muddy Puddles EcoSplash jacket, a 100% waterproof, lightweight nylon jacket that uses recycled polyester throughout . The brand's Originals jackets are also made from 100% recycled fabric and boast a super waterproof rating of up to 10,000mm - making them perfect for rainy days.
Find a Jacket That Fits for Years
Most rain jackets have 2-3 inches of room for growth, allowing them to fit for more than one year and accommodate active play. Our advice? Go big. We recommend buying rain gear that fits over the type of clothes your child typically wears outside - think a sweater or sweatshirt and jeans or thick pants - since bulky puffy coats and insulated pants can compromise a good fit.
Disclaimer
This article is for general information only and isn't medical advice. Talk to a qualified clinician about your own situation before acting on anything here.
