• The Use Case. According to Marsh, the first question to think about when shopping for a rain jacket for kids is how will you use it. For example, if you live in the Pacific Northwest, you’re going to need a different level of protection than if you live in the South. “Parents in the PNW would want something super waterproof, so looking for a higher water column rating makes sense,” Marsh explains. “In the South, a parent would want more breathability together with waterproofing, and in the North, a parent would likely choose a fleece-lined rain coat for added insulation.”
• Durability. “Do you have a kid that loves to climb trees, explore the forest floor or do you have a kid that likes to stay safely on the trail? The parents who have more active play type children will want to seek out high durability versus the parents of children who are a little less risky with their play,” Marsh explains.
• Material. When it comes to rain jackets for kids, there are two main types of materials you’ll see: PU rainwear and Shell rainwear. PU rainwear is the slick material you think of when you see a typical raincoat—like what a fisherman might wear. “It’s super waterproof and wonderful for spending the entire day out in the rain or playing in puddles and mud, but it’s not breathable, so can cause an active child to feel hot and sweaty,” says Marsh. On the flip side, Shell rainwear is the most durable. It’s made using a layered technology that allows it to be waterproof, windproof and breathable. “Shell rainwear also tends to be the most versatile—it can be worn on a non-rainy day, too, to protect against other elements like wind.”
• Sustainability. Don’t underestimate the environmental (and financial) benefit of “extend a size” functionality that allows you to get an extra year of wear. “Cost per wear is a huge metric to consider when shopping for a rain jacket for your kid, especially when a higher ticket item tends to last longer and perform better,” Marsh says. “If it can be passed down to numerous kids or sold on the secondhand market, it provides more value to you, your child and the environment—something to keep in mind when shopping.”
