As the weather closes in and the autumn and winter coats come out, keeping kids warm and dry while they’re out and about is a priority. But that practicality doesn’t have to be at the expense of style. We’ve had Mini Joe try out some great kids’ outdoor wear that will keep the chill off and the puddles at bay, whether it’s mild and drizzling or an arctic blast.
Hippychick Puddle Suits and Packasuits
From £21
There’s little more appealing to a toddler than a muddy puddle, but why do they always find them at the most inconvenient moments? Hippychick Packasuits are an excellent, inexpensive and lightweight way to make those damp moments much less troublesome.
Small enough to slip into a handbag or little backpack, these foldable waterproof all-in-one suits can be deployed the moment the rain starts, and with elasticated cuffs and legs, will keep them dry and comfortable all the way home. The generous sizing means that a Packasuit will fit over base layers easily, and the elastic leg cuffs will fit over wellies, too.
For more wintery weather, a Hippychick all-in-one waterproof fleece-lined suit will ensure that little ones, from 12 months up to 5 years old, can stay warm and dry from top to toe with one easy-to-wear garment.
The fleece lining is extremely soft and inviting, and the long front zip makes it so easy to get on a struggling toddler. The suit is fully adjustable with velcro strips to make it a snug fit where needed, and there’s an adorable side pocket at the right hip for stashing gloves or little treasures during outdoor adventures.
Both the fleece-lined suit and the packasuit are available for little ones aged five and under and come in a range of bright, fun, and stylish colours. An excellent choice of kids’ outdoor wear that they’ll love.
Kids’ warm Antora rain jacket: The North Face
£70
The North Face is a brand known for its cold-weather and adventure wear, and its kids and teens range has some great options, too. The Antora rain jacket is waterproof and windproof, and highly practical.
With TNF’s DryVent technology ensuring the seams stay dry, and the breathable fabric allows for temperature regulation, they can stay comfortable and snug out in even the worst of the winter weather.
The elasticated sleeves prevent drafts from creeping in, and the fleece lining is soft and warming. For the duller days and darker nights, there are reflective strips on the sleeves to aid visibility, although adding one at the back would make that an even more effective detail.
Kids’ Ranglin Jacket: Weekend Offender
£80
For kids wanting to stand out from the crowd, this pull-on jacket in honey yellow is the ultimate statement piece.
Made a parachute-type material which is high-density woven 100% nylon fabric, it’s lightweight and comfortable to wear, with no restriction in movement, no matter what they get up to.
The material is treated with an additional water-repellent coating to ensure it keeps out the worst of the wet weather, but it comes without a fabric lining, so it would need some warm layers underneath as the temperature drops.
The zipped chest pocket, side pockets and front centre zip are black rubber for waterproofing purposes, and the Weekend Offender logo patches finish the look.
Sizes range from ages 3-4 to 13-14, and if the yellow is just a little too out there, it is also available in black.
Kids’ Shelter 2.0 waterproof jacket: Helly Hansen
£90
For a snug yet stylish winter coat that’s not only warm but also waterproof, Shelter 2.0 from Helly Hansen is a brilliant choice. It’s windproof and breathable, so even on milder days, it’s still comfortable to wear.
The detachable hood is lined, too, to keep little heads warm and dry, and the sleeves have velcro adjustable cuffs to keep gloves tucked in and drafts out.
In navy with bright orange flashes, or for something a little more snazzy, cyber lime, and with reflective logos and flashes, it’s a great kids’ outdoor wear option, which will make wearers visible on dark days and evenings. Sizes range from ages 1 to 12.
