The best snow apparel for kids: Jackets, pants, and suits
Living in Calgary, a part of the world where it can be 20C above one day and 10C below the next thanks to these things called chinooks (foehns or mistrals in other parts of the world), we have to be prepared for snow, wind, and slush in the same day from October until May. The right winter gear for this climate must be warm and highly water resistant.
In the quest for the best winter snowsuits, jackets, and snowpants for our kids, we have tried out several. For best value, I recommend Mountain Equipment Co-op’s Toaster snowsuits or parkas and bib pants.
Guest post by Karen Ung
The Calgary resident is a mom of two who loves to play outside. This story originally appeared at her blog, Play Outside Guide.
If money is not an issue and you would like a little less bulk, go for the Patagonia. Helly Hansen also makes some good quality waterproof winter wear, but I haven’t had the chance to check out their latest insulated jackets (the jacket and pants I reviewed were older shells).
Pay attention to details for comfort and convenience:
- Storm flaps: These are a given on winter wear to keep cold air from seeping in around the zipper. Take care to ensure that the storm flap covers the zipper (plus some) and does not get stuck in it.
- Covered zipper: When the snowsuit or jacket is zipped to the top, the zipper should not contact your child’s face (cold metal = ouch).
- Jacket/hood linings: Thin linings on a jacket will cause zippers to get stuck every time. A fleecy lining around the face is important so delicate skin does not get scratched.
Snowsuits and bunting suits
MEC Toaster bunting suit
What we liked: Kids stayed warm even when -20C outside; kids stayed dry playing in wet snow for 1 hour; zippers rarely catch; fold out mittens; great hood construction keeps cold air out; dual zippers make it easy to take off; although you have to remove the suit for diaper changes; the design is thoughtful in that there is no zipper to make baby uncomfortable when in a baby carrier/backpack.
What we didn’t like: No boot zippers (not an issue for most toddlers; our oldest walked and skied early).
Recommended for: All kinds of winter activities in variable weather conditions.
Where to buy: Mountain Equipment Co-op
Cost: $95 (infant size)
MEC Ursus Bunting Suit
What we liked: Warm; comfy layer to put over a sleeper or under a snowsuit for extra warmth; dual zippers make it easy to take off, although you have to remove the suit for diaper changes; the design is thoughtful in that there is no zipper to make baby uncomfortable when in a baby carrier/backpack.
What we didn’t like: n/a
Recommended for: Wearing underneath snow suit, in shoulder season on dry days, or at night when camping (wear around camp and to bed over PJs). You’ll get a lot of use out of it if you’re in any way outdoorsy. BUY IT.
Where to buy: Mountain Equipment Co-op
Cost: $49
Gap Warmest Puffer Snow Suit
What we liked: Looked cute; fairly warm duck down fill; fleece lining was soft against baby’s skin; removable mittens and booties.
What we didn’t like: Only one zipper; zipper often got stuck; not very water resistant (soaked through in minutes in wet snow); not very warm.
Recommended for: Mild winter days (up to 0C) if warm clothes underneath.
Where to buy: Gap Kids
Cost: $85 regular (we got ours on clearance for $25)
Jackets and pants
MEC Toaster Parka
What we liked: Kids stayed warm even when -20C outside; kids stayed dry playing in wet snow for 1 hour; great hood construction keeps cold air out; zippers that rarely catch; thoughtful details like reflective strips and mesh inner pocket; beautiful colour choices.
What we didn’t like: n/a
Recommended for: All kinds of winter activities in variable weather conditions.
Where to buy: Mountain Equipment Co-op
Cost: $99
MEC Toaster Bib Snow Pants
What we liked: Kids stayed warm even when -20C outside; kids stayed dry playing in wet snow for 1 hour; full side zips for easy changing of clothes or footwear (snow boots to ski boots).
What we didn’t like: n/a
Recommended for: All kinds of winter activities in variable weather conditions.
Where to buy: Mountain Equipment Co-op
Cost: $85
Patagonia Baby Snow Pile 2 Bib Pants
What we liked: Warm yet not bulky; waterproof; inner leg zipper made diaper changes / potty trips easier.
What we didn’t like: The cost, but the pants are definitely worth the money.
Recommended for: All kinds of winter activities in variable weather conditions.
Where to buy: Patagonia, Mountain Equipment Co-op
Cost: $135-$149
Helly Hansen Shell Jacket and Snow Pants (older style K Raven)
What we liked: Good shell; waterproof and windproof; good 3-season jacket (or 4 if you take it camping in the summer!).
What we didn’t like: Not very warm on its own (but they are shells so meant to be layered).
Recommended for: Mild winter days (up to 0C) with warm layers underneath; ok in slushy snow.
Where to buy: Helly Hansen
Cost: $130
Gap Warmest Down Puffer Jacket / Warmest Down Long Puffer Jacket
What we liked: Attractive jacket; cute faux fur trim on hood; warm down fill.
What we didn’t like: Zipper always got stuck; not very water resistant (soaked through in minutes in wet snow).
Recommended for: Fall/spring; mild winter days (up to -5 C) with dry snow.
Where to buy: Gap Kids
Cost: $104 ($114 for long)
Gap PrimaLoft Printed Bib Snow Pants
What we liked: Nice pattern; price was reasonable; fairly warm duck down fill; lower side zips for changing footwear (snow boots to ski boots).
What we didn’t like: Not very water resistant (soaked through in minutes in wet snow); zippers often get stuck. (I noticed that this year’s pants look different so hopefully they have improved the material and zippers.)
Recommended for: Mild winter days with dry snow.
Where to buy: Gap Kids
Cost: $55
