If you want to get outside as a family this winter you need gear that’ll keep your kids dry. Here’s our round-up of the best toddler waterproofs of 2018.
Spotty Otter Forest Ranger PU Jacket – £28
If you’re looking for a coat that will simply do the all-important job of keeping your kids dry, then it’s hard to beat this fully waterproof and windproof jacket from Spotty Otter’s new Forest Ranger collection. It doesn’t offer much in the way of insulation, but that’s not a problem if you layer up with a T-shirt and jumper underneath. It’s got a big detachable hood, a large storm flap with chunky popper buttons covering the main zip, and two big pockets that are perfect for stashing outdoor treasures like shells and conkers. Other nice touches are the reflective strips and adjustable cuffs – all for the bargain price of £28!
Buy it: Spotty Otter Forest Ranger PU Jacket
Reima Toddlers’ Winter Jacket Quilt – £35
This coat first came out in winter 2017 and is now available for a cutdown price on the Reima website. There are limited sizes and colours available, but we had to include it because it’s such a great toddler coat – and very affordable. The Reima Winter Quilt Jacket has most of the same features as the Spotty Otter Forest Ranger Jacket (windproof, waterproof, detachable hood, reflective details, two buttoned pockets), but with the added bonus of a warm quilted lining that’ll keep your toddler warm and toasty inside. The hood also has a lovely soft and stretchy lining that really hugs the head.
Buy it: Reima Toddlers’ Winter Quilt Jacket
Helly Hansen K Block IT Jacket – £80
The big jump in price here is because the Helly Hansen K Block IT Jacket actually feels like a shrunken version of an adults’ high-end waterproof jacket. With all the style and design detail you’d expect from this iconic Norwegian brand, the K Block is made using Helly Hansen’s own Helly Tech lining, which is waterproof, windproof and breathable. You get an elasticated and detachable hood, two decent sized zipped pockets, a quick-dry mesh lining, elasticated cuffs and waist, and reflective strips on the sleeves. It also looks very cool, with the iconic HH logo emblazoned large on the chest.
Buy it: Helly Hansen K Block IT Jacket
Isbjorn of Sweden Storm Hard Shell Jacket – £130
The Isbjorn Storm is at the real top-end of toddler waterproofs, and is a coat you’d be happy for your kids to wear both at school and out on the ski slopes. Only you’ll know if you think spending £130 on a kids’ coat is a good use of budget, but what you can be sure of is that you’ll be getting a fantastic piece of outdoor clothing in return. As with everything Isbjorn make it oozes quality, made from an eco-friendly 2-layer waterproof fabric that feels very thick and durable. There are two large zipped pockets on the chest, a fully adjustable and detachable hood, elasticated cuffs, an adjustable waist, and a waterproof front zip. One really nice touch is the sleeve ‘Grow Cuff’, which lets you lengthen the sleeves by 3cm so it’ll last for more than one winter.
Buy it: Isbjorn Storm Hardshell Jacket
Outdoor Dad Verdict – Best Toddler Waterproofs of 2018
You can’t go wrong with any of the jackets in this test, but for pure value we really can’t fault the Spotty Otter Forest Ranger PU Jacket. If does the all-important job of keeping kids dry on rainy days, and if you add the Spotty Otter Forest Ranger PU Dungarees you can create a full puddle suit.