How to Choose a Kids' Snowsuit That Lasts
By Breeze, Softgoods Manager & Buyer
When I really think about the clothing and outerwear I buy for myself and my family, I know that the greatest value comes from how you feel when you wear it. Those are the pieces I believe are worth spending money on, because you'll reach for them again and again. And I believe that should extend to the little people in our lives.
We know that kids grow, and we appreciate the cost associated with buying the "right" or the "best" gear that will perform. I've got a kid of my own, so I get it. We want to help parents figure out what’s worth buying.
What kids' winter gear should do
When I'm deciding what goes on the Wild Rock floor, the goal is gear that helps kids go out and play 'til the cows come home, and lets parents and grandparents be worry free when kids are outside in any weather.
We believe kids should have access to similarly high-quality gear as we offer for adults, just designed for little bodies and how they play.
Four years of testing kids' outerwear on our own kids
For the last 4 years I have considered the many options available for kids' outerwear, and many of us on the team have tested different brands and products with our own kids.
I wanted to find the very, very best: a snowsuit that meets every single standard we hold our brands and products to. That means how it performs, how long it lasts, how it’s made, and whether the company behind it shares our values.
I also wanted a brand that makes the same timeless pieces year after year. When a style sticks around that long, it's because they got it right.
Why we chose Isbjörn
That brand turned out to be Isbjörn, direct from Sweden. My son had been wearing their Penguin snowsuit, and I was so impressed with how it held up that I decided to bring it here to Wild Rock. The Penguin snowsuit has been around for more than 15 years, and it's won Sweden's Bäst-i-Test award 12 years in a row. The testers are kids who wear it all winter, with their parents and teachers weighing in.
The Penguin is the one-piece, and Isbjörn also makes separates: the Helicopter Winter Jacket and the Powder Winter Bib Pant. They're built to the same standard, so you can go with whatever works for your kid.
These are the highlights that sold me on Isbjörn:
Really good waterproofing. The seams and zippers are taped, and the water-repellent finish is 100% PFAS-free. No forever chemicals in the finish.
Warm without the bulk. Kids get hot and sweaty when they're playing hard in the snow, and then they get cold. The PrimaLoft insulation is lightweight and breathable, so they can stay comfortable without feeling like they're bundled up in a sleeping bag.
Reflective hits all over. This is something I think gets overlooked with other brands. It gets dark so early in the winter, and I love that a child can be out, playing after dinner and still be visible. The reflective bits are on the back, arms and legs, which are the parts that move and are more likely to catch a driver’s eye.
Room to grow. The grow-with-me cuffs let out on the arms and legs, extending the fit lifespan so it keeps fitting through growth spurts. Stirrups hook under their boots to keep snow out. The waterproof stash chest pockets hold the mitts and neck warmers that come off halfway through recess, and the hood comes off too.
And the kids can put it all on by themselves. Anyone who's wrestled a toddler into a snowsuit knows why this matters.
What three winters of wear looks like
One of these has been worn by my son for the last three winters. The other one is brand new. (It's the one on the left.)
Isbjörn says one Penguin can be worn by at least 3 children and still look next to new. After three winters on ours, I believe it!
The rest of their winter gear, head to toe
We’ve thought about their fingers and toes, too. Just like with the snowsuits, we’ve been selective in choosing brands and products that are the very best match to our values and standards as a store. That includes choosing Canadian brands, like Stonz and Kombi, wherever possible.
- Isbjörn Squirrel hat: waterproof with a faux-fur lining
- Kombi waterproof gloves & other handwear
- Stonz Trek snow boot, super lightweight
- Bogs Boga boot: waterproof insulated molded EVA boot, it's really lightweight!
- Fleece (Patagonia Snap-T & jacket for baby & kid): goes underneath on the coldest days
- Patagonia Powder Town pants, if you want another snow pant option
When they outgrow it: hand it down or trade it in
If your kid is wearing Isbjörn they will be warm, dry, visible, and independent, and they will love playing outside all winter long.
You'll use it for multiple years, and when it's time, you can pass it along to younger siblings or sell it for a good return. Wild Again makes the selling part easy. Bring it into the store or send it to us by mail, and you'll get credit toward whatever they need next. Or sell it yourself in the used market.
Who knows how long this snowsuit will stay out of a landfill. Sounds like a challenge :) My son's is three winters in, so we've got a ways to go.
Want to hear more? Stay tuned to watch me walk through my picks on our Instagram.
Come by the store and we'll help you get your kid kitted out this winter!
