How to Choose the Right Kids’ Winter Coat or Snowsuit in Canada (2025 Updated)

As the temperatures drop across Northern BC, it’s time to bundle up for another season of snowy school mornings, park play, and weekend adventures. But how do you actually choose the right winter coat or snowsuit for your kids?

One thing I'm crazy passionate about is helping you learn to shop for snow gear on your own without relying on the bias opinions of the retailer (i.e. me) and incorporating what you actually need based on your lifestyle. to kick start any shopping adventure, here's a few questions I love to ask. 

Further changes in our local climate means I think it's time we all started to rethink whats best for our actual lived experiences and not our memories of past. 

At Nest & Sprout, we know that finding outerwear that keeps your children warm and comfortable  without overheating or soaking through  can be tricky. So let’s walk through what those technical labels really mean, and how to pick a coat or snowsuit that fits your child’s winter lifestyle.

Whether you’re new to Canadian winters or simply upgrading this year’s gear, this guide will help you shop smarter and with confidence.

First, The Myth of Thermal Ratings

One of the most common questions we get in store is:
“What is this coat rated for?”

Unlike sleep sacks that use a TOG rating, there isn’t a universal temperature rating system for children’s outerwear. A few brands may test their products to specific CLO scores, but these numbers are based on controlled lab settings that rarely reflect real-life winter play. Truthfully, we've seen more and more brands ditch their extreme temperature ratings and focus on the numbers

Here’s why those numbers can be misleading:

• Every child is different. Activity level, metabolism, and tolerance for cold vary widely.
  

• Layering changes everything. The right base and mid layers can make a “-5°C” coat perform well into the deep negatives.
  

• Wind and humidity matter. Dry cold feels very different than wet cold.
  

• Lab tests ≠ playground reality. Ratings can’t account for jumping in puddles, sledding hills, or snowball fights.
  

That’s why most outdoor experts — and brands like Patagonia and Reima — encourage parents to look at design, material, and intended use, not just a number. Learn more about finding a snowsuit rated to -30C.

Tip: If you see parents in local Facebook groups debating which “-30°C” suit is best. Remember that comfort is subjective! The “perfect” coat depends more on your child’s activity level and local weather than a tag rating.

What to Look for on a Winter Coat Tag

The labels can be overwhelming: 10,000mm, 5,000g/m²/24h, taped seams ; but what does it all mean?

Let’s break it down into five key specs that actually matter:

1. Waterproof Rating (mm)

This number tells you how well the fabric resists water before it starts to leak.

• 2,000–5,000mm: Light snow and drizzles, best for city errands or daycare runs.
  

• 5,000–10,000mm: Moderate snow and slush, good for daily outdoor play.
  

• 10,000–15,000mm: Heavy wet snow, excellent for active outdoor kids.
  

• 15,000mm+: Extreme weather protection, great for skiing or long snow days.
  

If your child spends a lot of time in wet warm snow (which we get plenty of in Prince George, you might consider a rain suit instead of a snowsuit. Managing the warmth can be a huge concern for many families. Here's some more information about when to start using a snowsuit. 

2. Insulation Type

You’ll see either synthetic or down insulation.

• Synthetic: Warm even when wet, dries faster, and is often easier to care for. This is found in brands like Therm, Reima, and Jan & Jul.
  

• Down: Extremely lightweight and warm, but loses insulation power when wet (rare in kids’ gear) - we brought in a few styles of down filled snow jackets this year, and they can be regularly found in our preloved kids outewerar collection.

💡 Parent Pick: Reima’s Puhuri snowsuit uses advanced synthetic insulation rated for –20°C comfort when layered properly.

3. Breathability (g/m²/24h)

This measures how well moisture (from sweat) escapes through the fabric.

• Under 5,000: Low,  fine for light activity.
  

• 5,000–15,000: Moderate, ideal for active outdoor play.
  

• 15,000+: High, best for skiing or sport-level movement.
  

Breathability keeps your child dry inside, preventing chill from sweat buildup. Most children’s outerwear falls between 5,000–10,000g --  a good balance for play without overheating.

🌬️ Example: Jan & Jul’s Cozy-Dry Play Suit offers waterproof protection with breathable comfort for mild winter climates.

4. Construction & Design Features

Sometimes the real value isn’t in a number. It’s in the thoughtful details:

• Taped seams: Prevent water from seeping in.
  

• Reinforced knees & seats: Extend durability for snow play.
  

• Snow gaiters & adjustable cuffs: Keep snow out of boots and sleeves.
  

• Reflective details: Essential for those dark Northern BC mornings.
  

• Removable hoods or layers: Adaptable for shifting weather.
  

These features can make the difference between a “just okay” coat and one your kids actually love to wear.

5. Care & Durability

Be honest with yourself ; how often do you really want to wash that snowsuit?
Some fabrics (like Therm’s eco-repel shell or Reima’s BIONIC-FINISH® ECO coating) resist dirt and can be simply brushed or spot-cleaned. Always check:

• Machine washable?
  

• Avoid fabric softeners?
  

• Hang dry or tumble low?
  
  

Proper care extends the life of your investment and keeps it looking great for consignment resale next season.

Bonus: Why Layering Wins in Northern BC

If you live somewhere like Prince George, you’ll experience every kind of winter inlcuidng wet, dry, windy, and occasionally –30°C. That’s why layering is key.

• Base Layer: Moisture-wicking wool or bamboo.
  

• Mid Layer: Fleece or wool sweater.
  

• Outer Layer: Waterproof, windproof shell.
  
  

Our Top Brand Picks for 2025

Shop Tip: You don’t always need the most expensive snowsuit. Match your child’s coat to their lifestyle  whether its daily play, ski days, or just school drop-off duty.

Final Thoughts: There’s No One “Perfect” Coat

At the end of the day, the best winter gear is what keeps your child happy and comfortable outdoors. For one family, that might be a full-insulated snowsuit. For another, it’s a breathable rain suit layered with fleece.

When you shop at Nest & Sprout, our goal is to help you find that just right fit including balancing performance, comfort, and value for your Northern BC lifestyle.

• How to Dress Your Toddler for a Cold Fall Day

• How to Choose the Right Size Winter Boots for Your Kids

• Warm Hands, Happy Kids: Winter Glove & Mitten Hacks Every Parent Needs

Bundle up, play hard, and enjoy the snow this season. Your kids will thank you for it.