Rain Pants vs. Snow Pants: What Every Parent Needs to Know

Dec 04, 2024by Bailey Bouwman

Wet Snow Doesn’t Always Mean Snow Pants

In Northern BC, we get every kind of winterL from frozen January mornings to those unpredictable warm, wet days when the snow turns to slush. And while snow pants are a classic winter staple, sometimes rain pants are actually the better choice.

When it comes to preparing for outdoor adventures, choosing the right outerwear for your child’s comfort and protection makes all the difference. So before you automatically reach for snow pants, let’s talk about why rain pants might be your secret weapon on warm, wet, or slushy snow days.

Rain Pants: Lightweight, Layer-Friendly & Quick-Drying

Rain pants are an absolute game changer for Northern BC families, especially for shoulder seasons and unpredictable weather. Designed as a

waterproof barrier rather than an insulator, rain pants keep kids dry without overheating.

PS - this conversation applies to rain suits as well. There are many times when it's not time for a snowsuit, it's time for rain gear and this applies to that conversation.

Waterproof Protection

Rain pants are made to repel water completely. With sealed seams and coated fabrics, they prevent moisture from soaking in this makes it perfect for puddle jumping, wet snow play, and muddy adventures.

If your kids attend outdoor school, daycare, or enjoy all-weather play, rain pants are one of the most versatile pieces you can own.

Lightweight & Easy to Layer

Rain pants are lightweight, breathable, and layer beautifully over other clothing. For cold days, pair them with:

Fleece-lined leggings or thick joggers underneath for insulation.
A merino or synthetic base layer for moisture control.

This combination gives you the waterproofing of rain gear with the warmth of snow gear making it ideal for mild or slushy days above –5°C. You can also find fleece lined rain pants from many of your favourite brands including Therm & Jan & Jul.

Quick-Drying & Convenient

Because rain pants have no built-in insulation, they dry much faster than snow pants. If your child gets soaked during morning recess, they’ll likely be ready again by afternoon playtime.

That means fewer piles of wet gear and less stress for busy parents trying to keep up with outdoor school days.

In Prince George’s warm winter snaps, rain pants can outperform snow pants ---- hands down.

Snow Pants: Essential for Deep Cold & Powder Days

When temperatures drop below freezing and snow piles up, insulated snow pants become essential.

Built for Cold Weather

Snow pants are designed for freezing temperatures and deep snow. They use insulated polyester layers that trap heat while maintaining some water resistance. Perfect for long sledding sessions, ski days, or building snow forts in –15°C.

If you find your kid is wet inside but not outside, it might be too warm for snow pants or you need to dial back on the layering.

Reinforced & Durable

Most snow pants feature reinforced knees and seats for extra durability. This matters for kids who love to crawl, climb, or slide down icy hills.

Snow Gaiters & Adjustable Straps

Built-in gaiters seal the gap between pant and boot, keeping snow out. Adjustable straps ensure the right fit over bulky winter layers, keeping warmth in and cold out.

Slower to Dry

The one downside? Once soaked, snow pants take longer to dry. This makes them less ideal for slushy or wet snow, where rain pants perform better.

The Right Gear for the Right Day

Both rain pants and snow pants have waterproof coatings, but they’re built for different weather:

Type	Best For	Pros	Watch For
Rain Pants	Wet, mild, or slushy days	Waterproof, lightweight, fast-drying	Less insulation — layer underneath
Snow Pants	Cold, dry, powdery days	Insulated warmth, durable, gaiters	Slower to dry, heavier to wear

Tip: On warmer “snowball” days, try fleece pants under rain gear. This will ensure your child will stay drier and move more freely.

Why Some Snow Pants Last Longer

If you’ve ever noticed how some snow pants survive multiple seasons (and others don’t), it’s all about fabric durability and abrasion testing.

We explore this in more detail in our blog: Why Some Snowpants Last Longer: Martindale Ratings, Reinforcements & Real-World Durability

It’s a quick read that helps you understand which materials stand up best to Northern BC’s rough-and-tumble play.

Choosing What’s Right for You

Think about:

Temperature: Is it below –10°C or above freezing?
Playtime length: Quick recess vs. all-day snow fort construction.
Drying time: Do you have time to rotate or need something ready daily?
Budget & sustainability: Do you want gear that lasts multiple seasons?

For most Northern BC families, the magic formula is both: snow pants for the deep freeze, rain pants for the rest.

Need an Extra Pair? We’ve Got You Covered

If you’re scrambling to find a second pair of dry outdoor pants, don’t worry. we’ve got options!

Our children's outerwear collections include trusted, kid-tested brands like Therm, Jan & Jul, and Reima, plus a rotating selection of preloved finds that make outdoor gear more affordable and sustainable.