Reima vs Burton Youth Snowsuits: What’s Best for Prince George Kids?

Shopping for youth snowsuits is never easy. Especially here in Prince George, where winters are long, snowy, and sometimes really cold. Over the past few years, the most common request has been for larger sized snowsuits and after a lot of research (and hustle), we now have youth size one piece snowsuits for you to check out. 

This year we brought in Reima - a high quality Finnish brand - to expand our kids collection of winter wear and outerwear. With it comes a few one piece ski & snowboard snowsuits up to a size 12Y. As with all new brands, much of our time begins to look at how they compare and replace the classics we know and love from Sport check and local board shops.

Let’s take a closer look at the Reima Reach vs Burton youth snowsuits, plus how they compare to Columbia and Helly Hansen. Because honestly? I know when you’re investing $200–$330 in snow gear, you want more than marketing fluff.

Burton vs Reima: A Comparison Chart

Here’s the side-by-side. Numbers don’t tell the whole story, but they do make it easier to see what you’re getting for the price and understand how different brands compare. One bran's perspective of waterproof or breathable can vary drastically. 

The takeaway:

• Burton is definitely the technical leader with higher waterproofing, reinforcements, and breathability. It's got a high price point that reflect these amazing features.
  

• Reima Reach balances eco-friendly design + strong performance at a lower price point. And arguably, most will say you don't need 15,000mm waterproofing unless your a cosntruction worker.
  

• Columbia and Helly Hansen remain budget-friendly and practical choices, especially if you want extended sizing systems. But do you really need that extended sizing featuring and does that help you pass it on to other kids?
  
  

How the Reima Reach Fits Kids

Here’s the thing: specs are great, but fit is everything. European brands like Reima cut their snowsuits differently than most North American brands. They often give a little more room for layering and movement. The Reach has a workman cut, and is best for you to compare your kids height to the size chartThat can be great — but it also means you don’t always need to size up the way you would with, say, Columbia or Burton.

For example, my own kids tried on the Reach this year:

👧 A is wearing the size 10, she's 140cm tall. Her snowsuit fits perfect. Almost to the point where I wish I had a size 11. I'm going to wait closer to winter before buying her a suit because if she grows just a few cm in the next couple months it could be better to size up. But sizing up right now felt ridiculous.

👦 W is wearing the size 12, he's 147cm tall. The 12 is a beautiful fit; his growth has slown down and I would actually feel comfortable that this would fit this year and next. 

This is the kind of stuff I wish I’d known before buying online. A suit can have all the waterproofing in the world, but if it’s baggy and dragging, your kid’s not going to love wearing it. Both my kids, who are sensitive to how fabric feels and touches loved these suits and been begging for them ever since

Other Options at Nest & Sprout

The Reima Reach isn’t our only youth snowsuit this season. At Nest & Sprout, we’re bringing in a few different options in kids snowsuits to cover different families’ needs. You'll also be able to find other youth snowsuits in consignment, as they come up. This is definitely a product we receive very few of but always accepting. 

Reima Kurikka Suit → Similar high-quality build with a different cut; this is more ideal if you need a snowsuit for play and not activity. While it has all the specs of the Reach it' doesn't have the ski and snowboard functions

Therm  Snowrider Snow Suit → Our eco-friendly, budget-friendly pick. Made from recycled rPET, packed with practical features, and a solid choice for everyday wear.

Northern BC Winters Sometimes Need Serious Gear

We all know how tough northern BC winters can be - but they can also be warm and casual. All of these suits are best suited if you're an outdoor family. One thing I like to remind people is to not buy gear for a lifestyle you don't live.  We don't ski or snowboard, so chances are I wont be buying my kids one piece snowsuits this year. They can use the gear we already

So, which youth snowsuit is “best”? Honestly, it depends on your kid and your budget. I think it's also important to recognize that while Burton boasts some really great specs, you don't always need such high numbers to have a good experience outside.  Even the Reima Reach might be a little much for some families. But what I do know is this: Burton isn’t your only option in Prince George anymore.

With the Reima Reach, Kurikka, and Therm suits now in store at Nest & Sprout, you’ve got choices. Real, local choices that you can actually try on, feel, and compare before committing. Stop by Nest & Sprout in College Heights or shop online anytime to find the right fit for your family.