Weekly Email Rain Gear Season Is Here — Understanding Waterproof Options Inbox

Rain Gear Season Is Here Or otherwise known as soggy sneaker season because right now I can feel my wet socks from dodging parking lot puddles.

The winter thaw means one thing - snow gear is getting soaking wet and probably not holding up to the task like it used to. Navigating these seasonal variances in Prince George has been tricky and continues to be tricky - because as much as it's wet right now, we are fairly dry place.

When I order kids rain gear, I primarily think about our coastal customers who come into town - families living in Prince Rupert, Terrace and Kitimat. Sometimes, Prince George will get up to 10cm of rain in late spring, but it's usually half of that on a monthly basis. We are a pretty dry place, all things considered.

PS --- secondhand rain gear is very limited - we really get so few pieces especially when it comes to pants and one piece suits.

In my experience, disappointment from outerwear often stems from unrealistic expectations from gear. Even myself, I can get hyped up about something and then learn, oh shoot that wasn't what that product was for...

So every season, I like to go over some of the terminology for both me and you.

• Taped Seams - Where two pieces of fabric are stitched together, tiny holes are created. Taped seams add waterproof tape over those stitches so water can’t sneak in.
• 10,000 mm Waterproof Rating - This number tells you how waterproof a fabric is. A 10,000 mm rating means the fabric can handle a lot of pressure from rain, wet slides, or sitting in puddles without leaking.
• DWR (Durable Water Repellent) - A surface treatment that makes water bead up and roll off the fabric instead of soaking in. It’s usually used alongside other waterproof layers
• TPU Lamination - A flexible waterproof layer bonded to the fabric.
• Membrane - A thin waterproof layer applied to the inside of the fabric.
• Water-Resistant vs Waterproof - Water-resistant handles light rain. Waterproof is designed to keep kids dry even in heavy rain or when they sit in puddles.
• Softshell = A flexible outerwear fabric that blocks wind and light rain while staying stretchy and comfortable. Great for everyday outdoor play but not meant for full puddle immersion.

The best option really depends on how your child plays outside, where they play, and when they play. Each additional feature also comes with a cost - that's why a Muddy Buddy is less than $50 and a insulated welded seam suit is $100+.

Consignment Update - I am making good progress through the arrivals in February and I feel confident to start accepting into next week.

With the high volume, more and more items are being loaded to the shelves and not the website. I do have some online ads to do - and will likely work on that Sunday, maybe? Maybe earlier. Depends.

• XXL Maternity, Amazon Bearsland, in store only.
• summer rompers and shorts are now available in store for shopping - dresses are getting pulled out regularly
• Fleece sleepers are now in the backroom; ask me for the size bin and I'll bring it out
• new staff members - join us in being patient on adding more new faces to the shop.
• take what you need bin, volunteers needed- have you wanted to help? I need to sort out the things that are end of life, need to disappear. They will be out until the task is finished, it's the bottom of my list to do.

If you've dropped something off and think you should have heard from me, please ask. I have a few mix ups to sort out too - and just talk to me. I can't read minds. Sorry <3

Personal Update - my blood pressure has come down a lot this week, and it's amazing how much better I feel. I still have lots of follow ups and appointments; but things are on the up. Heart events are scary, even at 35.

Alright, Spring Break is coming up!
See you soon,

Bailey