How to Choose the Best Winter Gear for Big Kids (Youth 8Y+)

In Canada, outdoor life is defined by three big seasons: summer, mid-season, and winter. Mid-season brings wet, slushy weather where rain gear and base layers usually do the trick. But once temperatures consistently drop below –5 °C, you’ve officially entered true winter gear territory.

And this is where quality matters most.

A lot of snow gear is often labeled as “water resistant,” is fine for quick trips or light play. But for kids who are outside for hours — whether at school, daycare, or nature programs — it simply doesn’t hold up.

When you’re looking at the waterproof factor on snow or rain gear, there are really two things to pay attention to:

1. Water column rating – this is a lab test that measures how much water pressure the fabric can handle before it leaks.
   

• 5,000 mm → the bare minimum (light rain, short play)

• 10,000 mm → solid average for kids’ winter gear

• 15,000 mm+ → heavy-duty level, think construction gear or downpours
  

2. Extra design features – this is where brands set themselves apart:
   

• Taped seams to stop leaks where fabric is stitched
  

• Snug cuffs & hems so snow and slush can’t sneak in
  

• Room to layer underneath for added warmth
  

Together, these two factors tell you whether a jacket or snowsuit is “just water resistant” (okay for short trips) or truly waterproof and ready for hours of outdoor play.

 waterproof = keeps water out

water-resistant = delays water soaking in.

Investing in higher-quality winter wear can mean the difference between a miserable, wet season and one filled with warm, dry adventures. With both a new and preloved collection of youth outerwear, there's lots of options to choose at Nest & Sprout. 

For kids in sizes 8Y and up, two-piece snowsuits are often the go-to. They give families the flexibility to mix and match jackets and pants throughout the season, adapting to changing weather and activities. That said, we also carry one-piece snowsuits in larger sizes — a great option for full-coverage warmth and protection.

Two Piece Youth Winter Gear Comparison: Therm vs. Reima

With budget in mind, the Therm system is often the best value choice. It generally fits true to size compared to other big-box store brands, though some families have sized up for extra room in the waist. The cut isn’t as wide as some other brands, so keep that in mind when fitting. Right now, the set comes in at about $134.98 with the current promotion.

Like all outerwear, layering is key — every child’s comfort depends on their activity level and the temperatures they face. Therm is refreshingly transparent about this, acknowledging that while their gear is built for Canadian winters, parents still need to adjust expectations with proper base and mid-layers. It’s an honest small business approach that resonates with many families.

Accessories: The Other Half of Staying Warm and Dry

When it comes to keeping kids comfortable in Canadian winters, the snowsuit is only half the story. Gloves, boots, and even socks play a huge role in whether your child comes home happy or soaked.

Gloves & Mittens

Gloves are often the first accessory families struggle with. Here’s what we’ve learned:

• Mittens will always be warmer than gloves because they keep fingers together.
  

• Gloves become more popular as kids get older and want dexterity, but they usually sacrifice a bit of warmth.
  

• Brands that work:
  

• Stonz — historically our top-performing glove for Canadian winters; but limited on sizing so we've sought out another option.
  

• Jan & Jul — a good everyday glove, but not quite durable enough for deep cold, they are rated -15C - I send my kids to school with them. They are reliable.
  

• Reima — new to our shop this year, and customers are already raving about them. Options like the Ote and Tartu mittens are solid for deep cold.
  

Note on temperature ratings: Clothing “ratings” are mostly marketing. Every child’s metabolism is different, which means two kids wearing the same gear can have totally different experiences. What matters most? Quality, fit, and brand reputation. Our community has been consistently disappointed with cheaper big-box brands like Kombi — they just don’t perform

Boots

Boots are one of the trickiest purchases — and one of the most important. Here are key things to keep in mind:

1. Not all winter boots are waterproof. Families often discover this the hard way on slushy days. Look for seam-sealed construction or waterproof membranes.
   

2. Temperature ratings don’t tell the whole story. A “-30 °C boot” doesn’t guarantee warm feet if your child runs hot and sweats, ending up with wet socks.
   

3. Fit is everything. Boots need to be roomy enough for a winter sock and wiggle space. A boot that’s too tight = cold feet. We often size families up because kids are already in shoes that run small. When measuring your child's foot for winter boots - put the sock on that he'll wear so that you get the full size of their foot. Compressed sock doesn't work as well.
   

In our new footwear collection

If you’re shopping secondhand, there are a few reliable brands that tend to hold up well and give kids a good winter experience:

• Neoprene winter boots like Bogs, Cougar, Muck Boots, and similar styles — warm, durable, and easy to pull on.
  

• Columbia or North Face winter boots — generally solid performers with good insulation.
  A few things to keep in mind:

• Check the size charts for each brand. Fit varies widely.
  

• Suede boots may pack out over time, which means a secondhand pair could feel roomier than brand new.
  

• Brand collections can vary — not every model within a brand performs the same, so look closely at waterproofing, insulation, and overall design.
  

Socks

Don’t forget the layer closest to the skin: wool socks.

• Wool naturally regulates temperature, keeping feet warm even when damp.
  

• Thin wool socks are often better than thick, bulky ones — too much bulk in a tight boot leads to cold, wet feet

• Costco is a go-to for many families, but if you want a slimmer profile, Reima socks are a great option and come in a full size run.
  

Final Thoughts

Shopping for youth winter gear can feel overwhelming. Kids this age are often in-between — they’ve outgrown many of the boutique brands you relied on when they were little, but they’re not quite ready for adult sizing. It’s a whole new world of fit, features, and investment.

At Nest & Sprout, we’ve chosen brands we trust to deliver both quality and value, but we know every family’s needs are different. Your local shop may have solid recommendations too, and shopping secondhand is always a smart way to stretch your budget. Just remember: with used gear, you don’t always know the history of care or wash cycles, and that can impact performance — especially with today’s PFAS-free coatings that require proper maintenance. (We carry a few wash products to help tackle this if you’re navigating that part of the journey.)

Personally, my own kids are a mix-and-match story:

• Reima coats for their warmth without the bulk, layered with Souris Mini fleece when needed.
  

• Villervalla snow pants still going strong from previous seasons.
  

• Reima gloves for deep cold, and Jan & Jul gloves for everyday school use.
  

• Wool-lined boots for breathability and warmth (though some families find them too warm). I’m even considering trying the Reima Quicker boots this year, since one of our biggest struggles has always been finding footwear that’s warm without being bulky.
  

At the end of the day, the “best” winter gear is the one that fits your child’s body, meets your family’s needs, and helps them enjoy the outdoors without discomfort. Whether you invest in new, find treasures secondhand, or layer a little of both, the goal is the same: warm, dry kids who can make the most of winter.