Tested in Real Rain, Real Mud, Real Colorado
Last updated: August 2026. We tested nine kids’ waterproof jackets in actual rain conditions — music festivals, nature walks in graupel, rainy park days, and outdoor school pickups. Prices verified at time of publication.
A wet kid is an unhappy kid. A cold wet kid is a nervous system disaster, for all involved. It ends the adventure early, ruins the festival, and makes everyone miserable on the drive home. That silence is deafening (or welcome, depending on your propensity for noise).
Here’s the thing about rain jackets: you forget you need one until you desperately need one. Pouring-down-cats-and-dogs-need-one to just get from the car to the school front door – need one. We keep one stuffed in the car at all times. Colorado afternoon thunderstorms don’t send a calendar invite, though they do have some regularity to them. A rainy school day at outdoor school can go from miserable to playful with the right jacket. A music festival that decides to happen in a cold front can still involve dancing in your rain boots. (Winterwondergrass in Steamboat, we’re looking at you — and we mean that with love.)
We tested nine kids’ rain jackets across real conditions with multiple kids across multiple states: Winterwondergrass in Steamboat Springs in wind and rain, nature walks in the Colorado foothills in actual graupel, rainy-day park runs in Cincinnati when everyone needed to get outside or someone was going to lose their mind (it was me), camping at Great Sand Dunes National Park in spring cold, and a road trip across the West that took us through Utah, Wyoming, Idaho, Oregon, and California — plenty of rain, plenty of real use, plenty of jackets earning their keep. No controlled lab conditions. Just kids being outside in weather.
The 9 Best Kids’ Rain Jackets at a Glance
Rank 1
#1 BEST (best all-around)
Best kids' rain jacket overall
REI Co-op Rainier Rain Jacket – Kids’
The most thoughtful design we tested. Soft neck, dual cuffs, adjustable hood — the one we'd buy if we were only buying one.
Rank 2
#2 BETTER (runner-up)
Best kids' rain jacket for features and durability
L.L. Bean Kids’ Trail Model Rain Jacket
Longest zipper pull in the lineup, great for smaller hands, chest pocket your kid will immediately claim, and extremely well sealed for the price.
Rank 3
#3 GOOD (budget buy)
Best budget kids' rain jacket
Cat & Jack Kids’ Solid Rain Coat
Bright yellow option, warm lining, water-resistant in light rain. Thirty dollars is hard to argue with.
And the Rest…
#4. Best kids' rain jacket for breathability and active use
Read our reviewEddie Bauer Kids Rainfoil Jacket
#5. Best boys everyday kids' waterproof jacket
Read our reviewColumbia Watertight II Jacket – Boys
#6. Best car-stash kids' rain jacket
Read our reviewColumbia Glennaker Rain Jacket — Boys’
#7. Best grab-and-go kids' rain jacket
Read our reviewColumbia Arcadia II Jacket — Girls’
#8. Best kids' rain jacket for heavy use and trail days
Read our reviewThe North Face Antora Rain Jacket
#9. Best investment kids' rain jacket
Read our reviewPatagonia Torrentshell 3L Jacket — Kids’
What Actually Makes a Kids’ Rain Jacket Worth Buying
Before we get into the best kids’ rain jackets, let’s talk about what you’re actually buying — because “waterproof” on a hang tag doesn’t always mean the clothes underneath stay completely dry.
Waterproof vs. Water-Resistant: Know the Difference
Most quality kids’ waterproof jackets use a two-part system. There’s a waterproof membrane inside that physically blocks liquid water from getting through. And there’s a DWR (durable water repellent) coating on the outside that makes water bead up and roll off the face fabric instead of soaking in.
When that DWR wears out — and it will — water stops beading and starts soaking into the outer fabric. The jacket doesn’t technically leak, but the saturated outer layer blocks the membrane from breathing. You feel clammy, the jacket gets heavy, and your kid feels wet even if they technically aren’t. This is called wetting out, and it happens faster in kids’ rain jackets because kids are, in a word, feral. Mud. Puddles. Dragging their arms through wet brush. The DWR doesn’t stand a chance.
The fix is washing your jacket regularly with a technical cleaner — not regular detergent, which clogs the membrane — and throwing it in the dryer on low heat to reactivate the DWR. Do it every few uses (or once a year). It extends the life of the jacket and can be passed to the next user/abuser.
Water-resistant jackets skip the membrane entirely. They handle light drizzle and wind fine, but in a real downpour they’ll soak through. They’re lighter, more comfortable, and easier to get a kid to wear. There’s absolutely a place for them — more on that below.
Seams: The Detail That Separates a Real Rain Jacket from a Maybe Rain Jacket
A waterproof membrane is only as good as its seams. Seams are where water gets in, and plenty of jackets use waterproof fabric without sealing the seams — meaning rain finds its way through the stitching. Look for “seam-sealed” or “taped seams” on the product description. If it doesn’t say it, assume the seams aren’t sealed. For light rain, that’s fine. For a Pacific Northwest trail or a Colorado afternoon thunderstorm, things will get spicy.
What to Look For in a Kids’ Rain Jacket
A storm flap over the zipper. Zippers are the other big entry point for rain. A storm flap — ideally with Velcro dots running the full length — keeps rain from finding the gap.
A hood. Non-negotiable. If it doesn’t have a hood, it’s a windbreaker.
Adjustability. A Velcro cuff closure is the single most useful feature for sizing up, which you should always do. Buy one size up (sometimes two), push up the sleeves, and Velcro them closed. That jacket now fits for two seasons instead of one. A hood cinch is a bonus — great for pulling the hood down over a winter hat in cold rain.
Soft fabric at the neckline. Waterproof shell material against bare skin on the neck is scratchy and cold. Some jackets add a small strip of softer material here. It’s a small thing that matters on long wet days.
Pockets with zippers. Open pockets on a rain jacket are decorative. Anything in there will get wet or fall out. Zippered pockets — ideally with a flap over the zipper — are what you want. Note: some mesh-lined pockets can let fine dirt and debris sift through to the jacket interior. Not going to lose a pine cone, but might lose some sand, or melty chocolate will find its way to clothes beneath.
How to Size a Kids’ Rain Jacket
Always buy up at least one size. Rain jackets need to go over layers — fleeces, hoodies, thermals — and a jacket that fits perfectly in the store won’t zip over a puffy on a cold afternoon. Baggy is fine. Velcro cuffs solve the wrist problem. Buy up, velcro down. Wear for two seasons. Exception: the REI Rainier runs large — size true or even down on that one.
How Much Should You Spend?
$30 to $60 is the sweet spot for most families. In that range you can find a genuinely waterproof, seam-sealed jacket that will last multiple seasons with proper care. Below $30 you’re usually looking at water-resistant only, which has its place but isn’t what you want for a camping trip or a full day at outdoor school in the rain.
Above $60 you’re paying for better materials, more thoughtful construction, and sometimes serious environmental credentials. The Patagonia in this guide is $129. That’s real money for a kids’ jacket. But Patagonia’s Worn Wear program means you can buy used — and a well-made jacket at that price point is the kind of thing you buy for your first kid and hand down to the next three.
The 9 Best Kids’ Rain Jackets Tested
Rank 1
#1 BEST (best all-around)
Best kids' rain jacket overall
REI Co-op Rainier Rain Jacket – Kids’
The most thoughtful design we tested. Soft neck, dual cuffs, adjustable hood — the one we'd buy if we were only buying one.
Pros
- Soft lining at the neck — no scratchy shell against skin
- Best cuff system for sizing up
- Hood adjusts over a winter hat
Cons
- Runs large — take into consideration
- No warmth on its own
Sizes: XXS–XL (fits approx. ages 4–14) | Waterproof: Yes — HydroWall 2.5L, seam-taped, PFAS-free DWR | Size tested: XXS
Not right for you if: Not the move if warmth is the priority; it’s a shell, not an insulated jacket.
We tested this one at Winterwondergrass in Steamboat Springs — wind and rain, an unseasonably warm February that delivered drizzle instead of snow. Snow is fun, drizzle is a fun damper. We were staying a 15-20 minute walk from the festival, which meant every trip was fully outside, in it. The Rainier kept everyone dry for the full day. Not damp-but-functional. Dry.
The details are what set it apart. The collar is lined with soft fleece-like material so the waterproof shell never touches bare neck — a small thing that matters on a long cold day. The zipper has a full-length Velcro storm flap plus a hook-and-loop tab at the top. The hood has a slight visor, elastic on the sides, and a Velcro adjustment at the back so it dials in over a winter hat in seconds. Cuffs have both elastic and Velcro. Two zippered pockets with smooth nylon interiors that wipe clean. Inside, a care tag closes with: still got some adventure in me. That’s a jacket that knows what it’s got – longevity.
Sizing note: we ordered XXS for a 4-year-old and it was big. Don’t size up on this one — if anything, size down if you’re between sizes. That’s the opposite of our usual rain jacket advice, and it’s worth remembering specifically here.
The short version: The most thoughtfully designed kids’ rain jacket we tested. Runs large — size accordingly.
Read our more in-depth review of the REI Co-op Rainier Rain Jacket – Kids’
Rank 2
#2 BETTER (runner-up)
Best kids' rain jacket for features and durability
L.L. Bean Kids’ Trail Model Rain Jacket
Longest zipper pull in the lineup, great for smaller hands, chest pocket your kid will immediately claim, and extremely well sealed for the price.
Pros
- Easy to zip for small hands
- Chest pocket kids love
- Extremely well sealed
Cons
- Not a packable jacket
- No hood visor
Sizes: 4–18 (fits approx. ages 4–16) | Waterproof: Yes — 2.5-layer TEK shell, fully taped seams | Size tested: 4
Not right for you if: You need a packable car-stash jacket. The Trail Model is a more substantial build — it’s your planned rain jacket, not your emergency one.
A rainy Cincinnati afternoon, bare trees, wet pavement — the kind of grey day where you go outside more out of principle than enthusiasm, but it’s still worth it. The chest pocket was located within twenty seconds of putting the jacket on. The rest of the walk was pine cone collection. The Trail Model is a good-looking jacket — two-tone colorblock, classic but relaxed — and it looks like something a kid actually wants to wear, which is half the battle.
The 2.5-layer TEK shell with fully taped seams is extremely well sealed, and the zipper pull is the longest we encountered in any kids’ rain jacket — genuinely easy for small hands to operate without help. Storm flap with Velcro runs up the full length, plus soft fabric lining the top few inches of the zipper inside for partial chin protection. Hood has elastic on the sides. Two large side pockets with tight mesh interiors keep the pine cones safe. Chest pocket is an immediate hit with kids. Two interior pockets discovered mid-test add bonus dry storage.
We ordered size 4 and the sleeves ran long — room to grow, which is exactly what you want from a jacket at this price.
The short version: The most pockets of any jacket we tested, extremely well sealed, and easy for kids to zip themselves. The chest pocket is perfect for treasures.
Read our more in-depth review of the L.L. Bean Kids’ Trail Model Rain Jacket
Rank 3
#3 GOOD (budget buy)
Best budget kids' rain jacket
Cat & Jack Kids’ Solid Rain Coat
Bright yellow option, warm lining, water-resistant in light rain. Thirty dollars is hard to argue with.
Pros
- $30
- Warm lining
- Don't need layers
Cons
- Water-resistant only, not waterproof
- Runs large — size down
- No zippered pockets
Sizes: XS–XXL (fits approx. ages 4–16) | Waterproof: Water-resistant — 100% recycled polyester interlock | Size tested: XS
Not right for you if: You’re in a high-rain climate or need a jacket for sustained outdoor activities. Also not the move for warm-weather rain — the full lining traps heat. Best for cold drizzle and light-use days.
We picked the yellow deliberately — there’s a book called The Secret Lives of Color by Kassia St. Clair that makes a compelling case for how color affects mood. Yellow is joyful. It’s also easy to spot on a playground full of navy blue jackets, and easy to find when it ends up twenty feet behind your kid in the rain. For boys especially, outdoor gear color options can be frustratingly narrow. Yellow is a win. Also, just so classic for a rain jacket, chef’s kiss.
This is water-resistant, not waterproof — it handles drizzle and moderate rain well but will soak through in a sustained downpour. The surprise is how warm it is: the full recycled polyester lining adds real warmth, and the hood is lined too. On a cold drizzly morning that’s genuinely useful. The trade-off is breathability — running hard in warm rain means sweating underneath. Zipper has a reflective pull and interior flap, chin guard at the top, elastic at the wrists, reflectors on the zipper pull, sleeves, and back. Open pockets are good for warming hands and not much else.
Cat & Jack runs large. We ordered XS (their size 4/5) for a 4-year-old and it was very big.
The short version: $30, bright yellow option, warm lining, honest about what it is. Hard to beat at this price.
Read our more in-depth review of the Cat & Jack Kids’ Solid Rain Coat
Rank 4
#4. Best kids' rain jacket for breathability and active use
Eddie Bauer Kids Rainfoil Jacket
Pros
- Most breathable jacket we tested
- Only jacket with elastic at the hem
- Trusted brand, great customer service
Cons
- Pockets let fine debris through
- No warmth on its own
Sizes: XXS–XL (fits approx. ages 4–14) | Waterproof: Yes — WeatherEdge seam-sealed, StormRepel DWR | Size tested: XXS
Not right for you if: Your kid is a serious pocket collector. The mesh pockets are not secure enough for anything valuable. Also not ideal for cold rain without layering — the mesh lining breathes well but adds no warmth.
Eddie Bauer has been making outdoor gear since 1920, and that history shows. Their customer service on warranties and returns has been genuinely excellent in our personal experience — that matters when you’re buying gear for kids who are hard on things. We tested this on a drizzly Cincinnati morning with snow still on the ground from the last cold snap. The jacket was light enough that our kid barely seemed to notice it was on, which is the highest compliment.
The full mesh interior is the defining feature — it breathes better than a nylon-lined jacket and means less heat build-up, less sweat, less clammy for an active kid who runs warm. WeatherEdge seam-sealed waterproofing is real rain protection, not just water resistance. The zipper storm flap has the largest, easiest-to-grab Velcro closure we tested. Chin guard at the top. And the detail no other jacket in this guide has: elastic at the hem, which keeps it sitting at the waist and stops cold air from sneaking in underneath. On a day with snow still on the ground, that was a great additional feature.
The pockets are the honest downside — smaller than ideal, and fine dirt and debris can sift through the open mesh to the shirt underneath. Not losing anything substantial, but not ideal for kids who treat pockets as a personal storage. True to size; size up for room to grow.
The short version: The most breathable kids’ rain jacket we tested. Real waterproofing, trusted brand, and the only jacket here with hem elastic.
Read our more in-depth review of the Eddie Bauer Kids Rainfoil Jacket
Rank 5
#5. Best boys everyday kids' waterproof jacket
Columbia Watertight II Jacket – Boys
The no-drama school-day jacket. Mesh lining, sealed seams, zips over a puffy without a fight.
Pros
- Mesh lining makes it less clammy than most
- Easy to layer over clothes
- Good hood adjustment
Cons
- No soft fabric at the neck
- Heavier than single-layer options
Sizes: XXS–XL (fits approx. ages 4–14) | Waterproof: Yes — Omni-Tech, fully seam sealed | Size tested: XXS
Not right for you if: Your kid runs cold or you’re planning cold rain without layering underneath. No insulation, no soft neck lining.
This one earned its keep on rainy school days, park runs, and afternoons at a friend’s house — the everyday essential use cases. The school context matters: a Waldorf-inspired farm school means outside for most of the day regardless of weather, and outerwear isn’t optional. We put it on over a full layer of clothes on a cold rainy day and it zipped without a fight. Columbia’s Omni-Tech waterproofing with fully sealed seams held up through full days in the rain.
The mesh lining is what sets this jacket apart. It breathes better than a solid nylon interior, which on an active kid means less heat build-up and less clammy — and a kid who is more likely to keep the jacket on without complaint. Heavy-duty zipper with square Velcro tabs up the storm flap, large button at the top, hood with elastic on the sides and an adjustable tab at the back. Velcro cuffs. Zippered pockets with dense mesh interiors keep items secure; fine dirt and debris might sift through over time, but nothing of actual value is going anywhere.
True to size. Size up if you’re layering over a puffy.
The short version: Solid everyday kids’ rain jacket. Breathable, reliable, and more comfortable than it looks at this price.
Read our more in-depth review of the Columbia Watertight II Jacket – Boys
Rank 6
#6. Best car-stash kids' rain jacket
Columbia Glennaker Rain Jacket — Boys’
The lightest jacket we tested. Keep one in the car, one by the door, and don't forget about it.
Pros
- Lightest jacket we tested
- Easy to grab and go
- Great price for a backup jacket
Cons
- Not seam sealed — not for heavy rain
- No lining, no warmth
Sizes: XXS–XL (fits approx. ages 4–14) | Waterproof: Waterproof fabric only — no membrane, no seam sealing | Size tested: XXS
Not right for you if: You’re planning a camping trip, outdoor school day, or any sustained time in real rain. This is a light-rain and emergency jacket — don’t ask more of it than that.
The Glennaker is not a seam-sealed waterproof jacket. The fabric resists water, but there’s no membrane and no seam sealing. In light rain it’s fine. In a sustained downpour, eventually you’ll have a wet kid. Know that going in and it will never disappoint you. We wore it on a two-hour field romp in the Colorado foothills in early spring drizzle — dry for the walk, but cold, because this is a single clean layer with nothing behind it.
What the Glennaker is: the lightest jacket in this guide, packable, $50, and exactly the jacket you grab on the way out the door when the weather looks iffy. The downward-facing pockets shed rain effectively even if they’re a little awkward to slide a hand into. Clean silhouette, classic look, good color options. Keep one in the car.
Sleeves ran long in XXS — more than other jackets at this size. Not a problem for a car-stash jacket; just something to know.
The short version: Not a serious waterproof jacket, and it doesn’t pretend to be. The best grab-and-go backup in this guide.
Read our more in-depth review of the Columbia Glennaker Rain Jacket — Boys’
Rank 7
#7. Best grab-and-go kids' rain jacket
Columbia Arcadia II Jacket — Girls’
Lightweight, bright colors, and the hood fits over a bike helmet. The jacket she'll actually want to wear.
Pros
- Hood fits over a bike helmet
- Lightweight and easy to carry
- Bright color options kids love
Cons
- Very few fit adjustments
- Cold rain requires real layers underneath
Sizes: XXS–XL (fits approx. ages 4–14) | Waterproof: Yes — Omni-Tech, seam sealed | Size tested: XXS
Not right for you if: You want a jacket your kid can wear for multiple seasons without precise sizing — adjustability is minimal. Not a cold-rain jacket on its own.
We tested this at Great Sand Dunes National Park at the end of April — one beautiful day followed by clouds rolling in while we were packing up camp, turning cold and genuinely miserable. The kids still wanted to be outside. The Arcadia II went on and bike riding around the campground continued for a few hours. The color was the immediate selling point — bright light blue that matched the helmet exactly. Excited to put it on, no argument.
It’s a no-frills jacket: single layer of Omni-Tech waterproofing, mesh interior, sealed seams. The zipper uses an interior back panel instead of an exterior storm flap to block water — it works, you just notice it feels different. The hood adjusts wide enough at the back to fit over a bike helmet, which is genuinely useful. Two zippered pockets, normal-facing, mesh interior. Velcro cuffs. Not many adjustments beyond that, so get the size right at purchase.
We ordered XXS and it fit a 5-year-old well — not much room to grow, so size up if you want more than one season.
The short version: No frills, no fuss, keeps kids dry. The hood fits over a helmet and the color options are genuinely good. Buy the right size.
Read our more in-depth review of the Columbia Arcadia II Jacket — Girls’
Rank 8
#8. Best kids' rain jacket for heavy use and trail days
The North Face Antora Rain Jacket
Heavy-duty DryVent construction and a hood that stays put. The jacket kids keep reaching for
Pros
- Heavy-duty construction
- Hood stays put without adjusting
- Kids keep reaching for it
Cons
- No zipper pull — hard for small hands
- Expensive for what you get
Sizes: XS–XXL (fits approx. ages 4–16) | Waterproof: Yes — DryVent 2L, seam sealed, non-PFC DWR | Size tested: 4
Not right for you if: Your child is young enough to need a proper zipper pull — this jacket doesn’t have one and it will frustrate small hands every single time.
Cincinnati river park, rainy Tuesday, .8-mile paved loop with puddles and wet leaves. The camo colorway does exactly what camo is supposed to do — disappears into the landscape, which is perfect for a 4-year-old who loves to hide. (If visibility matters to you, pick a different colorway.) This has become one of the most-reached-for jackets since testing. It gets asked for, it’s stuffed in our school bag.
The DryVent 2L shell is seam-sealed and feels more substantial than comparable kids’ options — you notice it while handling it. The hood uses an interior elasticated tunnel that sits against the head and keeps fit without any side cinches or back adjustment. It stays put in wind and rain. Two zippered pockets with rain flaps and soft interiors keep valuables secure and hands warm. A half-eaten lollipop is safe in here.
The zipper tab is small. It can be operated by a 4-year-old but takes a few tries. A proper pull would make a real difference at this price point. Size 4 fit well as-is with not much room to grow — size up if you’re buying to last more than one season.
The short version: Great construction, genuinely waterproof, and kids gravitate toward it. The zipper situation is a real consideration for younger kids.
Read our more in-depth review of the The North Face Antora Rain Jacket
Rank 9
#9. Best investment kids' rain jacket
Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Jacket — Kids’
The most waterproof jacket we tested. Buy it for your first kid, hand it to the next. Check Worn Wear before buying new.
Pros
- Most waterproof jacket we tested
- Built to last multiple kids
- Environmentally responsible materials
Cons
- Most expensive by far
- Heavy — can get sweaty underneath
- Runs big, especially in younger sizes
Sizes: 2T–XXL (fits approx. ages 2–16) | Waterproof: Yes — H2No 3L, PFAS-free DWR, Fair Trade Certified | Size tested: XS
Not right for you if: You’re buying for one season or one kid. The value is in longevity and hand-me-down potential. If that’s not the plan, other jackets in this guide give you strong performance for significantly less.
We tested this in actual graupel on a nature walk in Colorado — where the sky is doing both rain and snow and has committed to neither. Out for about an hour before the graupel made the decision for us. XS was available (XXS wasn’t) and it was big — sleeves dangled because they were refused to be Velcroed. Kid looked like a very nice blue bag. Completely dry. He’ll likely wear this until age 6 or 7, which is entirely the point.
The 3-layer construction — ECONYL recycled nylon face fabric, polycarbonate PU membrane, tricot backer, all bonded together — is more durable and more waterproof over time than the 2-layer shells most kids’ jackets use. PFAS-free DWR. Fair Trade Certified factory. If you care about what goes into your kid’s gear and where it comes from, this is the jacket. We have complicated feelings about Patagonia: we love the ethos, love Worn Wear, love that environmental accountability is built into how they operate. We also acknowledge you’re paying for social clout alongside genuine quality. Check Worn Wear before buying new — used Torrentshells hold up exactly as advertised.
Heavier than shell-only jackets, which means less breathability. Layer management matters more here. No chin guard — zipper end sits against the face when fully zipped.
The short version: The most serious kids’ waterproof jacket we tested. Expensive, heavy-duty, built to outlast your kids’ childhood. Worth it if you’re buying for the long game.
Read our more in-depth review of the Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Jacket — Kids’
How the Best Kids’ Rain Jackets Compare
| Jacket | Price | Waterproof | Seam Sealed | Hood Adjust | Cuff Adjust | Soft Neck | Overall |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| REI Rainier | $84.95 | Yes | Yes | Side elastic + Velcro back | Velcro + elastic | Yes | 4.7/5.0 |
| L.L. Bean Trail Model | $79 | Yes | Yes | Side elastic | Elastic | Partial | 4.5/5.0 |
| Cat & Jack | $30 | Water-resistant | No | None | Elastic | No | 3.7/5.0 |
| Eddie Bauer Rainfoil | $69 | Yes | Yes | None | Elastic | No | 4.2/5.0 |
| Columbia Watertight II | $65 | Yes | Yes | Side elastic + tab back | Velcro | No | 4.1/5.0 |
| Columbia Glennaker | $50 | Light only | No | None | Elastic | No | 3.9/5.0 |
| Columbia Arcadia II | $65 | Yes | Yes | Velcro back | Velcro | No | 3.8/5.0 |
| TNF Antora | $100 | Yes | Yes | Interior elastic tunnel | Elastic | Partial | 3.8/5.0 |
| Patagonia Torrentshell 3L | $129 | Yes | Yes | None | Elastic | No | 3.7/5.0 |
So Which Kids’ Rain Jacket Should You Buy?
If you want one jacket that does everything: REI Rainier. Soft neck lining, dual cuff closure, adjustable hood, cleanable pockets. Size down from what you’d expect.
If you want the best feature set under $80: L.L. Bean Trail Model. The chest pocket is going to be a very big deal to your kid. Longest zipper pull in the lineup. Extremely well sealed.
If $30 is the budget: Cat & Jack. Genuinely good for light rain and cold drizzle. Bright yellow. Size down.
If breathability is the priority: Eddie Bauer Rainfoil. Mesh interior, hem elastic, trusted brand since 1920. Just manage expectations on the pockets.
If you want a workhorse for school and everyday use: Columbia Watertight II. Breathable, reliable, works over layers without a fight.
If you need a car jacket: Columbia Glennaker or Columbia Arcadia II. Keep it simple, keep it ready.
If your kid loves to disappear into the landscape: North Face Antora in camo. Just be ready to zip it for them for a while.
If you’re buying for the long haul: Patagonia Torrentshell 3L. Check Worn Wear first.
Frequently Asked Questions About Kids’ Rain Jackets
What is the best kids’ rain jacket?
Based on testing nine jackets in real conditions across multiple states, the REI Co-op Rainier is the best overall — most thoughtful feature set, real waterproofing, soft neck lining, dual cuff closure. The L.L. Bean Trail Model is a close runner-up with the best zipper pull for small hands and a chest pocket kids love. For budget buyers, the Cat & Jack at $30 is genuinely good for light to moderate rain.
What’s the difference between waterproof and water-resistant for kids?
Waterproof kids’ jackets have a membrane that physically blocks rain and fully sealed seams — they’ll hold up in a sustained downpour. Water-resistant jackets handle drizzle and light rain fine but will eventually soak through. For camping, hiking, or outdoor school, go waterproof. For a quick school pick-up or a car stash, water-resistant is totally fine.
How should I size a kids’ rain jacket?
Always size up at least one size. Rain jackets need to go over layers, and a jacket that fits perfectly now won’t zip over a fleece when the temperature drops. Look for Velcro cuffs — they let you roll and secure longer sleeves on a bigger jacket, which extends the life by a full season or more. Exception: the REI Rainier runs large, so size true or even down.
Is the Patagonia Torrentshell worth it for kids?
If you’re planning to hand it down or buy it used through Patagonia’s Worn Wear program, yes. The 3-layer construction genuinely outlasts 2-layer shells. If you’re buying for one kid for one season, other jackets in this guide give you strong performance for significantly less money.
What age are kids’ rain jackets sized for?
It varies by brand. Most of the jackets in this guide go down to XXS, which typically fits ages 4-5. Cat & Jack’s XS covers sizes 4-5. Columbia and REI XXS runs closer to a 4T-5T equivalent. Always check the brand’s size chart and size up one from there.
Roxy Dawson
I'm Roxy Dawson — New Yorker turned Coloradan, former full-time van dweller, outdoor industry veteran, and co-author of three Falcon Guides. I've spent the better part of a decade testing outdoor gear for adults across some genuinely terrible conditions. Then I had kids, noticed that nobody was doing that work honestly for the 0–14 age set, and built the site I kept wishing existed. Everything on Good Better Best has been tested by my actual children — currently ages two and five, with strong opinions and zero patience for gear that doesn't work. I test first. I write second. I don't recommend things I wouldn't buy with my own money.
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