Eddie Bauer Kids Rainfoil Jacket Review

The Eddie Bauer Rainfoil is the most breathable kids’ rain jacket we tested — and the only one with elastic at the hem. We tested it on multiple rainy mornings in Cincinnati, with Cypress, 4, sprinting ahead of us on wet pavement looking extremely pleased with himself. The full mesh interior keeps an active kid from overheating under a waterproof shell, which sounds like a minor thing until you’ve dealt with a sweaty, miserable kid in a jacket they’re refusing to keep on. It’s a trusted brand with a century of outdoor gear behind it, and it shows. The one honest caveat: the pockets are not secure for anything valuable.

4.2/5.0

Best kids' rain jacket for breathability and active use

Eddie Bauer Kids Rainfoil Jacket

Shop at Eddie Bauer$69

Sizes: XXS–XL (fits approx. ages 4–14) | Waterproof: Yes — WeatherEdge seam-sealed, StormRepel DWR | Windproof: Not confirmed on kids’ product page | Weight: Not listed | Fabric: Not listed for kids’ version

Is the Eddie Bauer Rainfoil waterproof?

Yes. WeatherEdge seam-sealed waterproofing with a StormRepel DWR finish is real rain protection, not just water resistance. We tested it in Cincinnati in a light drizzle with puddles everywhere and Cypress, 4, stayed completely dry for the full walk.

Where we tested the Eddie Bauer Rainfoil

Cincinnati in early spring means light drizzle all day, puddles that have developed personalities, and occasionally snow still on the ground. We needed to get outside. We did our loop. Cypress wore the blue Rainfoil and sprinted ahead of us on the wet pavement looking extremely pleased with himself.

The jacket is light enough that he barely seemed to notice he had it on. That, genuinely, is the highest compliment a 4-year-old can give a rain jacket.

A note on Eddie Bauer

Eddie Bauer has been making outdoor gear since 1920. It doesn’t have the social clout of Patagonia or the outdoor-specialty cachet of REI, but it is reliable in a way that comes from a long time spent proving it. We have personal history with Eddie Bauer and their customer service on warranties and returns has been genuinely excellent. That matters when you’re buying gear for kids who are hard on things.

Eddie Bauer Rainfoil features — what actually stood out

The full mesh interior is the defining feature. Mesh breathes better than nylon or shell material — less heat build-up, less sweat, less clammy. For an active kid who runs warm, that’s a real functional difference.

The zipper storm flap has the biggest, easiest-to-grab Velcro we tested — important for small hands. A chin guard at the top keeps the zipper end off the face. The hood has a small visor. Elastic at the wrists.

The detail that surprised us most: elastic at the hem. It keeps the jacket sitting at the waist, covers just a bit of the butt, and keeps cold air from sneaking in. On a day with snow still on the ground, that coverage mattered. You don’t notice it until the jacket doesn’t have it — and then you miss it.

What doesn’t work on the Eddie Bauer Rainfoil

The pockets. Smaller than most kids’ rain jackets, and the mesh is open enough that fine dirt and debris can sift through to the shirt underneath. Nothing substantial, but we can see Cypress’s hands through the jacket from outside when they’re in his pockets. Not the move for anything worth keeping.

How to care for the Eddie Bauer Rainfoil

Machine wash cold, gentle cycle. Non-chlorine bleach only when needed. Tumble dry low. Do not iron. The StormRepel DWR benefits from low heat activation — don’t skip the dryer.

Does the Eddie Bauer Rainfoil pack down?

Light jacket, rolls up compactly. Not packable into its own pocket, but easy to stuff in a bag.

Eddie Bauer Rainfoil sizing guide

XXS fit Cypress at age 4 as expected — true to size, good proportions. Not much room to grow. Size up if you want more than one season, especially to layer over a heavier midlayer.

Who is the Eddie Bauer Rainfoil best for?

Active kids who run warm and need a jacket that keeps up without turning them into a sweat situation. Families who value a trusted brand with real customer service and over a century of outdoor gear experience. If breathability is the priority, this is the jacket.

Pro tip: The hem elastic is the sleeper feature. It does more work than you’d expect.

How the Eddie Bauer Rainfoil compares to other kids’ rain jackets