Schoolrun on foot: kids’ winter coats!

[Osquito]

Hello all!

I take DS6yrs to and from his school on foot (about 25’ average either way) and every year try to get him a waterproof (not showerproof) and properly warm coat for school.
Last year he had a Muddy Puddles blizzard coat which, while keeping rain out and washing well, didn’t turn out to be remotely as warm as down. A past success was a Zara Baby Boy down coat that was covered in some sort of waxed cotton, but the older boys’ seem to get puffer-style down which isn’t even showerproof. I had thought of sticking merino thermals under his uniform, but his classrooms are very warm and it makes changing for PE very stressful for him.

*So:

• waterproof
• extremely warm (we live in the NW)
• preferably not in black or dark grey, for road safety issues
• wipeable or washes relatively easily
• Max £70*

I know - not asking for much but hoping other pedestrians can recommend something.

Polarn o pyret are a Swedish brand who do excellent kids outdoorwear. Suitable for Swedish winters, so should cope with the NW! We had a great coat from there. It was £90 I think? So a little outside budget, but worth it and they usually do 10-15% off for first purchases.
Lots of bright colours and all have reflective stripes.

Brand alley ( you need to register) have Didrikson kids out wear in good offers at the moment. Ditto women's! Worth a look, properly waterproof

At age six does the colour matter? He’s not going to be crossing the road on his own?

I’ve found the Joules and Boden waterproof coats to be good and also colourful. They do make others that aren’t so check the details. Often have good resale value after too.

Lighthouse . I’ve just got one for my ds we have a walk in all weathers to school . It’s fleece lined (the Adam coat) waterproof and wipeable

We've always gone for coats from Decathlon or Mountain Warehouse. Go Outdoors also have a good kids range of proper waterproof coats.

Landsend
www.landsend.co.uk/Kids_Squall_3-in-1_Waterproof_Jacket_/pp/P_40649.html?cgid=11420&dwvar_P__40649_color=%20Z1I

My DS has had 'Performance' parka-style coats from Next for the past few years. They're properly waterproof, he says they're really warm and he loves them. He's had them in green and cobalt blue in the past, although now he's at high school he has to have black. They tend not to come out on the site until quite late though, which is a pain - usually about October.

@GreyishDays He doesn’t cross on his own, no, but I also like being able to pick him out from a distance at the park, it helps stop getting mislaid at school, and he will be practicing cycling to school this autumn do it helps.

Thanks for suggestions, going to look at all these today.

Re Didriksons: we’ve had their raincoats (brilliant) and I was looking at the Indre as an option, but couldn’t find info on what temps it was recommended for... Their quality is great, so might be worth a gamble.

Trespass do a great range and they're very good value. Mine all had the 3 in 1 coats so very flexible.

Mini rodini K2 coat. We also walk the school run. These coats are magical, both my children got them 3 years ago and they still fit and look perfect (my kid’s have grown a lot!). They are expensive but so worth it.

These are all the k2 and half price at £77.50... couldn’t recommend more. I should work for them 😂

Loads more styles available if you search

I've had some great coats from H&M for DS(8). Waterproof, thick padding and inner elastic gussets on the sleeves. Reflective features on them too. I guess they're made for the Scandinavian climate.

The Lidl winter coats are surprisingly good - warm, waterproof andnwithbrelectice bits. But they go VERY fast, especially the ‘boy’ colours, so you need to get there first thing on the morning they are in store. I’ve put a Uniqlo padded gilet under them in the coldest days for extra warmth, but only if it’s snowing.

look at the hiking department of sports stores.
decathlon usually has decent ones.

I like the Lands End Squall Parka / Coat - there are normally some very good offers on them around now (I think I got one with 40% off last year).

Surfanic are good too

Boden (weather proof, ski or parka style), H&M or Polarn O Pyret for sure!

Trespasses or Mountain Warehouse here.

My three have had several coats from landsend and have been able to pass down to their siblings.
Can often get them in the sale also Debenhams sell landsend and I've often managed to buy them there to.

[quote Osquito]@GreyishDays He doesn’t cross on his own, no, but I also like being able to pick him out from a distance at the park, it helps stop getting mislaid at school, and he will be practicing cycling to school this autumn do it helps.[/quote]
Ah ok.

This has done ours well in Scotland

www.gap.co.uk/gap/kids-bettermade-coldcontrol-ultra-max-down-parka-jacket/000592730.html?dwvar_000592730_color=000592730001&dwvar_000592730_fit=regular&cgid=89556#start=1

Second the Gap Parka, ordered one for my son and was surprised at the great quality, much better than I expected. Toasty and warm.

@Miseryisabutterfly Does the fur trim zip off of the Mini Rodini K2 do you know? My DS doesn't like the feel of fur so would have to ditch that but I love the patterns of those coats.