Having the proper outdoor clothing is one of the foundations for a happy and successful adventure. Tested-tough, every product Columbia makes features our long-standing commitment to quality, comfort, protection and performance. The same applies to our extensive range of children's outerwear.

Perfect for forest schools, jumping in rain puddles, an epic hiking adventure or playing outside at school, our collection of children’s outdoor apparel has something for every young explorer. With a wide selection of colours and both classic and contemporary styles, you’re spoilt for choice.

Discover why choosing specialised outdoor clothing for children is a must, and the top features to look for. Alongside a seasonal guide to kids’ outdoor apparel, we’re also exploring what makes some of our products great for the planet.

Why Choose Specialised Kids’ Outdoor Clothing?

Choosing specialised outdoor clothing for children is crucial for their health, comfort, safety and enjoyment. The right gear will provide all of this, and more.

Given their energy and enthusiasm, children require apparel that can keep up with them. Outerwear for kids is designed to be durable and resilient for the toughest of play. While they are running around, children can easily become overheated. Fortunately, many of the items will also support your child’s thermoregulation.

As standard, children's outdoor apparel from Columbia promotes freedom of movement and flexibility, unlike restrictive street clothes.

Many children’s outerwear options feature bright colours and reflective elements. This will keep your child safe during the darker evenings through the autumn and winter.

No matter the weather your child may encounter, there is a style designed to provide the perfect protection. Some styles offer exceptional waterproof protection against the inevitable soggy days. Other styles are made with cosy insulation to keep your child warm when temperatures plummet. There are also shirts and shorts made from fabric that will protect against harmful UVA and UVB rays.

No matter the weather or the occasion, Columbia’s line of children’s outdoor clothing provides reliable, durable performance so playtime never has to end.

Top Features to Look for in Kids’ Outdoor Clothing

When purchasing outdoor clothing for kids, there are several features to consider: waterproofing, breathability, insulation and UV protection.

• Waterproofing: For unbeatable waterproof protection, many of Columbia’s outdoor clothing items for kids (and adults!) feature our patented waterproof technologies. Not sure which to choose? Use our four easy-to-understand waterproof categories—drizzle, rain, downpour and deluge—to help make your selection.
• Breathability: Look for styles that include our exclusive Omni-WickTM technology. Used within several collections, including boys’ jackets and girls’ t-shirts, Omni-WickTM is our enhanced wicking technology. It quickly draws moisture away from the skin and disperses it across the fabric’s surface for rapid evaporation. This ensures your child can stay dry and comfortable during the most active of days outside.
• Insulation: Once temperatures drop, your child will need well-insulated gear to stay cosy. Columbia’s collection of outerwear uses primarily synthetic insulation, though some coats also use a hybrid of natural and synthetic insulation. Looking for a little extra warmth? Look for a style that includes Columbia’s exclusive Omni-HeatTM Reflective, which uses silver dots to reflect and retain body heat effectively.
• UV Protection: While outdoor clothing may seem exclusive to winter, sun protection during the warmer months should also be considered. To protect delicate skin and avoid sun damage, many styles include our patented Omni-ShadeTM Broad Spectrum. This technology uses engineered combinations of select fibre, yarn and fabric structures to block harmful UVA and UVB rays. Also, never underestimate the protective value of accessories like hats to keep the sun off your child’s neck.
• Other considerations: For ease and comfort, think about choosing materials that dry quickly when wet. Also, look for hard-wearing, durable items; examine the knees, elbows and seat to ensure they will withstand everything the outdoors can throw at them.

Seasonal Guide to Kids’ Outdoor Clothing

Deciding which clothes to buy when can be difficult. To help, we’ve created a quick guide about the essential items for each season.

Winter

Whether you’ll be hitting the ski slopes or embarking on a weekend trek, there are a few key pieces for your child’s winter wardrobe.

• Base layer: To keep your child dry and comfortable, base layers are perfect for wicking away moisture to prevent chilling and chafing. For the best performance, choose a base layer made from lightweight synthetic material or merino wool.
• Mid-layer: A good mid-layer will ensure your child stays insulated correctly in the cold. For damp climates like the UK, a fleece jacket is recommended due to fleece’s ability to insulate even when wet. A light puffer jacket would also be suitable.
• Outer shell: Look for waterproof and windproof jackets (with a hood) and trousers. These will help your child keep warm and dry during the most inclement weather.
• Accessories: While keeping the core warm is important, don’t overlook protecting the extremities. Your child should have a warm hat, as well as insulated, waterproof gloves, mittens and boots.

Spring & Autumn

With fluctuating weather conditions and temperatures, spring and autumn require items that allow for maximum adaptability.

During both seasons, it’s essential to continue layering to adapt to changing temperatures. It’s still highly recommended that your child have a base, mid and outer layer, with the expectation that these will be taken off and put back on as needed. For additional flexibility, try adding some convertible items, like zip-off trousers that turn into shorts as the temperatures warm up!

Summer

The summer months require less layering and more sun protection. Focus on lightweight. UPF-rated pieces to protect against the sun’s harmful rays. Look for quick-drying shorts and moisture-wicking t-shirts for maximum comfort.

Summer in the UK still brings its fair share of rain and cooler temperatures, so be sure your child packs lightweight rain shells and jumpers for sudden showers or cooler breezes.

Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Kids’ Outdoor Clothing

While outfitting your child with the most effective outerwear for year-round comfort, protection, and safety is essential, it’s also important to consider the wider impact of the clothing you buy. That’s why brands like Columbia are committed to promoting ethical conduct and using sustainable, eco-friendly materials across many of our items.

Check out just some of the ways Columbia is helping to make a difference in our world:

Don’t delay, shop the full range of kids’ outdoor clothing and let the next adventure begin!