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Having just shared our thoughts on Toddler Raingear, I decided to create this simple round-up for the mamas out there! Mama’s gotta stay dry too, right? Gotta put your own oxygen mask on first, so to speak. Take care of yourselves, otherwise what good are you to your kiddos?
So does Dad, but this article is coming from the mama behind this scene. Although, I must admit, I often wear his jackets. Who doesn’t love the comfort of things oversized, especially when it comes to raincoats?
Not the most inspiring list of raingear, but I can attest that what we have here is top notch quality. Look no further..
| Jacket | Best for | Waterproof build | Warmth | Where to get it |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Outdoor Research Women’s Aspire 3L Trench | Shoulder-season rain, long coverage | AscentShell™ Dry 3-layer | Shell only | New, $359.95 |
| Arc’teryx Sabre Anorak (Men’s) | Storms, pregnancy and babywearing | 3-layer GORE-TEX | Shell only | Used, via Arc’teryx ReBIRD |
Outdoor Research Women’s Aspire 3L Trench
Like the kids, my go-tos come from thrift shops. However, recently I received the Outdoor Research Women’s Aspire 3L Trench, and I gotta say, sometimes it’s worth getting things new. Being designed in the modern day for women speaks volumes.
Aspire 3L Trench: The Facts
| Price | $359.95 |
| Fabric | AscentShell™ Dry 3-layer, 100% recycled 40-denier nylon with mechanical stretch, bluesign approved |
| Water repellent finish | Nikwax Direct.Dry DWR |
| Seams | Fully seam-taped |
| Weight / length | 425 g; 91.4 cm centre-back length |
| Features | Adjustable hood with elastic brim, elastic drawcord waist, hook-and-loop cuffs, zippered chest and hand pockets |
| Fit | True to size |
| Guarantee | Outdoor Research guarantees performance for the lifetime of the product |
How it wears
Technology and style keep advancing when it comes to many things, but seemingly so with outdoor wear. This coat is so lightweight, and so far so good/great on the waterproof side of things. The style with the cinched waist, and the length hitting just below my bum feels just right. Raincoats imo must be long, otherwise your poor wet legs! Wait, isn’t there a band named Wet Leg? Maybe they wear short raincoats?
In more detail, it features OR’s ‘AscentShell Dry’ technology Outdoor Research’s waterproof and breathable fabric system. Although, thoughtful nylon it is(!), using 100% recycled materials. It has mechanical stretch, has an exclusive high-performance Nikwax dry finish, and a Durable Water Repellent (DWR) finish, allowing the rain along with your worries to simply bead up and roll away. This jacket is lightweight and breathable, has full coverage, and full freedom of movement all the while being waterproof.
Pros and Cons
Pros – Its use of 100% recycled materials gets 👍👍. Also pockets, love having a variety of pockets in my outdoor gear for all the mom things. I personally love the ease, fit, stretch and length.
Cons – When there’s a downpour, it won’t keep you completely dry, water manages to get in through the material. Also, it does it’s duty as a shell, which has many benefits, but for the cons case, it’s not cozy or warm on those cold soggy days up here in the PNW. I won’t be pulling this out often in the depths of winter.
Small tip: The sizing is true to size for me, I’m wearing a small, with plenty of room for underlayers, but to be safe, maybe size up if you plan on wearing it in cold weather with more room for warmth underneath.
Arc’teryx Sabre Anorak Men’s
This baby is worth hopping in the time machine for. Back all the way to the year 2022, to simpler times..
Sabre Anorak: The Facts
| Status | Discontinued; sold used through Arc’teryx ReBIRD resale (Canada and US only) |
| Price | Varies by condition on ReBIRD |
| Fabric | 3-layer GORE-TEX |
| Features | Pullover anorak, kangaroo pocket, drawstring waist, adjustable hood |
| Successor | Arc’teryx Sabre Relaxed Anorak sold on the Arteryx Outlet site |
| Trade-in | ReBIRD gives 30% back in store credit for eligible used Arc’teryx gear in good condition |
Through rain, snow, and babywearing
I am puzzled as to why Arc’teryx retired this jacket, as it is near perfection. It’s looks great and works great. I love me a good hoodie, and a Gore-Tex hoodie that’s durable and stormproof? Yes please! It is designed for adventure and for the slopes, but I also love it for the fall/winter/PNW wet everyday. Pop a baby in the front, and we’re good to go, both of us staying warm and dry 🙂
I’ve worn this anorak/kangaroo coat in rain and snow storms. On my own, or with a pregnant belly, and then – with my babies/joeys (one at a time) tucked in. My go to for walking around with my little joey’s in a front carrier, where their body could stay warm and dry next to mine, plus the cuteness overload! A warm feeling and vision etched into my heart and mind forever.
Luckily, this jacket is available on ReBIRD, for a fraction of what it once cost.
Pros and Cons
Pros – Legit Waterproof. Arc’teryx has mastered the art of water repellency. The colour combo. The Style. The drawstring waist. The well fitted hood.
Cons – It’s no longer being made. Also, for Arc’teryx in general, the price. Luxury prices for the luxury outdoor market. Investment pieces.
A word on Arc’teryx
Arc’teryx is making strides in their care for the environment (their System Ø for example, which goes into depth on their quest for creating a circular economy), for caring for our First Nations and committing to reconciliation(their Walk-Gently platform honours indigenous artists and designers and re-invests back into their communities), and whom take care of their employees (continually awarded as one of the Best Places to Work in Canada). Arc’teryx sells used gear on their site, under the Resale tab, called ReBIRD (an ode to their well-recognized logo – a bird skeleton). Arc’teryx is a local brand (although some of the production is overseas), that we can fully get behind. Quite trendy in this neck of the woods, and from what we hear, worldwide. There’s definitely an outdoor stereotype around here that proudly wears this brand, which at times has made us giggle, but with more testing of their gear, becomes understandably so. It’s good stuff.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Outdoor Research Aspire 3L Trench warm enough for winter?
IMO no, not on its own. At least for Canadian Winters. It’s an uninsulated shell, so it’s at its best in spring and fall rain. For cold winter days, layer a fleece or light puffy underneath, and consider sizing up to make room.
What does 3L mean on a rain jacket?
“3L” means three-layer: the waterproof, breathable membrane is sandwiched between the outer fabric and a bonded inner fabric. It’s the most durable way to build a rain shell, and both jackets here are made this way.
Can you wear a rain jacket over a baby carrier?
Yes, if it’s roomy enough. An oversized shell or a pullover anorak can close around a baby in a front carrier, keeping you both dry and sharing body heat. Try it on with the carrier and baby before you commit, and make sure baby’s face stays uncovered.
Where can I buy used Arc’teryx in Canada?
Arc’teryx runs its own resale shop, ReBIRD, for customers in Canada and the US. You can also trade in eligible used Arc’teryx gear in good condition for 30% back in store credit.
In Summary
Not an exhaustive wet weather gear list by any means, just my humble beginnings. I believe what we have here is a great start, and hopefully the high quality that keeps me from adding more to this list, designed to last for many a year to come. I plan on updating over the years, and will keep giving an honest opinion on the quality after more seasons of wear and tear.
Gearing up the little ones too? Here’s our take on Toddler Raingear.
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