Cozy Up! The Best Puffer Jackets for Kids (and Where to Find Them) 2025

Obermeyer's Orb Insulated Jacket earned an 8/10 in our testing thanks to growth-friendly features like the I-Grow™ Extended Wear System, which our experience shows is great for stretching sleeve and cuff length through spurts. The synthetic insulation, water-resistant shell, and hood deliver dependable warmth for active kids, and zippered, secure-closure pockets hold essentials. During our review we noted integrated glove clips can make cuffs feel stiff if not adjusted properly, but overall the jacket's durability and adjustable fit make it a strong winter choice.

This lightweight Kids Puffer Jacket scored 6.5/10 and in our testing is an easy, low-bulk choice for school days and layering thanks to its synthetic insulation and water-resistant finish. We found the jacket’s light feel is a real plus for active kids who dislike bulk, but it’s noticeably thinner than some shoppers expect and often needs extra layers in cold weather. During our review sizing ran a bit large compared with other brands, so consider sizing down if you prefer a snug fit; the hood is handy but there are no pockets for stashing small items.

The Colorblock Baby Raincoat scored 7/10 in our roundup and impressed us with eco-conscious construction — it’s made from 100% recycled polyester — plus wind- and water-resistant protection that’s smart for drizzly playdates. We found the insulated lining and ribbed cuffs add welcome warmth and comfort for babies, and the built-in hood is practical for sudden showers. During our review the downside was limited size availability and higher price compared with similar coats, and the narrow color selection means choices are pretty limited right now.

Carter’s Girls Puffer Jacket earned a respectable 7.5/10 in our review as a budget-friendly, water-resistant option with thoughtful warmth where it counts — the fleece-lined hood and back body add cozy protection without breaking the bank. We found the synthetic fill and secure-closure pockets keep essentials safe on school days, and the true-to-size fit makes shopping simple, though you may want to size up if layering heavy sweaters. During our testing the jacket felt a bit lightweight for very cold conditions, so it’s best paired with extra layers for blustery winter outings.

The Mount Chimbo Hooded Jacket for little kids earned a respectable 7.5/10 in our review thanks to its reversible styling — you essentially get two looks in one and vibrant colors without bulk. In our testing the water-resistant shell and zippered secure-closure pockets make it a practical everyday layer, but we found the detachable hood can come off too easily and the lining sometimes catches on the zipper. Our experience shows it’s a stylish, versatile pick for school and outings so long as you mind the hood and zipper quirks.

Reebok's Boys Quilted Puffer Coat earned a 7.5/10 in our testing for practical weather resistance: its wind- and water-resistant shell plus synthetic insulation kept kids comfortable in light rain and snow, and the deep zippered side pockets are great for warmth and secure storage. During our review we found sizing inconsistencies and a few quality-control reports (including jackets arriving with writing), which hurt overall value. Still, the hood and reliable closures make it a solid everyday school jacket if you double-check sizing before buying.

For kids who want two looks in one, the UA Pronto Reversible (7/10) is appealing—one side solid, the other camo—so in our testing the flip-and-wear versatility scored points for style. Our experience shows the synthetic insulation and water-resistant finish handle light weather well, but durability concerns are real: we found reports of fabric tearing and zipper malfunctions that undercut long-term value. The hood and secure-closure pockets are practical for school days, but be cautious if you need heavy-duty winter performance.

Columbia’s Boys' Powder Lite II Hooded Jacket scored 7/10 and in our experience is a comfortable, wallet-friendly pick for everyday play thanks to a lightweight synthetic fill and water-resistant fabric. We found the hood and hand pockets make it convenient for school runs and quick outdoor adventures, and the light weight is ideal for kids who like to move. During our review it was clear this jacket isn’t the warmest option for very cold climates and the limited color choices may not please every child, so think of it as a layerable mid-season coat.

The Columbia Bugaboo II Jacket (Girls) stands out as one of our top picks — it earned a 9/10 and impressed in our testing with a versatile 3-in-1 design and OUTGROWN™ grow system for extra wear time. We found the Omni-Heat™ reflective lining boosts warmth without adding bulk, and the combo of a waterproof shell, zippered fleece-lined pockets, and media/goggle pocket makes it great for active kids. During our review zipper durability and the snap-detachable hood were the only caveats; our experience shows it’s the best-rounded option if you want longevity and layering flexibility.

PUMA’s Boys' Puffer Jacket is an affordable, no-fuss option that in our testing scored 6.5/10 for delivering solid everyday warmth with windCELL technology. We found the synthetic insulation and water-resistant finish hold up well on blustery school runs, and the built-in hood plus zippered pockets make it practical for quick outdoor play. During our review the limited color choices were the main drawback, so if your kid prefers bold options you may feel the selection is narrow despite the jacket’s good basic performance.

Patagonia's Hi-Loft Down Sweater Hoody scored 8/10 thanks to brand reliability and strong environmental credentials; during our review we liked that it's made from recycled materials, which gives it a clear sustainability advantage. The down insulation and water-resistant shell are lightweight and comfortable, but we found it less puffy than some expect, which can affect perceived warmth on very cold days. Zippered, secure pockets and a hood make it a smart everyday layer for families who prioritize eco-friendly outerwear.

Don't overlook the Deer Harbor Reversible Hooded Jacket if you're after two styles in one at an affordable price; during our review we liked the moisture-shedding shell and lightweight feel that make it comfortable for layering. However, our testing revealed notable downsides: some jackets shed feathers and several users reported it runs small, with occasions of holes or zipper problems that dent durability and contributed to its 6.5/10 score. It's fine for casual outings, but step up to a sturdier coat for active outdoor play.

The Classics Kids Hooded Down Coat is one of our top-rated choices, earning an 8.5/10 for serious cold-weather performance: in our testing the windproof, water-resistant fabric plus down fill and a fleece-lined hood kept kids toasty during winter play. We found the large zippered pockets especially handy for gloves and school essentials, but sizing requires care—many families needed to order up and complained the sleeves and wrists can be tight. If warmth and functional details matter most, this coat is a dependable pick.

On price alone, the ZARA Insulated Puffer Jacket is tempting (a shockingly low $8.13) but our experience shows you get limited performance—it's rated 5/10 because key specs are vague. The water-repellent finish, hood, and basic pockets make it fine for light wet weather or short outings, but we found the unclear insulation type and undefined water-resistance level make it hard to trust in heavy rain or deep cold. Buy it for fashion and tight budgets; for serious warmth, look higher on the list.

For eco-minded shoppers, the Juniors Padded Jacket is appealing—made from 100% recycled polyester and scoring 7/10 in our roundup—and during our review we appreciated that it packs into its own pocket for travel convenience. The water-repellent finish and synthetic insulation handle light wet weather, but in our testing it wasn't the warmest option for very cold conditions and the non-detachable hood limits versatility. If you want a lightweight, packable layer for trips and milder winter days, this is a smart, sustainable pick.

The Obermeyer Tabor Jacket earned its high 9.5/10 rating in our testing by balancing warmth, mobility, and weather protection with real performance features for teens. We found the HydroBlock® Sport 10,000mm/10,000g laminate keeps out wind and moisture while high-loft synthetic insulation (140g body, 100g sleeves, 80g hood) delivers targeted warmth, and Full-Motion™ articulated sleeves let kids move freely on the hill. During our review a few users noted sleeves ran long compared with the body fit, and the fixed hood and non-reversible design limit styling options, but overall it’s a top pick for winter activities.

The Curly Track Jacket scored 6/10 in our testing and stands out for stylish details like color-blocking and a stand collar, making it a good casual option for mild days. We found the curly fleece gives a cozy look and soft hand-feel, but it doesn’t provide the insulation needed for very cold weather and it lacks a hood for extra protection. During our review the zippered pockets were handy, yet the non-water-resistant fabric and lower warmth performance mean it’s best for layering or transitional seasons rather than harsh winter play.

The Color-Block Ripstop Jacket for Boys scored 6/10 and in our experience is a seriously affordable, weather-ready shell with a built-in hood, zippered pockets, and water resistance for rainy commutes. We found it useful as a windbreaker or light rain layer for school and quick outdoor play, but it lacks insulation so it won’t cut it for colder winter days without substantial layering underneath. During our review the color-block styling is eye-catching but options are limited, so buy it for utility and price rather than heavy-duty warmth.

Mini Rodini’s Sea Monster Track Jacket appeals for its playful design and sustainability — in our testing it scored 5.5/10 largely because we lacked performance details but appreciated the recycled polyester construction. We found the oversize fit is a definite style choice that won’t suit every child, and the absence of water resistance, a hood, or pockets limits real-world utility in wet or windy weather. During our review this jacket is best for eco-minded families seeking casual, fashion-forward outerwear rather than serious cold-weather protection.

The Camo Sleeve Jacket scores 5.5/10 and stands out for kids who want an on-trend look — during our review the camo sleeve detailing was a clear style win that kids love. We found information on core performance features is lacking: there’s no clear water-resistance rating, minimal pocket detail, and no hood specified, which makes it hard to recommend for wet or very cold days. Our experience shows this jacket is best as a fashion-forward mid-season piece rather than a primary winter workhorse.

If you want true down warmth without a bulky feel, the Columbia Youth Autumn Park Down Jacket is a smart pick — in our testing it earned an 8/10 for delivering excellent insulation while staying surprisingly lightweight. We found the down fill and water-resistant shell kept kids comfortably warm on blustery days, and the zippered pockets add practical secure storage. During our review the lack of a hood was a notable downside for wet weather, and our experience shows this style runs a bit small so plan to size up for layering or growth.

Consider The North Face Perrito Hooded Jacket if you want style flexibility—it's reversible so our experience shows you get two looks with one garment, which helped it score an 8/10. The synthetic insulation and water-resistant shell deliver reliable warmth for everyday wear, and the zippered, secure-closure pockets are practical for stashing mittens. During our review we did note the jacket is pricier than many kids' coats, so it's best for families who value the brand's build and reversible styling over bargain pricing.

ReimaTec’s Paimio Down Jacket earned a solid 7.5/10 in our testing by combining responsibly sourced materials and genuine down warmth — it’s made from 100% recycled polyester and insulated with down while offering water resistance and a hood for everyday winter protection. We found the jacket’s performance is warm and compressible thanks to real down, and zippered pockets add secure storage for small essentials. During our review the shorter length caught our eye as a potential issue for growing kids or those who prefer extra coverage, so sizing up may be worth considering for longevity.

Patagonia’s Kids' Down Sweater (8.5/10) impressed us during our review with its high-quality, eco-forward materials — a NetPlus® recycled nylon shell and 600-fill-power 100% Recycled Down — giving compressible warmth that’s easy to pack. We found the two zippered handwarmer pockets and internal left-chest stow-pocket add practicality for school and travel, but the lack of a hood means you’ll want a rain shell on wet days and darker down can show through lighter fabric in some colors. In our testing the DWR sheds light moisture but isn’t suited for heavy rain, so pair it smartly for full-season wear.

While not the highest scorer, GAP's Girls' Logo Puffer Jacket is an affordable, no-frills option that performed decently in our testing with a 6.5/10 rating; the water-resistant shell and built-in hood kept rain at bay on quick school walks. We found the two side pockets handy, but the jacket lacks hidden or secure pockets and the insulation type isn't specified, so warmth on colder days is uncertain. For everyday use in milder winter weather it's a practical, budget-friendly pick.

In our testing the Columbia Frosty Slope Set (7.5/10) shines for practical snow-day features — the OUTGROWN grow system on jacket and pants extends the life of the set through growth spurts, and the snap-back powder skirt is great at keeping snow out during active play. We found the synthetic insulation and water-resistant shell work well for wet conditions while the hood and zippered pockets add everyday convenience. During our review the jacket felt thinner than expected, so plan to layer for very cold days, and note it lacks a dedicated ski pass pocket for lift-ready convenience.