Jan & Jul Kids Gear Review: Our Go-To Layering System This Season
If you’ve followed along with our adventures for a while, you’ll know one thing for sure — our kids are outside in everything.
Rain, snow, mud, puddles… you name it.
And finding gear that actually keeps up (while still being comfortable enough that they’ll wear it) is no small task.
This season, we tested a full range of Jan & Jul kids gear — from boots and baselayers to rain suits and mittens — and it quickly became a go-to system for everyday outdoor play.
Before we get into it, if you’re shopping for your own crew, you can use code cassiemarkham2610 for 10% off.
The Boots: Easy, Warm & Actually Stay On
Footwear is always one of the trickiest pieces with kids.
Aspen’s Pick: Lite Waterproof Boots
Aspen has been wearing the Lite Waterproof Boots, and they’ve been a win for a few key reasons:
Fully waterproof (puddle-approved)
Warm enough for shoulder season + mild winter days
Super easy for her to put on independently
And that last one matters more than anything right now.
They do get dirty quickly (as expected), but they wash up surprisingly well — we’ve been tossing them straight into the washing machine and they come out looking great.
River’s Picks: Puffy & Insulated Boots
River has been rotating between:
Both options:
Stay on well (huge for toddlers)
Keep his feet warm and dry in the snow
Are easy enough to get on and off
The only real note — he’s at that stage where velcro is a bit too fun, so he occasionally undoes them mid-adventure. Not a design flaw… just a toddler phase.
River’s Set
These have been such a pleasant surprise.
Warm and insulating
Breathable for active days
Soft enough for all-day wear
Aspen wears hers without a single complaint — which is honestly the highest level of endorsement.
And River’s?
They’re so soft I’ve genuinely I wish I could get myself a pair as pyjamas.
Rain Gear: Built for Real Outdoor Play
This is where Jan & Jul really shines.
Aspen’s Set (Separates)
She calls them her “cozy jacket and pants,” and honestly… she’s not wrong.
They’re:
Warm enough for colder rainy days
Flexible for movement
Durable for playground + trail use
And the prints are such a hit — her horse print (which she insists are unicorns) makes getting dressed way easier.
River’s Suit (Full Coverage Mode)
At this stage, River is still very much in his “laying in puddles is a personality trait” era.
The full suit is perfect because:
No gaps for water to sneak in
Easy to throw on over layers
Keeps him fully dry no matter what
Gloves: Warm, Dry & Kid-Friendly
Cold hands can end an outing fast — so gloves matter.
Aspen’s Mittens
River’s Mittens
Both have been:
Warm
Waterproof
Easy enough for little hands
But my favourite feature? The extra-long cuffs.
They:
Keep snow and rain out
Stay tucked into sleeves
Make a big difference on wet days
The Details That Make a Difference
One thing Jan & Jul does really well is consistency across their collections.
Matching colours and prints across categories
Pieces that layer seamlessly together
Designs that kids actually get excited about
And that last one matters more than we like to admit.
When kids want to wear their gear, getting out the door becomes a whole lot easier.
The Finishing Pieces
Aspen’s Winter Hat
Aspen has been wearing the insulated winter hat, and honestly… it might be the cutest piece in her entire kit.
It’s a fun alternative to a traditional toque and adds a bit of personality to her setup.
River’s Thermal Beanie
River’s been wearing the thermal beanie from his base layer set.
Thin and low-profile
Fits easily under a hood or helmet
Same ultra-soft material as his base layers
It’s been perfect for layering without overheating.
A System That Actually Works
What stood out most about Jan & Jul this season is how well everything works together.
From baselayers to outerwear, boots to mittens — it’s a cohesive system that makes layering simple and effective.
It’s:
Functional for real outdoor use
Comfortable enough for all-day wear
Thoughtful in the details
And fun for the kids
Which, at the end of the day, is what matters most.
Because the best gear for kids isn’t just warm or waterproof.
It’s the gear they’re excited to wear — in every season.
Save on Jan & Jul
If you’re building out your kids’ layering system, you can use code:
cassiemarkham2610 for 10% off
It’s always fun sharing brands that genuinely make getting outside easier — especially when they hold up to real family use.
