Patagonia Waterproof Kids' Clothing

Fabrics

• Synthetic: moisture-wicking, quick drying, durable, but can hold on to odor
• Wool: moisture-wicking, odor-resistant, cooling in warm weather, can be less durable

Styles

• Bikini: less rear coverage, thinner waistband, higher-cut leg
• Briefs (women's): full-cut briefs offer more coverage in front and back; hipsters offer medium front coverage and back with higher rise

• Briefs (men's): close fit and good support, but less thigh coverage

• Boxer brief or boy shorts: snug fit, good coverage, longer cut extends down to the upper thigh
• Boxers: looser fit, added coverage can prevent chafing but prone to bunching
• Thongs: lightweight and quick-drying but provide the least coverage
• Sports bras: compression and support during high-output activities like hiking and running

Which material is best?

• Wool: highly moisture-wicking and odor-resistant
• Synthetic: durable and less expensive
• Silk: soft and lightweight for casual activities

Match the temp to the trek

• Lightweight layers: best for moderate to cool temperatures
• Midweight layers: best for cold temperatures
• Heavyweight layers: best for below-freezing temperatures

Find your fit

• Must be close to skin to efficiently wick sweat; should fit comfortably snug
• Base layer is for moisture control; your mid layer is for warmth

Choose your fit

• Standard or straight: consistent leg width
• Slim: tighter or tapered to the leg
• Relaxed or wider: fits loosely throughout the thighs, knees and calves

What material do you prefer?

• Synthetic
• Polyester: affordable, stretchy, doesn't wrinkle
• Nylon: durable, abrasion-resistant, less stretch
• Spandex: stretchy, moves easily, less breathable
• Natural fibers
• Cotton: durable, breathable, dries slower
• Wool: stretchy, durable, odor-resistant, pricier
• Hemp: durable, renewable, not as soft

Additional features

• Moisture wicking: moves sweat to the outer surface while also drying quickly
• Pockets: zippered pockets offer more security
• Sun-protective fabric: higher UPF rating means better sun protection
• Convertible: can be worn full-length or as shorts
• Insect repellent: treated with coatings can help keep pests off

Waterproof vs. water-resistant

• Waterproof/breathable: keeps out hard, driving rain while also being breathable
• Waterproof/nonbreathable: a slicker or poncho—inexpensive but traps heat
• Water-resistant: can handle light to moderate rain, breathable but permeable

Windproof vs. wind-resistant

• Waterproof jackets are also windproof, do not let wind pass through fibers
• Wind-resistant jackets are lighterweight but won't handle a squall

Hard shell vs. soft shell

• Hard shell: the most protection, less breathability, not insulated
• Soft shell: stretchy and breathable, best for high-exertion, typically water-resistant, not -proof

Rainwear layers

• 2-layer: quietest, midweight, durable moderately priced
• 2.5-layer: lightweight, good protection, lowest priced
• 3-layer: best protection, best protection and breathability, highest price