The Shoulder Season + *Polarn O. Pyret Gear Review*

There is seldom a part of the summer that we don't end up wearing a jacket at least part of the day.  It is one thing I love about living at 7000 feet - nights are cool (and perfect for sleeping!)

We call this time of the year the "Shoulder Season" because we are stuck in somewhere in the middle of winter and summer (depending on the day...)  Snow AND 70+ degree (F) days are definitely possible and should be expected.

In an attempt to find some great kid jackets to replace their (very) warm Patagonia winter ones, I ran across another great company I have been itching to share:  Polarn O. Pyret.  A Swedish company devoted to letting kids get outside and play thanks to well-thought-out clothing.  They work hard to make sure their clothing can be passed on from sibling to sibling, to cousin, to friend....

In short:  I am impressed.

PO. P very generously sent us jackets for both of the boys.  It is obvious in the photos they are both a little big for them yet, but I have no problem sizing up for kids (all the more to grow into!)

Best Basic Shell Jacket $119

This jacket is perfect for our colder springs and falls.  Since it has the capability to connect to a wind fleece, it could certainly be used throughout the winter also.  It has withstood some tough playing, jumping and mudding!

The good:

- Wind and water proof (with taped seams)

- Plenty of great pockets for storing gloves, rocks or sticks.

- Reflectors on the front and back of the jacket for safety.

- Removable hood (which can also be rolled down and secured on the shell.)

- Ample coverage in the back (less mud spillage during hard spring play!)

- Adjustable cuffs and drawstring to adjust bottom of jacket (translation - ok to wear big!)

- Windfleece can be attached to inside of coat for more flexibility.

Not so crazy about:

- A little heavy for warmer weather, but really does its job well (as a shell!)

- The price is a bit high, but it truly is built to last for many kids and that makes it worth it for me (plus, Polarn O. Pyret seems to have great sales!)

 Recycled Windfleece Jacket $71.50  $35.75 (on sale!)

P is concentrating deeply on that rock...but not sleeping.. :)

This jacket was obviously built to go inside a shell.  It does work well for keeping out wind and repelling any amount of rain/water we get in Wyoming.

The good:
- Wind-proof and water repellent (this is HUGE for us in Windy Wyoming!)
- Lots of great reflectors
- Thumb holes (though P is too small so far to use them!)
- Made from recycled PET bottles and excess materials from the textile industry.

Not so crazy about:
- No pockets
- A little stiff (because it is wind-proof)
- No hood

Want one??  Next Monday (April 23rd) we are giving away $50 to spend at Polarn O. Pyret as part of our "Gear up Families to go Screen Free" event!  Don't miss it (it will ONLY be open for 24 hours!)


As mentioned above, these jackets were given to us to review.  However, as always, the opinions expressed here are completely and honestly our own.