If your child loves splashing through puddles, stomping around the woods or simply walking to school in all weathers, a good waterproof jacket isn’t a luxury – it’s an essential. The Regatta Kids’ Calderdale II Waterproof Jacket is a popular choice for parents who want solid protection without spending a fortune, and it doubles as a great example of what to look for in a children’s waterproof.
Why a proper kids’ waterproof jacket matters
Children don’t stand still. They run, jump, climb and fall over in conditions that would send most adults back indoors. That means their waterproof jacket has to work harder than ours, keeping out wind and rain while still being comfortable enough for constant movement.
The Regatta Kids’ Calderdale II is built with those realities in mind. It uses Regatta’s waterproof Hydrafort polyester fabric, a durable outer that’s designed to shield against typical British downpours. Taped seams and a DWR (durable water repellent) finish help to shut out water at the weakest points, so rain doesn’t creep in at the shoulders or along the arms when showers turn heavy.
By understanding these features on the Calderdale II, you can make more informed choices across any kids’ waterproof range, whether you’re kitting out a reluctant school-goer or an adventurous young hiker.
Key features to look for in a kids’ waterproof jacket
The spec list on the Regatta Kids’ Calderdale II reads like a checklist of what a practical children’s waterproof should include. Use the following as a guide when you’re comparing options:
- Waterproof fabric: The Calderdale II uses Hydrafort polyester, a tough, fully waterproof fabric aimed at everyday outdoor use.
- DWR (durable water repellent) finish: This helps rain bead on the surface instead of soaking in, keeping the jacket lighter and more comfortable.
- Taped seams: These seal stitching holes, preventing sneaky leaks where fabric panels meet.
- Mesh lining: A mesh-lined interior, like you get on the Calderdale II, improves comfort, reduces that clammy feeling and helps moisture move away from the body.
- Good hood design: An attached hood with a high collar and elastication helps it stay put in wind and rain, crucial on exposed playgrounds and hilltops.
- Secure pockets: Two zipped lower pockets plus a zipped chest pocket give space for gloves, snacks and treasures without them falling out mid-climb.
- Adjustability: Adjustable cuffs and, from age 7+, an adjustable shockcord hem, allow you to cinch the jacket in so cold gusts don’t blow straight up the sleeves or from below.
- Safety and practicality details: Reflective trim improves visibility on gloomy days, while a printed name label (up to age 8) helps the jacket find its way back from the cloakroom.
When you see a jacket ticking all of these boxes, as the Regatta Kids’ Calderdale II does, you’re looking at a garment that’s ready for real-world family use rather than just the odd light shower.
Understanding kids’ waterproof fabrics
Not all waterproof jackets are created equal. For children, there’s a balance to strike between durability, comfort and cost.
The Calderdale II uses 100% polyester with a waterproof Hydrafort coating. Polyester is tough, resistant to abrasion from bag straps and tree branches, and doesn’t soak up too much water. For active kids who tend to be hard on their kit, that toughness is a real advantage.
Waterproof coatings and DWR treatments do wear over time, especially if the jacket is frequently washed or scraped along playground equipment. The good news is that they can usually be revived with a specialist wash and reproofing treatment, extending the jacket’s life well into hand-me-down territory.
Breathability and comfort for active children
Waterproof and breathable fabrics aim to let sweat vapour escape while keeping liquid water out. The Regatta Kids’ Calderdale II is described as waterproof and breathable, and the mesh lining is an important part of that comfort package.
Mesh creates a small air gap between the waterproof outer and your child’s clothing. This helps reduce that sticky feeling you sometimes get with unlined waterproofs, especially when kids are racing around a park or woodland trail. It also makes the jacket feel nicer against bare skin when they’re just in a T-shirt.
For high-energy children, breathability matters. A jacket that traps too much heat and moisture is likely to be unzipped or taken off altogether, exactly when they might still need protection from the weather. Look for features like mesh lining and front zips with storm flaps that can be opened for quick venting when they overheat.
Fit, sizing and growing room
One of the biggest challenges in buying children’s outdoor kit is allowing for growth without compromising safety and comfort. A jacket that’s far too big can catch on branches, slip off shoulders or make it harder for a child to run and play naturally.
The Regatta Kids’ Calderdale II is designed with adjustability in mind. Adjustable cuffs help shorten sleeves that are a touch too long, while an adjustable hem (on sizes for age 7 and above) lets you tweak the fit to stop cold air rushing up from below. These details give you a little extra mileage as your child grows.
When choosing size, think about what you expect your child to wear underneath. If you plan to layer a fleece or thick jumper below the jacket in winter, allow a bit of room for that. For more detailed thoughts on how it feels on real children, you can read our full review of the Regatta Kids’ Calderdale II Waterproof Jacket.
Layering: pairing waterproofs with fleeces
No single jacket can do everything. For most of the year in the UK, the sweet spot for children is a waterproof shell combined with a cosy mid-layer. That’s exactly where products like the Regatta Kids’ Calderdale II and a good kids’ fleece work hand in hand.
The Calderdale II offers the outer waterproof and windproof barrier. Underneath, a fleece adds warmth but still allows moisture to escape, keeping your child dry from both the rain and their own exertions. In winter, this combination is usually warmer and more adaptable than a single heavily insulated coat.
If you’re looking for an example of a mid-layer, the Peter Storm Kids’ Koala Fleece is a great illustration of what a child-friendly fleece can offer. It’s all about softness, comfort and fun design, making it more likely that children will actually keep it on under their waterproof when the weather turns grim.
Practical details parents will appreciate
Kitting out children isn’t just about technical fabrics; small finishing touches make everyday life much easier. The Regatta Kids’ Calderdale II includes several parent-pleasing details:
- Printed name label (up to age 8): Saves you hunting for a pen every time a new term starts and helps prevent mix-ups at school or clubs.
- Reflective trim: Adds a bit of reassurance on darker afternoons and winter mornings, especially on the school run.
- Zipped pockets: Young explorers love collecting; zipped pockets keep their finds secure and stop important small items from disappearing on the trail.
- Regatta branding: A well-known outdoor brand can be a sign that the jacket is designed for real use, not just fashion.
Individually, these seem like small things, but together they turn a basic waterproof into a jacket that genuinely fits family life. For more insight into how these features hold up over time, you can dive into our hands-on Calderdale II review.
Caring for a kids’ waterproof jacket
To keep a jacket like the Regatta Kids’ Calderdale II performing well, a little care goes a long way. Mud, sweat and everyday grime can clog the fabric and reduce breathability, while repeated washing with harsh detergents can strip away that DWR finish.
Here are some simple care tips:
- Brush off dried mud before washing to reduce wear on the fabric.
- Use a technical detergent or a small amount of non-bio liquid rather than powder, and never add fabric softener.
- Fasten zips and Velcro tabs before washing to prevent snagging.
- Reproof the jacket when you notice rain no longer beading on the surface, using a spray-on or wash-in product designed for waterproofs.
Looked after properly, a well-made children’s waterproof can last long enough to be passed down to younger siblings, offering much better value than you might expect from the initial price tag.
Comparing alternatives: when might you choose a fleece instead?
While a waterproof like the Regatta Kids’ Calderdale II is a cornerstone of outdoor kit, it isn’t the only layer your child will need. There are times when a fleece is the better first purchase or an important complement to an existing jacket.
The Peter Storm Kids’ Koala Fleece represents a different approach to keeping youngsters comfortable outdoors. Instead of blocking the rain, it focuses on warmth and softness. This makes it ideal for:
- Crisp, dry autumn days when a full waterproof shell might be overkill.
- Layering under a shell jacket like the Calderdale II in winter.
- Indoor-outdoor days at school or nursery where frequent changes between playground and classroom make a lighter layer more practical.
Choosing between a waterproof shell and a fleece isn’t an either-or decision; in practice, most children will benefit from having both. If budget is tight and you already have a serviceable coat, upgrading their mid-layer with a quality fleece can transform how warm they feel outside. If they’re constantly coming home soaked after the school run, prioritise a proper waterproof first and add a fleece when you can.
When is the Regatta Kids’ Calderdale II a good choice?
The Regatta Kids’ Calderdale II Waterproof Jacket sits in a sweet spot for many UK families. It offers a fully waterproof fabric, taped seams, DWR finish and family-friendly features without creeping into the price bracket of technical expedition gear.
It’s especially well suited if:
- Your child walks or scoots to school in all weathers and needs reliable rain protection.
- You want one jacket that can handle playgrounds, weekend walks and holiday trips without being too precious.
- You prefer a practical, straightforward design with decent pockets and reflective detailing.
- You’re planning to layer with fleeces or jumpers rather than buying a separate heavy winter coat.
If that sounds like your situation, the Calderdale II is worth putting on your shortlist. For an in-depth look at how it copes with real-world puddle jumping and school runs, head over to our detailed Regatta Kids’ Calderdale II Waterproof Jacket review.
Final thoughts
Choosing the right outdoor clothing for children is about balancing protection, comfort and value. A well-specced waterproof like the Regatta Kids’ Calderdale II gives you a solid, weatherproof outer layer, while a cosy mid-layer such as the Peter Storm Kids’ Koala Fleece adds warmth and versatility. Together, they create a simple system that keeps kids happier outdoors for longer – whether they’re yomping up a hill or just splashing their way home from school.
Use the features we’ve highlighted here as a checklist when you’re comparing jackets and fleeces, and don’t forget to explore the linked product reviews for hands-on impressions, sizing feedback and long-term performance insights before you buy.