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PVC Free Rain Gear by PuddleGear Review

By Kristie Turck •  Published 04/06/11 •  3 min read

Last updated on August 19th, 2022 at 11:37 pm

It’s the rainy season! I’ve covered safer rain gear before and since it is actually raining today, I thought it was appropriate to write about it! Puddlegear is owned and run by a husband and wife team who really stand behind the product.  All their rain gear is totally PVC and Phthalate Free and instead coated with ATEK – a Polyurethane-coated stretch fabric.  It’s a very light, soft, tear-resistant material and is wind and watertight. When this particular Polyurethane is in its fully expanded state it is an “inert chemical”,  meaning that it has no off gassing left to do.  Atek is fully expanded- and tested to be free of over 100 harmful chemicals.

My youngest in his Puddlegear after a little rainstorm

Their products are all tested and certified by Oeko-Tex. Oeko-Tex is a certification process that tests for over 100 harmful chemicals.  It’s just a raincoat you say? Not so! Many raincoats and rain gear manufactured today is made of toxic vinyl (PVC) which can contain dioxins which cause cancer and harm the immune and reproductive system. Not to mention most PVC uses phthalates to soften the material which is a known hormone disruptor.  And let’s not even go in to the other toxins like chlorine or mercury. It’s unnecessary and avoidable.

“I am dry, Mom!” My oldest in his Puddlegear on the way to school

Puddlegear sent my sons their Albin jacket to try out.  These jackets fit well with room to grow so your investment will not be for naught.  They will be in use for years and handed down.  They are very light, which surprised me.  I half expected to feel the heavy weight of a vinyl like material (like most raincoats) but its super light and thin so there is no risk of overheating.  They have removable hoods and you can also purchase coordinating pants if you live in really wet areas or do a lot of wet activities, or just like to let the kids romp in the rain.  There is absolutely no smell and they are soft to the touch, yet durable enough to endure a 5-year-old.

The fit is generous so you can actually layer clothing underneath if it’s cold and light enough to wear on its own if it’s warm.  This also lends itself to the life of the items… they can be used for years without getting too tight.  They pair perfectly with Puddlegear’s Jesper Pants which feature bootstraps and adjustable suspenders to ensure the right fit. Your little one can splash in puddles all day in that get-up.

 

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