Rose Maura Lorre is a writer on Wirecutter’s discovery team. She has reported on turkey fryers, composters, body pillows, and more.
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If being trapped in your home for the past nine months has proven anything, it’s that fresh air, a brisk (or leisurely) walk, and a healthy dose of Mother Nature really can be a remedy for cabin fever. That goes double for kids in need of a screen break. The problem is, while the outdoors is a great place to exercise or just soak up a change of scenery, we’re in that pre-winter part of the year when the cold and wet is likely to leave many of us soaked and shivering. So having the right gear to keep everyone warm and dry can make all the difference between a great day out and an afternoon cut short.
Whether your family’s agenda includes a stroll, a hike, or a socially-distant backyard gathering, here are the best discounts we’ve found this week on the stuff you need to stay comfortable outdoors. Just remember to take the proper precautions and check your state and local rules before you head out.
A trench that can take you straight into spring
Eddie Bauer Girl on the Go Insulated Trench Coat
Deal price: $92; street price: $230
Versatile and warm, the Eddie Bauer Girl on the Go Insulated Trench is our insulated women's raincoat pick in our guide to the best raincoats and rain jackets. The most versatile outerwear we tested in that category, it can serve as a comfy-yet-flattering raincoat or as your go-to winter coat all season long. With the liner, the Girl On The Go coat feels toasty and snug without the bulk of a winter parka. For milder days, you can detach the insulating liner for a coat that’s roomy but still stylish. While we see Eddie Bauer hold 50% off sales pretty regularly, this is still a timely discount if you need to stock up on your winter wear now.
Read our review of the best rain jackets and raincoats.
Lightweight rain boots that don’t skimp on style
Totes Cirrus Women's Chelsea Ankle Rain Boots
Deal price: $25; street price: $40
If you want to keep your toes toasty without the clownish look of a clunky boot, consider this lightweight footwear for your next rainy-day outing. They’re made from EVA foam (the same material found in the soles of athletic shoes), which isn’t quite as durable as rubber, but also isn’t nearly as heavy. We also like its fashionable Chelsea style and ankle height. The Totes Cirrus Women's Chelsea Ankle Rain Boots are down to $25 shipped with the code WIRECUTTER and currently available in a range of colors, so scoop up a pair before this deal expires on 12/4.
Read our review of the best rain boots for men and women.
Affordable rain pants with a tailored look
Marmot PreCip Pant (men’s)
Deal price: $56; street price: $80
Marmot PreCip Pant (women’s)
Deal price: $56; street price: $80
A good pair of rain pants will keep you dry and comfortable in heavy downpours or in colder climates. The Marmot’s PreCip Eco Pant, which come in an attractively tailored cut in both men’s and women’s sizes, are lightweight, water-resistant yet breathable, and more affordable than many of the other pants we tested. We also liked the extra features, including the side pockets and ankle zippers. While this deal doesn't quite reach the lowest we've seen on our top pick for best rain pants, it’s still a respectable discount.
Read our review of the best rain pants.
A hiking boot for staying fast on your feet
La Sportiva Saber GTX Hiking Boots (men’s)
Deal price: $127; street price: $170
La Sportiva Saber GTX Hiking Boots (women’s)
Deal price: $127; street price: $170
In our guide to the best hiking boots, La Sportiva’s Saber GTX Hiking Boots (which come in men’s and women’s versions) were some of the lightest, most agile footwear we tested. We especially recommend these breathable, waterproof boots if you have narrow feet, are planning shorter hikes or ultralight adventures, or if you need something that’ll work right out of the box (as we found that Sabers required almost no break-in time). The trail running-inspired Sabers should also be a boon to fast hikers, as they hold well on wet surfaces and add stability when traversing loose gravel. This is the first deal we've seen on these, so now is a great time to save if you're looking for a light hiking boot.
Read our review of the best hiking boots.
A kids’ base layer to ward off winter chills
REI Co-op Merino Midweight Crew Base Layer Kids’ Top
Deal price: $30 with store pickup; street price: $50
The longer children can stay happy and content outside (and away from your Zoom meeting), the better. That’s where a great base layer comes into play. Our senior editor Kalee Thompson recommends this top to keep kids warm even if they’re on their eleventh snowball fight. "I've had great luck with these,” she says, adding that they’re built to last. “Just today my 5-year-old is wearing a top I bought for my other kid about 8 years ago” To get free shipping on this item, you'll need to select store pickup or add it to an order over $50.
Read our review of the best thermal underwear for women and men.
Read our review of the best hiking boots.
A kids’ sun hat for comfortable, year-round protection
Sunday Afternoon Kids’ Play Hat
Deal price: $15 with single-use code EXTRA25 and store pickup; street price: $22
Just like you, your children need sun protection all year round. This lightweight, nylon hat comes from our kids’ beachwear guide, but we believe it’ll serve you just as well on cold-but-sunny treks in the mountains or afternoons at the playground. Its adjustable and comfortable fit means your kid will soon forget they're even wearing it, while its back flap provides important neck protection from the sun. Our senior editor Kalee Thompson even claims the hat fits fine on her own head, so consider it suitable for yourself in a pinch. You can snag it for $15 with the single-use code EXTRA25 when you select store pick up. If you've already used the code, it's available for $19 with store pick up—still a nice savings from $28. Plus, it has a lifetime warranty.
Read about our staff’s favorite kids’ beachwear.
Meet your guide
Rose Maura Lorre
Rose Maura Lorre is a senior staff writer on the discovery team at Wirecutter. Her byline has appeared in The New York Times, Esquire, Salon, Business Insider, HGTV Magazine, and many more. She lives in New Jersey with her husband, her daughter, one dog, two cats, and lots and lots of houseplants.