In this article
Rossignol’s Siz and The North Face’s Freedom are both insulated kids’ snow jackets, but they do not begin with the same child. The current Rossignol Siz size run starts at 8 and continues into teen sizes. The Freedom colourway at baby enRoute runs from 2T through 7Y. Before comparing waterproof ratings or pocket layouts, check which side of that age-and-size hand-off your child actually occupies.
The practical split: look first at The North Face Freedom for toddler-to-younger-kid sizing and a growable sleeve system. Look first at Rossignol Siz for an older child who wants a regular ski fit, a quilted insulated build and a 20K-rated shell. Then test the jacket with the child’s snow pants, mittens and helmet routine.
The North Face Freedom: younger-kid ski system
The Kids’ Freedom Insulated Jacket in Active Blue/Bold Blue uses The North Face’s seam-sealed DryVent 2L construction with a non-PFC durable water-repellent finish. The current Canadian model page specifies Heatseeker synthetic insulation, with 200 g in the body, 150 g in the sleeves and 100 g in the hood.
It also has a powder skirt, attached hood, secure hand pockets, a hidden pass pocket with a goggle wipe and the brand’s Good to Grow sleeve system, which can extend sleeve length by up to two inches. That sleeve feature can help with a growth spurt, but only after the jacket fits correctly through the shoulders, chest and torso. It cannot rescue a jacket that begins too small or much too large.
The Freedom is a strong first look for a younger child learning the snow-day sequence. The powder skirt creates another barrier at the waist. The bright zip pulls and clear front closure are easy to locate with small hands. The pass pocket is useful at a ski area, while the secure hand pockets still matter on an ordinary sledding day.
A child between the Freedom’s 7Y endpoint and the Siz size-8 start needs a careful measurement check rather than an automatic brand switch. Compare chest, sleeve and torso measurements on both current charts, then test movement with the intended midlayer. Adjacent size labels do not prove the two brands grade their jackets the same way.
Rossignol Siz: older-kid piste details
The Rossignol Juniors Siz Quilted Ski Jacket is listed by Rossignol as a regular-fit, two-layer ski jacket with quilted synthetic insulation. The exact model RLOYJ02715 carries a 20,000 mm waterproof rating and a highly breathable designation from the manufacturer. It includes a fixed hood with rear adjustment, adjustable cuffs and hem, and a brushed chin guard.
The Siz is the more natural size-path choice for an older child. Its adjustable cuffs and hem help tune the jacket-to-mitten and jacket-to-pant junctions. The rear hood adjustment is worth testing with and without the child’s usual hat; for helmeted activities, the helmet fit and activity instructions take priority.
A 20K manufacturer rating should not become a guarantee of endless dryness. Fabric rating is one part of a system. Open zips, a lifted hem, saturated accessories, wear and care all affect the experience. Use the figure to compare this exact model, not to make a claim about every Rossignol garment.
Translate the spec sheet into six decisions
- Size lane: the Freedom stock run serves 2T–7Y; the Siz stock run serves 8–16, depending on colour. This is the first filter, not the last.
- Growth strategy: Freedom provides a designed sleeve-extension system. Siz provides adjustment at cuffs and hem but should be bought for current fit.
- Waist barrier: Freedom explicitly includes a powder skirt. For Siz, focus on hem adjustment and the overlap with the chosen snow pant rather than assuming an unlisted feature.
- Hill routine: Freedom’s pass pocket and goggle wipe are specific conveniences. Siz’s quilted insulation and adjustable openings create a simpler older-kid setup.
- Layering: both jackets need enough space for the planned midlayer without shoulder restriction. More empty air and fabric are not automatically better.
- Independence: have the child use the zip, cuffs, pockets and hood adjustments they will handle alone. The best feature is the one they can operate.
The try-on sequence
Begin with the base and midlayer the child will really wear. Zip the jacket and close the cuffs. Ask for a ski-pole reach, a full squat and a self-hug. The hem should stay over the pant, the cuff should meet the mitten and the collar should close without pressing the face. Put a small item in each intended pocket and check that it remains reachable with mittens.
Next, test seated movement. A jacket can look right while standing and ride high in a chair or on a sled. The child should be able to rotate at the waist and raise their arms without the whole body of the jacket lifting. For the Freedom, inspect the current sleeve setting before releasing the grow seam. For the Siz, use cuff and hem adjustments to control openings rather than simply tightening everything to the limit.
If the child skis, load the pass and one small item into their intended pockets during the try-on. Confirm that both remain reachable with mittens and do not press uncomfortably when seated.
Comparison at a glance
| Decision | Rossignol Siz | The North Face Freedom |
|---|---|---|
| Current size lane | Older kids, 8–16 depending on colour | 2T–7Y |
| Published construction | 20K, two-layer, quilted synthetic insulation | Seam-sealed DryVent 2L, zoned Heatseeker insulation |
| Growth / adjustment | Adjustable cuffs, hem and rear hood | Good to Grow sleeves up to two inches |
| Distinct routine feature | Regular ski fit and brushed chin guard | Powder skirt, pass pocket and goggle wipe |
Helmet and weather boundaries
Health Canada recommends using the correct helmet for the winter activity, checking that equipment fits and remains in good condition, dressing in appropriate layers and changing wet clothing. A hood should not be used to correct a poor helmet fit. Supervision, weather awareness and dry backup layers remain part of the plan regardless of the jacket.
Finish with the exact size and colour
The Freedom’s 2T–7Y lane and the Siz 8–16 lane make the first shortlist easy, but a label alone is not a fit result. Use the exact chart, test the planned layers and confirm the available colour only after the jacket passes the movement sequence. For an older child choosing Siz, colour flexibility may be necessary; for a younger child choosing Freedom, do not release the growth feature until the current sleeve setting has been assessed.
Use the Fall/Winter Edit to complete the snow system. Start with the size lane, then the routine, then the specifications. That order prevents an impressive number from deciding a purchase for the wrong child.
