Weatherproof your back-to-school with these selections

Worried about the weather this semester? We're got you covered.

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We’re days away from the start of the new school semester, and after a long summer, fall is waiting – and beyond it, winter. Here are five essentials we recommend to make sure that, if the upcoming shoulder season is its typical wet self, you and your child will be prepared.

VASCHY Classic Water-resistant School Backpack

Amazon, classic backpack, CANVA, waterproof backpack for back-to-school

Amazon.ca

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You will, of course, need a backpack, and this classic unisex offering gets an A+ with older elementary and high school students. The water-resistant outer fabric makes it suitable for rain or shine, with a padded suede-like bottom adding an extra layer of sturdiness.

What else we liked:

  • 23-litre capacity can hold larger items like a laptop, tablet, or books

  • Available in 15 different colours

  • Rated 4.5 out of 5 on Amazon.ca, based on almost 3,000 reviews

READ MORE: The top waterproof backpacks for students of all ages

SaphiRose Lightweight Kids Rain Poncho

Saphirose kids poncho Amazon

Amazon.ca

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After what, for millions of Canadians, has been a very dry summer, the rainy season may seem a myth, but fall showers will get here in the end. Rather than a full rain jacket, consider getting an easy-to-slip-on rain poncho, like this one from SaphiRose. With 100 per cent polyester material, it’ll keep the rain off nicely, and is quick-drying as well.

What else we liked:

  • Available in 14 patterns and colours and four sizes

  • Includes storage pouch

  • Rated 4.2 on Amazon.ca, based on more than 2,000 reviews


Like what you see? Check out our Shop the Weather articles for more must-have product recommendations.


BLUE LIZARD Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen

Amazon, BLUE LIZARD, CANVA, mineral sunscreens

Amazon.ca

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Fall showers aren’t the only thing to look forward to this semester – there’s plenty of sunshine left! That means packing along some sunscreen, and our top pick is this one from Blue Lizard. It’s zinc oxide and titanium dioxide-based, with an SPF of 50, ideal to have on hand for when you expect to be outdoors for sports or recess this semester.

What else we liked:

  • Water resistant up to 80 minutes

  • Especially useful for sensitive skin

  • Rated 4.4 out of 5 on Amazon.ca

MoKo Waterproof Phone Pouch Holder (2 Pack)

Amazon, MoKo phone pouch, CANVA, waterproof

Amazon.ca

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Kids these days, just like everybody else, rely on their phones throughout the day. If you expect to spend much time outdoors during the coming semester and don't want to be caught out by a downpour, consider a proper waterproof phone pouch like this one from MoKo. It's also practical for long fall hikes.

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What else we liked:

  • Compatible with iPhone 13/13 Pro Max/iPhone 12/12 Pro Max/11 Pro Max, X/Xr/Xs Max, Samsung S20/S21/S10/S9

  • Available in three colour combinations

  • Rated 4.4 out of 5 on Amazon.ca

Rite in the Rain All-Weather Top-Spiral Notebook

Waterproof notebook Amazon

Amazon.ca

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If you decide to dispense with your phone, in favour of a simple pocket notebook for jotting down thoughts, ideas and your to-do list, there’s no reason it should be at the mercy of the elements. Rite in the Rain offers several weatherproof options, and this pocket-sized version fits the bill perfectly.

What else we liked:

  • 100 pages/50 sheets per notepad

  • Suitable for standard pencils or all-weather pens when wet. Ballpoint pens suitable when dry

  • Rated 4.7 out of 5 on Amazon.ca


Like what you see? Check out our Shop the Weather articles for more must-have product recommendations.


Our trusted Product Specialists recommend high-quality items that we think will enhance your experience with Canadian weather conditions. Prices and availability of items are accurate at the time of publication and are subject to change.

Thumbnail credit: Norma Mortenson/Pexels

With files from Nicole Hilton