Synthetic Mid Layer for Kids

unfortunately it's the wrong season now, but a lot of the parents on my backpackingwithchildren list like insulated jackets from Lands End or LL Bean. not always ultralight, but definitely affordable and well-made.

provided he won't freak out about it ("Eeeew! Girl clothes!"), look for smaller women's sizes on end-of-season clearances, or on eBay. i wear a women's 8 and i have a kid's large Patagonia fleece vest that fits me very nicely.

edit: there's a women's petite quilted down jacket on Lands End's overstock site for $40 right now.

My son is 9, and I bought him his Lands End down jacket big, two years ago. Still wearing it, and I paid like $15 for it!
So yes, watch the clearance section of places like LE and LLBean for sales on kids clothing.
Ironically, I found his soft shell at Target. It was a great buy.
Often his pants come from Walmart as well for hiking, so do his shirts.

But no matter what, buy big if it is for next year!

Thanks for the replies. I was leaning towards a synthetic in fear of him not noticing he's overheating and getting the down wet. Have you had this issue with your kids before? Down certainly is easier to find and cheaper than a synthetic jacket!

Well, for the down, I tend to use it only in camp settings. He hikes in a soft shell or his hard shell (depending on weather and rain).
His down jacket did come with a DWR finish.

mine are 5 and almost 2, so i haven't reached your situation yet. since we live in the dry southwest, i've never had any trouble with my kids' down clothes, but i just don't know if that would truly be an issue for you.