Review of Columbia Boys Motocross Run Parka
By Matt Smith

One of the more difficult things I deal with as an "Outdoor Parent" is trying to find good stuff for my kids. You can't just walk into your local big box department store and pick up a 3T quickdrying pant set, synthetic socks, and WB Shell. Columbia has been making quality kids outerwear for years. Apparently, many of the other manufacturer's are envious of Columbia's hold, because at this years Winter Outdoor Retailer Show, several of the other higher end companies are sporting youth or kids lines.

The Motocross Run is a great all around insulated parka with a detachable hood. The hood snaps easily on and off, and has a hook and loop retainer to keep the collar from chaffing when the hood is not being worn. The insulation is light enough for the coat to work well as a school coat, but still provide enough protection that with minimal layering (such as a fleece) your little one will be warm enough on the hay ride or sledding. Perhaps the best part is the parka is actually waterproof (testing thanks to the kitchen sink sprayer). The DWR finish held up great even after daily use.

I've got four boys coming up through the ranks, and knowing that I am buying a coat that will last through all of them and still keep the youngest one warm and dry is important to me. So, in my opinion, while you might be able to get a cheaper coat that will last one season, I don't think you'll find a better one.

The Motocross Run pairs up nicely with the Big Terrain Pant. The Big Terrain features internal elastic gaiters and a unique growth cuff that allows the pant leg to grow with your kids leg. The waist in also adjustable to accomodate your growing child. What a great idea! The Big Terrain is also quite durable. My three year old spent most of the winter crawling around on the ground, and the big surprise, the knees are still waterproof! The pants are quite well proportioned so that they aren't too bagy around the mid-section, and they stay up when your kid is moving around a lot.

Summary: The Motocross Run is a cute and durable jacket for your little boys, and together with the Big Terrain pant you can send him outside all afternoon knowing he won't be a popsicle when he comes back in (hey, oatmeal is really only good in the commercials). You can get both the Motocross Run and the Big Terrain pant for about $120.

A special thanks to the folks at The Canyons Resort who set us up to test the Columbia Motocross Run and Big Terrain Pant on site. You can learn more about the The Canyons Resort, and our other industry partners on our Partners Page.

For more information contact:
Columbia Sportswear Company
www.columbia.com
14375 NW Science Park Drive
Portland, OR 97229
800-547-8066

Matt Smith is the canyoneering specialist at GearReview.com, and loves spending time in the outdoors with his 5 kids.