Burton AK 2L Cyclic Pant - Men's - 2008 BCS

I've been wearing the Burton AK products for about 10 years, but this is the first 2L product that I've purchased. Unlike some of the other reviewers, I'm a skier, and wear mostly snowboard clothing because of the style and fit of the clothing. I ski between 50-70 days a season, and I ski mostly on the west coast in the Sierras where the temperatures are more temperate. I found the 2L Cyclic Pants to be decent for relatively warmer days on the mountain or in the backcountry, but because it is more of a "value" product, it lacks the superior construction of the Burton 3L products, and it's only benefit over the 3L products is its lighter weight. It will keep you dry for sure, but if you ski in a colder temperature environment, or are prone to having cold legs, I would recommend you purchase a different pair of pants. The Burton 3L products are great, but quite pricey, so you'll have to decide for yourself if Burton can meet your requirements.

I have had no problems with the function of these pants. They keep me very dry. You can't beat Gore-Tex as a waterproofing layer and I won't buy snowboard pants without it anymore (or an equivalent waterproofing system like e-Vent). The Mediums fit me perfectly with just enough sag (5'10", 32" waist). I've never had to worry about getting wet in these pants.

However, I find the outer material to be rather thin and cheap. This pant is the lowest line of the AK line and it shows. I've have 17 days on these pants this year and they're starting to show lots of wear already. The side pockets are showing some fraying including holes in the shell material. I'm not even sure how the fraying is occurring. It could be from either rubbing up against branches when I ride or when I walk with the board on my side. Either way, I'm surprised to see the material fraying this much already. I also see it in the pant leg cuffs, especially in the area where you sometimes rest the edge of the board when sitting on the lift. Some wear is to be expected here, but I'm seeing a lot of it already.

Additionally, if you get cold easily and don't like to wear lots of layers, then stay away from these pants. These are basically a shell and have no insulation. I expected this and prefer layers so I have not any issues with warmth.

I'll probably use these through the end of the year (if they last that long) then move on and find a better brand with a tougher material. I really wish someone would create some tough, light and waterproof snowboard pants with a bit of style.

Great pants!!!!!! Awesome in the wind or the deep snow... I couldn't ask for better pants!

If all you are looking for is to stay dry, these pants are great. I purchased these pants near the end of last season. Rode in them about 6 - 7 days. Spent 4 days in them this season. This weekend the pants ended up frozen and thouroughly soaked. The goretex kept me dry on the inside but the outer shell was completely waterlogged. The outer material ended up with slight tearing in multiple places near the 2 front pockets. I didn't even notice the pants getting snagged on anything. Bottom line, they will keep you dry, but I do not think the outer material is sturdy enough to hold up on the long term.