686 Women's Aura Cargo Pant - Insulated Weather Resistant Snow Pant

In this review the 686 Women's Aura Cargo Pant stands out as a winter pant built for active days on snow and cold-weather use; the single biggest reason to buy is its practical mix of weatherproofing and targeted insulation that keeps knees and seat warm without overheating. The reviewer found the pant best for riders and outdoorswomen who want functional details like a pant jacket connect system and boot gaiters, while still keeping a modern, flattering fit. Fit choices run X-small through X-large, and the overall feel blends utility and everyday wearability.

Key Features

• Water & weather resistance: The 2-layer infiDRY 10K fabric with DWR and critically taped seams blocks wind and light to moderate moisture so you stay drier on variable mountain days.
• Targeted warmth: infiLOFT 40g insulation in the knees and seat provides warmth where you need it while avoiding an overly hot, bulky feel for active movement.
• Durable lower hem: A 500D horseshoe hem protects the cuffs from abrasion and wear where boots and edges contact the pant.
• Ventilation: Air-Flo mesh lined inner leg vents let air move during hard use so breathability is preserved without sacrificing weather protection.
• Integration and gaiters: The pant jacket connect system, internal gripper elastic with boot lace hook and boot gaiter keep snow out and allow quick integration with outer layers.
• Adjustable fit features: Internal waist adjustment, tricot inner waistband and a lift ticket eyelet add convenience and a cleaner fit for day-to-day use.

Who It's For

The Aura Cargo Pant is aimed at snowboarding women and winter outdoor users who want a modern fit combined with functional technical features; riders who value the pant jacket connect system, boot gaiters and durable horseshoe hem will appreciate how these pants hold up on the hill. The targeted insulation and vents make them a solid choice for those who move a lot and need breathability plus protection.

Those who spend long periods stationary in extreme cold or who require higher waterproof ratings for prolonged wet conditions might look elsewhere for heavier insulation or higher-rated shells; likewise, if a fully flared or very loose cut is desired, the modern fit here will feel more tailored than baggy.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Solid weather resistance from 10K fabric, DWR and taped seams keeps you dry in typical mountain conditions.
• Warmth where it matters with infiLOFT at the knees and seat without bulk across the whole pant.
• Practical details like boot gussets with snap closure, boot lace hook and lift ticket eyelet enhance on-hill convenience.
• Air-Flo inner leg vents maintain airflow during activity for better temperature control.

Cons

• The 10K rating is suitable for most use but is not the highest waterproof rating for extremely wet or prolonged heavy rain conditions.
• The modern fit may be too tailored for riders who prefer a very loose silhouette.

Specifications

Fabric	2-layer infiDRY 10K with DWR
Seams	Critically taped Bemis seams
Insulation	infiLOFT 40g at knees and seat
Ventilation	Air-Flo mesh lined inner leg vents
Durability	500D horseshoe hem
Fit features	Internal waist adjustment and tricot inner waistband
Extras	Pant jacket connect, boot gaiter and boot lace hook

Our Verdict

The 686 Women's Aura Cargo Pant is a strong choice for snowboarders and active winter users who want a balanced pant that combines weather resistance, targeted warmth and useful on-hill details at a reasonable value. Its modern fit and ventilation make it versatile for movement, while the durable hem and gaiter system mean it will stand up to season use.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are these pants fully waterproof?
They use a 2-layer 10K infiDRY fabric with DWR and critically taped seams, which provides good waterproofing for most mountain conditions but is not the highest industrial waterproof rating.

Will they keep me warm on cold days?
With infiLOFT 40g insulation at the knees and seat the pants provide targeted warmth while vents and breathable fabrics help avoid overheating during activity.

Can these attach to a jacket?
Yes, the pant jacket connect system is included to link with compatible jackets and help seal out snow.