Volcom Freakin Snow Chino Black S5 XL - Durable Mountain Chino

Our review of the Volcom Freakin Snow Chino finds these pants ideal for snowboarders and cold-weather commuters who want the look of a street chino with full alpine protection. The single biggest reason to buy is the combination of a relaxed, modern fit with serious mountain-ready construction: 15K waterproof/breathability, critically taped seams and a V-Science breathable lining system give reliable weather protection without feeling stiff. In testing, the pant's adjustable inner waistband and Zip Tech interface made layering and jacket compatibility simple, and the mesh vents helped dump heat on long skintracks while the brushed tricot pockets kept hands warm.

Key Features

• V-Science 2-Layer: Provides a balanced membrane and face fabric combo that sheds wet weather while maintaining a natural pant drape for everyday wear.
• V-Science Stretch Oxford w/ Repreve & DWR: The stretch fabric improves mobility on turns and hikes while recycled Repreve fibers and a non-fluorinated DWR give durable water repellency with a lower environmental impact.
• Breathable Lining System: The V-Science lining wicks and moves moisture so you stay comfortable during aerobic climbs and variable mountain days.
• Zip Tech Interface & Gaiters: The pant-to-jacket zip and integrated boot gaiters seal out snow and make the pants work seamlessly with shell jackets and snowboard boots.
• Ventilation & Pockets: Mesh-lined zippered vents vent excess heat and brushed tricot handwarmer pockets add everyday comfort on cold lifts.

Who It's For

The Freakin Snow Chino suits men who want versatile pants that look like casual chinos yet perform on the hill, including resort riders, sidecountry hikers and anyone who commutes in wet, snowy conditions. The relaxed fit and medium rise make them approachable for riders who prefer an easy straight leg rather than a technical, race cut.

Riders who need ultralight race pants or extreme backcountry mountaineering layers should look elsewhere; those activities demand lighter weight or fully taped ultralight shells. Also, if you need an insulated pant for prolonged cold-only use, these breathable shell-style chinos perform better when paired with insulating layers.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Reliable 15K waterproofing and critically taped seams keep water out during wet storms.
• Stretch Oxford fabric with Repreve fibers moves naturally and reduces environmental footprint.
• Functional features like Zip Tech, vents and boot gaiters make them practical on the mountain.

Cons

• Not insulated, so buyers will need base or mid layers for very cold conditions.

Specifications

Our Verdict

The Volcom Freakin Snow Chino is a smart choice for riders who want the look and comfort of a relaxed chino with genuine mountain performance. It delivers weather protection, ventilation and practical interfaces at a good value for a technical shell pant; buy it if you want versatile, everyday snowboard pants that double as casual outerwear.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are these pants insulated?
No, the Freakin Snow Chino are uninsulated shell pants designed to be layered with base and mid layers for warmth.

Do they work with snowboard jackets?
Yes, the Zip Tech pant-to-jacket interface is designed to zip to compatible jackets to seal out snow.

Can I vent heat while touring?
Yes, mesh-lined zippered vents allow you to dump heat during aerobic ascents or warm spring laps.