The Burton AK line of snow outerwear is a name synonymous with some of the best and correct gear you want when out on the mountain from groomed runs to backcountry missions.
I’m here to review the Burton AK 3L Skid bib pant. I picked these up a few years ago along with a AK jacket at some really reasonable prices.
Features
First off I want to get into the features of these pants. They are a large size and black. Keeping everything in place are crossed at the back elasticised shoulder straps with easily adjustable buckles that stay put.
Entering and exiting them is easy with a high front zip and two snap buttons to keep them in place.
Also there are two side zips going from hip to mid thigh, they also could help with entry but I’ve never actually used them for this.
Also helping to snug up the fit is a inside back cinch adjustment at the lower back. I set this feature and haven’t had to touch it since.
Making our way down the pant we have two large pockets at the top of the thigh that are zippered and stand out from the surface of the pant making them easily accessible and able to fit a snow glove easily inside and the zips are angled and are easy to open and close, I don’t use these pockets for any kind of storage, preferring a secure jacket or backpack pocket in the snow.
On the inside upper thigh on either side are short zip vents, non meshed. They definitely are there for a purpose but I hardly use them.
I’m all about not over exerting myself to the point of overheating. Unless it’s absolutely necessary.
Being out in these conditions is all about having fun.
Lastly at the bottom we have elasticized boot cuffs with a lace hook to keep them in place and I’ve never had snow get in, and two short side zips for extra entry space. Again a feature I have never used being the space there enough to fit the boots I use.
That rounds out the features on these bib pants.
Materials
I’m going to touch briefly on materials and a few other points to give you an idea on what other factors go into this bib pant.
So I just found out that the 3L in the title stands for 3 layer construction which makes sense.
Made up of the outer shell layer, the mid layer which is a breathable membrane and the inner, usually a sewn in soft lining. The Gor-Tex is a tough material and in this case has put up with a lot and is performing as it should and it looks good as new.
Just wanted to say a few things on a few other points for this review.
Design and Style
I’ll just say the design of these bib pants is very functional, loose and articulated for maximum movement.
With lots of space for layering to match the conditions. I’ve worn fleece pants with base layers on the coldest days and been very comfortable. Included here is wind resistance, I’ve never had problems with the wind, with the 3L construction, the boot cuffs doing their job properly being the only place the cold can sneak in. The rest of the bib pant is well insulated against that.
I have always preferred a bib pant as well for the protection from cold with the extra material up from the waist stopping snow and wind getting in the back and the better insulated mid section is what you want in cold conditions. Something that isn’t apparent is the breathability of garments until you are exerting yourself a little more maybe hiking in the backcountry earning some turns. If that’s the case it’s also nice to have good wicking layers to keep the moisture controlled.
Final thoughts
Within the few seasons I’ve had these pants they’ve been through various scenarios on the snowy theme. Bluebird days to gale force low vis days and the best dumping powder days, snow shoeing, boarding, tobogganing, snowmobiling and snowangels.
Through all these activities these bib pants have done very well due to their favourable characteristics.
I like them regardless of brand or price. I think going with this style of snow pant is the way to go when out having fun in the snow.
Thanks for reading and I hope this was helpful in giving you a better understanding of the choices you have.
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