Expert Review: Dakine Men's Reach 20K Bib Pants
This review is my honest opinion of the snowboard bibs, which I purchased with my own money in October of 2021.
All photos courtesy of Will Koons
About this Review: This review is my honest opinion of the snowboard bibs, which I purchased with my own money in October of 2021.
My take
The Dakine Reach 20K snowboard bibs are great for all skill levels, as they offer comfort, protection, and storage options for any rider. They are made with waterproof and breathable material and have reinforced cuffs and leg gaiters to keep me dry and warm on the mountain. The model I’ve used is a bit older, but it has very similar tech specs. They have a slightly different pocket design and colorway but provide a similar experience overall.
About the pants
- Brand: Dakine
- Model: 2021 Reach 20k Bibs
- Size Fit: A bit on the larger size. I’m 6’1,” and the large feels a bit big on me.
About me
- Height: 6’1”
- Weight: 175lbs
- Pant size: Large
- Experience: 20+ years of snowboarding
Test conditions
- When I bought these: October 2021
- Days used: 100+
- Where I’ve used them: Oregon, Montana, Washington, Utah, California
- Weather conditions used in: Every type of weather
How they perform
What I was looking for
I was on the hunt for snowboard bibs because I wanted to find a reliable and comfortable option for my winter sports activities. I was seeking the bibs to be able to keep me warm and dry on the mountain, as well as provide storage options for my gear and personal items.
Why I chose this gear
I decided to buy the Dakine Reach snowboard bibs because they had a high level of waterproofing and breathability, as well as reinforced cuffs and leg gaiters to keep out snow. The multiple pockets were also a convenient feature for storing my gear and personal items. I considered buying several other snowboard bibs before ultimately deciding on the Dakine Reach bibs. Some of the other products I looked at included the Burton AK 2L Pant and the Volcom L Insulated Bib. Ultimately, I chose the Dakine Reach bibs because they seemed to offer the best combination of comfort, protection, and storage options for my needs.
What I love about them
- Waterproofing: The 20k rating provides amazing waterproofing. I’ve toured in the rain a few times with very little leakage.
- Breathability: These bibs handle moisture release phenomenally. The air vents and built-in breathability features allow me to tour without sweating in sunny spring conditions.
- Durability: I spent 100+ days in these bibs and had zero durability issues. That is rare.
- Weight: The bibs are nice and lightweight, which makes them great for touring.
- Ease of movement: The Dakine Reach bibs are super roomy and allow me to move very effectively in all conditions.
- Quality: The Dakine Reach bibs are known for their high quality. The materials used in the bibs are sturdy and well-constructed, and the overall design of the bibs is very functional and effective.
Issues I’ve encountered
- Fit: They seem to run a little big. I wear a large and wouldn’t have been much happier with a medium. This isn’t really an issue, but something to be aware of when purchasing.
- Comfort: This is related to the fit. I felt mine could have been more comfortable if I had chosen the right fit. This is just something to be aware of when choosing one’s size.
- Warmth: These are simply a shell. They aren’t designed for warmth. That comes with what I layer underneath. Similar to the fit, this isn’t really an issue with the product but simply something to take into account when purchasing.
Favorite moment with this gear
During an early morning tour on Mt. Hood, I got caught in freezing rain around 10,000ft. The Dakine Reach bibs kept me dry and functional, and I could descend and enjoy a few good turns lower on the mountain. If I had been using an inferior bib with lower-quality waterproofing, I would have been soaked, freezing, and absolutely miserable. Instead, the Dakine bibs keep me riding longer in harsher conditions.
Value for the money vs. other options
When considering whether the Dakine Reach snowboard bibs are worth the money, it can be helpful to compare them to other options on the market. Some factors to consider when comparing these bibs to other products might include the materials used, the level of waterproofing and breathability, the durability and overall quality of the bibs, and any additional features or functionalities they offer.
In terms of price, the Dakine Reach bibs may be on the higher end compared to some cheaper options, but they could still be a worthwhile investment for riders who prioritize quality and functionality. On the other hand, there are also more expensive options available that may offer additional features or higher levels of waterproofing and breathability, so it's important to weigh the potential benefits and drawbacks of each product and determine which one is the best fit for one’s needs and budget. Some other products to consider when making this decision include the Burton AK 2L Pant or the Volcom L Insulated Bib.
Final verdict
The Dakine Reach snowboard bibs provide comfort, protection, and storage options for any rider, helping to unlock an enjoyable and well-equipped snowboarding experience on the mountain.
