About this Review: This review is my honest opinion of the pants, which I purchased with my own money in November of 2022.

My take

The Burton Cargo 2L Pants are well-built, have lots of pockets, and the netted inner thigh vents keep air moving for all-day riding in any condition. I’ve worn these pants in different conditions in Tahoe, Colorado, and Utah, but I primarily wear them while giving snowboard lessons at Snow Creek in Weston, MO. The cargo pockets have much room for mountain essentials, such as snacks, sunscreen, a goggle lens cloth, a small water bottle, an extra lip balm neck gaiter, and lesson plans.

About the pants

• Brand: Burton
• Model: Cargo 2L Pants
• Size: Large
• Fit: Regular

About me

• Height: 6’0”
• Weight: 220lbs
• Pant size: 34x32
• Experience: 25 years of snowboarding/skiing

Test conditions

• When I bought these: November 2022
• Days used: 20
• Where I’ve used them: Weston, MO; Colorado; Utah; and Tahoe
• Weather conditions used in: Sunny spring days, bluebird powder days

How they perform

What I was looking for

I needed black snowboard pants with ease-of-use pockets and vents to help me stay cool on warm days.

Why I chose this gear

The Burton 2L Cargo pants are one of the best-selling snowboard pants on the market because Burton-branded items come with a limited lifetime warranty, are well-built, and stacked with features, including thigh vents, reinforced cuffs, articulated knees, and fully-taped seams to keep water out. Burton uses only bluesign-approved materials, which are good for the rider and the planet. Also, Burton’s Living Lining material helps regulate body temperature. The pants offer the best bang for the buck regarding features and quality of construction. I own several pants and bibs, but when I know my day will be filled with adventure, these are my go-to pants because the pockets allow me to stay out all day without returning to the lodge. I can easily carry all the mountain essentials such as snacks, sodas, a flask for water, sunscreen, goggles, or anything else I think I might need.

What I love about them

• Fit: Comfortable with room for movement. Belt loops and internal adjustment straps make sure the pants stay put. BOA-friendly gaiters and zippers at the leg cuffs make for a solid boot/pant connection that keeps the snow out.
• Comfort: Warm when needed, and thigh vents allow for ample airflow. Snug waist adjustments and articulate knees make for easy and comfortable movements.
• Warmth: This shell pant allows ample layering, but it is not the warmest pant on its own. It’s great for warmer days.
• Waterproofing: No issues with waterproofing. Burton uses DRYRIDE two-layer fabric (10,000mm/10,000g) that is highly breathable, waterproof, and quick drying; fully-taped seams create the ultimate seal against foul weather.
• Breathability: Adequate breathability for medium-intensity activity. It’s a shell pant with two long netted thigh vents that keeps airflow moving. Burton’s Living Lining technology provides consistent temperature regulation without adding bulk or weight.
• Durability: Burton Brand products are known for their durability, and these pants are well-constructed, with reinforced stitching, fully taped seams, and backed by Burton’s limited lifetime warranty.
• Ease of movement: No noticeable restrictions with movement. However, the pant’s weight, especially when pockets are loaded, can limit movement.** **Articulated knees allow for uninhibited leg movement.
• Quality: These pants look sharp and feel great. The quality will aid with holding up season after season. However, the internal pocket key clip is not very sturdy but functions as intended.
• Special Features: The pants are practical and well-constructed. They offer a lot of everyday functionality that I can expect from a Burton product. Burton didn’t slack on details here, from the internal clip for my car keys to the zippered, microfleece-lined hand warmer pockets and the added zippered pocket behind one of the cargo pockets. Both rear pockets offer hook and loop closures as well. With all the added pockets, being well-stocked for a full day on the mountain comes easy with the Burton Cargo 2L Pants. With additional features such as fully taped seams for added waterproofing and thigh vents that easily unzip, these pants are suitable for various conditions.

Issues I’ve encountered

I have not personally encountered any setbacks with these pants. As an instructor, I feel like I put my gear through some rigorous conditions, from varied weather and being in and out of my board to down on the snow and helping students. I walk and stand around more than an average rider. Also, as an instructor, I may be called upon to help with lift operations, maintenance, or any other task at the resort, and these pants perform well regardless of the job. I have no overall issues with these pants.

• Weight: Medium weight. Some riders might find the weight problematic. Although they are considered shell pants, they are not extremely lightweight. The cargo pockets and high-quality materials add to the overall weight.

Favorite moment with this gear

I put my pants on like everyone else: one leg at a time. Still, I immediately knew the Burton Cargo 2L Pants were unique when I put them on for the first time and loaded them up for the day. That was my initial favorite moment. I get to ride light and charge hard on some days, but most days, I’m out on the mountain or the hill all day. I wear my Burtons when it’s time for an all-day mountain adventure, and I’m looking to get in a lot of laps and minimal stops, or I’m putting in some extra time off-piste.

Value for the money vs. other options

When it comes to outerwear, spending money for a reputable brand with real-life experience in the elements is the difference between a great day on the mountain and a terrible day on the mountain. Burton is a top-quality brand, right up there with other high-quality, reputable brands like 686, Flylow, or Helly Hansen. Still, the pros wear Burton because Burton’s gear is built to be the best, has the greatest features, and is guaranteed to perform in all conditions.

In ideal conditions, a rider’s poor choice of outerwear may have minimal impact on their day. However, when the conditions worsen, being prepared by wearing the right gear to withstand the elements is an essential part of a successful and safe day on the mountain. Yes, cheaper pant options likely have similar features, but the Burton Cargo 2L Pants separate themselves from the pack with some very well-designed and well-thought-out features that will stand up to the test of time and weather. These pants are an incredible value. Also, Burton backs their outerwear with a limited lifetime warranty, so replacement or repair is typically covered.

Final verdict

The Burton Cargo 2L Pants are a fantastic, everyday option for active riders who want to look good and stay protected in the elements. Their versatility sets them apart because they can function in nearly every environment. There’s ample room for layering as a shell pant, and the multitude of pockets and other features, such as waterproofing and leg vents, make the Burton Cargo 2L Pants the one pant that can do it all.