Volcom Melancon GORE-TEX Pants Review
By: Brittany Mellander, Assistant Buyer | August 31, 2022
The Lowdown
Extra comfy! These baggy, loose fit pants are so comfortable. The Volcom Melancon Pants have everything you could want in a pair of outerwear pants: all the pockets, vent zips, cuff cinches, and style. I normally like a regular or standard fit, but these were exactly what I was looking for this time around. They keep you dry and warm all day with their 2-layer GORE-TEX and V-Science breathable lining system. It’s great to have them zip into the jacket too for those deeper days. No snow down your butt! I’m super stoked about the unisex fit that Desiree got out of these. I would typically wear a women’s small, so these are a bit big and I could have gone for the extra small, but I really like how roomy and comfortable they are.
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Technical Details
Let’s talk about the things most people don't think about when looking at outerwear: the tech. This jacket has so many great features to help you have the best time on the mountain. With its 2-layer GORE-TEX shell and soft, moisture-wicking taffeta lining, the Melancon Jacket is poised to keep you dry and warm even on those really wet days in the PNW.
Beyond protection, however, this jacket is loaded with subtle yet much appreciated features: ample pocketing for on-the-go storage, mesh-lined zippered vents to ditch excess heat, a fully removable hood and a removable powder skirt. As far as fit goes too, this jacket has what Volcom is calling Des Fit which they describe as "a very relaxed unisex fit by Volcom team rider Desiree Melancon."
| Face Fabric | Stretch 2-Layer Recycled Polyester + PFCec-Free DWR |
| Membrane | GORE-TEX |
| Insulation | n/a |
| Fit | Des Fit (Unisex) |
| Seam Sealing | Fully Taped |
| Powder Skirt | Removable |
| Hood Type | Removable |
| Warranty | 2 Years |
Ride Impressions
The Volcom Melancon Pants throw it back to the early 2000s with their loose, steezy fit and simple yet unmistakeable style. Going well beyond pure aesthetics, however, these shred slacks are decked out with top of the line GORE-TEX protection to keep you dry and warm in even the nastiest of mountain conditions. If you're looking for pants that deliver retro vibes with modern tech performance, look no further than Desiree Melancon's distinctive Volcom Melancon GORE-TEX Pants.
Perhaps my favorite part of these pants, however, is that although they look rather simplistic on the surface, they are completely decked out with functional features that I found myself highly appreciative of once I was actually out on the mountain riding. One of those features is the integrated webbing belt which could be easily cinched to accommodate a wide range of waist sizes (even within specific pant sizes). Another awesome feature is the reinforced hems and kick panels to enhance their longevity and adjustable hem cinches too to let you curate your style or just tighten up for tromping through parking lots. Heck, even the seams/stitching was given the full treatment with a triple reinforced inner rise and fully taped seams throughout.
Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆
Pros
- GORE-TEX - Provides top tier waterproofing and breathability.
- Unisex Fit - Plenty of room for layering while also completely unrestrictive in terms of movement.
- Integrated Belt Waist Adjustment - Allows you to ensure a proper fit and avoid worrying about accidentally forgetting a belt.
Cons
- Mesh-lined thigh vents don't dump heat as quickly (as non mesh-lined) and the zippers tend to get snagged.
Who's It For?
I think the Volcom Melancon GORE-TEX Pants are great for everyone, except for those who want to go touring or do a lot of hiking. They are super comfortable, but may be a bit baggy for some folks. They are definitely a fashion forward pant and I’m super into it though. It’s great for most riding conditions, and will keep you warm and dry either in the PNW rainy days or those East coast weather days. They come in an expanded range of unisex sizes from XXS-XXL to offer a wide range of fit options.
The Bottom Line
These pants are great for everyone. Their web waist cinch helps get the right fit for all people. If you are a female that struggles with never having pockets, these are a game changer. They have two back pockets, along with the typical front hand pockets and front side pockets for all the pocket snacks you need! The 2-layer GORE-TEX and V-Science breathable lining system is sure to keep you warm and dry.
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About the Reviewer
Name: Brittany Mellander
Age: 31
Height: 5'6”
Weight: 120 lbs
Size Reviewed: Small
Location(s): Stevens Pass, Washington
Fit Preferences: A more form fitting kit with a little room to layer. Typically I ride with shell style jackets and pants.
Riding Style: I tend to ride all over the mountain. I do a lot of resort riding but also a little backcountry.