The L is Volcom's GORE-TEX snowboard jacket. This version adds a thin layer of insulation to a GORE-TEX shell, so it sits between a bare shell and a full winter jacket.
This review covers how warm the L Insulated is, how it fits and what owners think of Volcom since the company changed hands.
What It Is: A GORE-TEX Shell With Light Insulation
The L Insulated uses a 2-layer GORE-TEX shell with fully taped seams. Volcom adds 80/60g low-loft insulation, a thin synthetic fill that adds some warmth without bulk.
The headline feature is Zip Tech, a zipper inside the powder skirt that joins the jacket to Volcom pants or bibs. You also get mesh-lined vents, a hood with a toggle cinch, a soft chin guard, goggle clips, an audio pocket and a pass pocket on the left sleeve.
On the Hill: Dry, Simple and Durable
Owners say it lasts. One rider wore the insulated version for years on the East Coast and said, apart from normal wear and tear, it is fine and still in their closet. Another owner used the uninsulated L for 4 seasons with no issues other than reapplying waterproofing at the end of each season.
An owner of both the insulated and uninsulated versions called them fantastic after a few seasons and said Zip Tech is why they have stuck with Volcom.
Zip Tech works. One rider said it stops snow from getting between your pants and jacket. Another uses it a handful of times a season on deep days and said it makes pants feel like a bib.
Where It Excels
The L Insulated shines for resort riders who want a dry jacket with a little warmth and don't want to manage a full layering system. One rider called a GORE-TEX shell with insulation a solid combo for resort riding that keeps you dry and warm without overheating too much on the lifts.
It also makes sense if you already ride Volcom pants or bibs, since Zip Tech only works with Volcom.
Where It Falls Short
The fit is slim. One rider said Volcom fits like it is made for long, slender people, and a slender owner agreed that their L jacket fit perfectly. A rider with broad shoulders was warned it runs tight there. One rider who tried on the uninsulated L said it was narrow in the hips and restricted them when crouching. Another found it too narrow in the hips and returned it.
The insulation is light. One rider who switched to the uninsulated L said they wanted more flexibility with layering. Expect to add a mid layer on cold days.
Zip Tech is proprietary. One owner said it is not compatible with other brands' jacket-to-pants systems, such as 686's.
The "Has Volcom Changed?" Question
You'll find this question in most recent Volcom threads. Owners point out that Volcom's operator went bankrupt in 2025, and the brand license moved to a new company. Some riders say quality has dropped, and one owner said a pair of Volcom GORE-TEX pants wore out at the seat and knees after one season.
Other owners disagree. Several riders said their Volcom gear has lasted 4 to 6 seasons or more. One rider who owns 3-layer GORE-TEX gear from both Burton AK and Volcom said the quality is comparable.
The warranty is the bigger worry. GORE-TEX backs its fabric with its own guarantee, but one owner said Volcom has no lifetime warranty like Burton AK, and they aren't sure an older jacket will be covered after the ownership change.
Here's the take from owners: older L jackets have a strong record, and the newest ones are less proven. Buy from a shop with an easy return policy.
Who Should Buy It
Buy the Volcom L Insulated if you have a slim build, want a dry GORE-TEX jacket with light warmth and ride Volcom pants or bibs.
Look elsewhere if you have broad shoulders or hips, want a very warm jacket or care most about a long warranty.
Alternatives
The Burton AK Cyclic GORE-TEX 2L Jacket is an uninsulated shell with a roomier cut and Burton's lifetime warranty. Read our full Burton AK Cyclic GORE-TEX 2L Jacket review.
The 686 Hydra Thermagraph Jacket is a warmer insulated jacket. One owner said they usually don't need to layer anything under it.
Verdict
The Volcom L Insulated is a dry, simple GORE-TEX jacket with just enough warmth for most resort days, and Zip Tech keeps snow out when it gets deep. The slim cut won't suit every build, and Volcom's ownership change has some riders uneasy about quality and warranty. If it fits you and you ride Volcom pants, it is a solid pick.
