The Roan is Volcom's budget bib. It is a 2-layer shell rated 15K for waterproofing and 15K for breathability, with stretch fabric, adjustable suspenders and Zip Tech, Volcom's zipper that joins the bib to a Volcom jacket.
This review covers how dry the Roan keeps you, how it fits and what owners dislike about it.
What It Is: A Simple Shell Bib
The Roan is a shell, so it blocks wind and water but adds little warmth. One owner said it is more shell than insulation and they wear a good base layer under it.
You get mesh-lined vents, an easy-entry side zipper, a chest pocket, boot gaiters with lace hooks and stretch panels at the waist. The 15K rating means the fabric is tested to resist about 15,000 mm of water pressure. That is a solid mid-range number, but GORE-TEX bibs are usually rated much higher.
On the Hill: Dry and Snow-Free
Owners like that snow stays out. One tall owner with two pairs said it is nice never having to worry about snow down your pants and the chest pockets are so practical. Another rider with two pairs said they think the Roan is great.
The Roan holds up in light wet weather too. One owner who doesn't ride in rainy, wet snow often said the 15K fabric is plenty. They got rained on briefly and stayed dry, and the bib dried on its own soon after they got home.
Where It Excels
The Roan shines for riders who want their first bib without paying GORE-TEX prices. One rider choosing between the Roan and a bib at twice the price said they would pick the Roan.
One owner said bibs are the way to go, with no pants falling down and no cold breeze in the gap between your shirt and pants.
Where It Falls Short
The fly is short. One owner said the only thing they hate is the zipper size, and that it isn't that long compared with regular pants. Another owner also unstraps to pee. An older post asked whether Volcom had fixed an early Roan with a very small fly, and nobody confirmed it.
The hip pockets get a harsh review. One owner said the pockets are unusable because the zipper runs down toward the inseam instead of across like a normal jeans pocket.
The fabric has limits. One rider weighing the Roan against a used Burton AK bib said the Roan isn't bad but isn't super great. Another owner said they wished they could have bought GORE-TEX, but the price was out of their range. If you ride in the Pacific Northwest or other wet places, you may want GORE-TEX.
The Sizing Question
You'll find this question in most Roan threads. Owners say the Roan has a relaxed fit, and one owner said Volcom makes everything baggy. Other riders say Volcom bibs are smaller in the waist and hips than other brands, and one rider found Volcom pants narrow around the thighs. They suggest doing squats and lunges when you try them on.
Here's the take from owners: if you are between sizes, think about your hips and how many layers you wear. One shopper ordered direct from Volcom so they could exchange the size before the season started.
Pro tip: Pair the Roan with a Volcom jacket and use Zip Tech on deep days. One rider said it stops snow from getting between your jacket and pants.
Who Should Buy It
Buy the Volcom Roan if you want an affordable bib that keeps snow out, you ride in mostly dry or cold places and you like a chest pocket.
Look elsewhere if you ride in very wet climates, want pockets on your hips that are easy to use or want a longer fly.
Alternatives
The Burton Reserve GORE-TEX 2L Bib costs more but uses GORE-TEX and comes with Burton's lifetime warranty. Read our full Burton Reserve GORE-TEX 2L Bib review.
The Burton Reserve 2L Bib is the non-GORE-TEX Reserve with a 20K rating, close to the Roan in price.
Verdict
The Volcom Roan is a simple, affordable bib that keeps snow out and stays dry for most resort riders. The short fly and awkward hip pockets annoy owners, and the 15K fabric isn't made for very wet climates. If you want your first bib on a budget, it is an easy pick.
