The Arc'teryx Rush Pant uses GORE-TEX Pro 3-layer membrane with 100D Nylon and DWR for waterproof, breathable protection in harsh conditions. Designed for resort snowboarding with an articulated fit for enhanced mobility. Features high side vents, secure zipped pockets, 100D Cordura PowderCuffs, and Keprotec insteps. Regular fit with an adjustable waist belt.
I purchased the Arc'teryx Rush Pant for resort snowboarding. The material is very thick and stiff, taking a beating year after year without showing significant wear. The articulated patterning allows natural movement during aggressive riding. Side zippers provide easy cooling and on/off access without removing boots.
I can stay comfortable in these pants in temperatures from 15°F to 35°F with a baselayer underneath. They lack insulation, so I layer accordingly. For heavy storms, they pair well with hard-shell jackets. The GORE-TEX Pro construction and thoughtful features, including RECCO reflector and powder cuffs, make this a great all-around pant. Bluesign® approved materials reflect Arc'teryx's sustainability commitment.
Why GORE-TEX Pro 3-Layer Outperforms Standard GORE-TEX
GORE-TEX Pro 3-layer membrane delivers superior durability compared to standard GORE-TEX. The 100D nylon face fabric resists abrasion from falls, lift chairs, and extended resort use. Thicker construction withstands years of heavy snowboarding without degradation.
The waterproofing never fails, even during sustained exposure to wet snow. Full-day riding in heavy Pacific Northwest storms yields no moisture penetration. The sealed seams prevent water entry at stress points.
Breathability remains high despite the thick membrane. The 3-layer construction wicks sweat away from baselayers. The stiff material maintains its structure rather than sagging or bagging out.
Arc'teryx Rush Pant Articulated Fit and Mobility
The articulated patterning follows your body's natural movement. Pre-shaped knees allow deep bends without fabric pulling. The pattern accommodates aggressive riding positions without restriction. Better mobility than straight-cut pants that bind during movement.
Gusseted crotch prevents binding when transitioning edge to edge. The diamond-shaped insert allows a full range of motion. No pulling across the seat during deep squats or grabs. The construction eliminates pressure points during all-day riding.
Regular fit provides room for baselayers without excess fabric. Not designed for heavy insulation underneath. Works perfectly with the Rho LT Bottom baselayer in moderate temperatures. The streamlined cut reduces wind resistance.
Adjustable waist belt fine-tunes the fit without bulky systems. The low-profile design sits comfortably under jackets. Micro-adjustments ensure the pants stay in place during movement. Better than pants with belt loops that create pressure points.
Arc'teryx Rush Pant Ventilation and Temperature Management
High side vents run from hip to knee for maximum airflow. Open them fully during warm spring days or high-output runs. The long zippers dump heat faster than short thigh vents. YKK zippers operate smoothly with gloves on.
The side-zipper design allows on/off access without removing the boots. Unzip from top to bottom and step out. The convenience saves time during bathroom breaks or end-of-day transitions.
I can stay comfortable in temperatures from 15°F to 35°F with just a baselayer underneath. Open the vents when temperatures rise above freezing.
The pants lack insulation, so proper baselayer selection is essential on cold days. Better suited for active snowboarding, where you generate heat.
Storage and Pocket Configuration
Zippered thigh pocket with volume pleat stores essentials securely. The expansion pleat accommodates bulky items, such as phones or lift passes. YKK zippers seal against snow and moisture. Store items that need quick access during the day.
The volume pleat design prevents items from creating uncomfortable pressure points. Phones and keys settle naturally, rather than digging into your leg. The pleated construction maintains comfort during all-day wear.
Secure zipped pockets keep small items from falling out during falls. The closures prevent snow entry when you're sitting in powder. Pair with the Fission SV Glove for complete hand protection and pocket access.
When I Use the Arc'teryx Rush Pant
Resort snowboarding: I use these pants for all-day resort riding from early season through spring. They handle everything from groomed runs to sidecountry powder. The GORE-TEX Pro protects against wet Pacific Northwest snow without soaking through. The articulated fit allows aggressive riding without restriction.
Heavy storms require pairing with proper shells. Layer the Sabre LT Jacket for lightweight protection or the Sphene Jacket when conditions demand maximum coverage. The Slide 'n Loc system connects to Arc'teryx jackets to prevent snow from entering at the waist.
Cold days below 15°F require additional layering. The pants work well but lack insulation for static activities. Bring a heavier jacket when temperatures drop. The breathability prevents overheating even with multiple layers.
Years of heavy use prove the durability. The thick material continues to perform without showing significant wear. No tears, no abrasion through the fabric, no waterproofing failure. The 100D Cordura PowderCuffs remain intact after countless days. The Keprotec insteps show minimal wear from boot contact.
Arc'teryx Rush Pant Protection Features
100D Cordura PowderCuffs create a barrier against snow entry. The reinforced cuffs wrap around boots to seal out powder. Elastic construction maintains tension without feeling tight. The Cordura material resists abrasion from boot contact. No snow creeping up your legs during deep powder days.
Keprotec insteps protect high-wear areas of boots from damage. The reinforcement prevents holes from developing where boots rub. The material withstands years of contact without tearing. Better longevity than pants without instep protection. The strategic placement significantly extends the plant's lifespan.
RECCO reflector aids search efforts in avalanche scenarios. The passive technology requires no batteries or activation. Search teams can locate you faster with RECCO-equipped gear. Peace of mind when venturing into sidecountry terrain. Works in combination with proper avalanche safety equipment.
Slide 'n Loc attachments pair with Arc'teryx jackets to prevent snow entry. The connection system keeps the jacket and pants together during falls. No gap at the waist where snow can infiltrate. Better integration than pants with generic snap systems.
Arc'teryx Rush Pant vs Insulated Pants
The Rush Pant prioritizes breathability and versatility through shell construction. Insulated pants provide warmth but trap heat during high-output riding. The shell design allows temperature control through layering.
The lack of insulation reduces bulk and weight. The streamlined profile moves with you instead of restricting movement. The shell construction allows a wider temperature range through the selection of a baselayer.
Worth the Investment?
For dedicated resort snowboarders who ride frequently, yes. The Arc'teryx Rush Pant delivers durability that justifies the premium price. Years of heavy use without failure prove the value. The GORE-TEX Pro construction outlasts cheaper pants that fail after one season.
For casual riders who snowboard occasionally, maybe not. The price point demands frequent use to justify. Cheaper pants provide adequate protection for weekend warriors. Save money if you ride only a few times per season.
For riders in wet climates like the Pacific Northwest, absolutely. The waterproofing handles sustained exposure to damp snow without soaking through. The breathability prevents that clammy feeling during long days. Better investment than pants that fail in wet conditions.
Better for durability: Rush Pant with GORE-TEX Pro
Better for warmth: Insulated pants (but less versatile)
Better for budget: Look for sales or previous seasons
Better for casual use: Less expensive shells
I can stay comfortable in temperatures from 15°F to 35°F with proper baselayers. The articulated fit and high vents handle aggressive riding and temperature swings. After years of heavy resort use, these pants continue to perform without showing signs of degradation. When you need bombproof protection that lasts, this delivers.
Specs
Model: Rush Pant
Material: 100D Nylon with DWR
Waterproofing: GORE-TEX Pro 3-layer membrane
Fit: Regular, articulated patterning
Waist: Adjustable waist belt
Ventilation: High side zippers (hip to knee) for cooling and on/off access
Storage: Zippered thigh pocket with volume pleat
Protection: 100D Cordura PowderCuffs, Keprotec insteps, RECCO reflector
Compatibility: Slide 'n Loc attachments for jacket pairing
Sustainability: Bluesign® approved materials
Best for: Resort snowboarding, 15°F to 35°F with baselayer, wet Pacific Northwest conditions, aggressive riding
Not ideal for: Sub-zero static activities (lacks insulation), casual occasional use (price point)
Temperature range: 15°F to 35°F with baselayer
Activities: Resort snowboarding only
Unique features: Very thick and stiff material, articulated fit, side zipper on/off access, volume pleat pocket, years of durability proven
Care: Machine wash cold, tumble dry low, no fabric softener
Layering: Pairs with Sabre LT Jacket, Sphene Jacket, Rho AR Zip Neck, Rho LT Zip Neck, Strato Jacket, Covert Zip Neck, Fission SV Glove
Find current availability at Arc'teryx.
