Volcom Dua Insulated Gore-Tex Review
In most respects, the Volcom Dua Insulated Gore-Tex ($350) is a jacket marked by compromise. If you're looking for a middle ground between a heavily insulated jacket and an uninsulated shell, it may do the trick. It has a reasonably sturdy build, but the Dua’s protection left us wanting more. We also like its classic style, but there are a few fit issues that are hard to ignore. Finally, neither its warmth nor breathability is especially impressive.
Weather Protection
Warmth
Comfort
Breathability
Durability
Sustainability
Best for
Resort
Waterproofing
2-layer Gore-Tex ePE
Insulation
80g & 60g synthetic
Fabric
Polyester
Pockets
4
Pros
Cons
Volcom Dua Insulated Gore-Tex
For this season's top models, see our guide to the Best Snowboard Jackets.
I tested the Volcom Dua Insulated Gore-Tex Jacket in a wide range of conditions at Mammoth Mountain, California, and it held up decently (if not perfectly) against precipitation. The jacket’s waterproofing consists of a 2-layer Gore-Tex eEPE membrane with a durable water-repellent (DWR) coating, along with fully taped seams and zipper flaps for added protection. While the Dua never wetted out during my testing, the face fabric is cheap-feeling, and I'm not confident it'll effectively repel water when exposed to constant moisture. Wind protection was equally middling. On one cold, gray 32-degree day that featured gusts in the 25- to 30-mph range, the wind cut through more than I would have liked.
My biggest weather protection gripe, though, is the Volcom Dua’s hood design. It technically fits over a helmet, but just barely. I found it uncomfortably tight and hard to use, which meant noticeably less protection when conditions worsened. On the plus side, the hook-and-loop cuffs are simple and easy to tighten without feeling overbuilt. There's also a powder skirt to help keep snow out at the waist. Still, compared to the Burton Swash Gore-Tex 2L (which I also tested), with its better-fitting hood, burlier construction, and stronger insulation, the Dua falls short. It's capable enough for bluebird resort days or during the occasional light storm, but if you're committed to riding no matter the weather, you'll want something more robust.
The Dua is filled with a mix of low-loft synthetic insulation, with 80-gram fill on the body and a 60-gram variety on the sleeves. In my experience, the design provides a moderate level of warmth. For instance, on classic California bluebird days with 32-degree temps, I stayed comfortable with just a base layer underneath and never overheated. Drop much below that, though, and I wanted to add a layer (or switch to a better-insulated option like the Swash). Unfortunately, the jacket’s regular cut doesn’t make wearing an additional midlayer very comfortable.
The Dua is clearly meant for fairly mild winter conditions, when the mercury is hovering around freezing. (Volcom also sells an uninsulated version of the Dua if you tend to run hot, plan to do more splitboarding than resort riding, or mostly ride in balmy conditions.) Since my home mountain, Mammoth, falls squarely in that sweet spot, the Dua's warmth level was a great match, whether I was charging the steeps, hitting the park, or hunting side hits. But riders in colder climates should probably opt for a warmer snowboard jacket.
Like many other aspects of the Dua, comfort is a mixed bag. The jacket has an old-school feel and a bit of heft, which, as someone who likes a heavier jacket, I didn't mind, and it doesn’t enter too-bulky territory. If you prefer something lightweight, though, it might feel like too much jacket. As I mentioned, the hood is also too small to wear comfortably with a helmet, which was a recurring frustration throughout testing.
One design area where the Volcom Dua excels is the collar, which sits at an ideal height when fully zipped—just above the chin, without creeping too high onto the face—and features a fuzzy lining for added comfort. The brushed tricot-lined handwarmer pockets are a nice touch, too, especially when you're wearing the Dua without gloves around town, and the jacket’s taffeta liner adds a high dose of comfort throughout.
In terms of sizing, the Dua wears like a classic snowboard jacket that skews closer to regular than baggy. I personally liked how it fit, and it has a silhouette that never goes out of style and looks good on any rider. With a base layer underneath, range of motion wasn't much of an issue, but there isn't a lot of room for a midlayer. If temps drop and you need to add a thick fleece or puffy to stay warm, things can start to feel a little restrictive.
The Dua's ability to regulate temperature falls into the middle ground that’s the province of many insulated jackets. It runs hot when the weather is sunny and warm, as you’d expect, but the 5-inch-long pit zips are noticeably shorter than those on other snowboard jackets, including the Insulated version of the Burton Reserve 2L and the Swash. Realistically, though, you'd want an uninsulated shell like the Jones MTN Surf for warm days on the hill.
On the other hand, when I was lapping groomers in windy conditions with temperatures in the teens and twenties, the Dua let out more heat than I wanted, and I found myself reaching for the warmer Swash more often than not. I’d slot this jacket in as wearable for accessing easy hike-to terrain, but not something that’s built for spring days, high-output riding, or touring.
After spending 20 days of resort snowboarding in the Dua, I'm happy to report it's still holding up well. While Volcom doesn’t provide a denier rating for its polyester face fabric, the material feels strong. All the zippers run smoothly, and the pockets show no signs of wear. So long as you keep an eye on its waterproofing over time (washing and drying it, plus re-applying DWR), the Dua should be a solid, long-term choice for resort riders who want something simple with an old-school feel.
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Longevity
Choosing durable outdoor gear and keeping it in use for longer is one of the best ways to reduce environmental impact. Our proprietary longevity rating assesses factors like overall build quality, materials, fabric denier, component durability, and real-world performance. A green check indicates that we expect the product to be long-lasting relative to its peers, a yellow check mark indicates average longevity, and a red X indicates a product that may have a limited lifespan.
PFAS-Free DWR
Durable water-repellent (DWR) finishes can contain PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances). These highly persistent “forever chemicals” are used in outdoor gear for their strong resistance to water, oil, and heat, but are linked to environmental contamination and a range of health concerns. A green check mark indicates the product uses a PFAS-free DWR, while a red X means the DWR contains PFAS.
PFAS-Free Waterproof Membrane
The membranes used in waterproof products such as rain jackets, ski jackets, and shoes can contain PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances). These highly persistent “forever chemicals” are valued for their resistance to water, oil, and heat, but are linked to environmental contamination and a range of health concerns. A green check mark indicates the product’s waterproof membrane is PFAS-free, while a red X means it contains PFAS.
Recycled Materials
Recycled materials are prevalent in outdoor gear, with nylon, polyester, wool, and down among the most common, but the composition varies widely. A green check mark indicates the product is made with a substantial amount of recycled materials (100% recycled or the core fabric that makes up most of the product is recycled), a yellow check means it contains a moderate to small amount of recycled materials, while a red X means there are no recycled materials in the product.
Bluesign Approved
Bluesign Technologies, based in Switzerland, operates a third-party textile management system that ensures materials are manufactured to strict environmental, chemical, and worker safety standards. A green check mark indicates a product is either a Bluesign Product (contains at least 90% Bluesign-approved fabrics and 20-30% Bluesign-approved accessories) or features a significant amount of Bluesign-approved materials. A yellow check mark means it uses some Bluesign-approved materials but less than the aforementioned category, and a red X means there are no Bluesign-approved materials in the product.
Responsible Manufacturing
This criterion evaluates a brand’s commitment to fair wages, safe working conditions, and reducing environmental impact through certifications and programs like Fair Trade Certified, Fair Wear Foundation, Worldwide Responsible Accredited Production (WRAP), and the Fair Labor Association, while also recognizing brands that manufacture primarily in the U.S. or Europe under strict labor and environmental regulations. A green check mark indicates a brand meets our responsible manufacturing criteria, while a red X means it does not.
Recycled and/or Reduced Packaging
Packaging can add significant waste to outdoor gear purchases, so many brands work to reduce its impact by using recycled materials, incorporating Forest Stewardship Council-certified paper products, and minimizing plastic and paper use. A green check mark indicates a brand uses recycled or reduced materials across all of its packaging, a yellow check indicates moderate or limited use of recycled or reduced packaging, and a red X indicates the brand does not make either of these efforts.
Repair Services
Repair services extend the lifespan of outdoor gear and reduce overall consumption, though programs vary widely. Some brands offer comprehensive repairs for a range of issues, while others provide limited or no repair support. A green check mark indicates a robust repair program, a yellow check mark indicates limited repair services, and a red X indicates the brand does not offer repair services.
Resale and/or Recycling Services
Resale and recycling programs help keep outdoor gear in circulation longer and out of landfills, ranging from trade-in resale platforms that offer store credit to take-back initiatives that recycle products at the end of their usable life. A green check mark indicates a brand offers both resale and recycling programs, a yellow check mark indicates it offers one of the two, and a red X indicates it offers neither.
Carbon Footprint Tracking
This criterion evaluates whether a brand measures, reports, and works to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions using established frameworks such as the Higg Index, Greenhouse Gas Protocol, or The Change Climate Project. A green check mark indicates a brand publicly reports greenhouse gas emissions data, sets clearly defined reduction targets, and uses established tracking frameworks such as Higg or The Change Climate Project. A yellow check mark indicates the brand tracks emissions and outlines reduction goals but provides limited data, lacks science-based verification, or does not clearly report progress. A red X indicates the brand does not appear to track greenhouse gas emissions or provides so little information that its efforts cannot be verified.
Annual Impact Report
Annual impact reports provide transparency and accountability by outlining a brand’s sustainability efforts across areas such as material sourcing, greenhouse gas emissions, waste, water use, supply chains, and packaging. A green check mark indicates a brand publishes a detailed, brand-specific impact report that closely aligns with our sustainability criteria and leaves little room for ambiguity. A yellow check indicates a brand provides some relevant sustainability reporting but lacks detail in key areas or is covered only briefly within a parent company report. A red X indicates a brand does not regularly publish an impact report.
Pockets
The Dua takes a simple approach to pockets—too simple for me, at times. The exterior features just a chest pocket, which is sized well for a phone, and two handwarmer pockets. Inside is a pocket sized for goggles that features a snap closure, which is nice when you’re walking around the lodge, but not the most secure option when you're riding. There's also a small tab for wired headphones. The biggest miss is the lack of a pass pocket, which is a frustrating omission on a jacket built for resort use. While minimally-minded riders likely won't balk too much at its storage layout, as someone who likes plenty of options, the Dua felt a bit too sparse.
Hood
I found the hood too small to fit comfortably over a helmet, which was one of my main struggles when testing the Dua. When it comes to adjustments, there's an internal cinch on the right side just below the collar that helps secure the hood around your head, and a peripheral toggle at the back lets you hone in its depth. Goggle clips (small attachments in the hood that hook onto your goggle straps) are also included, designed to keep the hood moving with you instead of blocking your field of vision.
Powder Skirt
The Volcom Dua includes a powder skirt to keep excess snow from getting inside the jacket. There are snap buttons in the front to secure it around your waist, and it offers several attachment points, so you can dial in the fit around your waist. I personally don't use a powder skirt often, but it's there if you need it on deep days.
Tester: 5’5”, 145 lb.
Size tested: Men’s small
Depending on the jacket, I'll usually order a size medium or small. I opted for the latter here, and it worked well for my 5-foot-5, 145-pound frame, with decent room around my chest and through the arms and waist. Overall, the fit straddles regular and roomy, and it never felt too tight or too loose. If I were buying it again, though, I'd size up to a medium. That extra room would make adding a midlayer underneath easier on especially cold days. A larger jacket would ideally also come with a larger hood, since that was one of my bigger gripes, and I personally like a baggier look over something more tailored.
Burton Reserve 2L Insulated ($290): Lose Some Warmth, Save Some Cash
If you want an insulated jacket but the Dua is too warm for your liking, then the Burton Reserve 2L Insulated is worth a look. Despite the "Insulated" in its name, it feels more like a shell, which makes overheating less of a concern when you’re working hard or if you simply run hot. The Reserve's pit zips are also nearly four times as long as the Dua’s, offering significantly more airflow. And unlike the Dua's too-tight hood, the Reserve has the opposite problem: While it easily fits over a helmet, it's so large that it impacts peripheral vision, even when cinched down. You're not getting a top-tier product with either jacket, but saving $60 with the Reserve is compelling, especially if you normally ride in warm weather or have a favorite midlayer that you can wear underneath. For more, read our Burton Reserve 2L Insulated review.
Patagonia Insulated Powder Town Jacket ($399): A Better Jacket
The Insulated Powder Town Jacket costs $11 less than the Dua, with a better-fitting hood and a more practical pocket layout (complete with a pass pocket, which the Dua lacks). Both jackets have roughly the same amount of insulation (the Powder Town has 80g fill on the body and 40g on the sleeves), so they're equally capable in near-freezing conditions but shouldn't be pushed into frigid ones. When it comes to weather protection, we give the Powder Town a slight edge, but you still won't want to rely on it in heavy precipitation. Given the Powder Town’s superior fit and user-friendliness, along with its minor savings, it's the easy choice. For more, check out our review of the Patagonia Insulated Powder Town.
Straddling the line between an insulated jacket and a free-breathing shell, the Dua is a not-too-hot, not-too-cold piece of outerwear for moderate resort riding in fair-weather conditions. It's durable enough for plenty of hard days, but its lackluster protection doesn't do it any favors during a nasty storm, and several sizing issues undermine its comfort.
Weather Protection
Warmth
Comfort
Breathability
Durability
Sustainability
Boarders on a budget will appreciate the Reserve's price tag, but there's a lot more to like about this jacket. It's durable and mobile enough for daily resort use, plenty breathable, and it can withstand the occasional mild storm. Just don’t push its boundaries in heavy precipitation and deep cold, and be sure to pair it with a good midlayer.
Weather Protection
Warmth
Comfort
Breathability
Durability
Sustainability
A no-frills jacket, the Powder Town Insulated offers great mobility via lightweight materials and an articulated fit with a noticeably long hem. However, the thin polyester face fabric and proprietary membrane are vulnerable to sustained wet conditions.
Weather Protection
Warmth
Comfort
Breathability
Durability
Sustainability
Is the Dua Insulated for You?
The Volcom Dua makes the most sense for resort riders who don't need the absolute warmth of a heavily insulated jacket or the top-tier breathability of a shell. Its design drawbacks (especially the hood) and mediocre breathability are concerns, but if those aren’t dealbreakers for you, it should be fine for a few seasons of resort riding. Plus, it ain't bad to look at.
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