Testing the Backcountry Cottonwoods LT Xpore 3L Jacket in Japan. Photo: Rachel Lightner//The Inertia
Packing for a month-long snowboard trip to Japan requires methodical decisions on gear, as hauling an overweight board bag through Tokyo transit is far from ideal. As I started the packing process for my fourth snowboard trip out to Japan, I knew I wanted a jacket that would be a one-stop shop for long days hiking in the backcountry and all-day groomer laps at the resort. I packed the Backcountry Cottonwoods LT Xpore 3L Women’s Jacket ($499), and was not disappointed by my decision.
This women’s snowboard jacket, designed in-house at Backcountry, is a lightweight, technical shell featuring a proprietary Xpore waterproof technology in the three-layer material. The goal is season-long versatility, and the Cottonwoods LT delivers.
Bottom Line: The Backcountry Cottonwoods LT Xpore 3L Jacket is a breathable, lightweight, and functional shell jacket that performs well in all terrain and conditions, from the backcountry to the resort. Designed specifically for freeride and touring, this jacket allows you to explore both the frontcountry and backcountry without needing to run home to switch jackets. With seven pockets, angled underarm vents, an adjustable hood, and fully sealed zippers, this jacket keeps functionality at the forefront without forgoing fashion.
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Photo: Rachel Lightner//The Inertia
Testing The Backcountry Cottonwoods LT Xpore 3L Jacket
Backcountry is a popular gear retailer, so it’s no surprise that they could research and develop a well-made snowboard jacket. I tested the Cottonwoods LT Xpore 3L Jacket on a month-long snowboard trip to Japan, where I was out in a variety of winter elements all day. I tested this jacket during stormy days at the resort and sunny spring conditions, as well as touring up to the volcanic peaks of Hokkaido, and it performed well in all elements I put it up against.
Notable Features
Backcountry Cottonwoods LT Xpore 3L Jacket ($499)
Style: All-around
Fit: Relaxed
Notable Features: 100% recycled material, adjustable hood to fit helmet, seven pockets
Pros: Sustainable material, superior waterproofing, practical for touring or resort riding
Cons: Material and fit felt stiff and rigid
Fit
I am 5’2 and 125 lbs, and tested a size Medium jacket. I’d say this fit felt slightly baggy on me, but I personally prefer a baggier fit that I can put layers under if necessary, especially with this jacket being on the lighter side of shells. Additionally, I felt I was able to maneuver and hike easily in a looser fit, so if that is a priority to you, keep that into consideration when sizing for this jacket.
The Cottonwoods LT features a high neck design to tuck your face in and hide away from windy peaks. Although this is a nice feature during stormy days, it felt as if this material sat a little too high on my face for everyday wear. Perhaps a smaller size would’ve mitigated this, but it is something to note. The hood is intentionally oversized and helmet compatible, which is great for adjusting the fit depending on whether you’re riding with a helmet or hiking uphill without.
The Xpore 3L material is breathable and thoroughly waterproof, but slightly prone to ripping. Photo: Rachel Lightner//The Inertia
Material
The effects of global warming were truly felt in our snowsport industry this season, as snowfall was at a record low. That’s why the intention of sustainability that is put into the creation of The Backcountry Cottonwoods LT Xpore 3L Jacket is even more relevant. This jacket is constructed with Xpore, 100% recycled and chemical-free materials, focused on sustainability. Though your average gear junkie might be hesitant to purchase anything that’s not under the household name Gore-Tex, this jacket is seriously waterproof, as I stayed completely dry during a massive powder dump in Hokkaido. Xpore is made from lightweight, eco-friendly materials that are 100% PFC and solvent-free, so not only does it keep you dry, it keeps your mind at ease that you’re supporting sustainable efforts towards protecting our precious winters.
Pockets
The Cottonwoods jacket has a whopping seven pockets, which to me feels like a record. The pockets on this jacket include a pass pocket on the sleeve, two chest pockets, two lower hand pockets, and two internal mesh pockets. The amount and placement of pockets on this jacket create a space for each of your essential riding items, from goggles in the internal mesh pocket, a season pass easily accessible on your arm, and your phone securely zipped and accessible in the chest pocket. The jacket comes with a goggle wipe attached to the inside pocket, a thoughtful addition for clearing out powder or drying off your goggles on wet days.
The Cottonwoods jacket is well-featured and loaded with pockets. Photo: Rachel Lightner//The Inertia
Design Features
When hiking up backcountry lines, being able to regulate your temperature is essential. The Backcountry Cottonwoods LT has accessible, angled underarm zips for easy ventilation. A detail I enjoyed about these vents is that they are mesh-covered, which prevents any powder from pouring in. Previously, I’ve had jackets that have no material covering them, so when they’re open, there’s potential for breeze or snow to come directly in contact with your skin.
This jacket comes in two colorways: Black and Boundary Orange Ombre. The Orange Ombre colorway I tested was a standout feature in itself. A bright orange and pink speckled design popped against whiteout snowstorms and was a head turner on the slopes.
Additional design features on this jacket include wrist gaiters, powder skirt, and RECCO technology. The wrist gaiters are a nice feature, as the stretchy material serves as a base glove and slides easily into your mittens or gloves. The jacket cuffs have an interesting and unique cut and design, which look fashionable. Though I did note that the velcro that cinched the cuffs tighter felt rather short, so the adjustability of them felt limited.
The powderskirt is minimal and functional, as it is one rubber strip attached by a button snap in the front. It is not removable. Often, I wear bibs, so I don’t always feel that a powder skirt is necessary on a jacket, but it is a good feature to have in case you’re rocking regular snowboard pants.
The material and fit of the Backcountry Cottonwoods LT make it slightly boxy. Photo: Rachel Lightner//The Inertia
Downsides
When I first put on this jacket straight out of the box, it felt quite stiff and boxy. Although I thought this would go away with some wear, it still has a rather rigid feel to it, even after several days of touring and riding in it. I believe this is in part due to its style and shape, which has a unique cut and design to it. Perhaps with a full season of wear, it would be more broken in, but it is worth noting that it took some time for me to break it in.
As mentioned in the fit section, I noticed the neck material sat rather high on my face and felt in the way, so be mindful of this when purchasing your size. On the contrary, this is helpful to hide your face away during big stormy days.
The Competition
If you are looking for a more specific jacket to meet your needs, check out the full Best Women’s Snowboard Jacket Guide on The Inertia, where we have loads of options depending on your budget, must-have features, and style.
If you spend the majority of your days on snow in the backcountry and are in the market for a jacket more specified towards long days of touring, check out the Black Diamond Women’s Recon LT ($450). This jacket has a more athletic fit, is reasonably priced, and is lightweight, making for an easy choice for your go-to touring pick.
For those who absolutely need a Gore-Tex jacket, the Arc’teryx Sentinel Jacket Women’s ($750) is your go-to. Although the price is steep on this one, it is by far one of the sleekest, most waterproof, and durable jackets on the market. Arc’teryx is known for being a high-end outerwear company, and if you can afford to add this jacket to your collection, you will not be disappointed by its timeless design and function.
Photo: Rachel Lightner//The Inertia
Final Thoughts on the Backcountry Cottonwoods LT Xpore 3L Jacket
If you are in the market for a jacket that can keep you warm and dry from the resort to the backcountry, the Backcountry Cottonwoods LT Xpore 3L Jacket is your one-stop purchase. I was impressed with this jacket’s performance in variable conditions and climates while staying fashionable and functional. As I experienced in Japan, the Cottonwoods LT makes a great option for travel, as it is packable and versatile.
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Related: Best Women’s Snowboard Jackets | Best Snowboard Jackets | More Snowboard Gear
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