Black Crows Snowboard Clothing

Frequently Asked Questions

• What makes the Ora Xpore Ripstop Jacket and other Black Crows outerwear especially good for powder and big-mountain riding?

  The Ora Xpore Ripstop Jacket pairs a 3L Xpore nanopore membrane (rated around 27,000 mm waterproof / 13,000 g/m²/24h breathability) with ripstop outer fabrics and reinforced cuffs for abrasion resistance, so it sheds deep snow while letting moisture escape during high-output descents. Functional details like a removable powder skirt, helmet‑compatible hood, RECCO® reflector, pit zips and mechanical stretch construction keep you mobile and protected in tight trees and variable alpine terrain.
• How should I size Black Crows jackets and bibs if I plan to layer for touring and aggressive riding?

  Black Crows pieces have a performance-oriented, slightly athletic cut—choose your normal size if you wear light to mid layers, or size up one if you want room for a thick insulated midlayer and unrestricted movement while skinning. Look for adjustable hems, stretch panels, and helmet-compatible hoods that fine‑tune fit on the mountain, and check product-specific size charts when available for chest/hip measurements.
• How does the Xpore nanopore membrane compare to Dermizax™ used in some Black Crows pieces?

  Xpore is a nanopore mechanical membrane (PFC-free, solvent-free, often used in 3L Xpore constructions) that delivers very high waterproof ratings and strong breathability with built-in mechanical stretch, while Dermizax™ is a Japanese-made polyurethane membrane (Torray) known for smooth four-way stretch, windproofing, and PFAS-free performance. Both prioritize waterproof/breathable protection, but Xpore constructions emphasize nanopore breathability and ripstop durability whereas Dermizax™ pieces typically favor supple stretch and next-to-skin comfort.
• Which pant or bib features should I prioritize for deep‑powder days and riding in tight trees?

  Choose bibs or pants with high waterproof ratings (>20k mm), taped seams, reinforced hem/cuff areas, and integrated ankle gaiters to keep powder out; full‑length zips or mesh skin pockets and venting help regulate temperature during bootpack or skin-up transitions. Stretch ripstop fabrics, articulated knees and durable water‑repellent zipper placements reduce snagging in tight terrain while still providing mobility for dynamic turns.
• Are Black Crows midlayers and insulations designed for touring and do they include odor or compression features?

  Yes, Black Crows uses breathable, compressible insulations like Alpha™ lofted fiber and technical fleeces such as Power Grid™ that balance warmth with packability and moisture management during skinning. Select midlayers include anti‑odor treatments and stretchy Lycra blends for wrist and cuff comfort, and they integrate well with shell features (pit zips, adjustable hems, and helmet hoods) to ventilate during high-output uphill efforts.