Review: Burton Men's [ak] Swash GORE-TEX 2L Insulated Jacket
By Snowboarding Expert
Nathan G.
9 photos
The Curated Take
4.3/5
The Burton ak Swash GORE-TEX 2L Insulated Jacket is an excellent choice for active snowboarders or skiers seeking a reliable, high-performance shell. Its GORE-TEX material offers great water and windproofing, making it ideal for various weather conditions. The jacket is lightweight and offers mobility. Its high visibility design makes it easy to spot on the slopes, enhancing safety when riding with others. The jacket's durability, breathability, and comfortable fit are ideal for those who prioritize function and style in their winter gear.
Ideal for
- Easy to be seen on the slopes when riding with others
- Lightweight allows for easy movement
- GORE-TEX material allows for great water and windproofing
Not ideal for
- Not warm
Aesthetics
This jacket feels great the moment I put it on, whether it's a T-shirt, hoodie, technical base, or mid-layer. The smooth, soft materials that line the jacket are comfortable. It's...Read more
Waterproofing
"GORE-TEX" says it all, and it's the top-of-the-line regarding waterproofing. I have no complaints after being in spring slush and deep powder at resorts in both Colorado and Minnesota. The...Read more
Durability
I've had this jacket for just under a year. I ride hardpack and icier conditions in Minnesota, which can be hard on apparel, and then I also ran mostly tree...Read more
Comfort
It feels good, and it's light enough that I forget I'm wearing it even in the lodge during lunch or at the end of the day on the car ride...Read more
Warmth
The Burton [ak] Swash jacket isn't on the warmest side of the scale of the company's line. It is excellent for layering in colder temperatures like Minnesota in late December-February....Read more
Breathability
This jacket is GORE-TEX 2L waterproof, so it keeps the moisture out but still breathes pretty well. It also offers mesh-lined zippers under the arms to alleviate excessive body heat,...Read more
Curated Experts are not sponsored by brands. Their reviews are based on their honest experiences testing products.
Nathan G.
About the jackets
- Model: Burton Men's [ak] Swash GORE-TEX 2L Insulated Jacket
Test conditions
- When I bought this: November 2022
- Where I’ve used it: Minnesota and Colorado
- How many times I've used it: 25
Expert Reviews of the Burton Men's [ak] Swash GORE-TEX 2L Insulated Jacket
Nathan G. The Burton Men's [ak] Swash GORE-TEX 2L Insulated Jacket is a great jacket that provides excellent lightweight protection for those who want something for traversing or a really nice jacket to use as a shell. This has been my go-to jacket at my local resort in Minnesota, which I layer with a Merino wool base and a hoodie, and then when I go to Colorado, which is much warmer, I can practically wear this with just a T-shirt underneath. In the coldest, dry conditions locally, it keeps the wind out; in the wet, warmer conditions in Colorado, it keeps the moisture out.
I love the hi-vis of this jacket since I often ride with my son, and it's easy for him to spot me on the slopes whenever we get separated. The hood also fits over helmets for those uncomfortably windy chair lifts. Also, this jacket has pockets for literally anything I might need or want on the slopes.
Product Specs
| Gender | Men's |
| Age Group | Adult |
| Featured technology | GORE-TEX®, Living Lining®, Low-Pro™, PrimaLoft®Soft-Touch™, YKK® |
| Features | Hand-warmer pockets, Hood, Insulated, Powder skirt, Waterproof, Breathable, Zippered pocket |
| Style | Long sleeve, Full-Zip |
| Material | GORE-TEX®, Synthetic, Nylon/Nylon blend, Polyester/Polyester blend, Taffeta |
Review Ratings
Aesthetics
5/5
Nathan G. gave 5 of 5 stars. This jacket feels great the moment I put it on, whether it's a T-shirt, hoodie, technical base, or mid-layer. The smooth, soft materials that line the jacket are comfortable. It's a lighter to mid-weight jacket that feels great and moves well with my body. I think it's a really sharp-looking jacket; others agree since I get compliments whenever I wear it to the resort.
Waterproofing
5/5
Nathan G. gave 5 of 5 stars. "GORE-TEX" says it all, and it's the top-of-the-line regarding waterproofing. I have no complaints after being in spring slush and deep powder at resorts in both Colorado and Minnesota. The jacket breathes well along with the waterproofing, and it's always fun to watch the water bead and roll off the surface of the jacket and know I won't get wet and cold.
Durability
5/5
Nathan G. gave 5 of 5 stars. I've had this jacket for just under a year. I ride hardpack and icier conditions in Minnesota, which can be hard on apparel, and then I also ran mostly tree runs at Wolf Creek in Colorado for three days straight back in February. I hit lots of dead and live branches as I went through the tight trees and was a little concerned about my jacket. There have been no tears or visible scuffs. I can see where the sap rubbed the jacket in a couple of spots, but the jacket's integrity has not been affected.
Comfort
4/5
Nathan G. gave 4 of 5 stars. It feels good, and it's light enough that I forget I'm wearing it even in the lodge during lunch or at the end of the day on the car ride home. I keep it on most of the time since it's so comfortable.
Warmth
3/5
Nathan G. gave 3 of 5 stars. The Burton [ak] Swash jacket isn't on the warmest side of the scale of the company's line. It is excellent for layering in colder temperatures like Minnesota in late December-February. I must layer it to make it work for my everyday riding jacket. However, a T-shirt or a light hoodie underneath works great in the warmer early-season days and after February.
Breathability
4/5
Nathan G. gave 4 of 5 stars. This jacket is GORE-TEX 2L waterproof, so it keeps the moisture out but still breathes pretty well. It also offers mesh-lined zippers under the arms to alleviate excessive body heat, especially when I traverse in Colorado.
FAQs
What do you love about this product?
Nathan G. I love how clean the Burton [ak] Swash jacket feels, looks, and performs. It repels water and snow and moves well with my body. The variety and number of pockets make this jacket great for all the gear and goodies I want to stow. I also love the hi-vis of the jacket, making it easy for family and friends to find me on the slopes.
Why did you choose this product?
Nathan G. I chose the Burton [ak] Swash GORE-TEX 2L Insulated Jacket because I wanted its features. It has great adjustability with the bottom drawstrings, hood, cuffs, pit vents, and optional wrist and thumb sleeves. It was ideal for what I wanted. I didn't want a heavy-insulated jacket that I could use only a few months out of the season. I can easily make this my only layer or add base/mid-layers to fit the climate. I also really like the versatile pockets to stash all my gear and personal effects.
What is the value for the money versus other options?
Nathan G. This jacket is not cheap, but I think one gets what they pay for with the GORE-TEX tech and durability. There are cheaper options by Dakine, Volcom, and 686, but I have been really happy with my choice. In addition, I've had Burton jackets and snow pants in the past, so I know it's a brand I can trust. I ride enough in variable conditions that I want to avoid taking any chances with other brands.
