Expert Comparison: Burton Men's Pillowline GORE-TEX 2L Insulated Jacket vs 686 Men's SMARTY 3-in-1 Form Jacket

Published on 02/12/2024 · 4 min readCompare Burton Men's Pillowline GORE-TEX 2L Insulated Jacket and 686 Men's SMARTY 3-in-1 Form Jacket. Get expert insight below!
Jessica B., Snowboarding Expert
Leo Cocchiara, Ski Expert
Grant K, Snowboarding Expert
Contributed By Snowboarding Expert Jessica B., Leo Cocchiara, Grant K, Logan Kirby, Bobby Funkhouser and others

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Side by side comparison

Most recommended
Burton Men's Pillowline GORE-TEX 2L Insulated Jacket
Most recommended
686 Men's SMARTY 3-in-1 Form Jacket
Price
$299.96
25% off
$202.97
30% off
Color options
+ 2
+ 2
User rating
4.77(70)
4.81(170)
The Curated Take

Best for snowboarders needing a versatile, waterproof, and breathable jacket.

Best for those seeking a durable, versatile, and warm 3-in-1 jacket with excellent details and high waterproof rating.

Features
Hand-warmer pockets, Hood, Lightweight, Waterproof, Weatherproof, Breathable, Water resistant, Insulated
Waterproof, Windproof, Insulated, Powder skirt, Interior/security pocket, Breathable
Insulation type
Synthetic
Synthetic

In the world of winter jackets, the Burton Men's Pillowline GORE-TEX 2L Insulated Jacket and the 686 Men's SMARTY 3-in-1 Form Jacket are two top contenders. Both jackets are designed with the outdoor enthusiast in mind, offering a range of features to keep you warm, dry, and comfortable in a variety of conditions. The Burton Jacket, with its GORE-TEX technology and insulation, is a versatile choice for riders looking for a jacket that can handle a variety of conditions. On the other hand, the 686 Jacket, with its 3-in-1 design and a range of smart features, offers great value and versatility. While both jackets have their strengths, the choice between the two ultimately comes down to personal preference and specific needs.

The Burton Men's Pillowline GORE-TEX 2L Insulated Jacket is a versatile and reliable choice for riders looking for a jacket that can handle a variety of conditions. The jacket utilizes GORE-TEX technology to provide excellent waterproofing and breathability, ensuring comfort by allowing moisture and heat to dissipate from within the jacket. This jacket is ideal for riders looking for a versatile jacket to handle a variety of conditions. It includes features like a powder skirt, a helmet-compatible hood, and wrist gaiters to enhance the snowboarding experience and further protect the rider from the elements. The GORE-TEX fabric keeps riders dry by preventing moisture from penetrating the jacket while allowing sweat to escape. The insulation provides additional warmth and helps retain body heat while snowboarding. However, the brighter colors of the jacket stain easily, which might be a downside for some.

The Burton Men's Pillowline GORE-TEX 2L Insulated Jacket is a versatile and reliable choice for riders looking for a jacket that can handle a variety of conditions. The GORE-TEX fabric keeps riders dry and comfortable by preventing moisture from penetrating the jacket while allowing sweat to escape.

Jessica B.
Snowboarding Expert

The 686 Men's SMARTY 3-in-1 Form Jacket is a versatile and durable option for those looking for a jacket with great value. It features a 3-in-1 design, with a waterproof hardshell and a separate zip-up puffy jacket mid layer for added warmth. The jacket has excellent details, such as glove hooks, chest pockets, and a pass pocket in the sleeve. It also has underarm vents for temperature regulation and multiple pockets for storage convenience. The included bomber style synthetic down jacket adds great value! The shell itself is warm so the inner jacket can be worn regularly as an around town and après jacket. However, the removable inner puffy layer of this jacket isn't the most breathable and is more comfortable when it's unsnapped from the outer shell. Also, this jacket has a baggy fit for the size and is not a great choice for a slimmer fit.

I bought this jacket for myself in Winter 2023 with the hope to get versatility, durability, comfortable fit, and value and boy did it deliver! This jacket has been one of the highlights of the season for me gear wise.

Leo Cocchiara
Ski Expert
Best seller

Similarities

Both the Burton Men's Pillowline GORE-TEX 2L Insulated Jacket and the 686 Men's SMARTY 3-in-1 Form Jacket are designed with the outdoor enthusiast in mind. They both offer excellent waterproofing and breathability, ensuring comfort in a variety of conditions. Both jackets also feature a range of smart features, such as multiple pockets and vents for temperature regulation. They are both designed to be versatile, able to handle a variety of conditions and suitable for a range of outdoor activities.

Differences and Who They're Good For

While both jackets are designed for outdoor enthusiasts, they cater to slightly different needs. The Burton Jacket, with its GORE-TEX technology and insulation, is ideal for riders who need a jacket that can handle a variety of conditions. It's perfect for those who value comfort and protection from the elements above all else. On the other hand, the 686 Jacket, with its 3-in-1 design, is a great choice for those looking for versatility and value. It's ideal for those who want a jacket that can adapt to different weather conditions and activities. The 686 Jacket is also a good choice for those who prefer a baggier fit.

Analysis on Who’s the Winner

When it comes to waterproofing and breathability, both jackets perform excellently. However, the Burton Jacket, with its GORE-TEX technology, might have a slight edge. In terms of versatility, the 686 Jacket, with its 3-in-1 design, is the clear winner. It offers more options for different weather conditions and activities. When it comes to value, the 686 Jacket also comes out on top, offering two jackets for the price of one. Finally, in terms of fit, the choice depends on personal preference. The Burton Jacket offers a regular fit, while the 686 Jacket has a baggier fit.

Conclusions

In conclusion, both the Burton Men's Pillowline GORE-TEX 2L Insulated Jacket and the 686 Men's SMARTY 3-in-1 Form Jacket are excellent choices for outdoor enthusiasts. They both offer excellent waterproofing and breathability, a range of smart features, and versatility to handle a variety of conditions. The choice between the two ultimately comes down to personal preference and specific needs. If you value comfort and protection from the elements above all else, the Burton Jacket might be the better choice. However, if you're looking for versatility and value, the 686 Jacket, with its 3-in-1 design, is hard to beat. Either way, you can't go wrong with either of these jackets.

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Shop Winter Sports on Curated

Burton Men's Pillowline GORE-TEX 2L Insulated Jacket
$299.96$399.95
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$202.97$289.95
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