Expert Comparison: Burton Men's Pillowline GORE-TEX 2L Insulated Jacket vs 686 Men's GORE-TEX GT Jacket

Published on 02/11/2024 · 5 min readCompare Burton Men's Pillowline GORE-TEX 2L Insulated Jacket and 686 Men's GORE-TEX GT Jacket. Get expert insight below!
Jessica B., Snowboarding Expert
Claire Rogers, Ski Expert
Grant K, Snowboarding Expert
Contributed By Snowboarding Expert Jessica B., Claire Rogers, Grant K, Teron Tucker, Bobby Funkhouser and others

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Side by side comparison

Most recommended
Burton Men's Pillowline GORE-TEX 2L Insulated Jacket
686 Men's GORE-TEX GT Jacket
Price
$299.96
25% off
$258.97
30% off
Color options
+ 2
+ 1
User rating
4.77(69)
5(3)
The Curated Take

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

Best for people who need a waterproof, breathable jacket for warmer weather skiing, with options for layering on colder days.

Features
Hand-warmer pockets, Hood, Lightweight, Waterproof, Weatherproof, Breathable, Water resistant, Insulated
Waterproof, Windproof, Breathable, Powder skirt, Zippered pocket, Hood
Insulation type
Synthetic
None

In the world of snowboarding jackets, the Burton Men's Pillowline GORE-TEX 2L Insulated Jacket and the 686 Men's GORE-TEX GT Jacket are two top contenders. Both jackets are designed with GORE-TEX technology, ensuring excellent waterproofing and breathability. However, they cater to different needs and preferences. The Burton Jacket is a versatile choice with insulation for added warmth, making it ideal for riders who want a jacket that can handle a variety of conditions. On the other hand, the 686 Jacket is a lightweight shell jacket, perfect for those who prefer layering and need a jacket for warmer weather. Both jackets have their unique features and benefits, and the choice between the two ultimately depends on the individual rider's needs and preferences.

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 feature is crucial for riders who want to stay dry and comfortable throughout their ride.

The jacket also 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. These features are designed to keep the snow out and the warmth in, providing an extra layer of protection against the cold.

The jacket's insulation provides additional warmth and helps retain body heat while snowboarding. This feature is particularly beneficial for riders who often ride in colder conditions and need extra warmth. However, the jacket's brighter colors may stain easily, which could be a downside for some riders.

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 GORE-TEX GT Jacket is a lightweight shell jacket designed for warmer weather. It features a GORE-TEX 2-Layer shell that provides waterproof and breathable protection, making it a dependable choice for riders who need a jacket that can handle different weather conditions.

One of the jacket's key features is its large front pocket, which can hold various items like headphones or a beanie. It also has a pass pocket to keep your pass separate from your phone, thumb holes, and adjustable cuffs for added convenience and comfort.

The jacket is also packable, making it easy to store and carry around. This feature is particularly beneficial for riders who often travel or go on tours. However, the jacket's long fit may limit some motion, and its large front pocket may not be very practical for some riders.

I have found that I need a shell for Utah's warmer weather ski days that I can layer underneath for a colder day here and there. I purchased this shell jacket because I liked the simple/minimalist look (still do!), but have found that it is a bit too long for my liking, and it limits hip mobility and the ability to use the waist pockets because of that.

Claire Rogers
Ski Expert

Similarities

Both the Burton Men's Pillowline GORE-TEX 2L Insulated Jacket and the 686 Men's GORE-TEX GT Jacket are designed with GORE-TEX technology, providing excellent waterproofing and breathability. This feature ensures that riders stay dry and comfortable throughout their ride, regardless of the weather conditions.

Both jackets also have features designed to enhance the snowboarding experience. These include a helmet-compatible hood and wrist gaiters in the Burton Jacket, and a large front pocket and thumb holes in the 686 Jacket. These features provide added convenience and protection for riders.

Additionally, both jackets are versatile and can handle a variety of conditions, making them suitable for different types of riders and weather conditions.

Differences and Who They're Good For

While both jackets are versatile and feature GORE-TEX technology, they cater to different needs and preferences. The Burton Men's Pillowline GORE-TEX 2L Insulated Jacket is ideal for riders who want a jacket that can handle a variety of conditions and provides additional warmth. It's perfect for riders who often ride in colder conditions and need extra insulation.

On the other hand, the 686 Men's GORE-TEX GT Jacket is a lightweight shell jacket designed for warmer weather. It's perfect for riders who prefer layering and need a jacket that can handle different weather conditions. The jacket's large front pocket and packability make it a great choice for riders who often travel or go on tours.

Analysis on Who’s the Winner

When it comes to versatility, both jackets are winners as they can handle a variety of conditions. However, the Burton Jacket's insulation gives it an edge for riders who need extra warmth.

In terms of features, the Burton Jacket's powder skirt, helmet-compatible hood, and wrist gaiters provide added protection and convenience, making it the winner in this category.

For design and fit, the 686 Jacket's minimalist look and large front pocket may appeal to some riders. However, its long fit may limit some motion, making the Burton Jacket the winner in this category for its regular fit that allows for layering.

Finally, for value for money, both jackets offer excellent waterproofing and breathability with their GORE-TEX technology. However, the Burton Jacket's additional insulation provides added value, making it the winner in this category.

Conclusions

In conclusion, both the Burton Men's Pillowline GORE-TEX 2L Insulated Jacket and the 686 Men's GORE-TEX GT Jacket are excellent choices for snowboarding jackets. They both offer excellent waterproofing and breathability with their GORE-TEX technology and have features designed to enhance the snowboarding experience.

However, they cater to different needs and preferences. The Burton Jacket is ideal for riders who want a versatile jacket that provides additional warmth, while the 686 Jacket is perfect for riders who prefer a lightweight shell jacket for warmer weather.

Ultimately, the choice between the two jackets depends on the individual rider's needs and preferences. So whether you're a rider who often braves colder conditions or one who prefers warmer weather, there's a jacket out there that's perfect for you.

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Shop Jackets on Curated

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