Durability and functionality combine for an ideal snowboard jacket in the Burton [AK] Swash. Photo: Tim Manning//The Inertia
From heavy pow days to sunny bluebirds, I tested dozens of snowboard jackets in 2025. From shells, 3-in-1s, insulated jackets, and more, I can definitively (for now) say my favorite all-around snowboard jacket this year is the Burton [AK] Swash. Typically, I wouldn’t opt for an insulated jacket as my go-to for everyone (I’m a classic shell over mid-layer guy), but the lightweight and perfectly mapped core insulation in the Swash is just enough for truly cold days, yet not overkill for warmer weather. I’ve worn the Swash on dumping, chilly mornings, and the 2L Gore-Tex kept all moisture and chill at bay. I’ve also opened up the huge pit zips and worn this with no problem on sunny, above-freezing afternoons.
Bottom Line: Maybe it’s the apt name (Swash is the water rushing up the beach after a wave breaks), but the Burton [AK] Swash is my go-to all-around snowboard jacket. The category-leading functionality, fit, and style (Burton’s colors have been incredible lately) make this my snowboard jacket to beat going into the 2025-26 season.
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Picking a line in the Burton [AK] Swash. Photo: Tim Manning//The Inertia
Should I Buy an Insulated Snowboard Jacket?
To take the diplomatic answer: it depends. But the good news with a snowboard jacket like the Burton [AK] Swash is that it’s more versatile than a true burly parka with insulation all over. Instead, the Swash has a lightweight 60 grams of PrimaLoft silver insulation, centered around your core. The pit zips are huge and have dual zippers so you can open them just a bit or all the way (not to mention, like any good snowboard jacket, the main zipper can be unzipped from the bottom or top to allow more venting).
My point? The Swash is far from limited by its insulation; in fact, I think it makes it as or perhaps even more versatile than a shell and mid-layer system. I run warm, so I can toss this jacket on for below-freezing days with just a baselayer, or if it’s truly cold, I can toss a light mid-layer in between and stay warm down below zero.
Even on warmer days, the lightly insulated Swash works really well. Photo: Tim Manning//The Inertia
Testing the Burton [AK] Swash
I had the opportunity to test the Burton [AK] Swash for much of the early 2025 season, and I will continue to do so this winter. I have worn it for bright, 40-degree days on Mammoth Mountain and sub-freezing chilly mornings at Tahoe Palisades. I have worn it for huge powder days at Arizona Snowbowl, and then just days later, warm mashed potato days (if you know southwest snow, you know). Basically, I’ve tried this snowboard jacket out in all the conditions you might expect to use it. And guess what: The Swash has absolutely exceeded my expectations. As I mentioned, I usually opt for shell jackets, but this insulated option has me totally reconsidering my typical kit.
Burton [AK] Swash ($520)
Weight: 794 grams
Best For: Resort (some backcountry applicability)
Fit: Spacious
Notable Features: 2L Gore-Tex, mapped PrimaLoft insulation, excellent pockets and vents
Pros: Super durable and functional, great colors and style, warm but not too warm
Cons: Pricey for 2L Gore-Tex, insulated jackets aren’t for every rider
What I Like (and Don’t Like) About the Burton [AK] Swash
Durability and Construction
First up, the Burton [AK] Swash is built tough. When I can, I like to opt for 3L waterproofing, as it is usually lighter, tougher, and more breathable. That said, I was stunned by the Swash’s 2L Gore-Tex construction. Breathability was solid (sure, not as elite as true 3L builds, but good), but the toughness of the shell was really surprising. The material feel isn’t quite as soft as a stretch shell, but it’s nice to have a really tough jacket in the kit for tree riding and just general longevity. After all, a snowboard jacket is no small investment. Aside from the excellent durability, the arrangement of pockets, zipper fluidity and toughness, as well as the fit and usability of this jacket were all top-tier, which is to be expected from Burton’s [AK] lineup.
The cuffs, fit, and pocket arrangement on the Swash are second to none. Photo: Tim Manning//The Inertia
Pocket Arrangement and Fit
When testing snowboard jackets, certain features can only be tested in specific conditions, but the first two things I look for are how the jacket fits and how the pocket layout is set up. This is the store try-on period, and the Swash passes with flying colors. With big stretchy drop pockets (great for quick goggles, or gloves, etc), a slew of internal zippered pockets (including an insulated one great for phones), big zippered external hand pockets and chest pockets, plus a pass pocket on the sleeve, the Swash checks all my boxes for storage and function.
Better yet, the fit is fantastic—I opted for my standard Large, and it is spacious enough for a thick mid-layer, but still fitted enough for great articulation while riding. The powder skirt can help keep everything in place, and it attaches securely with beefy buttons. Another point for this jacket: The internal thumb-looped cuffs are great for undercuff mittens or gloves (our favorites for keeping out the snow).
It’s not cheap, but the Burton [AK] Swash is well worth the price. Photo: Tim Manning//The Inertia
Price and Waterproofing
Okay, not exactly drawbacks, but things to note about the Swash: It’s a pretty expensive jacket for 2L Gore-Tex construction. At just over $500, I would say it’s on the upper end of the mid-priced snowboard jackets available on the market, which is perfectly in line with the rest of the [AK] series from Burton. It’s a premium option that, in order to come in at less than the super steep cost of something like an Arc’teryx, has to make small sacrifices like offering 2L construction instead of 3L. But don’t shy away because of that, for most folks (especially resort riders), 2-layer jackets are perfectly functional, and in some cases can be more durable and easier to maintain.
The Burton [AK] Cyclic, among others, is another top-choice jacket. Photo: Will Sileo//The Inertia
Other Snowboard Jackets that Compare to the Swash
The Burton [AK] Swash sits in an interesting position with regard to the rest of our top snowboard jackets. As an insulated option, it’s perhaps closest to our upgrade pick, the Volcom TDS INF, but that is a premium option that costs more than $900 (it does have 3L Gore-Tex and a sophisticated insulation system). As far as price range, the Patagonia Storm Shift is a good comp, and while it also has 2L Gore-Tex, it lacks insulation (there was an insulated version, but we’re not sure if it’ll be available this year). A testament to the Swash, not many brands offer a GTX jacket with insulation at this price. And if you hate the idea of insulation but want a pretty similarly constructed option, the Burton [AK] Cyclic Jacket is a really good choice, too.
Thumbs up to the Burton [AK] Swash. Photo: Nick Bruckbauer//The Inertia
Final Thoughts
There is so little not to love about the Burton [AK] Swash that it quickly took the top spot of our snowboard jacket guide. After months of riding in this jacket, the combination of durability, excellent functionality, and on-mountain chops made it stand out. And at $520 at the time of publishing, the value is actually pretty impressive considering that it features PrimaLoft insulation, 2L Gore-Tex shell, and Burton’s excellent reputation for quality and features. Bottom line: If you need a do-it-all snowboard jacket this season, the Burton [AK] Swash should be high on your list.
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