Gear of the Week | Burton ak Cyclic Jacket and Reserve Dungarees

Burton [ak] products are characterized above all by the Gore-Tex membrane, which is regarded as the gold standard for waterproof, windproof and breathable clothing. Recently, some Gore textiles have been awarded the bluesign seal, which stands for a high level of consumer safety, reduced impact on people and the environment and responsible use of resources. Burton has been touting [ak] gear for two decades as the best choice for powder junkies who take their "shots" outside of Alaska. In addition, [ak] products come with a lifetime warranty. However, this Lifetime Warranty is only valid once. I have had a defective zipper on a pair of [ak] snowboard pants in the past, which was then replaced under warranty. After the zipper on the replaced pants also broke, a new warranty claim was rejected because Burton no longer gives a warranty for goods that have already been exchanged, as it says in the small print.

I tested the Burton [ak] Gore Cyclic jacket in black from the 2021 product line; in combination with the Burton Gore-Tex Reserve bib pants in the color Kelp (light brown).

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Burton ak Cyclic Jacket and Reserve Dungarees — Burton ak Cyclic jacket and Reserve dungarees

The Burton [ak] Gore Cyclic Jacket is an unlined, classically cut (not too tight and not too wide) lightweight shell jacket. The jacket is characterized above all by well-placed pockets, a zip-off snow skirt and long, waterproof ventilation zippers under the arms.

A small pocket on the left upper arm offers space for a ski map or the obligatory Covid-19 mask. An externally accessible chest pocket with a long zipper is located in front of an internal chest pocket. To keep the smartphone battery warm and energized for longer, the inner chest pocket is also equipped with an insulated smartphone pocket. A large mesh pocket on the inside of the jacket offers space for snow goggles. The two front pockets are lined and help to warm your hands. The jacket has a storm hood that also fits a helmet. The jacket can be connected to compatible trousers with loops via the zip-off snow skirt.

The Reserve Gore-Tex dungarees have this compatibility. They also have a classic cut and a series of well-placed pockets and zippers for extended ventilation. The ventilation zipper in the crotch can even be zipped open throughout.

The four front pockets (two at hip and two at chest height) are fitted with waterproof zippers. The two back pockets have a double Velcro fastener to keep the contents of the pockets in place during any backcountry quadcours. The pants can be adjusted to a comfortable height using flexible suspenders with Velcro fasteners and can also be fastened with a belt. In addition to the Gore-Tex membrane, the shell trousers are equipped with LivingLining technology. This is designed to react to body heat and accelerate moisture wicking when it's hot and retain heat when it's cold.

I am 190cm (85kg) and the size L jacket and trousers have a perfect fit. The sleeves and leg length are long enough. Thanks to the slightly flexible material, the combination is extremely stylish when splitboarding, as well as when having a beer afterwards. The Goretex membrane works as well as usual on the jacket and trousers and the zippers can be used without jamming.

My conclusion

The Cyclic jacket and Reserve dungarees are a classic, stylish backcountry combination that scores points with well-placed pockets. The practicality of the trousers could be improved with cargo pockets, as these are very practical for stowing gloves on the chairlift at short notice. Thanks to the thermo-regulating technologies, powder junkies can get their "fix" in this combo, from cold December tours to warm and humid spring sessions.