Burton [AK] 2L Cyclic Jacket

The Burton [AK] 2L Cyclic Jacket has style that left our testers feeling sneaky and stealthy. With a fit on the baggy side that easily pairs with multiple layers, Burton’s regular fit was right in the middle, not too baggy or too tight. The jacket is a non-insulated shell, so it’s a bit on the thin side, but did its job and can easily pair with insulated mid or baselayers when needed, making it a versatile jacket for multiple scenarios and environments on warm or slushy spring days.

This Burton snowboard jacket is extremely waterproof – especially while employing the snow skirt, waist gaiter, and hem adjustments – with its Gore-Seam taped Gore-Tex material. Water-resistant zipper closures are easy to work even while wearing gloves, including long pit zips that are effective and quick to vent out some heat on warmer days and after hard pushes. However, the pit zips had no mesh protection, so riders are subject to direct pit shots. Active Junky testers noted the quality technical Velcro and solid cuff adjustments.

The hood easily fits a helmet but isn’t too bulky to fit under a helmet if that’s your preference, and didn’t flap in testers’ faces like some, and the brim is sufficient to block out the glaring sun. While the phone pocket is a good size, the rest of the pockets are on the smaller side. The bulk of the jacket was an unexpected downside; since it’s not insulated, we expected it to be more packable than it proved to be.

Pro: Zipper closures for pockets and pit zips are easily manipulated even with gloved hands.

Cons: Active Junky testers were disappointed by the size of the pockets, which aren’t large enough to pack skins, so the jacket is not greatly suited for backcountry.

Key Attribute: Versatility with room for layering to use in varying weather conditions and activities

Tester Comments: “While there are many features of this jacket I appreciate, I question the weight of the lining – not enough to insulate and keep warm without layering, but would still be bulky in a backpack.”