![[ak] Embark/Swash GORE‑TEX 2L Jacket — Snowboard Jackets](/api/public/top-ten-photo/items/best-snowboard-jackets/r3-ak-embark-swash-gore-tex-2l-jacket.webp)
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The Burton [ak] Embark (women's) and Swash (men's) jackets are long-standing benchmarks in mountain outerwear, highlighted by Treeline Review as premier overall choices for serious snowboarders. Burton’s [ak] line is designed specifically around the mechanics of riding, emphasizing articulated cut patterns, durable fabrics, and dependable storm protection powered by Gore-Tex's proven two-layer membrane. These jackets use a two-layer Gore-Tex construction with mapped internal linings to deliver consistent weatherproofing while keeping internal moisture moving. Burton shapes the shoulders and sleeves with an athletic, ergonomic contour, ensuring the hem stays anchored when reaching for grabs or leaning into turns. The StormForm hood fits cleanly over standard snowboarding helmets without restricting peripheral vision, and the deep internal storage pockets keep backup lenses and electronics warm and dry in severe blizzard conditions. The primary trade-off comes down to the membrane construction relative to price. At approximately $500, you are investing in a two-layer garment rather than a bonded three-layer shell. Two-layer designs use hanging liners that add slight bulk and weight compared to streamlined 3L jackets. Nevertheless, for resort-focused riders who face harsh winter storms and demand bulletproof construction, the [ak] platform remains exceptionally dependable. **Highlights** - Two-layer Gore-Tex membrane for proven stormproofing - Articulated rider-specific fit designed for dynamic movement - Helmet-compatible StormForm contour hood - Fully sealed seams backed by Gore-Seam tape - Ergonomic internal dump pockets for wet gear and goggles **Watch-outs** - Two-layer build with hanging liner adds slight bulk over 3L shells - High investment around $500 for a two-layer design
Pros
- Reliable, proven weather resistance from fully taped Gore-Tex construction.
- Rider-specific articulated fit eliminates hem lift and sleeve binding.
- StormForm hood integrates seamlessly with modern snowboard helmets.
- Deep internal mesh pockets provide safe storage for lenses and gloves.
Cons
- Two-layer build with hanging liner is heavier and bulkier than 3L shells.
- Roughly $500 retail price is steep for a two-layer jacket.
- Excess pack weight makes it less ideal for dedicated backcountry touring.
Best uses
- All-mountain resort riding
- Storm-day resort laps
- Cold weather riding
- Sidecountry lift access
Specifications
- Membrane
- 2-layer GORE-TEX
- Seam Construction
- Fully taped GORE-SEAM
- Hood Style
- StormForm contour, helmet-compatible
- Fit Profile
- Articulated regular snowboard fit
- Internal Lining
- Engineered taffeta and closed cell mesh
- Retail Price
- Approximately $500
Pricing
We don't publish a price we haven't verified. The retailer links below open the live listing for this exact model.
Best for
All-mountain resort riding, Storm-day resort laps, Cold weather riding, Sidecountry lift access
Where to buy the [ak] Embark/Swash GORE‑TEX 2L Jacket
Prices and stock change often, so check the current Amazon offer before you buy.
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Burton's [ak] line represents one of the most recognizable benchmarks in technical snowboard outerwear, with the men's Swash and women's Embark jackets serving as the core two-layer options. Built explicitly around the ergonomics of riding rather than general mountaineering, these jackets prioritize athletic articulation, robust storm coverage, and functional on-mountain storage. Independent gear testing panels, including Treeline Review, have recognized the design as a top overall choice for resort-focused riders navigating unpredictable mountain weather. The foundation of both models is a two-layer Gore-Tex membrane backed by fully taped seams and body-mapped internal linings. Instead of functioning as an ultralight shell for high-output uphill travel, the Swash and Embark are engineered to withstand abrasive resort use, brutal chairlift winds, and deep precipitation. While backcountry purists often gravitate toward lighter three-layer designs, this platform provides a supple, forgiving drape and reliable atmospheric defense that excels across cold winter resort days.
Target Rider and Intent
The Burton [ak] Swash and Embark jackets are built primarily for dedicated resort snowboarders who spend full days on the mountain regardless of weather conditions. The jacket suits riders who demand a shell that accommodates dynamic torso movements, deep carves, and physical park or tree riding without riding up at the hem. While backcountry splitboarders typically favor lighter, more packable bonded shells, this jacket fits the profile of the aggressive all-mountain rider who prioritizes windproofing, weather resistance, and intuitive pocket layouts over minimal pack weight. It provides sufficient interior volume for layering on sub-zero mornings while remaining protective during soaking, low-elevation storm cycles.
Materials and Weatherproofing
At the core of the jacket is a two-layer Gore-Tex laminate that pairs a durable synthetic face fabric with Gore's microporous polytetrafluoroethylene membrane. Every seam is sealed with proprietary Gore-Seam tape, preventing moisture penetration along structural junctions. Because it is a two-layer build rather than a bonded three-layer construction, Burton employs an internal hanging liner made of engineered taffeta and mesh. This liner protects the delicate waterproof membrane from body oils and abrasion while aiding interior moisture dispersion. Water-resistant external zippers seal out wind-driven sleet, making the outer layer an impervious barrier against high-speed summit winds and heavy, wet coastal snow.
Snowboard-Specific Articulation
Burton designs the [ak] series using body-mapped patterning tailored to the biomechanics of snowboarding. Pre-shaped sleeves and strategically cut shoulder panels allow uninhibited reach, preventing the body of the jacket from pulling out of place when bending down to strap into bindings or executing grabs. The hem cut provides ample backside coverage to shield riders from snow contact on chairlifts or when resting on the slope. The integrated StormForm hood wraps cleanly around standard snowboarding helmets without tugging at the collar or pinching the jawline, preserving lateral vision when scanning terrain in blowing snow conditions.
Ventilation and Interior Storage
Because two-layer jackets with hanging liners run warmer than bare shells, thermal regulation relies on generous venting hardware. Zippered underarm pit vents allow rapid cooling on warmer spring days or after strenuous hike-to-terrain sessions without exposing the rider's chest to incoming precipitation. The internal architecture includes deep mesh dump pockets designed to hold extra goggle lenses, cold-weather beanies, or wet riding gloves against the body where radiant heat can dry them. Dedicated zippered media pockets keep phone batteries insulated from freezing exterior temperatures, ensuring devices retain charge throughout long days on the hill.
Long-Term Durability
The outer textiles chosen for the [ak] line are substantially more abrasion-resistant than the featherweight fabrics typically found on alpine climbing shells. The face fabric tolerates friction from tree branches, backpack harness straps, and abrasive safety bars without fraying or pill development. Cuffs feature reinforced perimeter stitching and robust hook-and-loop closures that remain functional even when encrusted with rime ice. Burton backs the [ak] line with a lifetime warranty against manufacturer defects, reflecting high confidence in the longevity of the garment's construction, seam taping, and structural hardware under heavy seasonal rotation.
Price and Construction Trade-Offs
At approximately $500, the primary editorial consideration is paying premium pricing for a two-layer garment rather than a three-layer technical shell. Modern three-layer jackets bond the face fabric, membrane, and inner backing into a unified sandwich, eliminating the weight and bulk of floating liners. By comparison, the Swash and Embark are noticeably heavier and take up more volume in a travel bag or touring pack. Riders seeking a single ultralight shell for both mountaineering and human-powered splitboarding may find this jacket unnecessarily bulky. However, for resort-bound performance, the softer feel and added warmth of the 2L build offer tangible comfort advantages.
How we picked
We started with a long list of snowboard jackets that people actually buy, cut anything that could not clear our baseline for durability and field performance, then ranked the 10 that were left against the same criteria. Rankings are editorial. No brand pays for placement, and affiliate links never move a pick up or down.
- Warmth and weather protection
- Insulation, waterproof shell and seam sealing for long days in snow.
- Mobility and venting
- Articulation, pit or thigh vents and fit over the layers you actually wear.
- Real-world durability
- How the material, stitching, or steel holds up after a season of hard use — not how it looks new.
- Performance in bad conditions
- Wind, rain, cold, and grit are the test. Anything that only works on a nice day gets marked down.
- Weight and packability
- Every ounce has to earn its place in the pack, but not at the cost of something that fails in the field.
- Ease of use
- Setup, adjustment, and maintenance with cold hands, in the dark, without the manual.
[ak] Embark/Swash GORE‑TEX 2L Jacket — frequently asked questions
- Is the [ak] Embark/Swash GORE‑TEX 2L Jacket worth it?
- We rank it #3 in Snowboard Jackets. The Burton [ak] Embark (women's) and Swash (men's) jackets are long-standing benchmarks in mountain outerwear, highlighted by Treeline Review as premier overall choices for serious snowboarders. Burton’s [ak] line is designed specifically around the mechanics of riding, emphasizing articulated cut patterns, durable…
- What is the [ak] Embark/Swash GORE‑TEX 2L Jacket best for?
- Best for all-mountain resort riding, storm-day resort laps, cold weather riding and sidecountry lift access. Standouts: reliable, proven weather resistance from fully taped gore-tex construction. and rider-specific articulated fit eliminates hem lift and sleeve binding..
- What are the downsides of the [ak] Embark/Swash GORE‑TEX 2L Jacket?
- Two-layer build with hanging liner is heavier and bulkier than 3L shells., Roughly $500 retail price is steep for a two-layer jacket. and Excess pack weight makes it less ideal for dedicated backcountry touring..
- What are the key specs of the [ak] Embark/Swash GORE‑TEX 2L Jacket?
- Membrane: 2-layer GORE-TEX · Seam Construction: Fully taped GORE-SEAM · Hood Style: StormForm contour, helmet-compatible · Fit Profile: Articulated regular snowboard fit · Internal Lining: Engineered taffeta and closed cell mesh
- Target Rider and Intent — what should I know about the [ak] Embark/Swash GORE‑TEX 2L Jacket?
- The Burton [ak] Swash and Embark jackets are built primarily for dedicated resort snowboarders who spend full days on the mountain regardless of weather conditions. The jacket suits riders who demand a shell that accommodates dynamic torso movements, deep carves, and physical park or tree riding without riding up at…
- Materials and Weatherproofing — what should I know about the [ak] Embark/Swash GORE‑TEX 2L Jacket?
- At the core of the jacket is a two-layer Gore-Tex laminate that pairs a durable synthetic face fabric with Gore's microporous polytetrafluoroethylene membrane. Every seam is sealed with proprietary Gore-Seam tape, preventing moisture penetration along structural junctions.
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