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Outerwear

Burton AK Helium Hooded Stretch Insulator 2022-2023 Mid Layer Review

Tested and selected for our top 100 snowboard products of the year: the Burton AK Helium Hooded Stretch Insulator

  • Price: €260
  • Sizes: XXS, XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL

Burton AK Helium Hooded Stretch Insulator 2022-2023 Mid Layer Review: Designed for backcountry touring – ideal for everyday use.

With more than two decades in the making, Burton’s high-end [ak] line offers technical and high-performance backcountry snowboarding outerwear. The [ak] Helium Hooded Stretch Insulator is designed as the perfect layering option for shorter and longer backcountry missions: just the right amount of breathability for the uphill strides but warm enough to keep you cosy on the way back down.

“Designed for backcountry touring – ideal for everyday use”

Who Is The AK Helium Hooded Stretch Insulator For?

Made for serious backcountry enthusiasts who require the best quality and comfort, the [ak] Helium Hooded Stretch Insulator is offered in both a men’s and women’s specific cut. The beauty of this mid-layer isn’t just in its high-performance quality but it packs into its own pocket thus not taking up too much space in the backpack when the temperatures rise.

MORE INFO:
BURTONSNOWBOARDS.COM

 

Materials and Construction

Made from a stretchy, breathable, and lightweight nylon plain weave fabric, the [ak] Helium Insulator is designed to not put any restrictions on your movements and make it easier to manoeuvre through the backcountry. Thanks to the breathable material, you’ll also avoid sweat from getting trapped between the base- and mid-layer. This means that the sweat will evaporate through the mid-layer, preventing you from getting cold and potentially ill.

For added warmth, Burton’s uses a Thermacore stretch 40g insulation, which is just right for the amount of insulation you’ll be needing from a performance mid-layer. And even if 40g might not be sufficient to make you wear the jacket on its own in the mountains, the durable water repellent coating still gives you that option as it provides the mid-layer with an added layer of waterproofing.

As an added plus, the Helium mid-layer is bluesign approved, ensuring that the product is safe for the environment, workers, and customers.

“Thanks to the breathable material, you’ll also avoid sweat from getting trapped between the base- and mid-layer”

Fit and Features

Designed with a slim fit that sits close to the body with enough room for the garment to move with you, both the men’s and women’s jackets sit quite tightly next to your body thus minimizing any extra bulk. The fit also has a bit more length to it, making it ideal for snowboarding.

The jacket features two zippered hand-warmer pockets and a zippered chest pocket. It also comes with a pocket utility loop and media port, reflective details, back of hem cinch, and an attached hood with stretch binding at the opening. And, as mentioned earlier, the jacket is also packable into a pocket thus making it easy to transport.

“Thanks to its multi-functionality, you’ll definitely get your money’s worth with this one”

Roundup

Low-bulk and lightweight, Burton’s [ak] Helium mid-layer jacket is what we would call the perfect everyday mid-layer. Designed for backcountry adventures, this brilliant piece of clothing works equally well when riding within or outside the resort whilst also being the perfect in-between-seasons jacket. Thanks to its multi-functionality, you’ll definitely get your money’s worth with this one.

Pros:

  • Personally, we’re big fans of the fit of this jacket – it’s hugging but not too tight whilst the slightly taller back is a great plus for snowboarders
  • Burton’s also a brand that makes the effort to put an equal amount of work into producing the women’s outerwear at the same level as the men’s

Cons:

  • As the fit is slightly tighter, it might be an idea to size up if you don’t want to risk it feeling snug. However, keep in mind the slightly longer fit too
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Tester’s Verdict 2022/23

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Trade Secrets

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