Empire joins forces with Burton to present a quick technical products guide courtesy of [ak].
If you like Winter adventures and you’re likely to spend more time outdoors than indoors during the snowy season, you know that technical gear is the best way to stay warm, dry and comfortable at all times. Thing is at these prices, you must choose wisely.
What’s your skill level, how much time you spend outdoors, what type of challenges your gear needs to go through, etc… There’s a lot of stuff to know and a lot of tech gear available on the market. Here’s a quick rundown of [ak]’s best items to guide you through the tech gear world and help you make the best possible choice when time comes to treat yourself with high quality gear.
OUTERWEAR
[ak] Cyclic GORE TEX 2L Jacket
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This Regular articulated fit is just right and will have your back in any weather. From slush to powder, this one features a Rugged GORE-TEX fabric performance that excels in any weather and is made for those who are looking for high intensity adventures on the slopes.
The bomber feel of the men's Burton [ak] GORE-TEX Cyclic Jacket makes it a perfect shell for riders who use and abuse their gear on a daily basis. Fully sealed with GORE-TEX seam taped GORE-TEX two-layer fabric, it breathes when setting steep bootpacks, yet provides total waterproofing when it's snowing two inches per hour. Harnessing the function-first design and backcountry utility of [ak], the Cyclic's dialed detailing includes ample venting, a systematic mapped lining, water-resistant zippers, and a rider-driven articulated fit.
Features
- GORE-TEX two-layer fabric is windproof, waterproof, breathable, and durable: It's the versatile solution to staying warm and dry while moving outside; GORE-TEX fabric is GUARANTEED TO KEEP YOU DRY™
- Offers breathability for medium-intensity activities with moderate sweat management for quick-drying comfort with the durability of a GORE-TEX membrane for reliable weatherproofing.
- Zip vents enhance breathability during more intense activity and in warmer conditions.
- Ergonomic water-repellent zip-out stretch waist gaiter with jacket-to-pant interface; GORE-TEX seam tape provides durable seam protection for a completely weather and waterproof design
- Mesh-lined, no-snag Pit Zip vents; No-lift underarm gusset; StormForm attached hood with drop construction and Cohaesive embedded cinch and hood length adjustment.
- 200D nylon side panels provide durability.
- YKK® water-resistant zippers
- Zippered hand-warmer pockets, chest pockets, and bicep pass pocket, interior power mesh dump pockets, and zippered interior media/goggles pocket with therma-pocket for keeping your device warm.
[ak] Swash GORE‑TEX 2L Pants
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Push yourself to the limit with a tough, lightweight GORE-TEX fabric performance and high-output ventilation.
Tough as nails and fully taped, the men's Burton [ak] GORE-TEX Swash Pants features bomber waterproofing and breathability thanks to GORE-TEX two-layer fabric. These pants are built for those who operate at a higher level and features a performance oriented articulated fit and Test-I-Cool venting, which zips open knee to knee, for maximum cooling. A bluesign® approved GORE-TEX fabric provides peace of mind for riders who strive to support products that improve environmental and worker health and safety. The cargo pocket array features a tool sleeve in the right hand pocket.
Features
- GORE-TEX two-layer fabric is windproof, waterproof, breathable, and durable: It's the versatile solution to staying warm and dry while moving outside; GORE-TEX fabric is GUARANTEED TO KEEP YOU DRY™
- Offers breathability for medium-intensity activities with moderate sweat management for quick-drying comfort with the durability of a GORE-TEX membrane for reliable weatherproofing. Zip vents enhance breathability during more intense activity and in warmer conditions.
- GORE-TEX seam tape provides durable seam protection for a completely weather and waterproof design; Living Lining® provides consistent temperature regulation without adding bulk or weight
- Triple-needle-reinforced inseam; Crotch gusset for mobility; Articulated patterning
- Crossflow venting; Mesh-lined, no-snag Test-I-Cool venting; Exterior thigh vents
- Cuff elevators; Anti-scuff cuffs; YKK® water-resistant zippers
- Zippered hand-warmer pockets, back pockets, and cargo pockets with tool sleeve
[ak] Upshift GORE-TEX 2L Jacket
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Accelerate when others are slowing down with the help of this lightweight storm-proof style made with some of the most reliable waterproof fabric on the mountain.
Shrug off the storm, shift into high gear, and ride on. The women's Burton [ak] GORE-TEX Upshift Jacket combines trusted breathability and storm protection with a smart lining that responds to your body heat to help regulate your temp. The storm hood blocks out wind and snow without blocking your vision.
Features
- SPFC-free DWR coating
- Offers breathability for medium-intensity activities with moderate sweat management for quick-drying comfort with the durability of a GORE-TEX membrane for reliable weatherproofing.
- Zip vents enhance breathability during more intense activity and in warmer conditions.
- Fully-taped seams create the ultimate seal against foul weather.
- Living Lining® provides consistent temperature regulation without adding bulk or weight.
- Mapped with embossed taffeta and small hole mesh for added breathability and warmth.
- Ergonomic zip-out stretch waist gaiter with jacket-to-pant interface
- StormForm Contour hood with Cohesive embedded cinch and hood length adjustment.
- Mesh-lined, no-snag Pit Zip vents.
- Two-way center front zipper; Shaped cuffs; Reflective details; YKK® water-resistant zippers.
- Zippered microfleece hand-warmer pockets with interior card pocket, interior power mesh dump pocket, zippered chest pocket with therma-pocket inside to keep your device warm, and zippered sleeve pass pocket.
[ak] Freebird GORE‑TEX 3L Stretch Overall
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Lightweight and highly breathable GORE-TEX three-layer fabric for accessing remote reaches in deep conditions.
When it's waist deep and dumping, there is no substitute for the men's Burton [ak] GORE-TEX 3L Freebird Stretch Bib Pants. Ultra-lightweight and highly breathable GORE-TEX three-layer fabric is fully sealed with GORE-TEX seam tape and incorporates field-proven articulation for complete freedom when hiking, splitting, sledding, or shredding. The bib features stretch paneling for unrestricted mobility, plus a chest pocket array that is accessible through the Pit Zips on [ak] jackets. The straightforward suspender system works seamlessly under a jacket and is easy to adjust, while ample venting prevents overheating.
Features
- Upper body: GORE-TEX C-Knit™ three-layer fabric with integrated stretchy materials for easy movement is durably waterproof and softer, lighter, and more breathable than traditional three-layer GORE-TEX, offering a natural, easy-wearing feel of a lightweight softshell that still sheds wet weather.
- Lower body: GORE-TEX three-layer (3L) fabric uses a sandwich construction with the waterproof, breathable GORE membrane laminated between the durable outer shell material and a lightweight backer. Three-layer jackets and pants tend to be lighter, lower-bulk, higher performance, and more versatile than two-layer (2L) designs
- Offers breathability for medium-intensity activities with moderate sweat management for quick-drying comfort with the durability of a GORE-TEX membrane for reliable weatherproofing
- Zip vents enhance breathability during more intense activity and in warmer conditions
- GORE-TEX seam tape provides durable seam protection for a completely weather and waterproof design; YKK® water-resistant zippers
- Articulated patterning for mobility
- Triple-needle-reinforced stitching
- Internal waist adjustment; Crotch gusset for mobility; Adjustable hook-and-loop suspenders; Bungee cuff elevators; Anti-scuff cuffs
- Crossflow venting. Mesh-lined, no-snag Test-I-Cool venting. Exterior thigh vents
- RECCO® reflector; Pocket beacon loop
- Zippered back pockets, zippered chest pockets with interior media port, and zippered hand-warmer pockets