Size Tried: Medium
Peter’s Specs:
Height: 5’11”,
Weight: 175 lbs,
Upper Body-:38” Chest
Lower Body: 32” Waist
Turn On’s: Size M Jackets or size L Jackets that Biesty gives me, size M pants, Getting Barreled, Spearing Sail Fish, Women with a pulse.
Turn Off’s: Not that much

Size Tried: Large
James’ Specs:
Height: 5’10”,
Weight: 195 lbs,
Upper Body-:44” Chest, Torso Length 23” (collar bone to pant button), Shoulder Width Approx 22”, Arm Length 19.5” (pit to wrist)
Lower Body: 33” Waist, 42” Hips, 30” Inseam,  24.5” Thigh
Turn On’s: Size L Jackets that fit well around my chest, size M pants that fit well around my thighs so I can get in and out of my pockets, open roads, Surfy Powder Turns, Riding with Friends, new gear and especially my super-hot super smart super funny wife.
Turn Off’s: Size L Jackets that don’t fit well around my chest, super tight Size M Pants that I can’t get up over my thighs, traffic and people who can’t park inside the lines.

Last years stagger material went to some of the AK 2L Cyclic Jackets and the newer Burton does a great job with higher end technical outerwear and this is one of their best selling resort jackets. It’s just great for mountain riding because of the light insulation and borderline excellent waterproofing. Most people would prefer an ultralight shell for backcountry riding but this is more for keeping warmer than a shell on the mountain so you don’t have to layer up too much.

Fit: Nice mid level fit that borders on being snug.

Comfort: Burton makes very comfortable jackets and the liners in the Swash feel good even if you don’t have a first layer on and your buck naked underneath.

Construction: The jacket is very well constructed but that’s to be expected with all Burton high end Jackets and I believe it has a lifetime warranty like other High end Ski Jacket companies which is re-assuring.  It’s got a good amount of pockets and can hold most larger android phones in the communication pocket.

Hood: For some the articulating hood is loved by those who don’t use their hood much and not liked by others who use their hood a lot.  If you use the hood to shield your face it will get most of it but usually the corners of your cheeks are exposed no matter how you tighten the hood. The Stagger came with a built in balaclava that is stashed in the back of your collar and I believe the Swash does to so you can see Burton planned for that. It’s got a nice little fit over the nose/mouth kind of set up that allows your nose/mouth to vent without getting that area to wet.

Insulation/Warmth:

Waterproofing: The 2L Gore-Tex waterproofing is more than what the average rider needs but it’s so nice to have on a wet day.  The only Jacket that will block more moisture is a 3L Gore-Tex Jacket but most don’t really need that unless they plan on being out in wet backcountry often.  I ride close to 100 days every year and I’ve never needed more than 2L Gore-Tex but I mainly ride in the Sierras which is about middle ground.

Breathability:  It also can accommodate a slackcountry hike without overheating you if you don’t run too hot. Gore-Tex’s strength is it’s waterproofing but it’s breathability is still above average. For breathability its not rated but my guess is the extra insulation makes the jacket breath a little heavier around the body than your pure Gore-Tex shell that usually has around 20K or more breathability.

Overall:    So all in all this is a top notch resort to cold weather backcountry jacket that should accommodate the rider who wants a little more warmth than a shell and a lot more waterproofing than most jackets out there.