Burton AK Grid Half Zip Mid Layer Review and Buying Advice

Burton AK Grid Half Zip 2015 Review by The Good Ride

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The Burton AK Grid Half Zip is one of those zips I’ve been wearing for many years in various forms and names. I probably own 5 or more of these from various years in button or zip form.

Ethics Statement: We don’t get paid by the manufacturer to write these reviews.  No one is perfect and we do make money from the “Where To Buy” links below, but this is our best attempt at an honest and objective review from an average riders’ perspective.

Size Tried: Large and XL but I prefer 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.

Fit: Snug but not too snug to not fit well in Large or XL for my specs. The outside is nice and smooth and the fleece inside doesn’t grab too much on under layers.

Construction: All Burton AK clothing is made really well and lasts a long time. I have some AK mid layers that are over 10 years old and are still holding up.

Insulation/Warmth: It’s pretty warm for how thin it is and compared to other mid layers out there of the same design.  I wouldn’t say it’s a full snowflake warmer than other mid layers but instead, it just sits more on the border of average and good for warmth.  However, it’s not a stand alone mid layer if you run cold. It’s more for people like me that run warm or for people who like multiple layers.  For example, Mary (who runs cold) owns about 15 of these and it’s always underneath a puffy like the AK helium Insulator.

Waterproofing: None

Breathability:  It’s pretty breathable but not the most breathable mid layer I’ve worn. Still, it does a good job at moving moisture out.  It’s not as breathable as the Homeschool Mind Ride Mock but it’s warmer. I actually prefer to wear this on colder days.

Overall: This is a great long lasting mid layer that I love to own. I wear this as much off the hill as I do on it.