Tactical & Survival

Picasso Meets Modern Technology: Burton Reserve Insulated Stretch Slim Snowboard Jacket Review

“That’s got to be the coolest kit I’ve ever seen — the colors of that snowboard jacket seriously pop,” my good friend said. I’d just walked over to her and started strapping into my snowboard at the base of Crested Butte Mountain Resort. Coming from a gal who owns a creative agency and is a top-level photographer and videographer, I didn’t take the compliment lightly.

It was also my first day testing the brand new Burton Reserve Insulated Stretch Slim snowboard jacket (say that three times fast), which launches this fall. I didn’t look in the mirror before running out to catch the bus, so I took her word for it.

But I immediately noticed how the jacket felt: Streamlined and lengthy. I prefer that fit over a jacket that’s too baggy or spacious. The insulation was apparent, which I appreciated for blocking the frigid temps. And best of all, when I bent over to adjust my bindings, the fabric moved with me with zero restriction. Looking good was the final garnish.

In short: Fresh to the lineup, the brand new Burton Women’s Reserve 2L Insulated Stretch Slim ($260) snowboard jacket blends cloud-camo with cubist Picasso artistry in its Floral Blur color scheme, a head-turning print paired with weather-blocking chops. Slim-cut and insulated, the jacket strikes a smart balance between warmth and freedom, making it ideal for resort sessions in chilly, cold, or downright wild weather. The jacket pairs nicely with matching snowboard pants, too: the Burton Women’s Reserve 2L Stretch Slim Pants ($210). The kit is available as of September 2025.

See how this snowboard jacket lines up next to our other favorites in the Best Snowboard Jackets buyer’s guide.


  • Insulated chest pocket for devices

  • Slim fit is stylish and bulk-free

  • Softly lined hand pockets

  • Roomy hood fits over helmet


  • Insulation might make this pick is too toasty

Burton Reserve Insulated Stretch Slim Snowboard Jacket: Testing Conditions

Situated in the brand’s baseline collection, the two-layer Reserve Slim offers solid weather protection in a quality package. The tradeoff? It’s slightly less technical and versatile than Burton’s other jacket designs.

The complete Reserve product lineup includes a premium collection (called “Best”), which has GORE-TEX waterproofing and elevated trims. The mid-tier collection (called “Better”) has versatile 3-in-1 designs.

Burton places the Slim jacket in its foundational collection, called “Good.”

After testing this kit, I’d say that’s a misnomer. This jacket is great! The functionality, feel, and aesthetic are pretty stellar for a relatively budget-friendly pick.

I pulled this jacket on for many stormy days at Crested Butte Mountain Resort, where the wind howls and temps plummet. Every time I was standing in a whiteout while waiting to catch the North Face T-Bar, I was happy to be wearing this insulated, lengthy jacket with the comfortable hood pulled over my ski helmet.

Weather Protection & Insulation

I found its protection legit: 20K/20K waterproofing and breathability, plus a PFC-free CO DWR finish, kept the elements at bay during wet, wind-blasted days. The high waterproofing and breathability surprised me, especially for a jacket that Burton categorizes as a basic pick in the Reserve line.

It’s a two-layer jacket sans GORE-TEX, so it’s a bit heavier and bulkier than a bonded three-layer piece that houses a GORE-TEX membrane. That said, not every rider needs GORE. This jacket handled wicked weather and all-day resort laps with ease.

The 80g body and 40g arm insulation hit the sweet spot — keeping me warm on the lift and in line without overheating while I was moving. There’s insulation in the hood, too. The underarm vents easily open to catch a breeze if you happen to get too warm.

Excellent Fit

Despite the contoured silhouette and the installation, the jacket never felt marshmallowy or tight. A hint of stretch plus a flexible liner helped me move naturally while I bootpacked up a steep slope in the Extremes. I felt equally at home while carving through tight Pines and mogul fields. Subtle darting and fabric paneling add shape without limiting motion, and the profile gently hugs the torso and hips for a tailored look. I really dig this fit.

Insulated Pocket for Devices

This jacket nails storage without going overboard. A spacious, insulated chest pocket keeps your device warm and accessible from the outside. Inside that chest pocket, there’s a small mesh pocket, but it’s nowhere near large enough for a big phone. I didn’t find an issue with that, because the pocket was a great size for carrying my phone, and I didn’t notice it bouncing around.

On the opposite side (inside the jacket), there’s a port for headphones. There’s just no interior zipper to access that pocket.

The two zippered, fleece-lined hand pockets are super-roomy and comfortable. Inside the right-hand pocket, there’s a small, narrow pocket with a Velcro closure for carrying your chapstick — cute! There’s also a dump pocket on the inner right side, and a sleeve pass pocket on the left forearm.

Thoughtful Touches

A silicone-grip powder skirt with pant loops is fixed around the bottom portion of the jacket. I also loved the roomy helmet-compatible hood, which I could wear while I was descending in stormy conditions, and it was also lightly insulated.

Soft fleece lines the interior of the collar, which I appreciate against my face. The patch is generous: 5 inches by 5.5 inches wide.

Each arm has lengthy wrist gaiters that are moderately dense. Each one has a roomy thumbhole that reaches my middle knuckles. If you don’t like wrist gaiters, you’re in luck, because these ones are removable — a unique customization I haven’t seen in any other snowboard jackets.

Critiques

One potential drawback is that the insulated chest pocket is only accessible from the exterior of the jacket. When it’s stormy or bright outside, it can be helpful to check my phone within the protection of my jacket.

I’d also like to see a small zippered chest pocket on the opposing side. I like to slide my wallet inside a pocket other than the one used for my hands or ski pass.

The lack of adjustability could also deter someone from loving this piece. The hood and powder skirt are not removable.

Not everyone prefers a slim fit. Two other styles exist for this jacket within Burton’s foundational “Good” tier: regular fit and relaxed fit.

Riders who are wearing the same jacket at the resort as on long ski tours will likely want a three-layer design. That’s for gals who are producing more perspiration, wearing a pack, and are exposed to the extreme elements. Investing in a top-tier jacket in the Best category is a good bet.

Finally, as an insulated jacket, this might simply be too warm for late-season spring days, depending on where you ride. Also, high-volume output is well-suited for a non-insulated jacket.

Burton Reserve: Who This Snowboard Jacket Is For

Honestly, I usually don’t love two-layer jackets. That’s because I prefer super-versatile, top-end designs that I can wear at the resort or on long ski tours in blustery or hot conditions.

But the Burton Women’s Reserve 2L Insulated Stretch Slim stole a special spot in my gear closet. This jacket looks clean and vibrant, and the artistic pattern is super-unique. The jacket’s shape pairs so well with the streamlined pants that multiple riders thought I was wearing a one-piece.

Each day I wore this jacket, I appreciated the streamlined fit, which leaves behind any excess fabric but provides warmth alongside wind and water protection during winter’s coldest hours. During storms, I was grateful I could wear the hood while I rode, and it’s not too tight around my helmet. Adding insulation to the chest pocket is also a nice touch to help preserve my phone battery life.

With a one-of-a-kind abstract floral print, the Reserve is a stylish yet technical jacket for resort riders chasing comfort, mobility, and storm-readiness.



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