Burton [ak]® Helium Hooded Stretch 2027 – Insulator Jacket

The Burton [ak] Helium Hooded Stretch is a three-season insulating mid-layer built for skiers and snowboarders who push into the backcountry. Whether you're skinning up a ridge, hiking an exposed approach, or stuffing it away once you hit the descent, this jacket is designed to move with you and disappear when you don't need it.

At its core, the Helium Hooded Stretch relies on 40g Thermacore Stretch synthetic insulation — low-bulk, breathable, and warm enough for wind-exposed ridges without trapping heat when you're working hard. The 20D nylon/spandex ripstop shell and lining give it a slim, athletic fit that stretches freely in every direction, while a durable water-repellent coating handles light moisture. It packs into its own left handwarmer pocket, making it genuinely effortless to carry.

This jacket is the right call for backcountry tourers and sidecountry riders who need a versatile insulating layer that won't slow them down on the climb or bulk up under a shell. If you run warm but still need protection at the top of an exposed line, the Helium Hooded Stretch earns its spot in the pack every single trip. The lifetime warranty from Burton means you're investing in a piece you won't need to replace season after season.

• Can it be worn as a standalone jacket? Yes — it's designed to work both as a mid-layer under a shell and as a standalone piece on cool, active days when full insulation isn't needed.
• Does it have a hood? Yes, it features a fitted full-time hood with stretch binding at the opening, so it stays in place under a helmet or on its own.