Jake, from Truckee, CA, is definitely opinionated about his style on the slopes. Color and style have to rate high on the cool factor. For Mom and Dad, functionality rates high. Here’s what Jake and his parents had to say about the Backhill Treeline Jacket and Pant from Burton:

Functionality of Product: The Treeline jacket is definitely well designed. Functional pockets are everywhere. Jake likes the pass pockets on sleeve of the jacket as well as the pant leg. It’s a no brainer on early mornings – put on the jacket and go. The jacket is very warm. Almost too warm in the Sierra climate. Cool features include the glove loops to keep snow out of sleeves and to keep hands warm while fumbling with bindings. Pit zips for sweaty little boys and the waist gaiter for powder days with plenty of falls. There are plenty of pockets including hand warmer pockets, huge back pocket for neck gaiters, snacks, other boy stuff. The internal hood pocket has got a helmet liner that keeps your head warm and dry on especially cold days. Jake thought it looked “dorky” but wore it anyway on storm days. The pants were also very warm and held up to Jake’s abuse. Jake didn’t really like the suspenders and found them awkward to fold down. The adjustable waist tabs worked well for expanding waists.

How is it made? Great quality for a good price. The jacket, even in yellow, held up extremely well. It didn’t even need to be washed! The pants had a little more wear and got some cutting on the cuffs from sharp edges. The detail on the jacket is incredible, with hardy stitching on all of the pockets and liner.

Where did you use it? Used the jacket in all types of snow conditions. Was too warm on spring days, but very comfortable with pit zips on average days. Liked the drop tail (lower panel in back of jacket) for wet days. “I was always dry on storm days”, says Jake.

Cool factor: Jake loved this jacket from the moment he saw it. The yellow, black, and gray combo is very cool. His “ski clothes” were relegated to the back of the closet. Boardwear is definitely in no matter how you ride down the hill. The boxy styling and additional features were certainly a big hit. The gun metal gray pants were just the right color. Light enough to be cool, dark enough to please mom and resist looking too dirty.

For more info on Backhill see our Rippin’ Rider Preview here.