686 Men’s GORE-TEX Pro 3L Thermagraph Jacket Review

This is GORE-TEX at its very best. 686 took a shot at crafting a super high end jacket and they hit the mark with this product that thrives from resort to backcountry on warm bluebirds or through blizzards. Does the 686 GORE-TEX Pro 3L Thermagraph Jacket come with a higher price tag? It does, but let’s get into why it’s well worth your consideration if you’re looking for a ski or snowboard coat that won’t quit.

686 GORE-TEX PRO 3L Thermagraph Jacket First Impression

Pull this jacket out of the bag and it doesn’t take long to realize this thing was engineered for success. Running your hand over the fabric gives you a pretty clear indication that 686 was not messing around when they built this piece of outerwear. You can feel the quality and it’s pretty easy on the eyes as well. The Moroccan Blue color is truly brilliant.

Tech

You can’t talk about this 686 jacket without spending some time focusing on the GORE-TEX PRO aspect. This is the most rugged version of GORE-TEX you can get. Most importantly, it will keep you dry, no matter what. It’s worth repeating just how much of a sure thing this coat is when it comes to defense against dampness. It’s also impressively breathable to ward off that boggy feeling so many other jackets try and fail to avoid. No sauna effect going on when you’re zipped in here. It’s legitimately windproof too. It’s very difficult to find a snow jacket that can check all three boxes of waterproofing, windproofing, and breathability. But this one scores the trifecta.

I wasn’t sure if the Thermagraph panels located in the interior of the back and shoulders were gimmicky until I spent a few days on the mountain in cooler temperatures. Lightweight shells don’t typically offer a whole lot in the warmth department, but I was pleasantly surprised by the extra little boost in heat provided by the Thermagraph tech. When you really need it, you’ll find it much appreciated. The Merino wool it uses helps regulate body temp and even wick away moisture if you start overheating.

One more piece of tech to point out that is significant to backcountry enthusiasts. RECCO technology is integrated into the jacket to help rescuers find you, which provides peace of mind when you’re out there in the wild.

686 GORE-TEX PRO 3L Thermagraph Jacket Features

In my view, a jacket is only as good as its pockets. Not enough? Where are you supposed to stash all your things for the day? Too many pockets? Now where did I put my bag of spaghetti? Fortunately, the 686 GORE-TEX PRO 3L Thermagraph Jacket scores high marks in the pocket category. The chest pocket has a little cell phone slot that helps keep your device warm and there’s a goggle wipe installed in there too. This coat also comes equipped with two standard front zip pockets, a pass pocket on the left forearm, and a small pocket on the outer right that’s perfect for chapstick, credit card, and ID. And don’t forget the goggle pouch along with an internal velcro slot where you can house your skins on the ride down.

The hood pulls double duty for this jacket. Not only is it perfectly compatible with your helmet and easy to cinch for a perfect fit, but the head hugger also has a secret talent. It’s got packing prowess. This jacket is super packable and doesn’t take up too much space with its ability to roll up and tuck inside its own hood. Thanks Hoodlink!

The YYK Aquaguard zippers feel really sturdy. You don’t have to worry about them being the weak link in this piece of waterproof armor. However, if I had to pick something to nitpick, the zippers are a little finicky. Maybe it just takes a little more time to break them in, but I didn’t find them to be the smoothest, easiest zippers I’ve ever used.

Look and Feel

I got to test this 686 jacket in Japan’s Hakuba Valley. It helped make this bucket list trip as good as it could have been. My five days on the mountain offered a lot of variety in conditions and the 686 GORE-TEX PRO 3L Thermagraph Jacket slayed them all from the cold days thanks to the insulated zones loaded with Polartec alpha insulation. The Polartec insulation helps the piece to stay warm and dries out fast if the jacket gets damp in warmer conditions thanks to 686’s use of breathable moisture wicking mesh on the inside of the jacket.

It was even the perfect coat for exploring Tokyo afterwards while it was pouring down rain. All the locals were hassling with umbrellas in the wind while I took it all in stride. I looked good and I felt even better both on and off the mountain, and the jacket exudes a quality that promises to last.

Who Is the 686 GORE-TEX Pro 3L Thermagraph Jacket For?

If you have the coin to drop and want a jacket that is an absolute fortress against the elements, the GORE-TEX PRO 3L Thermagraph Jacket from 686 should very much be among your top choices. Resort riders and backcountry banshees alike are going to get a lot of mileage out of this coat while never having to worry that this part of their kit can’t hack it on any given day outdoors.

686 Men’s GORE-TEX Pro 3L Thermagraph Jacket Pros & Cons

Pros:

• High-quality GORE-TEX PRO material
• Impressively breathable and windproof
• Functional and spacious pocket design

Cons:

• Higher price tag
• Finicky zippers

Overall Impression

With any outdoor gear, the higher the price tag relative to its peers, the more skeptical I am. Am I paying for unnecessary features and marketing hype, or am I getting something that’s really packed with the performance and functionality that actually makes it worth paying for? The 686 GORE-TEX PRO 3L Thermagraph Jacket ($895.995) is firmly in the latter camp. This 686 Snowboard Jacket has got all the steak to go with that sizzle. You can pack your gear for each excursion knowing that this premium piece will not only refuse to let you down, but will in fact enhance your experience wherever you roam. The added body temperature regulation from the Polartec Alpha make this a great jacket for people that tend to run cold on the hill. Add in some layers and you have a jacket that can be worn from the first day of winter to last, and beyond.

Related Snowboard Jackets

1. Burton [ak] 3L Stretch Hover Jacket
2. Patagonia Storm Shift Jacket
3. Jones Shralpinist Jacket