686 GORE-TEX Women’s Skyline Jacket Review

Shell jackets are the way to go for outdoor activities. 686’s GORE-TEX Women’s Skyline Jacket is no exception. This little shell packs all the punches, emphasized with its many pockets, functionality, and overall wear. The shell is lightweight, durable, waterproof, and breathable, providing comfort whether you’re shredding down a mountain or snowshoeing on the canyon trails.

686 Skyline Fit & Feel

I’m an average 5’6”, 135 lbs., so jackets can be hit and miss regarding length in the body of the coat. The last thing I want when taking a tumble in the powder, is to have my ski coat ride up and let all that snow in (yes, this even happened when the snow skirt was done up). The new 686 Skyline Jacket is perfect. I wore a size small, and it covers everything perfectly.

I’m usually a size small or medium and this size small fit like a glove, leaving enough room to wear an extra layer or two on those colder days.

Technical Features

No matter what fun, snow-filled adventure you’re gearing up for, the Women’s 686 Skyline Jacket will set you up for the day perfectly! 686 thought of it all when it came to pockets with this jacket! On the inside of the jacket, behind the goggle pocket, is a little stash pocket, perfect for hiding any cash or fruit snacks. They even included a little pocket just for my ChapStick, so now I don’t have to go digging through my other cool pockets.

I loved the waterproof, zippered chest pockets. The left side is designed specifically for your phone. My android fit in there perfectly, and stayed warm, protected and dry, so I didn’t have to worry about it losing battery power. 686 even included a special zippered pocket on the left arm to easily store my season pass and had a clip for my car keys. To take things even further with the 2 main pockets, the right pocket was created with an additional mini pocket for credit/debit cards providing RFID protection! They really have thought of it all in this rendition of the 686 Skyline Jacket!

The Women’s 668 Skyline  Jacket is made of GORE-TEX, which is known for their flexible waterproof fabrics, and keeps me dry in any weather condition, and with the underarm vents, I don’t overheat on the warmer days.

A few other honorable mentions, since I can’t get enough of this jacket:

The first thing I noticed was the inner Lycra wrist gaiters with the thumb holes, those are always a big first selling point for me. 686 also added glove links just inside the cuffs – no more losing your gloves in a ‘yard sale’!

Another great feature, which shouldn’t go unmentioned, is the Merino Wool inner collar / mouth flap. On those extra cold, snowy days, when you want to hide your nose under the collar of your coat, you can with comfort and warmth. No rough zipper scratching up your face!

Last, but not least, the hood fits over my helmet for that additional warmth.

Who’d Wear The 686 Skyline Jacket?

While I feel this 686 Jacket could be an everyday riding jacket, keep in mind it is a shell. On colder days, it might not be as ideal for some. Others could probably layer with this and feel just right, especially if you’re like me and run a little on the warmer side. This shell has been great for both skiing and snowshoeing in Northern Utah.

686 GORE-TEX Women’s Skyline Jacket Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Lightweight, durable, waterproof
• Multiple pockets for organization
• Breathable GORE-TEX fabric

Cons:

• Not ideal for colder days
• Shell may require layering for warmth

Overall Impression

Overall, the 686 Women’s Skyline Jacket ($379.95) is so versatile, it has become my new go-to when grabbing a coat to go skiing or snowshoeing in the canyons. I look forward to seeing what other adventures I can use this jacket for. I felt incredibly cozy and confident in this 686 Snow Jacket and I’m sure you will too! Regardless if your a skier or riders, 686 makes top of the line outerwear.

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