About this Review: This review is my honest opinion of the bib pants, which I purchased with my own money in November of 2021.

My take

The 686 GLCR Men's Quantum Hydrastash Thermagraph Bib Pants have every feature I need and more to feel geared up and ready for a big day on the hill. They keep me warm and comfy, have a stylish fit, and with the built-in hydration bladder, I can stay hydrated for hours without taking a break or wearing a backpack with a water bottle bouncing off my back when I’m riding.

About the pants

• Brand: 686
• Model: GLCR Quantum Hydrastash Thermagraph Snowpants
• Size Fit: True to size, loose but not baggy.

About me

• Height: 6’2”
• Weight: 175 lbs
• Pant size: Medium
• Experience: 25 years

Test conditions

• When I bought these: November 2021
• Days used: 100
• Where I’ve used them: Copper Mountain, Colorado; Vail, Colorado; Colorado backcountry.
• Weather conditions used in: Sunny spring days, and whiteout blizzards.

How they perform

What I was looking for

I needed a new pair of snow pants that I could rely on to keep me warm and dry in harsh conditions. The key features I look for in a new pair of snow pants are good leg vents for when it warms up and plenty of pockets to stash everything I need for a long day on the hill.

Why I chose this gear

These 686 Hydrastash Bibs had every feature I looked for in snow pants, plus a super convenient water bladder. Having the ability to take a quick sip of water at any time while out riding was a game-changer. I researched what various companies offered in terms of quality waterproofing and warmth. After finding these, with all the extra bells and whistles, the choice seemed clear.

What I love about them

• Fit: I was looking for something comfy and not too constricting. These pants had that perfect loose style fit, without being overly baggy.
• Comfort: With the cozy infiLOFT insulation and well-placed stitching designed specifically to flex with snowboarding movements, these are some of the comfiest snow pants I’ve ever worn.
• Warmth: 686 uses 133g of mostly recycled synthetic insulation with body mapping designed to specifically warm up your core areas which are more prone to heat loss. That means the pants are thick and warm, but not heavy and puffy.
• Waterproofing: With fully taped seams and 20k waterproofing, these pants kept me dry even on sloppy spring days.
• Durability: At first glance, the outer fabric doesn’t seem like anything special in terms of durability, but I rode hard in them all season and they have held up just fine with no signs of wear so far.
• Ease of movement: These bibs were designed to ride in. 686 did a great job with the stitching so they flex easily with my movements in the hips, knees, and ankles.
• Quality: The fabric is top-notch material, 686’s infiDRY stretch fabric keeps my movements unrestricted and the fully taped seams help me stay cozy and dry. The water-resistant pockets work great and the zippers are strong and sturdy.
• Special Features: I love the water-resistant chest pocket for keeping my essentials. It is super convenient for keeping my phone warm and dry, with an easy access slot for my earbud cord. With all the other pockets on the legs, I have plenty of room to keep some snacks, an extra neck warmer or gloves, a binding tool, or anything else I might need. My favorite feature these snow pants have to offer is definitely the water bladder. I can take a quick sip to wet my whistle anytime I want, from chairlift rides to cruising groomers.

Issues I’ve encountered

• Breathability: The materials themselves aren’t the most breathable. Thankfully, the inner leg vents come in clutch when one needs a little breeze to air out.
• Weight: Since they are bibs with a lot of features, they are not the lightest pants to ride in.

Favorite moment with this gear

My favorite experience with these bibs was an overnighter I did up on Vail Pass. It was a decent trek the first day with a few good powder turns en route to making camp. I was stoked the next morning to have these warm, dry snow pants to put on so I could finish out the second day of adventures comfortably.

Value for the money vs. other options

I compared these pants to multiple Burton bibs in the same price range, but even though they were GORE-TEX, they were unfortunately only a shell and offered no real insulation. These 686 bibs are a great value for the quality, offering a well-rounded balance of waterproofing and warmth. With the added bonus of the water bladder, they are one of a kind and a great buy.

Final verdict

The quality waterproofing and insulation, along with the heavy-duty zippers and pockets, and super convenient hydration bladder make this product a great purchase that keeps me stoked. 686 elevated the snow pant game to another level with these bad boys. Wearing them, I feel geared up and ready for a big adventure or a long day on the hill.