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Expert Comparison: Volcom Men's Brighton Pullover Jacket vs 686 Men's Hydra Thermagraph Jacket

Published on 02/06/2024 · 4 min readCompare Volcom Men's Brighton Pullover Jacket and 686 Men's Hydra Thermagraph Jacket. Get expert insight below!
Sarah Caldwell, Snowboarding Expert
Garrett Waliky, Snowboarding Expert
Alexander McNeish, Snowboarding Expert
Contributed By Snowboarding Expert Sarah Caldwell, Garrett Waliky, Alexander McNeish, Zach Hargreaves, Cam Dean and others

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Side by side comparison

Out of stock
Volcom Men's Brighton Pullover Jacket
Out of stock
686 Men's Hydra Thermagraph Jacket
Price
from:$156.80
40% off
from:$144.83
50% off
Color options
+ 5
+ 7
The Curated Take

Best for winter adventurers who want to stay warm and dry.

Best for those needing warmth without bulk, thanks to Thermagraph insulation.

User rating
--
4.85(385)
Features
Waterproof, Breathable, Hood, Powder skirt, Zippered pocket, Hand-warmer pockets
Waterproof, Water resistant, Windproof, Insulated, Powder skirt, Interior/security pocket, Breathable
Insulation type
None
Synthetic

In the world of winter jackets, the Volcom Men's Brighton Pullover and the 686 Men's Hydra Thermagraph Jacket are two top contenders. Both jackets are designed with the winter adventurer in mind, offering high waterproofing, breathability, and a host of features to keep you warm and dry. The Brighton Pullover is a retro-styled jacket with 15k waterproofing and a pullover design to keep the snow out. The Hydra Thermagraph Jacket, on the other hand, boasts 20k waterproofing and Thermagraph body mapping insulation for optimal warmth. Both jackets are packed with features like adjustable hoods, multiple pockets, and snow gaiters. However, they cater to different preferences with the Brighton Pullover offering a more casual, throwback style and the Hydra Thermagraph Jacket providing a more technical, performance-oriented design.

The Volcom Men's Brighton Pullover is a winter adventurer's dream. With 15k waterproofing, this jacket is designed to keep you dry in snowy conditions while still allowing for easy movement. The pullover design is a throwback to retro styles, but it's packed with modern features. A hidden toggle cinch hood, goggle clips, and a super suede chin guard add comfort and functionality. The jacket also features a zip tech jacket to pant interface and fully taped seams to keep you dry and riding high. The Brighton Pullover is not just about function, it's also about style. The retro pullover styling is a nod to the past, but with mountain-driven details like a generous 15Ks of waterproofing and Volcom's V-science lining system for heightened breathability, it's designed for the modern rider.

The perfect kind of throwback. The Brighton's retro pullover styling comes with mountain-driven details like a generous 15Ks of waterproofing and our V-science lining system for heightened breathability. The layerable anorak shell's drop tail fit gives extra coverage and comes stacked full of tech features that make riding for longer, easier.

Sarah Caldwell
Snowboarding Expert

The 686 Men's Hydra Thermagraph Jacket is a high-performance jacket designed for the avid resort rider. It features a 20k waterproof outer shell and Thermagraph body mapping insulation, providing excellent protection and warmth in various conditions. The jacket also has a range of well-placed zippered pockets and adjustable features such as a powder skirt and helmet-compatible hood. The Hydra Thermagraph Jacket is not just about performance, it's also about comfort. The jacket is lightweight and has lots of room to add layers underneath to stay warm. The Thermagraph body mapping insulation is placed in key body parts where heat retention is most critical, making for a jacket that can handle the coldest days without being super puffy and bulky.

This might be my new favorite jacket! The Thermograph has just about everything you would want in a jacket! This jacket packs a 20k waterproof outer shell so it can handle some wet conditions! I have been a long time fan of Gore Tex but I was so pleased with how well 686s waterproofing has held up! The insulated body panels on your core are a great idea too! my arms heat up so not having the unnecessary layering kept my body feeling perfect all day!

Garrett Waliky
Snowboarding Expert

Similarities

Both the Volcom Men's Brighton Pullover and the 686 Men's Hydra Thermagraph Jacket are designed with the winter adventurer in mind. They both offer high levels of waterproofing, with the Brighton Pullover offering 15k and the Hydra Thermagraph Jacket offering 20k. Both jackets also prioritize breathability, ensuring that you stay dry and comfortable even during intense activity. Both jackets also feature a range of practical features, such as adjustable hoods, multiple pockets, and snow gaiters. These features are designed to enhance your comfort and functionality on the slopes.

Differences and Who They're Good For

While both jackets are designed for winter adventurers, they cater to different preferences and needs. The Volcom Men's Brighton Pullover is a great choice for those who prefer a more casual, retro style. Its pullover design and throwback styling make it a standout choice for those who want to combine style and function. On the other hand, the 686 Men's Hydra Thermagraph Jacket is a more technical, performance-oriented jacket. It offers higher waterproofing and features Thermagraph body mapping insulation for optimal warmth. This makes it a great choice for avid resort riders who need a jacket that can handle a variety of conditions.

Analysis on Who’s the Winner

When it comes to style, the Volcom Men's Brighton Pullover takes the cake with its retro pullover design. For waterproofing, the 686 Men's Hydra Thermagraph Jacket wins with its 20k waterproofing compared to the Brighton Pullover's 15k. In terms of features, it's a tie as both jackets offer a range of practical features like adjustable hoods, multiple pockets, and snow gaiters. Finally, for warmth, the Hydra Thermagraph Jacket edges out with its Thermagraph body mapping insulation.

Conclusions

In conclusion, both the Volcom Men's Brighton Pullover and the 686 Men's Hydra Thermagraph Jacket are excellent choices for winter adventurers. The Brighton Pullover offers a unique blend of retro style and modern functionality, making it a great choice for those who want to stand out on the slopes. The Hydra Thermagraph Jacket, on the other hand, offers superior waterproofing and insulation, making it a top choice for those who need a jacket that can handle a variety of conditions. Ultimately, the best jacket for you will depend on your personal preferences and needs. So whether you're a fan of retro styles or a performance-oriented rider, you're sure to find a jacket that suits you in these two options.

Curated experts can help

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Shop Jackets on Curated

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