Expert Comparison: 686 Men's SMARTY 3-in-1 Form Jacket vs 686 Men's Hydra Thermagraph Jacket

Published on 02/09/2024 · 7 min readCompare 686 Men's SMARTY 3-in-1 Form Jacket and 686 Men's Hydra Thermagraph Jacket. Get expert insight below!
Leo Cocchiara, Ski Expert
Garrett Waliky, Snowboarding Expert
Logan Kirby, Snowboarding Expert
Contributed By Ski Expert Leo Cocchiara, Garrett Waliky, Logan Kirby, Cam Dean, Taylor H and others

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Side by side comparison

Most recommended
686 Men's SMARTY 3-in-1 Form Jacket
Final sale
686 Men's Hydra Thermagraph Jacket
Price
$173.97
40% off
$173.97
40% off
Color options
+ 2
+ 7
User rating
4.8(180)
4.86(381)
The Curated Take

Best for those seeking a durable, versatile, and warm 3-in-1 jacket with excellent details and high waterproof rating.

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

Features
Waterproof, Windproof, Insulated, Powder skirt, Interior/security pocket, Breathable
Waterproof, Water resistant, Windproof, Insulated, Powder skirt, Interior/security pocket, Breathable
Insulation type
Synthetic
Synthetic

In the world of winter jackets, the 686 Men's SMARTY 3-in-1 Form Jacket and the 686 Men's Hydra Thermagraph Jacket are two top contenders. Both jackets are designed with the avid winter sports enthusiast in mind, offering a range of features that cater to different weather conditions and personal preferences. The SMARTY 3-in-1 Form Jacket is a versatile piece with a 3-in-1 design, offering excellent value for money. It's ideal for those who appreciate the convenience of having two separate jackets in one. On the other hand, the Hydra Thermagraph Jacket is a high-performance jacket that excels in various conditions, thanks to its 20k waterproof outer shell and Thermagraph body mapping insulation. It's perfect for those who prefer a jacket that can handle anything Mother Nature throws at them. Both jackets have their strengths and weaknesses, and the choice between the two ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences.

The 686 Men's SMARTY 3-in-1 Form Jacket is a versatile and durable piece that offers great value for money. It features a 3-in-1 design, which includes a water and windproof hardshell and a separate zip-up puffy jacket mid layer for added warmth. This design allows you to adjust your level of insulation based on the weather conditions, making it a great choice for those who enjoy winter sports in varying climates.

One of the standout features of this jacket is its attention to detail. It comes with glove hooks to keep your sleeves in place, perfectly positioned chest pockets for easy access to your phone and keys, and a pass pocket in the sleeve for easy loading. These small but thoughtful features enhance the overall usability of the jacket, making it a joy to wear on the slopes.

The jacket is also known for its baggier fit style, which is great for those with broader shoulders. It provides ample room for layering without feeling too tight, ensuring maximum comfort during your winter activities. However, it does run a tad long in the hem and the sleeve, which might not be ideal for those with shorter proportions.

The included bomber style synthetic down jacket adds great value to the overall package. It's warm enough to be worn on its own, making it a versatile piece for around town and après ski activities.

I bought this jacket for myself in Winter 2023 with the hope to get versatility, durability, comfortable fit, and value and boy did it deliver! This jacket has been one of the highlights of the season for me gear wise.

Leo Cocchiara
Ski Expert

The 686 Men's Hydra Thermagraph Jacket is a high-performance jacket that's designed to handle a variety of conditions. It features a 20k waterproof outer shell and Thermagraph body mapping insulation, which provides excellent protection and warmth in various weather conditions.

One of the key features of this jacket is its insulated body panels. These panels are strategically placed in key body parts where heat retention is most critical, ensuring that you stay warm even in the coldest conditions. This design also eliminates unnecessary layering on the arms, allowing for better mobility and comfort.

The jacket also comes with a range of well-placed zippered pockets, including a large waterproof zipper pocket on the chest, two upper hip pockets, and a sleeve and inner chest pocket. These pockets provide ample storage space for your essentials, making it a practical choice for those who like to carry a lot of items with them.

Despite its high-performance features, the Hydra Thermagraph Jacket is surprisingly lightweight. This makes it a comfortable choice for those who prefer a jacket that doesn't weigh them down. However, it may not be suitable for those who prefer a longer cut in the back or a more tailored fit.

This might be my new favorite jacket! The Thermagraph 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 686 Men's SMARTY 3-in-1 Form Jacket and the 686 Men's Hydra Thermagraph Jacket are designed with the needs of winter sports enthusiasts in mind. They both offer excellent waterproofing capabilities, with a 20k waterproof rating that can handle wet conditions effectively. This makes them ideal for use in various weather conditions, from light snow to heavy rain.

Both jackets also come with a range of practical features, such as well-placed pockets for easy access to your essentials and adjustable features for a comfortable fit. These features enhance the overall usability of the jackets, making them a joy to wear on the slopes.

In terms of insulation, both jackets offer excellent warmth. The SMARTY 3-in-1 Form Jacket comes with a separate zip-up puffy jacket mid layer, while the Hydra Thermagraph Jacket features insulated body panels. These design elements ensure that you stay warm even in the coldest conditions.

Finally, both jackets are known for their durability. They are made with high-quality materials that can withstand the rigors of winter sports, ensuring that they last for many seasons to come.

Differences and Who They're Good For

While the 686 Men's SMARTY 3-in-1 Form Jacket and the 686 Men's Hydra Thermagraph Jacket share many similarities, they also have their differences. The most notable difference is their design. The SMARTY 3-in-1 Form Jacket features a 3-in-1 design, which includes a separate zip-up puffy jacket mid layer. This design offers great versatility, making it a good choice for those who like to adjust their level of insulation based on the weather conditions. On the other hand, the Hydra Thermagraph Jacket features insulated body panels, which provide excellent warmth without the need for additional layering. This design is ideal for those who prefer a jacket that can handle anything Mother Nature throws at them.

In terms of fit, the SMARTY 3-in-1 Form Jacket is known for its baggier fit style, which is great for those with broader shoulders. However, it does run a tad long in the hem and the sleeve, which might not be ideal for those with shorter proportions. On the other hand, the Hydra Thermagraph Jacket has a more standard fit, making it a better choice for those who prefer a more tailored look.

In terms of value for money, the SMARTY 3-in-1 Form Jacket offers excellent value with its 3-in-1 design. It's like getting two jackets for the price of one, making it a great choice for those on a budget. On the other hand, the Hydra Thermagraph Jacket is a high-performance jacket that offers excellent features and performance, making it a good choice for those who are willing to invest in a high-quality jacket.

Analysis on Who’s the Winner

When it comes to versatility, the 686 Men's SMARTY 3-in-1 Form Jacket takes the cake. Its 3-in-1 design offers great flexibility, allowing you to adjust your level of insulation based on the weather conditions. This makes it a great choice for those who enjoy winter sports in varying climates.

In terms of performance, the 686 Men's Hydra Thermagraph Jacket is the clear winner. It features a 20k waterproof outer shell and Thermagraph body mapping insulation, which provide excellent protection and warmth in various weather conditions. This makes it a great choice for those who need a jacket that can handle anything Mother Nature throws at them.

When it comes to value for money, the SMARTY 3-in-1 Form Jacket is the winner. It offers excellent value with its 3-in-1 design, giving you two jackets for the price of one. This makes it a great choice for those on a budget.

Finally, in terms of fit, the Hydra Thermagraph Jacket is the winner. It has a more standard fit, making it a better choice for those who prefer a more tailored look. However, the SMARTY 3-in-1 Form Jacket's baggier fit style might be more comfortable for those with broader shoulders.

Conclusions

In conclusion, both the 686 Men's SMARTY 3-in-1 Form Jacket and the 686 Men's Hydra Thermagraph Jacket are excellent choices for winter sports enthusiasts. They both offer excellent waterproofing capabilities, practical features, and excellent insulation. However, they cater to different needs and preferences.

The SMARTY 3-in-1 Form Jacket is a versatile and value-for-money option that's ideal for those who appreciate the convenience of having two separate jackets in one. Its baggier fit style is also great for those with broader shoulders.

On the other hand, the Hydra Thermagraph Jacket is a high-performance jacket that's perfect for those who need a jacket that can handle anything Mother Nature throws at them. Its more standard fit is also ideal for those who prefer a more tailored look.

Ultimately, the choice between the two depends on your specific needs and preferences. Whether you're looking for versatility, performance, value for money, or a specific fit, both jackets have something to offer. So, gear up, hit the slopes, and enjoy the winter season to the fullest!

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