Expert Comparison: Burton Men's Covert 2L Insulated Jacket vs 686 Men's Hydra Thermagraph Jacket

Published on 02/11/2024 · 4 min readCompare Burton Men's Covert 2L Insulated Jacket and 686 Men's Hydra Thermagraph Jacket. Get expert insight below!
Darren Krueger, Snowboarding Expert
Garrett Waliky, Snowboarding Expert
Ryan Clack, Snowboarding Expert
Contributed By Snowboarding Expert Darren Krueger, Garrett Waliky, Ryan Clack, Cam Dean, Dawn Littleton and others

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Side by side comparison

Most recommended
Burton Men's Covert 2L Insulated Jacket
Most recommended
686 Men's Hydra Thermagraph Jacket
Price
$127.99
42% off
$202.97
30% off
Color options
+ 3
+ 7
User rating
4.72(204)
4.87(357)
The Curated Take

Best for snowboarders needing a durable, versatile and weather-resistant jacket.

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

Features
Hand-warmer pockets, Hood, Lightweight, Powder skirt, Waterproof, Breathable, Zippered pocket, Quick-drying, Insulated
Waterproof, Water resistant, Windproof, Insulated, Powder skirt, Interior/security pocket, Breathable
Insulation type
Synthetic
Synthetic

In the world of winter jackets, the Burton Men's Covert 2L Insulated 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 to keep you warm, dry, and comfortable on the slopes. The Burton Covert 2L is a budget-friendly option with a ton of pockets and a great balance of insulation and venting. On the other hand, the 686 Hydra Thermagraph is a high-performance jacket with a 20k waterproof outer shell and Thermagraph body mapping insulation. While both jackets have their strengths, the choice between the two ultimately comes down to your specific needs and preferences.

The Burton Men's Covert 2L Insulated Jacket is a versatile and budget-friendly option for colder days on the slopes. This jacket is designed with a 2-layer dryride fabric that provides upgraded waterproofing and breathability. It also features a great balance of insulation and venting to handle any condition. The thermalite hollowcore fibers add warmth but still breathe, making it ideal for a range of temperatures.

One of the standout features of the Covert 2L is its abundance of pockets. It has external and internal pockets, including a goggle pocket, pass pocket, and a media pocket designed to keep your phone warm so the battery lasts longer. Other features include a removable powder skirt, a helmet-compatible hood, and taped seams for added protection. The jacket is also a tad longer, which can be a plus or hindrance, depending on your preference. Overall, it's a warm and durable jacket that comes with a lifetime warranty.

I used this jacket as my go-to daily driver last season. It has a ton of pockets, including a nice media pocket with a headphone passthrough. The jacket is plenty warm, and I’ve used it on days in the mid-teens all the way through low 30s temperature-wise. It does have vents under the arms as well for warmer days.

Darren Krueger
Snowboarding Expert

The 686 Men's Hydra Thermagraph Jacket is a high-performance jacket that is ideal for avid resort riders. 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 sports 686's Thermagraph body mapping insulation throughout the jacket, which is placed in key body parts where heat retention is most critical. This type of insulation makes for a jacket that can handle the coldest days without being super puffy and bulky and still usable on warmer days. This jacket also comes with a good amount of really well-placed zippered pockets. One large waterproof zipper pocket on the chest, 2 upper hip pockets, as well as a sleeve and inner chest pocket.

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 Burton Men's Covert 2L Insulated 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 and breathability, thanks to their 2-layer fabric designs. Both jackets also feature a balance of insulation and venting, making them suitable for a range of weather conditions.

In terms of features, both jackets come with a variety of pockets, including a media pocket, to keep your belongings safe and secure. They also both have adjustable features such as a helmet-compatible hood and a removable powder skirt for added protection against the elements. Additionally, both jackets are backed by a lifetime warranty, demonstrating the confidence both brands have in their products.

Differences and Who They're Good For

While the Burton Men's Covert 2L Insulated Jacket and the 686 Men's Hydra Thermagraph Jacket share many similarities, they also have some key differences. The Burton Covert 2L is a more budget-friendly option, making it a great choice for those who want a high-quality jacket without breaking the bank. It's also a bit longer, which could be a plus for those who prefer a bit more coverage.

On the other hand, the 686 Hydra Thermagraph Jacket is a high-performance jacket with a 20k waterproof outer shell and Thermagraph body mapping insulation. This makes it a great choice for those who frequently face harsh weather conditions and need a jacket that can keep up. It's also a bit more stylish with its asymmetrical zipper design, making it a great choice for those who value both function and fashion.

Analysis on Who’s the Winner

When it comes to price, the Burton Men's Covert 2L Insulated Jacket is the clear winner. It offers a great balance of features and performance at a more affordable price point.

In terms of waterproofing and insulation, the 686 Men's Hydra Thermagraph Jacket takes the lead with its 20k waterproof outer shell and Thermagraph body mapping insulation.

As for features, it's a tie. Both jackets come with a variety of pockets, adjustable features, and a lifetime warranty.

Finally, in terms of style, the 686 Men's Hydra Thermagraph Jacket edges out with its unique asymmetrical zipper design.

Conclusions

In conclusion, both the Burton Men's Covert 2L Insulated Jacket and the 686 Men's Hydra Thermagraph Jacket are excellent choices for winter sports enthusiasts. The Burton Covert 2L offers great value for money, making it a great choice for those on a budget. Meanwhile, the 686 Hydra Thermagraph provides superior waterproofing and insulation, making it ideal for those who frequently face harsh weather conditions. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on your specific needs, preferences, and budget.

Curated experts can help

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Shop Jackets on Curated

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$127.99$219.95
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