Expert Comparison: 686 Men's Hydra Thermagraph Jacket vs 686 Men's GORE-TEX GT Jacket

Published on 02/12/2024 · 6 min readCompare 686 Men's Hydra Thermagraph Jacket and 686 Men's GORE-TEX GT Jacket. Get expert insight below!
Garrett Waliky, Snowboarding Expert
Claire Rogers, Ski Expert
Cam Dean, Snowboarding Expert
Contributed By Snowboarding Expert Garrett Waliky, Claire Rogers, Cam Dean, Teron Tucker, Jed Daltorio and others

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Side by side comparison

Final sale
686 Men's Hydra Thermagraph Jacket
Most recommended
686 Men's GORE-TEX GT Jacket
Price
$173.97
40% off
$221.97
40% off
Color options
+ 7
+ 1
User rating
4.86(381)
5(3)
The Curated Take

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

Best for people who need a waterproof, breathable jacket for warmer weather skiing, with options for layering on colder days.

Features
Waterproof, Water resistant, Windproof, Insulated, Powder skirt, Interior/security pocket, Breathable
Waterproof, Windproof, Breathable, Powder skirt, Zippered pocket, Hood
Insulation type
Synthetic
None

In the world of winter jackets, the 686 Men's Hydra Thermagraph Jacket and the 686 Men's GORE-TEX GT Jacket are two top contenders. Both jackets are designed with the avid resort rider in mind, offering a range of features that cater to various weather conditions and personal preferences. The Hydra Thermagraph Jacket is praised for its 20k waterproof outer shell and Thermagraph body mapping insulation, making it a versatile choice for different temperatures. On the other hand, the GORE-TEX GT Jacket is a reliable, lightweight, and waterproof shell that is ideal for layering and warmer weather. While both jackets have their strengths, the choice between the two ultimately depends on individual needs and preferences.

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 jacket's 2-layer infiDRY® 20K Stretch Fabric + DWR water-resistant coating ensures that you stay dry even in wet conditions. The Thermagraph body mapping insulation is strategically placed in key body parts where heat retention is most critical, making the jacket suitable for the coldest days without being super puffy and bulky.

The jacket also comes with a good amount of really well-placed zippered pockets, including a large waterproof zipper pocket on the chest, 2 upper hip pockets, as well as a sleeve and inner chest pocket. Other features include a powder skirt, inner mesh goggle/lens pouch, headphone wire compatible chest pocket, inner chapstick holder, and a clear inner pass pocket.

However, it may not be suitable for those who prefer a longer cut in the back or a more tailored fit. Overall, this jacket is comfortable, lightweight, and well-made, making it a solid choice for most riders.

This jacket packs a 20k waterproof outer shell so it can handle some wet conditions! 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

The 686 Men's GORE-TEX GT Jacket is a versatile and reliable choice for all seasons. Its GORE-TEX 2-Layer shell and DWR coating provide waterproof and breathable protection, while its design allows for easy layering. With features like air-flo underarm vents, multiple pockets, and an adjustable hood, this jacket is perfect for any adventure.

The jacket's GORE-TEX 2-Layer shell delivers maximum comfort and protection; it's waterproof, windproof, and breathable. The lining material is a merino wool blend on the inner collar/mouth flap, providing extra comfort on those wet and cold snow days.

The jacket also features a front hand pocket inner key clip, internal goggle + lens stash pocket, lip balm pocket, phone heated pocket, and a water-resistant chest pocket zipper. The air-flo underarm vents are perfect for those warmer spring skiing days. This jacket is also very packable and can be rolled up and stored for easy travel.

However, it may not be ideal for those looking for minimal pockets or a shorter fit.

In terms of the features. I think one of the first ones is pretty obvious. This is giant pocket in the front. I keep anything from iPhone headphones a beanie even on a day where you want to sit on the patio in between your runs. That guy's going to hold just about anything and everything and it's also not going to get in the way of your waist for when you're skiing and you're bending all over the place whether it be on her.

Claire Rogers
Ski Expert

Similarities

Both the 686 Men's Hydra Thermagraph Jacket and the 686 Men's GORE-TEX GT Jacket are designed with the needs of avid resort riders in mind. They both offer excellent waterproofing capabilities, with the Hydra Thermagraph Jacket featuring a 20k waterproof outer shell and the GORE-TEX GT Jacket boasting a GORE-TEX 2-Layer shell and DWR coating.

Both jackets also offer a range of well-placed pockets for storage, including a front hand pocket inner key clip, internal goggle + lens stash pocket, and a water-resistant chest pocket zipper. They also both feature adjustable elements such as a powder skirt and a helmet-compatible hood, allowing for a customizable fit.

In terms of insulation, both jackets are designed to keep you warm in various conditions. The Hydra Thermagraph Jacket uses Thermagraph body mapping insulation, while the GORE-TEX GT Jacket allows for easy layering underneath.

Differences and Who They're Good For

While both jackets share many similarities, they also have their unique features that cater to different needs and preferences. The Hydra Thermagraph Jacket, for instance, is ideal for those who prefer a jacket with body mapping insulation and a 20k waterproof outer shell. Its Thermagraph body mapping insulation is strategically placed in key body parts where heat retention is most critical, making it suitable for the coldest days without being super puffy and bulky. This jacket is perfect for riders who want a versatile jacket that can handle a range of temperatures and conditions.

On the other hand, the GORE-TEX GT Jacket is a great fit for those looking for a dependable, lightweight, and waterproof shell that is ideal for layering and warmer weather. Its GORE-TEX 2-Layer shell and DWR coating provide waterproof and breathable protection, while its design allows for easy layering. This jacket is perfect for riders who prefer a minimalist design and need a jacket that can handle warmer weather and allows for layering underneath.

Analysis on Who’s the Winner

When it comes to waterproofing, both jackets perform exceptionally well. However, the Hydra Thermagraph Jacket's 20k waterproof outer shell gives it a slight edge over the GORE-TEX GT Jacket's GORE-TEX 2-Layer shell.

In terms of insulation, the Hydra Thermagraph Jacket's Thermagraph body mapping insulation is a standout feature, providing targeted warmth where it's needed most. The GORE-TEX GT Jacket, on the other hand, allows for easy layering underneath, making it a more versatile choice for varying weather conditions.

As for storage, both jackets offer a range of well-placed pockets. However, the GORE-TEX GT Jacket's giant front pocket provides extra storage space and easy access, making it the winner in this category.

Lastly, in terms of adjustability, both jackets feature adjustable elements such as a powder skirt and a helmet-compatible hood. However, the GORE-TEX GT Jacket's air-flo underarm vents provide added ventilation, giving it the edge in this category.

Overall, the choice between the two jackets ultimately depends on individual needs and preferences.

Conclusions

In conclusion, both the 686 Men's Hydra Thermagraph Jacket and the 686 Men's GORE-TEX GT Jacket are excellent choices for avid resort riders. They both offer excellent waterproofing capabilities, a range of well-placed pockets for storage, and adjustable features for a customizable fit.

The Hydra Thermagraph Jacket stands out for its 20k waterproof outer shell and Thermagraph body mapping insulation, making it a versatile choice for different temperatures. On the other hand, the GORE-TEX GT Jacket is a reliable, lightweight, and waterproof shell that is ideal for layering and warmer weather.

Ultimately, the choice between the two jackets depends on individual needs and preferences. Whether you prefer a jacket with body mapping insulation or one that allows for easy layering, both jackets are designed to keep you warm and dry on the slopes. So, gear up, hit the slopes, and enjoy the ride!

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