In the world of mountain gear, the Airblaster Beast 3L Jacket and the 686 Men's Hydra Thermagraph Jacket are two titans that stand tall. Both jackets are designed for the active mountain enthusiast, offering high waterproof ratings, ventilation options, and durable construction. However, they each have their unique strengths and weaknesses. The Airblaster Beast 3L Jacket is a shell jacket, perfect for layering underneath and excelling in wet conditions. It's a beast in terms of durability, but its fabric can feel a bit stiff, and the sizing runs small. On the other hand, the 686 Men's Hydra Thermagraph Jacket is a versatile all-rounder, with Thermagraph body mapping insulation and a 20k waterproof outer shell. It's lightweight and packed with features, but may not be the best choice for those looking for a longer cut or a more tailored fit. So, who's the winner? It depends on your specific needs and preferences. Read on for a detailed comparison!

Airblaster Beast 3L Jacket summary

The Airblaster Beast 3L Jacket is a shell jacket, meaning it doesn't have a liner or insulation. This makes it perfect for layering underneath, allowing you to adjust your warmth level based on the weather conditions. The jacket boasts a 30k waterproofing rating, ensuring you stay dry even in the wettest conditions. It also features armpit vents and mesh-lined chest pockets for airflow, making it ideal for active days on the mountain.

The fabric of the Beast 3L Jacket is quite rigid, which adds to its durability. It's designed to withstand rough use, making it a great option for those who are hard on their gear. The jacket also features extra-long wrist cuffs that work wonderfully for going over your gloves or mitts. However, these cuffs may not be ideal for mitts with cuffs designed to go over the jacket.

One downside of the Beast 3L Jacket is that the sizing runs a bit small. If you have a broad chest, you may want to size up to fit extra layers underneath. Despite this, the jacket offers a classic Blaster fit with articulated sleeves and a slight drop tail, ensuring you stay comfortable and protected from the elements.

686 Men's Hydra Thermagraph Jacket summary

The 686 Men's Hydra Thermagraph Jacket is a versatile piece of gear that can handle a variety of conditions. It features a 20k waterproof outer shell and Thermagraph body mapping insulation, which provides warmth where it's most needed without adding unnecessary bulk. This makes the jacket suitable for both cold and warm days on the mountain.

The Hydra Jacket is lightweight and packed with features. It has a range of well-placed zippered pockets, a powder skirt, an inner mesh goggle/lens pouch, and a headphone wire compatible chest pocket. It also features a helmet-compatible hood and adjustable features such as a powder skirt and snow gaiter, ensuring you stay comfortable and protected from the elements.

Despite its many features, the Hydra Jacket may not be the best choice for everyone. If you prefer a longer cut in the back or a more tailored fit, you might want to consider other options. However, for most avid resort riders, this jacket is a solid choice that offers great value for money.

Similarities

Both the Airblaster Beast 3L Jacket and the 686 Men's Hydra Thermagraph Jacket are designed for active mountain enthusiasts. They both offer high waterproof ratings - 30k for the Beast 3L Jacket and 20k for the Hydra Jacket - ensuring you stay dry in wet conditions. Both jackets also feature ventilation options, allowing for airflow and breathability during active days on the mountain.

In terms of construction, both jackets are durable and designed to withstand rough use. They also both offer adjustable features for a comfortable and secure fit, such as wrist cuffs in the Beast 3L Jacket and a powder skirt and snow gaiter in the Hydra Jacket.

Differences and Who They're Good For

While both jackets are designed for mountain enthusiasts, they cater to slightly different needs and preferences. The Airblaster Beast 3L Jacket is a shell jacket, making it ideal for those who prefer to layer underneath based on the weather conditions. Its rigid fabric adds to its durability, making it a great choice for those who are hard on their gear. However, its sizing runs small, so it may not be the best choice for those with a broad chest.

On the other hand, the 686 Men's Hydra Thermagraph Jacket is a versatile all-rounder, suitable for both cold and warm days on the mountain. It features Thermagraph body mapping insulation, providing warmth where it's most needed without adding unnecessary bulk. This makes the jacket a great choice for those who want a single jacket that can handle a variety of conditions. However, it may not be the best choice for those who prefer a longer cut in the back or a more tailored fit.

Analysis on Who’s the Winner

When it comes to waterproofing, the Airblaster Beast 3L Jacket takes the lead with its 30k waterproofing rating, compared to the 20k rating of the Hydra Jacket. However, both jackets offer excellent protection from the elements and should keep you dry in most conditions.

In terms of insulation, the Hydra Jacket comes out on top with its Thermagraph body mapping insulation. This provides warmth where it's most needed without adding unnecessary bulk, making the jacket suitable for both cold and warm days on the mountain.

For durability, both jackets are strong contenders. However, the Beast 3L Jacket's rigid fabric may give it a slight edge, especially for those who are hard on their gear.

Finally, in terms of fit and comfort, it largely depends on personal preference. The Beast 3L Jacket offers a classic Blaster fit with articulated sleeves and a slight drop tail, but its sizing runs small. The Hydra Jacket, on the other hand, is lightweight and packed with adjustable features, but may not be the best choice for those who prefer a longer cut or a more tailored fit.

Conclusions

In conclusion, both the Airblaster Beast 3L Jacket and the 686 Men's Hydra Thermagraph Jacket are excellent choices for active mountain enthusiasts. They both offer high waterproof ratings, ventilation options, and durable construction. However, they cater to slightly different needs and preferences.

The Beast 3L Jacket is a shell jacket, perfect for layering underneath and excelling in wet conditions. It's a beast in terms of durability, but its fabric can feel a bit stiff, and the sizing runs small. On the other hand, the Hydra Jacket is a versatile all-rounder, with Thermagraph body mapping insulation and a 20k waterproof outer shell. It's lightweight and packed with features, but may not be the best choice for those looking for a longer cut or a more tailored fit.

Ultimately, the best jacket for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences. Whether you prioritize waterproofing, insulation, durability, or fit, both jackets have a lot to offer. So gear up, hit the mountains, and enjoy the ride!