Powder day in the trees at Mary Jane, CO. Photo/rider: Mitch Kline

Let’s just get straight to the point on this jacket. It kicks ass! First and foremost, at $250, the Hydra is a steal! Resort rider, sidecountry, backcountry, whatever. I’ve had this jacket out in about every weather condition that Colorado has to offer – bluebird and mid-30s to single digits with blasting wind. I don’t know what else I could ask for in a jacket.

 

FEATURES & HIGHLIGHTS

 
686 Hydra Jacket

FEATURES

  • Comes with FREE Nikwax Tech Wash®
  • Thermagraph™ Body Mapping Insulation System
  • Fully Taped Seams
  • Removable Adjustable Powder Skirt with Lycra Stretch Panel and PJ Connect™ System
  • Air-Flo™ Mesh Lined Under Arm Vents
  • Vader™ Vent
  • Reverse Coil Water-Resistant Exposed Zippers
  • Internal Mesh Storage/Goggle Pocket
  • Internal Smart Phone Pocket
  • Internal Lycra Horseshoe Thumb Wrist Gaiters
  • Zippered Sleeve Pass Pocket
  • Audio Cord Outlet
  • Adjustable Hem, Hood and Cuffs

 

 
686 Hydra Jacket - Vader Vent

Vader™ Vent

One of my favorite features on the Hydra, the Vader™ Vent and offset zipper.

686 Hydra Jacket - Offset Zipper and Zippered Chest Pocket

Offset zipper and Zippered Chest Pocket

Large chest pocket easily fits a iPhone 6S with Hitcase attached and allows for quick access.

 

 
686 Hydra Jacket - Thermagraph™ Body Mapping Insulation System

Thermagraph™ Body Mapping Insulation System

Insulation where you need it, not where you don’t. It weighs more than that crunchy shell, but you’ll have to wear fewer layers. For the vast majority of my riding time, I’ll take the extra perfectly placed insulation!

686 Hydra Jacket - Air-Flo™ Mesh Lined Under Arm Vents

Air-Flo™ Mesh Lined Under Arm Vents

Pit zips. Use them, love them! The Hydra jacket features mesh lined vents, so your sleeves aren’t flapping in the wind when you open things up. Nobody wants that!

 
 

THE BOTTOM LINE

Sure, you probably won’t be wearing this thing in mid-march. For the rest of the season, the Hydra is a jacket quiver killer! Five stars!

 

Ratings

Fit
Function
Style
Value
Overall

Purchase

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