I recently picked up the 686 snowboarding hoodie, and it has quickly become one of my favorite pieces of gear. From its sleek design to its top-tier performance, this hoodie is an absolute winner for anyone hitting the slopes or just looking for a reliable, stylish option for cold weather.

First off, the material is outstanding. It’s warm without being bulky, and the high-quality fabric holds up perfectly against the elements. The hoodie provides excellent wind resistance and even repels light snow or rain thanks to its DWR (Durable Water Repellent) finish. It kept me warm and dry during long days on the mountain, even when the weather turned unpredictable.

The fit is another highlight. It’s designed with snowboarders in mind, offering a slightly longer cut that provides extra coverage without restricting movement. Whether I’m carving down the slopes or just chilling at the lodge, the hoodie feels comfortable and moves with me effortlessly.

The details are where this hoodie truly shines. The built-in thumbholes and adjustable hood are lifesavers in keeping the cold out. There’s also a large kangaroo pocket with a media port, which is super handy for stashing my phone or snacks while riding. Every aspect of the design feels well thought out and functional.

Finally, the style is unmatched. 686 has nailed the look with clean lines and a modern aesthetic that transitions seamlessly from the mountain to everyday wear. I’ve gotten so many compliments on it, and it’s versatile enough to wear around town after a day on the slopes.

If you’re looking for a hoodie that combines warmth, durability, and style in one package, the 686 snowboarding hoodie is it. It’s an investment that’s worth every penny, and I can’t recommend it enough.

The highest quality soft shell top I have owned. It is extremely waterproof until it is washed and dried too many times. The zippers are top notch and the side zip really makes it versatile, enabling you to remain comfortable when you enter the Apres or indoors from the cold. The hood is large and deep and can easily fit over your brain bucket.

Warm, comfortable and sleek but more gray than purple just a heads up.

It’s warm and marketed correctly. It’s warm, the pockets are durable and don’t wedge your keys or phone into your stomach. The wind doesn’t get through or anything either. However, getting a helmet on underneath is difficult if not impossible. The only downside to it is that.

He’s about 5’9, 170, and I got the medium. He reports there’s not much room to layer with the medium, but that it is quite warm with just his base layer and a t shirt underneath. Good storage, looks awesome. He snowboarded for a week at Breck/Vail/Keystone over the holidays in a multitude of conditions from cold/whiteout to windy to sunny to whatever in between. Elevations ranging from the base area at 9,000’ up to 12,000’+.

I think if it got mega cold, like negative temps, he’d probably switch to his heavier jacket. But for most conditions, he said it was great. His other jacket is also a 686, so this one must be terrific for him to hang the other one in the closet.

First of all, my 16 year old doesn’t really want to wear a jacket at all while boarding, but he loves this!! So as a mom I am super happy, and he’s super happy! It’s cool, stylish, warm, waterproof, etc. Yay! A win!!!

Favorite snow jacket I’ve ever had. Very slim looking. Stays dry and surprisingly warm for an “outer shell” type garment. Obviously wear layers / thermals under but this is my main snowboard jacket now <3