Platinum Picks – Best of ’22: 686 Gore-Tex Hydrastash Sync Jacket

2-Layer Gore Tex, detail-oriented features, and easy style–oh, and the built-in, removable, barely-noticeable-when-you’re-wearing-it Hydrastash system provides easy access to hydration wherever you’re riding–all together, the 686 Hydrastash Sync is a 2022 Platinum Pick Award winner.

Did you know that seventy percent of Americans are chronically dehydrated? It’s true! It was on a science show or maybe in a dream. Either way, what cannot be argued is that staying liquified keeps you focused and helps regulate energy levels. Riding in a bulky backpack or stopping every twenty minutes at the lodge is annoying, if not wasteful, what with that mountain of Dixie cups littering the scene. Enter the 686 Gore-Tex Hydrastash Sync Jacket, a unique approach to the high-performance jacket/ water pouch combo.

The genius of this integrated system is that the anti-microbial bladder is hidden within a worm-like tube that wraps around your waist, instead of the sweatbag-style bladders that strap to your back. Designed by the 686 team of backcountry riders, the 25-ounce bladder is of zero hindrance to the mobility of this exceptionally designed jacket. And because of that, staying optimally hydrated is just a sip away.

Speaking to the functionality of the Sync Jacket, it’s simply a treasure trove of features that will please everyone, from the crustiest vet to the most demanding perfectionist. First off, it’s a 2-Layer Gore-Tex shell with oversized Air-Flo chest vents, so if your layer game is on point, you will be in total control of your thermal regulation. Furthermore, it’s cut with an articulated fit, meaning you’ll be comfortable and will also avoid the dreaded high and tight goober look. This is to say nothing of the stretchy Lycra wrist gaiters, merino wool inner collar, and easy-access smartphone pocket. And with a dedicated mini Chapstick pouch, make no mistake, the future is upon us. – Nate Deschenes

686

686 Hydrastash Sync Jacket – $439.95

Learn more at www.686.com, as well as @686 and @686snow on Instagram.

This year, the Snowboard Magazine Platinum Picks Awards are sliding into their fourteenth season as the largest, most in-depth gear review of its kind. Thousands of great products from every category on the market have been narrowed down to a select few that our editors have reviewed, tinkered with, analyzed, and photographed. Our goal is to inform, educate, and help guide your buying decisions this winter, so you end up with the very best gear for your time on the mountain. In the 2022 Platinum Picks, you’ll find an assortment of amazing boards, boots, bindings, goggles, helmets, jackets, pants, and more that we have deemed The Best of ’22.

Comments

Up Next

May 23, 2023

What’s the Deal with Koroyd Technology Used in Smith Helmets?

words and photos: Mike Basher Helmets are designed with the crash in mind, and all sorts of engineering measures...

April 28, 2023

Shreddable Arrangement: First Look at the 2024 Salomon HPS Quiver

Since 2017, the Hillside Project Series has been one of Salomon’s most-anticipated releases every season. Evolving from the bespoke...

March 23, 2023

What’s the Deal? Salomon Shadow Fit

In 2005, the engineers at Salomon Snowboards noticed something long overlooked in binding development: lateral flex. Bindings are designed...

March 13, 2023

Burton Releases MINE77 x Underberg Collection

Jake's favorite herbal aperitif on special collection to honor his love of good times in the mountains.

February 23, 2023

What’s the Deal? Rome HotRods Explained

This week resident gear expert Mike Basher dives into the intricate pieces invented by Rome featured throughout their board...

February 18, 2023

What’s the Deal? Smith I/O Mag Imprint 3D Goggle

Five minutes and a face Scan (on your phone) for a custom, perfect-fitting goggle? Snowboard Magazine gear editor, Mike...

February 9, 2023

Ride Snowboards Releases Super Limited Looney Tunes Collection to Celebrate Their 30th Year

Make like the Roadrunner and get on this one fast.

January 25, 2023

2024 Gear Preview from Interlude

The new 2024 snowboard gear for next winter!

December 26, 2022

Inside the Pro Model: Mark Carter and the Arbor Clovis and Cypress Bindings

"I wanted it to be an all-mountain board, one anyone can ride anywhere."