686 Men's Waterproof Hoody - Weather Resistant Winter Layer

In this review the 686 Men's Waterproof Hoody is evaluated as a winter-ready replacement for an everyday sweatshirt, aimed at riders and anyone who wants a hoody that handles wet, cold conditions. The bottom line: this hoody stands out because it blends a comfortable fleece-backed interior with waterproof, breathable infiDRY 10K fabric so it keeps warmth in and light snow or rain out without feeling bulky. The attached facemask and useful pockets make it a practical option for outdoor activity and daily wear.

Key Features

• Waterproof and breathable: infiDRY 10K fabric plus a DWR finish keeps light snow and rain from soaking the hoody while allowing moisture to escape.
• Warm fleece backing: the softshell three-layer bonded two-way stretch fabric has a polyester fleece inside for consistent warmth without excess bulk.
• Ventilation options: grommet underarm venting and a side seam zippered entry with pit venting help regulate temperature during activity.
• Practical storage: a zippered kangaroo pouch pocket and arm cuff pass pocket provide secure, accessible storage and a media port for headphone routing.
• Activity-friendly details: adjustable Velcro cuffs, inner thumb grips, glove links, and a front hood drawcord make the hoody ready for snowboarding or cold-weather commuting.

Who It's For

Riders and outdoorsmen who want the comfort of a sweatshirt with weather protection will appreciate this hoody; it is clearly aimed at snowboarders and winter commuters who need breathability, mobility, and waterproofing without a full hard shell. The attached facemask and glove links are features that particularly benefit those who spend time on the hill or in windy, wet conditions.

Shoppers who need heavy insulation for extreme cold or a fully taped, mountaineering-grade shell should look elsewhere, since this design is a softshell hybrid focused on everyday winter use rather than expedition-level protection. Those seeking a minimalist urban hoodie without technical features may also find this more tool-rich than necessary.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Comfortable fleece-backed interior delivers reliable warmth for daily winter use.
• infiDRY 10K plus DWR provides credible weather resistance for light snow and rain.
• Thoughtful pockets and media port add real-world usefulness and storage capacity.
• Activity-focused details like thumb grips and glove links increase on-slope convenience.

Cons

• Not intended as a heavy insulated parka for very low temperatures; layering may be required.
• Technical features add complexity that may be unnecessary for casual users.

Specifications

Our Verdict

The 686 Men's Waterproof Hoody is a versatile winter midlayer that combines breathable waterproofing with a soft, warm interior and practical pockets, making it a great value for snowboarders and cold-weather commuters who want comfort plus weather protection. It is best chosen by those who value mobility and features over extreme insulation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this hoody fully waterproof?
It uses infiDRY 10K and DWR for strong weather resistance against light snow and rain but is not a fully taped expedition shell.

Can it be layered under a shell?
Yes, the modern fit and two-way stretch construction make it suitable as a midlayer under a larger outer shell.

Does it have pockets for media or gloves?
Yes, there is a zippered kangaroo pouch with an inner audio button hole and an arm cuff pass pocket, plus glove links and inner thumb grips for handling cold.