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Deal.ai › Compare

686 Hydra Thermagraph Jacket vs Mountain Hardwear First Tracks Jacket

The 686 Hydra Thermagraph is the warmer, more weatherproof jacket: 20K/20K fabric, fully taped seams and 140g insulation beat the First Tracks on paper for cold, wet days. The Mountain Hardwear First Tracks is lighter and more packable, with a RECCO reflector and a cleaner pocket layout, so it suits resort skiers who run warm or want a jacket that layers easily. Build quality is solid on both; the 686 leans toward freeride and storm days, the First Tracks toward all-around resort use.

  • Choose the 686 Hydra Thermagraph if you ride in wet, cold conditions and want maximum waterproofing, taped seams and warmer insulation in one jacket.
  • Choose the Mountain Hardwear First Tracks if you want a lighter, less bulky jacket with a RECCO reflector and enough warmth for most resort days.

Prices

  • 686 Hydra Thermagraph Jacket: $149.83 at REI (last seen Nov 10)
  • Mountain Hardwear First Tracks Jacket: $70.00 at Steepandcheap (last seen Nov 10)
  • Difference: the Mountain Hardwear First Tracks Jacket is $79.83 cheaper than the 686 Hydra Thermagraph Jacket at the latest prices (Nov 10)
686
686 Men's Hydra Thermagraph Jacket

686 Hydra Thermagraph Jacket

686 Men's Hydra Thermagraph Jacket

$149.83at REIChecked Nov 10
See all prices and details
Visit REI
Pros
  • High 20K waterproof and breathability ratings
  • Fully taped seams for wet snow and rain
  • Warmer 140g insulation for cold days
  • Powder skirt and eight pockets
  • Stretch fabric and underarm vents
Cons
  • Heavier and bulkier than the First Tracks
  • No RECCO reflector
  • May be too warm for spring or hard hiking
Mountain Hardwear
Mountain Hardwear Men's First Tracks Jacket

Mountain Hardwear First Tracks Jacket

Mountain Hardwear Men's First Tracks Jacket

$70.00at SteepandcheapChecked 12 h ago
See all prices and details
Visit Steepandcheap

Store links may earn us a commission. Price via Klarna.

Pros
  • Lighter and easier to pack
  • RECCO reflector built in
  • Dry.Q fabric breathes well on the move
  • Three zippered chest pockets plus hand pockets
  • Helmet-compatible hood with three-way adjustment
Cons
  • Less insulation for very cold days
  • Waterproof rating not published
  • No powder skirt listed

What separates them

686 Hydra Thermagraph JacketMountain Hardwear First Tracks Jacket
Waterproofing20,000mm infiDRY 20K with DWR2-layer Dry.Q fabric, rating not published
Breathability20,000g/m² ratedDry.Q air-permeable membrane, no published figure
Insulation140g recycled insulation throughout80g body, 60g sleeves and hood
SeamsFully taped Bemis seamsNot stated as fully taped
Weight and packabilityHeavier, bulkier insulated shellAbout 2 lb 6 oz, packs smaller
Avalanche safetyNo RECCO reflector listedIntegrated RECCO reflector
Pockets8-pocket designThree chest and two hand pockets, all zippered
HoodAdjustable, helmet compatibleHelmet compatible with three-way drawcord adjustment

Price history

  • 686 Hydra Thermagraph Jacket: lowest $149.83 on Nov 10 at REI.
  • Mountain Hardwear First Tracks Jacket: lowest $69.98 on Nov 10 at Mountain Hardwear.

Prices at every store

686 Hydra Thermagraph Jacket

  • REINew

    In stock

    $149.83Free shippingChecked Nov 10
    Visit REI
  • Backcountry.comNew

    In stock

    $164.97Free shippingChecked Nov 10
    Visit Backcountry.com
  • Steep & CheapNew

    In stock

    $164.97+ $9.95 shippingChecked Nov 10
    Visit Steep & Cheap
  • AmazonNew

    Availability unknown

    As an Amazon Associate, Deal.ai earns from qualifying purchases.

    $239.96Free shippingChecked Nov 10
    Visit Amazon
All 12 stores and price history →

Mountain Hardwear First Tracks Jacket

  • SteepandcheapNew

    In stock

    $70.00Checked 12 h ago
    Visit Steepandcheap
  • Mountain HardwearNew

    In stock

    $69.98+ $6.00 shippingChecked 12 h ago
    Visit Mountain Hardwear
  • BackcountryNew

    In stock

    $83.99Free shippingChecked 12 h ago
    Visit Backcountry
  • Dick's Sporting GoodsNew

    In stock

    $140.00+ $9.99 shippingChecked 12 h ago
    Visit Dick's Sporting Goods

Store links may earn us a commission. Some prices via Klarna.

All 6 stores and price history →

Specs compared

Spec686 Hydra Thermagraph JacketMountain Hardwear First Tracks Jacket
Waterproofing20000mm2-layer waterproof Dry.Q® fabric
HoodAdjustable Helmet Compatible HoodHelmet-compatible hood with three-way drawcord …
VentingAir-Flo™ Mesh Lined Under Arm VentsUnderarm zip vents with mesh backing
Breathability20000gm—
Fabric2-Layer infiDRY® 20K Stretch Fabric + DWR—
Insulation140g 85% Recycled Insulation—
SeamsFully Taped Bemis® Seams—
FitArticulated—
Pockets8-Pocket Design—
StyleM2W110—
DepartmentMen's—
Performance StyleSki & Snowboard—
Show all 34 specsShow fewer specs
Spec686 Hydra Thermagraph JacketMountain Hardwear First Tracks Jacket
SeasonSpring, Fall, Winter—
MaterialMesh, Polyester, Spandex, Fleece—
With HoodYes—
WaterproofYes—
Fastener TypeZipper—
For RainYes—
Size TypeRegular—
InsulatedYes—
With Powder SkirtYes—
With Sealed SeamsYes

What reviewers say

686 Hydra Thermagraph Jacket

Owners treat the Hydra Thermagraph as a dependable cold-weather resort jacket. They praise the warmth, the waterproofing in wet snow and the pocket layout. Some find it too warm for mild days and note the insulated fabric feels heavier than a shell.

What people mention
  • WarmthPraisedOwners say the 140g insulation keeps them comfortable on cold lift rides without a midlayer.
  • WaterproofingPraisedRiders report staying dry in wet, heavy snow thanks to the 20K shell and taped seams.
  • VentingMixedUnderarm vents help, but some say the insulated body still runs warm on mild days.
  • WeightCriticisedA few owners find the insulated jacket heavier and bulkier than a shell.

Mountain Hardwear First Tracks Jacket

Owners treat the First Tracks as a dependable cold-weather resort jacket: warm, dry and loaded with pockets for the money. The recurring complaints are bulk and warmth on mild or high-output days, and a fit that runs long and roomy.

What people mention
  • WarmthPraisedOwners say the 80 g body insulation handles cold lift days without a midlayer.
  • WeatherproofingPraisedReviewers report staying dry in wet snow and mixed precipitation.
  • BulkCriticisedSeveral call it heavy and awkward to stuff into a pack compared with a shell.
  • BreathabilityMixedVents help, but riders say it gets clammy on hard climbs and warm spring days.

Questions and answers

Which is warmer for cold resort days?
The 686 Hydra Thermagraph. It uses 140g insulation throughout, while the First Tracks uses 80g in the body and 60g in the sleeves and hood.
Which handles wet snow and rain better?
The 686, on paper. It has a 20,000mm rating, a DWR finish and fully taped seams. Mountain Hardwear does not publish a waterproof rating for the First Tracks.
Which is better for backcountry or sidecountry use?
The First Tracks is lighter and has a RECCO reflector, which helps rescuers. The 686 is heavier and warmer, so it suits lift-served storm days better.
Does either jacket have a powder skirt?
The 686 has a powder skirt. Mountain Hardwear does not list one on the First Tracks.
Is the First Tracks worth stepping up to over the 686?
Only if weight, packability and the RECCO reflector matter more to you than warmth and a published high waterproof rating. Otherwise the 686 covers more conditions.
Do both have underarm vents?
Yes. Both use mesh-backed underarm zip vents for dumping heat on the climb or on warm afternoons.

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—
Ventilation TypePit—
Care InstructionsMachine Wash—
LengthHip—
Insulation weight body—80 g
Insulation weight sleeves/hood—60 g
Center back length—31.5 in / 80 cm
Approx. weight—2 lb 6 oz / 1078 g
Fabric body—Dry.Q® 70D 2-layer
Fabric lining—20D Nylon Taffeta
Chest pockets—Three secure zippered chest pockets
Hand pockets—Two secure zippered hand pockets
RECCO reflector—Integrated RECCO® reflector