686 GLCR Ether Down Thermagraph Review

February 17, 2017
686 GLCR Ether Down Thermagraph
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686 GLCR Ether Down Thermagraph 686_ETHER_0.jpg 686_ETHER_1 686_ETHER_2 686_ETHER_3
GEAR INSTITUTE RATINGS
79
Durability
5
Weatherproofness
5
Bells & Whistles
8
Function
6
Breathability
5

The Good

  • Well priced
  • Body mapped insulation
  • Stylish looks

The Bad

  • Smallish pit zips
  • Face fabric loses weathproofing over time
  • A bit heavy
THE VERDICT

686’s GLCR’s Ether is a warm ski jacket with strategically placed insulation to cut down on weight, though fashion-forward twill fabrics and cost-saving 2-layer fabrics put this jacket on the heavier side of those tested.

FULL REVIEW

Durability
The twill face fabrics on the Eather look sharp and timeless but they can loose their weathproofing qualities over time as more texture means more chances for water to seep into the fabric and wet out. The hung liner-construction of the Eather on the interior saves cost, but will begin to tear over time.

Weatherproofness
The Ether is treated with a DWR coating, which makes it waterproof, though the chemical will wear off in time. If so, be sure to throw the jacket in the dryer on medium, which will re-activate the DWR coating. The very high collar should help keep you dry in blowing snow, and the powder skirt will do the same in the case of tomahawking wipe-outs.

Bells and Whistles
The Ether sports a full compliment of seven pockets, including a drop pocket for extra goggle lenses and a pass pocket on the left forearm. The powder skirt zips off and the wrist gaiters work great.

Function
This coat kept us plenty warm on some downright bitter cold January days in Jackson Hole. 

Breathability
The body-mapped insulation helps reduce overheating, though the hung-liner-type interior doesn’t breathe as well as a three-layer shell or a jacket insulated with a top-shelf primaloft. The mesh-backed pit zips increase circulation to prevent overheating.

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