686 Men’s GLCR Ether 3-PLY Jacket – Gear Review

As winter begins to draw to a close, it’s time to reflect on our experiences, good and bad.  At Busted Wallet we don’t hesitate to brave any conditions, from the summer heat to the winter cold…ish.  With the passing of the warmest January on record, it was the perfect year to put the 686 Men’s GLCR ETHER 3-PLY JACKET to the test.  Join us on a trip down the wet, windy, somewhat cold memory lane of what we called winter.

Key Features:

•  Comes with FREE Nikwax Tech Wash®
•  3 Layer Shell Fabric
•  Fully Taped Seams
•  NEW Cohaesive™ Cord Management System on front hood adjustments
•  Water-Resistant Exposed Zippers
•  Removable Adjustable Powder Skirt with Lycra Stretch Panel and PJ Connect™ System
•  Air-Flo™ Under Arm Vents
•  Vader™ Vents
•  RECCO® Advanced Rescue Technology
•  Internal Mesh Storage/Goggle Pocket
•  Internal Smart Phone Pocket
•  Internal Lycra Horseshoe Thumb Wrist Gaiters
•  Zippered Sleeve Pass Pocket
•  Audio Cord Outlet
•  Adjustable Hem, Hood and Cuffs

Materials:

• OUTERSHELL: Microporous Waterproof Jacket Shell / 100% Nylon Woven Coated
• LINING: 100% Polyester & Nylon

Design:

Since 1992, “686 has been about providing innovative, fashionable outerwear and technical apparel inspired from the same Los Angeles street culture and mountain lifestyle it was founded upon.”  The GLCR ETHER 3-PLY JACKET demonstrates that exact mind set in every way.  Their exclusive waterproof and breathable technical fabric, known as infiDRY®, combined with various thermal ratings and fit options, 686 jackets can fulfill anyone’s personal desires.

The GLCR ETHER 3-PLY JACKET rated in at 20k on 686’s infiDRY® scale, more accurately described by 686 as “radical waterproofing and breathability.”  The thermal rating of this shell came in at just a 3 (out of 10), built for layering to combat varying body and air temperature changes.  A great jacket for the winter we have experienced thus far.

For those that dare to push the limits and live life on the edge this jacket does come equipped with the RECCO^® Advanced Rescue System.  With no activation required and a seemingly limitless life span, piece of mind is always with you.

Speaking of limitless, the features of this jacket are ridiculous.  The horseshoe lycra hand gaitors along with the zip off and adjustable powder skirt make early morning runs that much more enjoyable without the unwanted snow sneaking in.  Pockets?  The GLCR ETHER JACKET has plenty.  From the audio pocket, to the inner mesh goggle pocket and even a sleeve pocket you will have everything you want at your side.

Performance:

It only took us a few runs at Steven’s Pass, Washington to come to the conclusion that 686’s GLCR ETHER 3-PLY JACKET was legit.  On our way up the first lift we noticed a vast amount of people wearing plastic trash bags over their coats, then the very wet, sideways blowing snow began to hit and we knew why.  Not once during the entire day did we have to consider joining the ever so elegant trash bag look.  Every part of the body covered by the coat was bone dry, warm and comfortable.  Take note, we had on a very prominent brand (and supposedly waterproof) snow pants, which they were not, while the top portion covered by the jacket was still dry… 686’s infiDRY® technology is the real deal.  With the warmer winter we’ve experienced thus far and hopefully only getting warmer this jacket suits us perfectly.

Comfort:

Stated above this jacket is rated for warmer temperatures (25 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit).  With the winter we are experiencing, this has been an excellent jacket.  It keeps wind and moisture out while allowing the body to breath providing for a very comfortable experience.  We did have some slightly cooler temps then the GLCR ETHER 3-PLY JACKET is rated for, so we used 686’s advice and layered, and were just fine.  The cohesive adjustment system allows for a very comfortable fit no matter what’s underneath, from a t-shirt to bulky sweatshirt.  When the urge comes to push the limits the jacket allowed the body to breathe without becoming a hot mess underneath.  Open the under arm air-flo vents and you’re good to go.

Durability:

We did our very best to put the GLCR ETHER 3-PLY JACKET through every condition possible, from the VERY wet and sideways blowing snow in the Cascade’s to close encounters of the wood kind.  Seams and zippers show no sign of wear, the outer shell looks and feels like true quality that will last over the years.  686 provides very detailed instructions on how to care for their products and make them last.   Each product comes with NikWax Tech Wash, an outerwear-specific detergent to aid in optimal performance and the longest lifespan possible.

Value:

There are so many options on the market in terms of outdoor recreation apparel, value is a key factor in almost everyone’s consideration.  The GLCR ETHER 3-PLY JACKET retails at $350.00, but currently is reduced to $280.00; in our opinion a steal.  This jacket has the look and feel of a top-of-the-line outerwear performance jacket, at a fraction of the cost.  686 stands behind everything they make and offer a one year warranty from purchase date

Buy Now: $280.00 or go to 686.com for more awesome products!