686 3L Shadow Durable Bib
Rider specs: 5’11″, 195lbs, bib size: L
Intended use: Snowboarding, Snow Sports
Recommended for: Anyone looking for a durable 3 layer 20K Waterproof/15K Breathability shell bib suitable for most conditions.
Product Details from 686:
- Highly Durable 3-Layer infiDRY® Nylon Fabric + DWR
- Fully Taped 3L Bemis® Seams
- 3-Layer Shell Design
- Total Pockets: 10
- Dual Side Cross Venting + Entry
- 2-Way Front Zip Entry
- Pant Jacket Connect™ System
- Adjustable Logo Elastic Straps
- 2 Zipper Pockets on Upper Bib
- Internal Mesh Pockets on Upper Bib
- Key/Transceiver Leash Clip in Chest Pocket
- Lower Back Stretch Panel
- Boot Gusset with Snap Closure
- BOA® Compatible Boot System In Gaiter
- Boot Gaiter with Lycra Stretch Panel and Boot Lace Hook
- 500D Reinforced Knees, Belt Loops + Wrap Around Kick Panels
- Lift Ticket Eyelet on Belt Loop
- Audio Buttonhole
- YKK® AquaGuard® Water-Resistant Upper Thigh Pocket Zipper
- Lifetime Warranty
Review Date: November 2021 – March 2022 in Wyoming
Review:
As I’ve said in numerous reviews, winter in the Tetons can be really cold at times. I’m always exploring new ways to stay warm and dry. In the past, I have always worn pants and kept them snug with a belt, but this season I decided to give bibs a try for the added warmth. I’ve been a big fan of 686 pants for a long time due to the bombproof construction and figured that was the best place to start for bibs too.
The 686 3L Shadow Durable Bib fit offers an articulated fit to allow better movement where needed. I found that this provided ease of movement in my legs and didn’t like they were binding anywhere. I did find the fit to be a little tight in the upper body though, and it was pretty snug around my core and waist. One really nice feature is the front zipper goes from crotch to chest and is a 2-way zipper. This helped with getting the straps on and off.
The Shadow bib is built to be very durable. The material seems to be pretty close to indestructible and feels quite thick. I did find it to be pretty stiff at first and needed some time to break them in. The knee area on the Shadow bib is heavily reinforced as is the area in the lower cuff. 686 designed and built these to last and after a season of use, they still look new.
The 3-layer 15k nylon fabric is also DWR coated so it kept me dry and warm all winter long. These bibs do not have insulation and are intended to be more of a shell, so you will need to layer on those cold days. Unfortunately, the 686 Shadow fit bibs do not have leg vents so I found them to be pretty warm hiking. They do have zippers on both sides of the upper body portion that you can open up to aid in dumping heat.
The bibs have plenty of storage with ten total pockets. I liked the upper mesh pocket for phone storage and found it easy to access.
Overall Impressions:
The 686 3L Shadow Durable Bib kept me warm and dry all winter long. It is loaded with unique, functional features and style. It has the durability you’d expect from 686. It’s a great choice for a bib that will last you for many seasons.
Pros
- Extremely durable
- Great 20K Waterproofing/15K Breathability
Cons
- No leg zips, can be a bit warm
- A bit tight in upper body
| Price: |  (4.5 / 5) |
| Performance: |  (4.0 / 5) |
| Design: | (4.0 / 5) |
| Overall: |  (4.2 / 5) |