686 Coal Sunrise Shell Jacket Review

686 x Coal Sunrise Shell Jacket
Jacket Reviewed: 686 Coal Sunrise Shell Jacket
Product color: Strata Blue
Rider specs: 6’0″, 195lbs, jacket size: XL
Intended Use: Snowboarding, Snow Sports
Recommended for: Anyone looking for a lightweight 2 layer 20K Waterproof/15K Breathability shell jacket suitable for most conditions.

Product Details from 686:

2.5-Layer infiDRY® 20K Stretch Fabric + DWR
Fully Taped Bemis® Seams
Shell Design
Mesh Lined Chest Vent Pocket
Merino Wool Blend Inner Collar/Mouth Flap
Attached Adjustable Powder Skirt w/ Lycra Stretch Panel
Pant Jacket ConnectTM System
Inner Lycra Wrist Gaiters
Adjustable Cuff Strap
Inner Thumb Grip
Adjustable Hood
VaderTM Vents
Zippered Sleeve Pass Pocket
Internal 686 Jacquard Mesh Goggle/Storage Pocket
Inner Media Audio Pocket with Audio Cord Outlet
Tangle Free Headphone Loops
YKK® AquaGuard® Water-Resistant Chest Zippers
Concealed Zipper Back Pocket
Removable Cross Strap System (CSS®) Pack Straps
NEW Hood Link System
Helmet Compatible

Review Date: November 2019 – March 2020 in Wyoming

Review:

I’ve been a big fan of 686 for their bombproof outerwear for a while now. I’ve owned several pairs of 686 pants and most are still in really good condition, even after several seasons of abuse. When I saw the 686 x Coal Sunrise jacket, I was initially drawn to its aesthetic appeal. As I researched it a bit more, I was blown away at all the technology 686 and Coal loaded into this jacket. Most collab pieces are low end, minimal cost products that companies can move quickly. The 686 x Coal Sunrise Shell Jacket is 2 layer, 20K Waterproof/15K Breathability shell jacket suitable for most conditions winter will throw at you.

The outer jacket is infiDRY® 20K Stretch Fabric + DWR, making this a really functional jacket. The stretch fabric allows for great movement without restriction. It’s also an articulated fit, offering ergonomically articulated cut lines, designed to work with movement and provide room where you need it most.

Beneath that layer is the infiDRY 20K Membrane, 686’s exclusive waterproof and breathable fabric, to keep you dry in any condition. The Sunrise shell has a lot of features that are standard with most jackets: fully taped seams, powder skirt, wrist gaiters, YKK® AquaGuard® Water-resistant Zippers, jacket to pant system, and adjustable cuff straps.

The Sunrise shell has some features that really set it apart and add to its functionality. A lot of shells and jacket’s collars can cause your goggles to fog or make it difficult to breathe when fully zipped. The Sunrise shell has Vader™ Vents, basically small mesh-lined holes to allow airflow, I really liked these as they kept my goggles fog-free and made it easy to talk/breath. This area is also Merino wool lined in the collar/mouth area which feels great against your skin.

A feature that can be really useful is the Removable Cross Strap System (CSS®) Pack Straps. It allows you to carry the jacket more like a pack when hiking or touring. I used this a few times hiking to grab a few extra turns. This system also acts as a travel strap and the jacket can be folded down to a hip pack.

This jacket does have ample storage but not in the places you’d expect it. It does not have hip pockets. Instead, it has two large chest pockets that are mesh-lined to help you dump heat when needed. I was able to store a GoPro handle with ease in these pockets. It also has a pocket on the back, but it’s not real big and falls in an awkward spot right on your left glute area. Inside the jacket, it has a goggle stash pocket and a media pocket that is touch screen compatible. It also has media loops to keep headphones from becoming tangled or caught on things. On the right chest zipper area is a small pocket for lip balm and on the left sleeve a pass pocket.

Overall:

The 686 Coal Sunrise Shell Jacket 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 has a great fit too and with the stretch fabric, it moves with you, not against you. When shopping for a new jacket next fall, consider 686, you won’t be disappointed.