686 Quantum Thermagraph Pants

686 Quantum Thermagraph Pants come loaded with features for convenience and improved performance. The Quick Zip waistband adjustment zipper is a handy feature to cinch extra slack in the waist, which is effective enough to forgo bringing a belt. Water resistant zippers run smoothly and seal well, particularly on the two average-sized thigh pockets. The 100% 2-way stretch twill and steel rip stop 100% poly mélange uses 686’s infiDRY waterproof and breathable fabric rated at 20,000/15,000 with microporus coating, which while waterproof and performed well wasn’t the most pleasant hand-feel for some testers.

Strategic body mapping with Thermagraph is designed to keep you warm in places you need it – in the knees and seat of the pants for snowboarders – but testers found themselves overly hot, sweaty and swampy at times, commenting that these snow pants are not for the average day on the mountain. Air-Flo mesh lined vents in the crotch may combat this, but testers also found that double layered mesh hindered proper airflow and cooling.

The Quantum Thermagraph Pants come with 686’s articulated fit designed to work with your body movement, and testers agreed, commenting it was a good balance of baggy yet well fitted. 686 put special attention to the ski and snowboard pants cuffs, with BOA compatible boot gaiter and boot hook, Condura horseshoe hem and Ghetto slit, allowing for the pants to flair, if that’s your style.

Pro: Testers loved the fit and style of these pants – baggy without hampering performance thanks to 686’s Articulated Fit, with ergonomically articulated cut lines that move as you do.

Cons: These pants were sometimes too warm and too much for everyday resort wear. And even though vents provide openings to cool down, the double layer mesh prevented proper airflow, which lead them to be less breathable and cause swampiness for riders prone to sweating.

Key Attribute: Features, including Quick Zip waistband adjustment and silicone cuffs

Tester Comments: “I loved the fit and the style — baggy enough for steeze but still well fitted. The simple color palette of black with subtle silver accents make it easy to match with a flashy jacket. However, there wasn’t enough airflow at times, and they would likely be too much for everyday resort wear.”