The Smarty 3-in-1 Cargo is one of 686's best-known pants. It is a shell pant with a fleece liner that zips in, so you can wear the shell, the shell with the liner or the liner on its own.
This review covers how warm the Smarty Cargo is, how it fits and how it holds up.
What It Is: A Shell Pant With a Removable Liner
The shell uses 686's 2-layer fabric rated 20K for waterproofing and 20K for breathability. The liner is a fleece jogger, so you can also wear it around the lodge or at home.
It has a cargo style with 12 pockets, a boot-cut leg and a mid-rise fit, and it works with 686's Smarty jackets.
Most owner reports cover older versions. One rider said 686 has made Smarty pants since at least 2003, and earlier versions used a 15K fabric.
On the Hill: Warm and Comfortable
Owners like the liner. One rider said it is warm enough that on a 10 F day they can wear just shorts under it and be fine. An owner in the Pacific Northwest wore theirs for two seasons with no issues. They said the pants are decently warm even without the liner, and they wear the liner on its own after riding because it is comfy.
One rider said the pants are super warm but not too heavy and don't get in the way of riding.
Where It Excels
The Smarty Cargo shines for riders who want one pant for every temperature. One owner said it is easy to stay at a good temperature by adding or removing the liner and opening or closing the vents. They also liked the pocket room.
It also lasts for some owners. One rider wore theirs for about five years, including some seasons of 100 or more days, before the waterproofing was totally shot. Another still has Smarty pants from 2003.
Where It Falls Short
The fit runs big. One owner said the pants run kind of big and recommended a belt so you don't lose them every run. Another rider agreed they will be baggy.
The shell and liner fit didn't work for one rider. They said the shell waist was much too large and the liner waist much too small, which left a big gap at the fly that scooped up snow. A replacement pair did the same thing, so they suggest trying them on in person.
Durability is mixed. One owner who rides heavy snow in Southern California said the pants didn't hold up for them and wouldn't recommend them if you fall or sit a lot. Another rider said 686 seems to have used cheaper zippers in recent years.
The "Are the Ratings Real?" Question
One longtime owner pointed out that brands set their own waterproof ratings, with no independent test. Their Smarty pants from about 2007 were rated 20K, but they said the pants were bad at keeping moisture out.
Here's the take from owners: the Smarty Cargo is a warm, comfortable resort pant. If you ride in very wet places, a GORE-TEX pant or bib will keep you drier.
Who Should Buy It
Buy the 686 Smarty Cargo if you want warm, comfortable pants with lots of pockets and a liner you can take out on warm days.
Look elsewhere if you want a bib, a slim fit or the most waterproof fabric for very wet climates.
Alternatives
The Volcom Roan Bib is a cheaper shell bib that keeps snow out of your waistband. Read our full Volcom Roan Bib review.
The Burton Reserve GORE-TEX 2L Bib uses GORE-TEX and comes with Burton's lifetime warranty. Read our full Burton Reserve GORE-TEX 2L Bib review.
Verdict
The 686 Smarty 3-in-1 Cargo is a warm, comfortable pant with a liner you can add or remove and plenty of pockets. It runs big, one rider had a bad shell and liner fit, and durability reports are mixed. For riders who want one pant for every temperature, it is still a good pick.
