#3
Helly Hansen
Norwegian outdoor, sailing and workwear brand founded in 1877, acquired by Wrangler owner Kontoor Brands from Canadian Tire in May 2025.
What changes. Sailing/workwear heritage, broader categories, less snowboard culture
Cheaper alternatives to 686
10 ranked picks
Want the 686 look for less? These 10 brands match closely on style, silhouette and category while sitting at a lower price tier — ranked by overall similarity.
#9
Oakley
Californian sport-performance eyewear and apparel brand, part of EssilorLuxottica, known for Prizm lenses and Frogskins, Holbrook and Sutro frames.
Why it's similar. Both brands create specialized technical apparel and accessories aimed at outdoor enthusiasts and athletes.
#12
Salomon
French outdoor brand from Annecy known for ski and trail-running gear, whose XT-6 and Speedcross shoes became gorpcore streetwear staples.
Why it's similar. Both brands offer technical apparel and footwear designed for outdoor sports, including skiing.
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#16
Cotopaxi
Salt Lake City B Corp making colorful, repurposed-material outdoor packs and apparel, known for its Allpa travel pack and Del Día bags.
#18
VANS
American skate footwear and apparel brand, founded in Anaheim in 1966 and owned by VF Corporation, known for the Old Skool and Sk8-Hi.
#19
DC Shoes
American skate and snowboard footwear brand founded in 1994, now owned by Authentic Brands Group and operated through licensees.
#20
Huf
HUF is a skate and streetwear brand founded in San Francisco in 2002 by pro skateboarder Keith Hufnagel, now owned by Japan's TSI Holdings.
#21
Volcom
Costa Mesa boardsports apparel brand known for the Stone logo, boardshorts and snow outerwear, now owned by Authentic Brands Group.
#22
Quiksilver
Australian-founded surf label, owned by Authentic Brands Group since 2023, known for boardshorts, wetsuits and snow outerwear.
#23
Billabong
Australian surf brand from 1973, known for triple-stitched boardshorts, wetsuits and beach-print casualwear; now owned and licensed by Authentic Brands Group.
Common questions
What are the best cheaper alternatives to 686?
Helly Hansen, Oakley, Salomon lead our ranking. Want the 686 look for less? These 10 brands match closely on style, silhouette and category while sitting at a lower price tier — ranked by overall similarity.
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