74% matchNorrona
Activity-specific Gore-Tex shells, freeride-leaning
What changes: Scandinavian alpine focus, pricier, less streetwear crossover
Brand profile
686
686 is an independent Los Angeles brand making technical snowboard and ski outerwear, known for its Smarty 3-in-1 layering system and GORE-TEX shells.
Los AngelesOrigin
UnisexFocus
Gorpcore / OutdoorStyle
$$$Price
What to know about 686
Snow shells built for layering
The line is anchored by the Smarty 3-in-1 system, plus GORE-TEX and 20K waterproof shells, so one jacket covers several conditions instead of one.
Utility details over clean minimalism
Jackets carry functional oddities like built-in hydration and insulated cooler pockets, which is what separates them from plainer technical outerwear at this price.
Independent, founder-led, B Corp
Founded in 1992 by Michael Akira West, who returned to day-to-day leadership in late 2024; the company certified as a B Corp the same year.
How 686 fits
Overall fit
true to size
686 outerwear generally fits true to size with a roomy, layer-friendly cut typical of snowboard gear, giving space for mid-layers without being oversized.
Tip: Order your usual size; size up only if you plan to layer heavily underneath.
Medium confidence · based on 8 sources
By category
| Category | Runs | Shape | Size advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trousers & pants | true to size | regular to relaxed snow pant | Take your usual waist size; the fit runs relaxed with room for base layers. |
| Jackets | true to size | relaxed, layer-friendly | Stick with your normal size; the cut already leaves room for mid-layers. |
Directional fit consensus summarized from public sources with AI — a starting point, not a guarantee. Confirm with the product's own measurements before buying.
If you like 686
See all 25 brands like 686 →74% match
72% matchNIKE ACG
Same skate-street DNA under the GORE-TEX build
What changes: Trail/lifestyle rather than dedicated snow layering systems
70% matchHelly Hansen
Utility-driven snow and work shells at similar prices
What changes: Sailing/workwear heritage, broader categories, less snowboard culture
66% matchMountain Hardwear
More alpine-technical take on hard shells and insulation
What changes: Mountaineering focus, no 3-in-1 snowboard styling
686 fit questions
Does 686 run big or small?
686 fits true to size. Order your usual size; size up only if you plan to layer heavily underneath. 686 outerwear generally fits true to size with a roomy, layer-friendly cut typical of snowboard gear, giving space for mid-layers without being oversized.
How does 686 fit?
686 outerwear generally fits true to size with a roomy, layer-friendly cut typical of snowboard gear, giving space for mid-layers without being oversized. Overall shape: regular to relaxed.
How do 686 trousers & pants fit?
686 trousers & pants fits true to size. Take your usual waist size; the fit runs relaxed with room for base layers. Shape: regular to relaxed snow pant.
How do 686 jackets fit?
686 jackets fits true to size. Stick with your normal size; the cut already leaves room for mid-layers. Shape: relaxed, layer-friendly.
Brand facts
686 is a Los Angeles technical apparel brand founded in 1992 by Michael Akira West, who started it as Jib 686 and shortened the name in 1995. It builds snowboard and ski outerwear around the Smarty 3-in-1 layering system, GORE-TEX and 20K shells, and utility details such as built-in hydration and cooler pockets. The company stays independent and founder-led, with West resuming day-to-day leadership in late 2024, and it certified as a B Corp in 2024. Recent collaborations include Huf, Anti Social Social Club, Mystery Ranch, Keith Haring and Pabst Blue Ribbon.
- Founded
- 1992
- Origin
- Los Angeles, United States
- Made in
- Asia
- Price
- $$$
- Focus
- Unisex
- Facts checked
- August 2026
- Styles
- Gorpcore / Outdoor, Techwear, Streetwear