In the Kit Bag: 686

686 is one of those brands that quietly gets on with making good kit while other labels get more attention. The range is technical, well-specified and has a clear identity that’s built up over three decades.

Who they are

686 was founded on 13 November 1992 by Michael Akira West in a college classroom at the University of Southern California. The brand’s name comes from a date meaningful in the life of West’s grandmother, 6 June 1986, which also happens to add up (6+8+6) to the age West was when he started 686.

West first stepped on a skateboard in the early 1980s as part of the Venice Beach skate scene. He was introduced to snowboarding in 1985, and over the following years rode and worked at Big Bear in California. The brand emerged from that crossover of skate and snowboard culture, with punk, rap, jazz and vintage clothing as additional inspirations.

686 remains independently owned and operated by Michael Akira West to this day.

What they make

686 produces technical outerwear for snowboarding and skiing: jackets, pants, bibs, fleeces, accessories and a full range of gloves and mittens. The brand has a reputation for innovative features, the Hydrastash integrated hydration system in some jackets is one example of 686 finding unusual solutions to real problems on the mountain.

Pricing sits in the mid-to-upper tier, reflecting the technical content and independent-brand production costs.

Who it’s for

686 suits:

Snowboarders and skiers who want technical kit from a genuinely independent brand
Buyers looking for unusual features beyond the standard outerwear template
People who like a bit of LA skate culture in their mountain aesthetic

Less suited to:

Buyers on the tightest budgets (686 sits above the budget tier)
Skiers who want a traditional European ski aesthetic

What I’d buy right now

686’s outerwear lines offer a range of insulation options from shell through to heavily insulated. Their bibs are well-regarded, and their jacket range typically offers fits that suit both snowboarders and skiers who prefer a slightly looser cut. Check the current season’s waterproof ratings, they typically range from 10K to 20K depending on the specific model, and match to your intended use.

Honest verdict

686 is an easy brand to overlook because it doesn’t shout as loudly as some competitors. That’s a mistake. The kit is genuinely well-made, the independent ownership is real, and the features are thought through rather than tacked on.

For anyone building a technical kit who wants to step away from the most obvious brand names, 686 is a strong option worth looking at.