The technical progression and fashion fusion that define 686 are a reflection of the life experience of Mike Akira West, the founder and creative visionary of the brand. In the late ‘80s, Mike West was deeply involved in the SoCal skateboarding scene. After being introduced to snowboarding in the mountains near Big Bear, West knew he had found his new passion and a fresh medium for self-expression. Drawing inspiration from his vintage collection of clothing and the free expression of rap, punk, and jazz music, West began dreaming up designs and in 1992 he founded 686 Technical Apparel. He was just 20 years old. While the meaning of the 686 name has given rise to a host of urban legends, the reality stems from significant dates and numbers in Mike West’s own life. For instance, 6+8+6=20, his age when he founded the company. Working from his dorm room with an old roller fax machine and desktop computer, West began building the brand from the ground up, teaching himself how to run a business one day at a time. Following an initial launch comprised mostly of beanies, T-shirts, and denim, 686 introduced its first technical snowboarding jacket in 1993. Fortunately, timing was on Mike West’s side. As the popularity of snowboarding grew exponentially through the ‘90s, 686 was there to provide the style snowboarders wanted with the weather protection they needed. By combining SoCal street and skate fashion with high-performance fabrics and features, 686 was able to create the jackets and pants that became the uniform of a burgeoning army of devoted snowboarders. While 686 may be primarily known today for its fashion-forward designs, it has always been what Mike West calls a “purposeful product” company, meaning it creates product with a specific function in mind. Beyond good timing and a lot of hard work, it’s the smart combination of high quality and progressive style that have led to the success of 686 686 has been independently owned and operated from the beginning, and Mike West is still sitting at the helm as the CEO and creative mastermind. By choosing to not sell out, 686 is able to pursue a creative and technical vision without answering to the demands of shareholders and corporate suits. This freedom has allowed for progressive fashion as well as technical developments like InfiDry (a waterproof/breathable membrane technology), SMARTY 3-in-1 layering systems, and the popular line of patented Toolbelt functional belts that incorporate the essential tools riders need on a compact belt buckle. From the perfect women’s jacket to a weatherproof pair of snowboarding pants, 686 is your ticket to high tech, good times, and fresh style.

Shop 686 Technical Apparel at Backcountry. Find outdoor clothing, including jackets, pants, and gear that is made to last and keep you warm.

686 - Snowboards, Clothing & More

The technical progression and fashion fusion that define 686 are a reflection of the life experience of Mike Akira West, the founder and creative visionary of the brand. In the late ‘80s, Mike West was deeply involved in the SoCal skateboarding scene. After being introduced to snowboarding in the mountains near Big Bear, West knew he had found his new passion and a fresh medium for self-expression. Drawing inspiration from his vintage collection of clothing and the free expression of rap, punk, and jazz music, West began dreaming up designs and in 1992 he founded 686 Technical Apparel. He was just 20 years old.
 
While the meaning of the 686 name has given rise to a host of urban legends, the reality stems from significant dates and numbers in Mike West’s own life. For instance, 6+8+6=20, his age when he founded the company. Working from his dorm room with an old roller fax machine and desktop computer, West began building the brand from the ground up, teaching himself how to run a business one day at a time. Following an initial launch comprised mostly of beanies, T-shirts, and denim, 686 introduced its first technical snowboarding jacket in 1993.
 
Fortunately, timing was on Mike West’s side. As the popularity of snowboarding grew exponentially through the ‘90s, 686 was there to provide the style snowboarders wanted with the weather protection they needed. By combining SoCal street and skate fashion with high-performance fabrics and features, 686 was able to create the jackets and pants that became the uniform of a burgeoning army of devoted snowboarders. While 686 may be primarily known today for its fashion-forward designs, it has always been what Mike West calls a “purposeful product” company, meaning it creates product with a specific function in mind. Beyond good timing and a lot of hard work, it’s the smart combination of high quality and progressive style that have led to the success of 686
 
686 has been independently owned and operated from the beginning, and Mike West is still sitting at the helm as the CEO and creative mastermind. By choosing to not sell out, 686 is able to pursue a creative and technical vision without answering to the demands of shareholders and corporate suits. This freedom has allowed for progressive fashion as well as technical developments like InfiDry (a waterproof/breathable membrane technology), SMARTY 3-in-1 layering systems, and the popular line of patented Toolbelt functional belts that incorporate the essential tools riders need on a compact belt buckle. From the perfect women’s jacket to a weatherproof pair of snowboarding pants, 686 is your ticket to high tech, good times, and fresh style.

686 Clothing & Gear | Snowboards, Jackets, Pants & More

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Dark Camo Colorblock

GLCR GORE-TEX Whitney Insulated Jacket - Women's

Black

GLCR GORE-TEX Utopia Insulated Pant - Women's

Khaki

Light Grey

Standard Pant - Women's

Lime Punch Colorblock

Dark Lagoon Colorblock

Himalayan Pink Colorblock

Athena Insulated Jacket - Girls'

Shazam One-Piece Snow Suit - Boys'

Birch X-Ray Floral

Shine One-Piece Snow Suit - Girls'

Black Satin Dobby

Black Magic Insulated Bib Pant - Women's

Black Geo Jacquard

Red Clay Satin Dobby

Desert Rose Satin Dobby

Solar Colorblock

Black Colorblock

NASA Exploration Insulated Bib - Boys'

Vintage Navy

GLCR Geode Thermagraph Pant - Women's

Dark Lagoon

Lola Insulated Pant - Girls'

Desert Rose

Watercolor

Dark Lagoon Mountain Sunset

Ceremony Insulated Jacket - Girls'

Charcoal

Smarty 3-in-1 Cargo Pant - Women's

Black Stripe Floral

Dream Insulated Jacket - Women's

Surplus Green

Golden Brown

Smarty Cargo 3-In-1 Pant - Men's

Desert Rose Heather

Hydra GLCR Insulated Jacket - Women's

Dark Lagoon Slub

Rumor Insulated Jacket - Women's

Sierra Insulated Bib - Girls'

Dark Camo

Waterproof Anorak - Men's

Sub Yellow Colorblock

Forest Insulated Jacket - Boys'

Primary Blue

Hydra Insulated Jacket - Boys'

Dark Lagoon Heather

GLCR Geode Thermagraph Bib Pant - Women's

Standard Shell Pant - Men's

Solar

Infinity Cargo Insulated Pant - Boys'

White Slub

Goblin Blue Mountain Sunset

Dark Lagoon Kaleidoscope

Daisy Insulated Jacket - Girls'

Vintage Navy Colorblock

Golden Brown Colorblock

Smarty 3-in-1 Form Jacket - Men's

GLCR Quantum Thermagraph Pant - Men's

Grey Melange

Teal

NASA Exploration Insulated Jacket - Boys'

Geo Insulated Jacket - Boys'

Goblin Blue Colorblock

GLCR Hydrastash Reserve Insulated Jacket - Men's

SMARTY 5-in-1 Complete Jacket - Men's

Putty Colorblock

GLCR Gore-Tex GT Jacket - Men's

Foundation Insulated Jacket - Men's

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