About 686
686 is the brainchild of a board sports obsessed innovator. In 1992, at the age of 20, Mike Akira West started sketching up designs based on the southern California skate and snow scene he grew up in. He’s been running the show since then, putting out creative, stylish snowboarding gear and never selling out. Born on the slopes of Big Bear, California, and based in Los Angeles, 686 has been independently rider owned and operated since day one. 686 was started in a dorm room by a young kid with a dream…Sounds a lot like another place we know!
686’s roots are in street and skate style, but that doesn’t mean they slouch in the technical department. They’ve pioneered plenty of outerwear innovations including their top end GLCR Collection, integrated SMARTY® removable liners, Thermagraph strategic insulation, and infiDRY waterproof and breathable membranes.
