686 Clothing Review

About 686 Clothing

Didn’t catch the 411 on the latest performance wear? No worries, you can still get the full scoop by shopping at 686 Clothing. This outdoor apparel brand specializes in technical garments ranging from snow jackets to thermal pants. Designed for the cold climate, it’s definitely the company to opt for if you’re gearing up for a weekend at the Whistler Blackcomb resort. 

686 is no stranger to the internet, as the brand boasts over 177k followers on Instagram. Their clothing collection is also featured on numerous media outlets, including Forbes, AskMen, GearJunkie, and Men’s Journal. The company is also affiliated with several green-led organizations, such as Climate United and Climate Neutral. 

Finding the perfect performance wear set is no joke. If you’re curious in learning more about this brand, we suggest you stay put for this 686 Clothing review. We’ll provide an in-depth take on the company, its products, customer ratings, promotions, and more to help you decide if they’re worth checking out. 

Overview of 686 Clothing

Humps and bumps are common when it comes to skiing. Naturally, rough-roading entails the perfect set of performance wear, whether that be the traditional winter jacket or snow pants. 

Founder Michael Akira West believed that proper clothing played an important role in the outdoor experience. His perspective didn’t come from nowhere, as he was an avid skate and snowboarder.

What began as a humble college project in 1992, 686 quickly hit the slopes running as the go-to brand for performance wear. Over the years, this Californian-based company has issued dozens of innovative designs, including the Smarty 3-in-1 Cargo Pant and the Original Tool Belt. 

Oh, if you’re wondering what the name means, the brand states that “the number has now become synonymous with providing innovative, forward thinking outerwear and technical apparel inspired by the outdoors and mountain culture.”

Before we get into this 686 Clothing review, let’s go over some highlights: 

Highlights: 

• A wide selection of outdoor gear to choose from 
• Promotes The Compton Surf Club to to help at-risk youth 
• Involved in several eco-friendly organizations such as Climate United 
• Provides service discounts for essential workers 
• Positive customer reviews
• Free shipping on US orders over $99 

686 Clothing is designed for skiing, sledding, and basically whatever winter sport you can think of. Offered for men, women, and children, they’ve got a great selection of insulated jackets, snow pants, hoodies, and performance shirts to choose from. 

You can also find blankets and other paired accessories to help make your January cottage experience more comfortable and cozy. 

Take this as a sign to huddle next to your laptop and down a cup of steaming hot chocolate. This 686 Clothing review will feature a few of the brand’s best-selling pieces that are definitely worth some major consideration. We’ll also offer some styling inspo in case you want to look super glammed up for your next winter getaway. 

686 Clothing Men’s Review

The weather outside is frightful, but there are ways to mitigate it. For one, it’s best to be prepared with an insulated snow jacket and a pair of thermal pants. If you happen to lack one of the two, we suggest you stay tuned for this 686 Clothing review. From hoodies to flannels, we’ll spotlight a few notable contenders in time for those below-zero temperatures. 

686 Glcr Hydra Thermagraph Jacket Review

Puffy coats are great—but you run the risk of looking like a marshmallow. As a better alternative, the Glcr Hydra Thermagraph Jacket provides a sleeker fit that doesn’t compromise on functionality. 

This cold-season zip-up is designed to keep you warm during frigid temperatures, as it’s built with body-mapped insulation. In case of sweat, this coat comes with Vader vents for added breathability.

The 686 jacket is on the ‘very dry’ scale when it comes to waterproofing. As an added bonus, it’s designed to be helmet compatible to minimize any tightness or bulkiness. But honestly, the best thing about the Glcr Hydra Thermagraph Jacket is that it’s offered in 9 different patterns, including camo or plain silver. This coat retails for $268. 

686 Smarty 3-In-1 Cargo Pant Review

If you’re well familiar with winter, chances are that you’re a layering expert. In the name of keeping warm, we usually compromise flexibility. Let’s be real; we could never really bend or sit down with a set of thermal leggings underneath jeans. For those looking for a better option, the Smarty 3-In-1 Cargo Pant keeps things cozy and warm without sacrificing movability.

Designed to be breathable and super-insulated, these 686 pants are definitely made for blizzards and -30 temperatures. They’re made out of DuracoreTM 20k fabric, which is known to be super sturdy against biting winds. In addition, It features a relaxed fit, which makes these bottoms ideal as snow pants. 

Offered in various colors, the Smart 3-In-1 Cargo Pant sells for $213. 

686 Japan Pullover Hoody Review

Techwear is all the rage nowadays. While it’s relatively free of harnesses and buckles, the Japan Pullover Hoody offers the same ‘apocalyptic’ vibe due to its downtoned color palette. 

Make no mistake, this sweater is still made for the cold season, as it provides a cozy fit with an integrated hood. This garment can also protect you from UPF 40 rays due to its unique construction.

Featuring the brand’s logo in red on the front, this sweater also showcases kanji on the sleeves. If you’re looking for styling advice, this 686 Clothing review recommends pairing the $63 Japan Pullover Hoody with a set of black cargo pants and some streetwear-style sneaks. 

686 Clothing Women’s Review

686 has a broad selection of outdoor gear catered for women. They’ve got performance pants, technical jackets, and snow bibs for days. It’s also worth noting that you can pair your new look with their face masks or tool belts. 

Moving forward, this 686 Clothing review will quickly look at a couple of their top-selling pieces as a quick introduction. 

686 Glcr Gore-Tex Willow Insulated Jacket Review

As the temperatures start to drop, so does our passion for fashion. If you still want to look good for the cold season, the Glcr Gore-Tex Willow Insulated Jacket provides that slim fit that’s super cozy to wear. Done in collaboration with snowboarder Hana Beaman, this winter coat keeps things insulated and breathable in case of heavy flurries. 

This 686 waterproof hoodie is made out of recycled insulation and merino wool, which helps prevent body heat from leaking out. It’s also helmet-compatible in case you go snowboarding. Compared to cropped coats, this zip-up is offered in a long fit to keep your belly warm and toasty. 

If you’re looking to sub out your old go-to with the Glcr Gore-Tex Willow Insulated Jacket, be prepared to spend $316 in total. 

686 Glcr Gore-Tex Utopia Insulated Pant Review

Considered a great add-on to the jacket we reviewed previously, the Glcr Gore-Tex Utopia Insulated Pant is reserved for the harshest of snowstorms. These 686 bottoms are sewn with merino wool and recycled insulation for added warmth. But don’t worry; it also comes with tapered seams and Vader vents to help prevent accumulated sweat. 

Of course, these trousers are designed to be worn over leggings or jeans. But don’t let us prevent you from going ‘commando.’ Available in black, brick-red, and orange, the Glcr Gore-Tex Utopia Insulated Pant retails for $300. 

686 Clothing Bonded Fleece Pullover Hoody Review

It’s not hard to look ‘ski-resort chic’ if you wear the Bonded Fleece Pullover Hoody. Offered in various colors and prints, this stylish sweater comes with the brand’s logo on the breast. It also features a cool line drawing of a mountain at the back. But, the best thing about this top is that it’s designed to be water and stain-resistant, which makes it ideal for rough-roading. 

Best paired with a 686 snowboard jacket and Timberlands, the Bonded Fleece Pullover Hoody costs a $92. 

Who Is 686 Clothing For? 

It’s not hard to get a feel of 686’s intended audience. Based on their winter-appropriate collection, I think it’s safe to say that they cater to snowboarders, sledders, skiers, and those who love cold-season sports. Of course, you can also buy their clothing if you live in below-zero temperatures. (Shout out to all of our Canadian, Alaskan, or Swedish readers out there.)

You should also know that 686 is a sustainable apparel brand, as some of its garments are made out of recycled materials. For those interested in learning more, it’s best that you stay tuned for the next 686 Clothing review segment. 

Is 686 Clothing Sustainable?

Yep! 686 Clothing partners with several green-led organizations such as Climate Neutral and Climate United. According to the brand, they utilize post-consumer waste, including plastic water bottles, as part of their garments. They also implement other sustainable efforts, such as their Hydrastash manufacturing process, which reduces single-use water. 

686 Clothing Reviews: What Do Customers Think?

So, what’s the 411 on 686? From what we’ve gathered so far, it seems that their clothing line is a big hit with the masses. We’ve compiled a bunch of reviews on the company’s official website, as well as those on external sources. For a more in-depth read, let’s take a glance at the ratings posted for the brand’s best-selling products:

• The Glcr Hydra Thermagraph Jacket: 78 reviews with 5/5 stars 
• The Smarty 3-In-1 Cargo Pant: 187 reviews with 4.5/5 stars 
• The Japan Pullover Hoody: 6 reviews with 4.5/5 stars 
• The Glcr Gore-Tex Utopia Insulated Pant: 2 reviews with 4.3/5 stars

According to a majority of customers, 686 Clothing proved to be comfortable, well-made, and durable against winter climates. Others were quick to commend the features that were integrated into their jackets and pants, including merino insulation and the generous amount of room provided for the pockets. 

“The design and fit are amazing. It’s a great quality jacket. It somehow does a great job of keeping you warm and cool at the same time. It’s extremely lightweight and packable. The perfect travel jacket,” one customer wrote for the Gore-Tex Paclite Coat. 

“These are possibly the best pants I’ve ever owned,” another reviewer shared for the Men’s Everywhere Pant in Slim Fit. “The fit is awesome and it’s very comfortable. I will definitely get another pair in the near future.”

Trustpilot also holds a decent amount of reviews. Based on 2,119 comments with a green score of 4.6/5 stars, 85% of customers gave two thumbs up towards 686 clothing. In most cases, buyers seemed happy with the quality of their garments, as well as the brand’s level of customer service. 

“Ordering from 686 was super easy, and my order arrived quickly. The clothes I got were super well designed, functional, and comfortable. Definitely would order from them again,” one Trustpilot reviewer detailed. 

Some independent blogs, such as Snowboard How and Snowboarding Profiles, also left a commendable review of 686 performance wear. According to both sources, their jackets were well-worth the money. 

“686 is a quality outdoor apparel brand that makes excellent snowboarding jackets. The options they offer are capable and affordable, making them an attractive option for any rider. The Geo Insulated Jacket is my favorite option the brand makes,” via a statement made by Snowboard How. 

“Considering snowboard jackets can cost upwards of $600, the $300 price tag on such a highly rated jacket is, in my opinion, really good value for money,” reads a post published by Snowboarding Profiles on the Glcr Snowboarding Jacket. 

In encouraging news, the amount of positive comments quickly trumps the amount of negative feedback online. And hey, it’s at least comforting to know that customers have until 30 days to request a refund if they’re unsatisfied. 

Is 686 Clothing Worth It?

Performance wear should be durable, breathable, and above all, functional. Fortunately, 686 doesn’t disappoint—but you probably already knew that from the number of positive reviews online. It’s a great brand for sports enthusiasts and cold-season veterans, as they know how to make a well-insulated jacket and a pair of thermal pants. 

Their collection isn’t affordable, but you can at least relax knowing that it’s an even balance between price and value. For those looking for their forever performance piece, this 686 Clothing review can say for certain that they’re definitely worth checking out. 

686 Clothing Promotions & Discounts 

This 686 Clothing review found out that they have a sale outlet in which select items are offered at a discounted price. They also provide a 20% off coupon for essential workers. Aside from this, there doesn’t seem to be any other promotions or deals provided on the brand’s website. 

Where to Buy 686 Clothing

Looking to buy a warm winter coat? Customers can head over to 686.com to see what they have in store. You can also find them at select retailers, including:

• Amazon 
• REI Co-op
• Backcountry 
• Zumiez 

FAQ

Who owns 686 Clothing?

686 Clothing is owned by founder Michael Akira West. 

Does 686 Clothing ship internationally?

Unfortunately, this 686 Clothing review hasn’t found any indication as to whether they offer international shipping. It seems that they only deliver to those residing in Canada and the United States. 

What is 686 Clothing’s Shipping Policy?

This 686 Clothing review hasn’t uncovered much about the brand’s shipping policy. This includes any information about delivery costs and locations. We do know that they provide a tracking number alongside a confirmation email. In terms of wait times, it typically takes 5 to 10 business days for orders to arrive. 

What is 686 Clothing’s Return Policy?

686 Clothing offers a 30-day window for customers to send back their unused products. Sadly, it doesn’t seem that they cover shipping costs, as it is the buyer’s responsibility to do so. It’s worth noting that some items are protected under a lifetime warranty, such as the Glcr Hydra Thermagraph Jacket. 

To initiate the return process, customers must access the portal provided on the website. To begin, you’ll need your email and order number ready. 

How to Contact 686 Clothing

For inquiries unrelated to this 686 Clothing review, you can contact the company through:

• Phone number: 310-818-2300
• Email: [email protected]
• Filling out the request form online 
• Mailing address:

227 E Compton Blvd
Gardena, CA 90248 USA

---

Looking for more options when it comes to clothing? Then check out these brands below:

Saint James

Boohoo

Tradlands Clothing

Wolven Threads