686

Frequently Asked Questions

• What sets 686 Technical Apparel apart from other snow outerwear brands?

  686 blends 30+ years of snowboard heritage with LA youth culture and punk/rap aesthetics, producing technical pieces like SMARTY® 3‑in‑1 jackets, Tool Belt accessories, and performance pants. The brand develops proprietary and premium fabrics (infiDRY®, Everywear®, Unwork®) and uses taped seams, ripstop weaves, and team‑tested construction to prioritize mobility, durability, and real‑world performance in harsh conditions.
• How does 686’s infiDRY® fabric compare to GORE‑TEX® for wet, cold conditions?

  infiDRY® is 686’s proprietary waterproof‑breathable system designed for multi‑level elemental protection and durability through repeated washing, while GORE‑TEX® membranes (including PRO and Paclite®) are pore‑based systems engineered to block water and wind while maintaining high breathability. Many 686 styles pair infiDRY® for versatile mountain use or incorporate GORE‑TEX® PRO in models aimed at prolonged extreme‑weather performance.
• What is the SMARTY® 3‑in‑1 system and when should I choose it?

  The SMARTY® 3‑in‑1 system combines a waterproof shell with an insulated or soft‑shell liner to create three-plus wear modes—shell only, liner only, or both—so you can adapt to changing temps and activity levels. Choose SMARTY® when you need maximum versatility for multi‑day trips, spring/fall variability, or seamless work‑to‑play transitions.
• Which 686 fabrics are best for daily durability versus high‑output snow days?

  For daily durability and hybrid work/play use, Everywear® and Unwork® provide stretch, abrasion resistance, UPF protection, and a natural drape suited to commuting or job‑site activity. For high‑output snow days, look for infiDRY® or garments built with GORE‑TEX® PRO and critically taped seams, which emphasize waterproofing, breathability, and rugged seam construction for sustained alpine performance.