When it comes to winter sportswear that looks just as good on the street as it does on the slopes, 686 has perfected the formula. The California-based brand blends technical performance with a cool, streetwear-inspired aesthetic, making it a favorite for snowboarders and cold-weather city dwellers alike.
If you're a fan of their versatile, stylish, and functional gear, you're in luck. There are plenty of other brands that hit that sweet spot between performance and style. Here are 17 brands like 686 worth checking out before your next winter adventure.
Patagonia is a legend in the outdoor gear world, offering top-tier fleeces, jackets, and base layers built to last. While sharing 686’s commitment to high performance, Patagonia’s style leans more toward a classic, rugged outdoor aesthetic. The key differentiator is their intense focus on sustainability and environmental activism, so you can feel extra good about your gear. If you prioritize eco-friendly materials and timeless durability over trendy prints, Patagonia is an excellent choice.
Shop now at patagonia.com
A true staple, The North Face is known for making some of the most reliable and recognizable winter gear on the market. From insulated jackets designed for extreme cold to everyday snow pants, they perfectly balance technical features with urban appeal. Compared to 686, The North Face has a more universally iconic and classic outdoor-leaning style, but they are constantly dropping stylish collaborations that keep things fresh and fashion-forward. It’s a go-to for gear that works equally well for summiting a mountain or navigating a snowy city.
Shop now at thenorthface.com
As one of the pioneers of snowboarding culture, Burton is an absolute authority on winter gear. They offer everything a snowboarder needs, with a heavy emphasis on apparel that blends technical materials with streetwear cool. While their vibe is very similar to 686’s, Burton gears its designs specifically toward hardcore snowboard performance. If you live-and-breathe snowboarding, Burton’s rider-focused DNA will feel right at home.
Shop now at burton.com
Volcom brings a rebellious, youthful energy to the winter sportswear scene, drawing heavy inspiration from skate and surf culture. Their jackets, pants, and layering pieces are packed with attitude, often featuring bold graphics and edgy, urban designs. Like 686, they nail the blend of slope function and street style, but Volcom’s aesthetic is louder and more graphic-heavy, perfect for anyone who wants their gear to make a statement.
Shop now at volcom.com
For reliable, no-fuss winter gear that won't break the bank, Columbia is a top contender. They are famous for their innovative tech, like the Omni-Heat thermal reflective lining that keeps you incredibly warm without the bulk. While their style is more traditional and function-focused compared to 686's fashion-forward edge, Columbia delivers dependable performance at a fantastic value, making it a great option for practical winter sportswear.
Shop now at columbia.com
Arc'teryx is synonymous with high-end, minimalist technical outerwear. This is gear for the purist who demands the absolute best in waterproofing, breathability, and performance in extreme conditions. Their aesthetic is sleek, streamlined, and architectural, which feels different from 686's more relaxed streetwear vibe. If you prioritize cutting-edge materials and a clean, premium look over urban trends, Arc'teryx is in a league of its own.
Shop now at arcteryx.com
Patrol is a rider-owned brand that echoes 686's core mission of creating stylish, functional, and durable outerwear rooted in snowboard culture. Embracing a modern street-inspired aesthetic at accessible price points, Patrol offers trendy jackets and pants with unique, vibrant colorways. They are a great alternative for younger or more fashion-savvy winter athletes who want gear that looks and performs great without the high price tag.
Shop now at patrolbrand.com
Hemisphere is all about making a visual splash on the mountain. This brand delivers stylish and functional snowboard apparel that combines high-performance fabrics with bold, creative prints. If you love 686’s unique designs but want to dial up the creativity even more, Hemisphere is your brand. They’re perfect for serious riders who see the slopes as a runway and want outerwear that truly stands out from the crowd.
Shop now at hemisphereclothing.com
Picture masterfully blends a vibrant, street-inspired aesthetic with a serious commitment to sustainability. Their winter gear is made with bio-sourced and recycled materials, offering a fresh, eco-friendly take on performance wear. They share 686's eye for style but win over shoppers who want their clothes to reflect their environmental values. Expect striking prints and bright colors in gear that helps protect the planet you play on.
Shop now at picture-organic-clothing.com
Obermeyer is known for creating performance winter gear that is wonderfully warm, comfortable, and often features fun, colorful designs. Their style is more classic ski-resort-chic than 686's urban snowboarder vibe, making them a fantastic choice for families and casual skiers looking for dependable, stylish gear without the streetwear edge. It's functional, high-quality sportswear designed for pure enjoyment of the snow.
Shop now at obermeyer.com
Born in the mountains of Colorado, Flylow makes rugged, highly durable outerwear for skiing and snowboarding. Their gear is built to be used hard, focusing on technical fabrics and practical features that serious riders appreciate. While they certainly offer bold color options, their style is generally more about timeless mountain function than of-the-moment street trends, making them an excellent pick for hardcore enthusiasts who prioritize durability and performance above all.
Shop now at flylowgear.com
Hailing from Italy, Napapijri offers a high-fashion take on outdoor performance gear. Famous for their iconic Rainforest anorak jackets, this brand mixes technical fabrics with a bold, European streetwear flair. Like 686, they successfully merge fashion and function, but Napapijri leans heavily into the urban-chic look. It’s perfect for winter city living when you want your outerwear to be the star of your outfit while still keeping you warm and dry.
Shop now at napapijri.com
Best known for their world-class sunglasses and goggles, Oakley also creates a killer line of winter apparel. Their jackets and pants are designed with a sporty, cutting-edge look, focusing on athletic performance and technical innovation. The aesthetic is more sleek, modern, and performance-driven compared to 686’s street style, making it ideal for athletes who want a sharp, technical look to match their high-tech goggles.
Shop now at oakley.com
While Specialized is a powerhouse in the cycling world, their push into technical apparel means they offer excellent layering pieces and jackets perfect for winter. Their gear emphasizes ergonomic fits and high-performance, breathable fabrics designed for active users. Stylistically, they are cleaner and more athlete-focused than 686, but if performance is your main driver, their innovative pieces are a great component of a winter kit.
Shop now at specialized.com
Mammut is a premium Swiss brand trusted by mountaineers and hardcore alpinists for top-of-the-line protection. Their gear is engineered for the world's harshest conditions, putting safety, durability, and a laser focus on technical function first. It's the opposite of a fashion-first brand and lacks the streetwear vibe of 686, but for adventurers heading into extreme conditions, there are few names more trusted.
Shop now at mammut.com
Trew Gear is a PNW brand that delivers durable, stylish outerwear for dedicated skiers and snowboarders. Their vibe is playful and slightly rebellious, often using bold, contrasting color blocks and thoughtful, rider-designed features. They share 686’s goal of creating gear that can handle serious weather while still looking cool, appealing to riders who want high-performance gear with plenty of personality.
Shop now at trewgear.com
Though they are best known for kids' outerwear, Reima offers a range of high-quality, practical winter gear for adults as well. Operating under their Reimatec line, they focus on exceptional waterproofing, warmth, and reliable comfort at an approachable price point. The styles are more family-friendly and less edgy than 686, but for casual winter fun and dependable warmth, Reima is a surprisingly great and budget-friendly option.
Shop now at reima.com
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