Check Out 686’s Summer Wardrobe

Welcome to Talking Points, a series that looks at what makes certain products worth talking about, brought to you by Gear Patrol Studios.

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Designed for an ‘activity agnostic’ fanbase, 686’s summer staples are as versatile as they are lightweight and breathable. Caught somewhere between streetwear and activewear, the versatile apparel is built for the Jack of all trades, the budding gear head and the coolest guy in the office.

Each piece was constructed from smart technical fabrics to create garments you can hike, bike and play in, then rock with confidence when meeting your friends for a drink after. Equipped to carry you from the city to your favorite national park, these styles were also tailored to adapt to changing temperatures.

This summer, the brand’s core lineup consists of two perfect shorts (both lightweight and packable), plus a comfortable tech hoodie and tee shirt you’ll want to spend the whole season in. The functional line is built to help fans push this year to the max, and take every errand, day and adventure in stride.

686

The Backstory

686: Born in LA and Raised Around the Globe

686 was created by active individuals who wanted summer apparel that can do more than just keep up with the usual trail run. So to push things that much further, the brand envisioned a lineup that could travel with them over every crag, mountain and rocky forest path — only to feel just as ‘at home’ in the team’s LA homebase.

The result? Clothing the brand describes as ‘Everywear.’ Pieces you can wear to the trail and back, and feel great doing so.

The Gist

So What Sets 686’s Summer Staples Apart?

For 686, every detail is thought through. From design to material selection, the brand carefully strives to strike the perfect balance between comfort and utility.

To make things even easier, this year, the brand centered its summer lineup around four core pieces. The first are the Featherlight Shorts. Made from the brand’s ‘fabric of the summer,’ the 10-pocket, breathable shorts offer fans a lightweight chino short equipped with durable water repellency for added protection on the road. Next, the Packable Drift Shorts are made from a lightweight nylon material that will hold up when fully submerged in fresh water, and quickly dry up just as sturdy as before.

Meanwhile, 686’s Let’s Go Tees are made with a 96 percent recycled performance polyester, and boast UPF 40+. Equipped with antimicrobial features, they’ll keep you cool (and smelling better) after a full day on the trail.

Finally, the Let’s Go Hoody is a moisture-wicking, lightweight hoodie designed to offer long sleeve sun protection without trapping heat. Made from the same recycled polyester seen across the Let’s Go Tees, it can stay extra fresh between washes.

Our POV

No Matter Your Adventure, Prepare to Tackle Every Route in 686

These days, even the most extreme gearheads have become more skeptical of Gorpcore. More than anything it’s important to find smart, feature-forward clothing, and 686’s technical activewear is just that.

So if you’re looking for something you can wear to the office, the trail or around your neighborhood; look no further than 686. Every piece is purpose-built, and designed to help you live the active lifestyle you crave — without screaming “I’m an Outdoorsy person.”

Price: $60 – $90

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