In surfing, snowboarding, hell, even biking, each new season brings more brands touting a “quiver killer.” You know, the single do-everything insert whichever toy you’re most keen on that will make having a garage full of specialized skis, boards, whatever, obsolete. But this may be the first time we’ve heard it about a jacket. 686’s Multi Shell Jacket is just that, a single Gore-Tex shell designed to be used throughout fall, winter, and spring for everything from hiking and biking to snowboarding, camping, etc.
In the 25-year history of the LA-based snowboard outerwear maker, they’ve never chased a 3-season jacket before. So why now? We’d wager it’s because many consumers have shifted from identifying solely with a single sport and more to an active lifestyle in general, filled with a whole host of fun shit happening outside (which is definitely maybe possibly connected with the fact that seasons seem to be be shorter, or longer, or nonexistent these days due to climate change). Either way, the minimalist Multi is made for multiple activities, multiple seasons, etc. You get it.
As part of 686's hyper technical GLCR line, the Multi is constructed of two layer Gore-Tex Paclite fabric that's engineered specifically to be light, packable, and breathable, with fully taped seams and features like dual zippered chest vents and webbed backpack straps for ease of wear while hiking, skinning, split boarding, etc. Internal details include a phone pocket and mesh pouch zone for larger pieces like a camera or goggles.
We’ve got one on the way for testing in and around NYC, so we’ll update you once that sucker arrives. Until then, read up on the Multi Jacket here.
