Every season, I tend to add to, or replace pieces of my outerwear for the upcoming season.  Whether it’s a blown out seam, or, faded, or ripped fabric, I find myself going through jackets. Being a bigger guy, tends to limit which companies I can actually choose from for outerwear.  This season has been especially interesting, as I’ve noticed that several companies have negated to offer a XXL size in a jacket completely.

I initially looked at Ride outerwear this year, as I thought I’d want something different. Expand my horizons a bit if you will.  Ride makes plenty of outerwear in larger sizes, and seems to understand style, and functionality.  However, I found myself going back to 686 for outerwear once again.  Why you ask?  I’m just very happy with the way 686 cuts their jackets.  They really do get that a XXL jacket should be roomy, and not constraining for bigger riders.  Not to say that Ride didn’t have some awesome fits, but I really just have a hard time moving away from the 686, especially the Smarty Pants, and as such decided to go with those and another 686 Jacket this season.

In place of the Smarty Jackets I rode last year, I decided to go with the Mannual line this season.  I chose the Mannual Anthem in the Gunmetal Gray Plaid colorway for my main jacket this season.  I may try another jacket, perhaps the Smarty Militant again, but am not sure at this point of whether I’ll grab another jacket.  The Anthem features the 686 INFIDRY-10 technology which means the jacket has a 10,000mm waterproof, and 8000gm breathability rating, also featuring fully taped seams.   I have yet to find myself cold in the 686 jackets I’ve worn out over the past few seasons.  They’ve always kept me well insulated even on some of the coldest days.   While the Anthem, is from the Mannual line, and doesn’t include the Smarty system, I still find the jacket to be more than warm enough for me, with my base layers on.

686 Mannual Anthem Gunmetal Plaid

The Anthem has more then enough pockets to accomodate anything and everything you’d ever want to take with you.  External pockets are zippered, with the addition of velcro, making sure they stay shut during any nasty bails.   I’ll have an in depth review of the jacket later in the season.

For pants, I stayed with the 686 Smarty Original Cargo “OG” pants.  I’ve ridden many different pairs of pants, and always find myself coming back to the Smarty OG line.  The pants fit perfect for me.  They aren’t too baggy, yet aren’t super tight emo style either.  They have a nice relaxed fit, giving the rider enough room to move around in.  The Smarty OG pants, include the Smarty technology, including a nice internal zip in liner, that helps keep you really warm on those super cold days.  I’ll usually ride with the liner in on most days, although during the spring riding, the liner comes out.  I really like how durable the Smarty OG pants are, and the number of easily available pockets on the pants. I have yet to blow a seam on any of my OG pants.

The Smarty OG’s come with the INFIDRY-15 tech, which includes a 15,000mm waterproof rating, and a 10,000gm breathability rating. I picked these up in the bright red colorway this year, to compliment the Gunmetal Plaid jacket, without being overly “matchy.”

686 Smarty Original Cargo (OG) - Red

For boots, this year I decided to switch from Flow to Vans boots for my “go to” boot this season.  I picked up a pair of Vans Cirro boots in size 12, and plan on picking up the 686 Times NB 790 boots in a size 12 as well. I went with Vans for a few reasons.  First and foremost, on the solid recommendation of my good friend Shannon over at Shayboarder.com, who pointed me towards Vans boots, for not only the comfort, but their support, and reliability. I have to give her props.  The Cirro, while a very stiff boot (which I love), has a fit out of the box unlike any other boot brand I’ve ridden yet.  The boots fit true to my shoe size, unlike Vans shoes, which generally run a bit larger for me.   I grabbed a pair of the size 12 Cirros from 720 Boardshop, and am stoked on them.  The build quality is excellent, and the dual boa configuration, is going to be ideal for  me, as I’m always stopping to relace my boots.  I’m hoping the boa helps reduce the amount of tightening I have to do while riding. While first fittings are all well and good,  we’ll see how it goes after a bit of riding in them.

Vans Cirro Boot - White

I’ll be doing full reviews of each piece here as the season progresses.  I get emails from readers, asking me what I’m looking at as far as outerwear, boots, gear etc, so I wanted to kind of address some of those questions with this post.  I love 686 outerwear for it’s fit, quality, and pricing.  The nice people over at 686 have always been prompt and happy to provide support on products when I’ve needed any help.  A lot of brands didn’t make jackets in the 2XL size this season, which made my outerwear selection a bit smaller.  Nomis was on the forefront of my “want to ride” brands, but with no 2Xl jackets, I didn’t want to squeeze into an XL with my shoulders and end up ripping seams etc.  I deviated from my normal Flow boots, this season to try out Vans, which I think I’m going to love.  The build quality, and fit are awesome out of the box, and the stiffness of the Cirro works perfectly well for my riding style (Big Mountain/Freeride.) So as the season progresses, definitely look for expanded reviews on each of these pieces, and for now get out there and shred!

For more information on 686 gear, please check out www.686.com

For more information on Vans gear, please check out www.vanssnow.com

*Disclaimer: I purchased these items with my own funds*