words and photos: Mike Basher
Black and Decker, Hall and Oates, Ben and Jerry, Amazon and Prime…there have been so many iconic collaborations throughout history which have enriched our lives in one way or another. Unless you’ve been living under a moon rock, you probably know that 686 has teamed up with NASA to create a line of snowboarding and casual wear that’s out of this world. From socks to beanies, gloves, and belts, there’s something that’ll satisfy the space junkie in all of us, but the ultimate piece in this collection is their Exploration Coverall Snowsuit.
Now, I haven’t worn a one-piece since I first hit the slopes in 1989. They were in style then, but they were never my thing, and I wouldn’t be caught dead in any version of the one-piece I’ve seen since. BUT…this suit. This thing is what I feel my life has been missing since those first runs at ten years old. Aside from being completely impermeable from snow, wind, and rain, my inner explorer comes alive as I zip this thing up. With ample pockets for flight logs, trail charts, and cellular/photo telemetry equipment, I feel like a 1950s test pilot, rocketing through the air, or one of the Apollo astronauts, venturing further and further into the lunar backcountry.
This suit inspires me, giving a sense of invincibility, that is, until my mortal fears kick in and I sputter off the lip of the big jump in Mammoth’s park and feel the full effects of a premature reentry straight to knuckle. Battered and bruised, at least I’m not digging snow out of my pants–but about that flight log…
Anyway, NASA has proven time and time again that the impossible is possible, but it takes the right gear and the right attitude. 686’s suit just might be the attitude adjustment you need to push your envelope…
To check out the 686/NASA Exploration collection, click here.
