Peak Performance, Ultimate Style
Origins
Arc’teryx emerged from a vision in Vancouver, BC, Canada. Dave Lane, a North Vancouver local, sought to revolutionise the mountaineering industry. His solution? Establish what would become one of the most influential brands in not only mountaineering but also many other industries.
Initially, Lane founded a company called Rock Solid Manufacturing, specialising in climbing harnesses and magnesite bags—the essential dust for climbers’ grip. Lane was already an innovator in the industry, but it wasn’t until he met Jeremy Guard that Arc’teryx, as we know it, was born.
Guard, a climbing enthusiast, worked with Lane to create the iconic ‘Dead Bird’ logo. This logo, derived from the Archaeopteryx—an ancient bird-like dinosaur— which is widely believed to be the first bird with the power of flight. Just as the Archaeopteryx stands for a critical link in the evolution of birds, Arc’teryx stands as a breakthrough in outdoor gear innovation.
The Arc’teryx we recognise today truly took shape through a partnership with W.L. Gore & Associates, allowing the use of GORE-TEX in Arc’teryx LEAF (Law Enforcement & Armed Forces) products. This collaboration enabled Arc’teryx to create high-performance gear specifically for military and law enforcement use, with many of the brand’s current silhouettes having military origins, influencing their design and functionality. Arc’teryx’s impact spans various industries, most notably streetwear, due to its high quality, flattering fit, and simple yet impactful design. Arc’teryx has even gone on to grace the fashion shows of Paris, featured by brands like Off-White. Their garments are celebrated for being both versatile and durable, making them a staple in both high fashion and frontline combat.
Behind the Brand
Arc’teryx’s journey from a local startup to a global icon began with the debut of their Alpha SV jacket. When Stussy featured skateboarder Harold Hunter in the jacket for a Fader magazine shoot in 1998, the brand quickly gained streetwear credibility, which has only grown as time has gone on. This exposure highlighted the jacket’s technical brilliance and innovative design, making it a hit even in urban environments and a garment to be worn in all walks of life.
Arc’teryx’s commitment to cutting-edge innovation didn’t stop there. In 2009, they launched Veilance, a luxury line known for its sophisticated, logo-free garments that embody a high-end GorpCore aesthetic, which has been featured with many significant figures within the fashion world.
The location of Arc’teryx HQ has played a huge role in shaping the company culture and the industry it has found itself in. Nestled along the North Vancouver coastline, Arc’teryx gains from an incredible natural laboratory. This setting offers a perfect mix of exploration and immersion into uncharted territories, whether in factory settings or on challenging mountain climbs. The diverse landscape, featuring oceans, rainforests, mountains, and glaciers, provides a unique testing ground. These vast, untouched areas with rapidly changing climates allow Arc’teryx to fine-tune their products, ensuring they perform flawlessly before reaching consumers.
The Culture
Arc’teryx seems to be everywhere you look now. From the ski slopes to the streets of London, they have created a product that transcends just a single industry.
Over the past decade, GorpCore—an aesthetic combining high-performance outdoor gear with everyday fashion—has risen in popularity, and Arc’teryx has been at the forefront of this movement. No other ski brand has achieved the same success in producing items that seamlessly transition from top-tier ski gear to fashionable streetwear. This dual appeal has inspired many other brands to emulate their style, driven by the added value of creating products that resonate across multiple markets.
The success of Arc’teryx in GorpCore fashion is a testament to their dedication to authenticity and quality. Their minimalist designs, characterised by clean lines and muted colours, have become a staple in urban fashion. Collaborations and exposures have highlighted Arc’teryx’s ability to blend outdoor functionality with sleek, modern design, making it a coveted name in contemporary fashion. The trend has led to Arc’teryx jackets becoming a common sight on city streets, worn by those who appreciate the fusion of style and practicality.
Arc’teryx’s influence on both ski and fashion cultures stems from its unwavering commitment to quality and innovation. By staying true to its roots and continuously pushing design boundaries, the brand has created a unique crossover appeal that sets new standards in both realms. This fusion of high-performance gear with modern fashion has not only inspired other brands but also solidified Arc’teryx’s status as a cultural icon. From its beginnings as a niche outdoor manufacturer to becoming a leader in GorpCore, Arc’teryx exemplifies an innovative spirit and a relentless pursuit of excellence.
The Design: The Alpha SV
The Arc’teryx Alpha SV has been their flagship model for the last 20 years, staying true to its original design while perfecting it over time. This standout jacket is known for its quality technical features, making it perfect for tackling the toughest alpine conditions. It uses N100p-X GORE-TEX Pro fabric, which is both waterproof and breathable, providing solid protection against the elements. Over the years, many people have become huge fans of this fabric’s reliability in extreme weather.
The jacket boasts reinforced shoulders, elbows, and sleeves for extra durability, WaterTight zippers to keep moisture out, and a helmet-compatible StormHood that offers great coverage without blocking your view. People love the ergonomic 3D patterning and articulated construction because it offers a great fit and excellent freedom of movement. But where this jacket really shines is its versatility in different styles. The thin material hugs the silhouette and provides a tailored fit. The broad range of colours and consistent design have allowed this jacket to be worn in various scenarios. Whether or not this was what the designers had in mind, they surely appreciate the jacket’s popularity across a plethora of markets.
The Future
Arc’teryx is about more than just making high-end gear; they are dedicated to thinking about their impact on people and the planet. Looking ahead, the brand is focusing on sustainability and pushing the boundaries of design. They’ve committed to cutting their environmental footprint in half and boosting their social impact by following circularity principles, emphasising durability, and promoting low-carbon solutions. By signing on early to the UN Fashion Industry Charter for Climate Action and setting solid Science-Based Targets, they’re showing they mean business when it comes to tackling global climate goals.
Arc’teryx’s game plan for the future is all about thinking long-term. They focus on making durable, high-performance products that reduce environmental impact by lasting longer and being reusable or repurposed. Programs like ReGEAR™ and ReBIRD™ make it easy for customers to buy pre-loved items and support a circular economy. On top of that, Arc’teryx is committed to responsible manufacturing, fair trade practices, and partnerships with communities to ensure everyone has access to the great outdoors. By weaving these values into everything they do, Arc’teryx is staying ahead of the curve while making a positive difference for the planet and its people.
