Arc'teryx Obsessive Design

Arc’teryx believe that there’s always a better way. Born in the Coast Mountains in Canada, connecting with the outdoors is their reason for being as well as their inspiration. They’re pioneers of durable outdoor kit that offers unrivalled performance that won’t let you down, and it’s their attention to detail and obsession with design that makes this possible. Here, we take a closer look at the minor details that make all the difference when you’re out in the most extreme conditions.

Whether you’re hiking or climbing, it’s essential you have complete freedom of movement, and that’s where Arc’teryx’s articulated fit comes into its own. 

The shoulders, back and elbow of your shell jacket can all affect one another. Tension in any of these areas can affect the function of your climbing harness, limit your reach or expose you to the cold as you stretch for a handhold or place your hand to maintain your balance, negatively impacting your experience outdoors. 

To overcome this challenge, Arc’teryx utilise complex patterns and seam placements to create a three-dimensional shape which mimics the shape of the human body. This articulated fit allows for increased freedom of movement to improve comfort, safety and performance wherever the outdoors takes you.

In extreme conditions, the tiniest ingress can make or break your experience, which is why Arc’teryx are obsessive about seam technology. At the fore of innovation, they introduced micro seam technology to the market in 1998 and have continued to innovate and enhance it ever since.

Reducing the width of their seams not only reduces the chances of water getting in but it also lowers the overall weight and bulk of a product, whilst simultaneously increasing the breathable surface area to help keep you dry, inside and out. In addition, smaller seams help improve your flexibility, which reduces the chance of fabric wear, snags and abrasions while also helping improve movement and increasing your field of vision.

Finally, micro seam technology reduces material usage, which is better for the planet and the outdoor places we all want to protect.

Zips, like seams, are an area susceptible to water ingress, and over the years, manufacturers have wrestled with solutions like flaps, tabs and snaps to prevent any water from getting in. For Arc’teryx, this was far from ideal, so contrary to convention at the time, they worked to create the first WaterTight™ seal. 

Their breakthrough came from flipping the zipper inside out to create a Reverse Coil design which provided better protection from the elements. Then to ensure a weatherproof barrier, and completely eliminate the need for additional flaps or coverings, Arc’teryx laminated the teeth and slider with a urethane coating to create a fully WaterTight™ zipper seal.

A hood is one of the most important features on a jacket when you’re out facing the elements. Ensuring you can get the right fit without restricting your field of view is one of the hardest things to achieve, yet that’s what Arc’teryx have managed through their Stormhood™.

Through careful layering of invisible materials and articulated tailoring, the Stormhood™ is the epitome of Arc’teryx's DNA. The innovative compression system works with the stovepipe shape to lock the hood into position, allowing you to twist and turn your head and not worry about your view becoming obstructed. What's more, the laminated brim provides additional protection from the elements and is designed to ensure that it will bounce back even after being packed away. 

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