ARC’TERYX: The Tech Behind the Brand
Arc’teryx continues to redefine what is possible in outdoor apparel through the relentless pursuit of cutting-edge technologies. From waterproofing and insulation to ergonomic design and safety innovations, Arc’teryx integrates the most advanced materials and construction processes available. Here’s an in-depth look at the technologies that propel Arc’teryx ahead in the world of high-performance gear.
Core Technologies
Arc’teryx’s approach is built around three foundational pillars—materials, design, and construction—which collectively yield apparel that excels in both functionality and durability.
Materials
Arc’teryx collaborates with industry leaders like GORE-TEX® to create high-performance fabrics exclusive to their designs. They utilise proprietary synthetic insulation (Coreloft™), industry-leading down, and robust face fabrics custom-engineered for specific activities, ensuring an optimal balance of weather protection, weight, and comfort.
Design
Innovation is central. Every product is developed through a process of iterative prototyping, real-world field testing, and direct feedback from athletes and outdoor professionals. Their design team blends ergonomic 3D patterning for a body-hugging fit with activity-specific tailoring that never restricts movement. Features like articulated patterning, gusseted underarms, and pre-shaped sleeves allow for natural freedom of motion—a vital advantage in technical environments.
Materials
Arc’teryx collaborates with industry leaders like GORE-TEX® to create high-performance fabrics exclusive to their designs. They utilise proprietary synthetic insulation (Coreloft™), industry-leading down, and robust face fabrics custom-engineered for specific activities, ensuring an optimal balance of weather protection, weight, and comfort.
| Technology | Purpose | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| GORE-TEX® PRO | Waterproofing, breathability | All-weather protection, top breathability |
| Coreloft™ | Synthetic insulation | Warmth, even when damp, lightweight |
| Down Composite | Insulation + moisture zones | Mapped warmth, durability in wet areas |
| RECCO® | Rescue/location technology | Enhanced safety in emergencies |
| Micro-Seam | Seam construction | Lighter, stronger, less bulk |
| DWR Coating | Durable Water Repellency | Quick drying, repels water |
GORE-TEX®: Benchmark for Waterproof and Breathable Protection
Arc’teryx’s strategic partnership with GORE-TEX has resulted in garments that deliver uncompromising performance in adverse conditions. The multi-layered GORE-TEX membrane contains billions of microscopic pores, each small enough to block water droplets yet large enough to allow vapour to escape. This balance keeps users dry from both external elements and internal perspiration.
Types of GORE-TEX® Used by Arc’teryx
- GORE-TEX® PRO: The flagship membrane, engineered for maximum durability, windproofing, and waterproofing. Used widely in SV (Severe Weather) and AR (All Round) lines, it boasts rugged nylon face fabrics exclusive to Arc’teryx and is tailored for professionals and demanding alpine conditions.
- GORE-TEX® C-knit and Paclite: C-knit offers a softer, quieter, yet highly protective experience for versatile activities. Paclite is lighter, with a more minimalist build, intended as an emergency shell rather than a primary jacket.
GORE-TEX® Layer Construction
- 2-layer construction: The GORE-TEX® membrane is bonded to the outer fabric with a separate inner liner, ideal for urban, insulated, and versatile all-around outerwear.
- 3-layer (Pro) construction: The membrane is sandwiched between the outer and inner fabrics, delivering maximum durability, protection, and performance for high-intensity, alpine, and professional applications.
Proprietary and Hybrid Insulation Systems
| Insulation | Material | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Coreloft™ | Polyester | Damp, activity-rich conditions |
| Down | 850FP RDS goose down | Maximum warmth, lightweight |
| ThermaTek™ | Proprietary synthetic | Severe alpine environments |
| Hybrid | Down + synthetic | Mapped warmth, moisture-prone |
Laminated Construction & Advanced Seam Technology
Arc’teryx uses innovative laminating technology to reduce traditional thread-based seams, resulting in greater waterproofing, lighter weight, and higher strength. Micro seams shorten seam width by up to 50%, reducing bulk while maintaining durability. Laminated zippers and reinforcement panels further ensure minimal points of failure and longer garment lifespan.
Ergonomic Fit, Comfort, and Specialist Features
Ergonomic 3D patterning delivers a fit tailored both to movement and outdoor reality.
- Articulated Patterning: Designed for high-reach mobility and freedom when skiing, climbing, or hiking. Pre-shaped elbows and gusseted underarms match real-world movements, vastly improving comfort.
- StormHood™ and WaterTight™ Zippers: Single-pull hoods accommodate climbing helmets, while fully laminated zippers prevent leakages even in driving rain.
- Venting and Reinforcements: Pit zips and reinforced wear zones bring longevity and comfort, without excess weight or restriction
Safety and Smart Technology
Since 2020, all GORE-TEX® Pro jackets and pants are equipped with RECCO® reflectors, providing searchability for rescue professionals in emergencies. This small addition could make a life-saving difference when adventure turns dangerous.
Arc’teryx Product Series Codes Explained
| Code | Meaning | Description |
|---|---|---|
| SV | Severe Weather | Maximum durability and weather resistance for the harshest conditions. |
| AR | All Round | Versatile, do-it-all performance for a range of activities. |
| LT | Lightweight | Minimalist features for weight savings, ideal for fast-and-light missions. |
| FL | Fast & Light | Ultralight and streamlined, prioritising speed and packability over extra features. |
| SL | Superlight | The lightest construction, designed for athletes and multi-day adventures where every gram counts. |
| MX | Mixed Weather | Built for movement and changing conditions, offering durability and breathability. |
| SK | Ski Touring | Designed for ski touring, with extra room for layering and movement. |
Understanding Arc’teryx Fits: Choosing the Perfect Silhouette
Arc’teryx offers a well-defined fit system to ensure every outdoor enthusiast finds gear tailored to their activities and preferences. Each fit is meticulously designed—from streamlined layers that move with your body to roomier silhouettes meant for expedition layering. Here’s what you need to know about Arc’teryx’s primary fit options:
NEXT TO SKIN FIT
Snug fitting clothing made with stretch fabrics that provide insulation and advanced moisture management. This fit is most common in the brand’s Phasic and RHO range of base layers.
TRIM FIT
These garments have a close fit, designed to keep unnecessary bulk to a minimum while offering a good range of motion. It is ideal for use with a harness and while incorporated throughout the Arc’teryx range, it features most heavily in the SV(Severe), LT(light) and SL(super light) garments.
ATHLETIC FIT
This is the ‘standard’ fit for Arc’teryx. It incorporates anatomical shaping and gussets for freedom of movement while keeping excess bulk to a minimum, allowing it to work in harmony with packs and harnesses.
EXPEDITION FIT
Ideal for cold conditions, the Expedition fit is cut slightly larger to allow room for additional layers without restricting your freedom of movement. This cut predominantly features in the SV(severe) range.
RELAXED FIT
These garments are focused on comfort and mobility, with a looser cut that still incorporates plenty of articulation.
FAQs
- AR (All Round): Balanced for versatility and performance in various activities.
- LT (Lightweight): Lighter with fewer features, ideal for those prioritising weight savings.
- SV (Severe Weather): Built for the harshest conditions, offering maximum protection and durability.
Arc'teryx is known for exceptional quality, innovative design, and long-lasting durability. While the price point is higher, the performance and lifespan of their products justify the investment for serious outdoor enthusiasts.
- Alpha: Designed for climbing and alpinism; lightweight, minimalist, harness compatible.
- Beta: Versatile for various activities and conditions; good for general outdoor use.
- Gamma: Weather-resistant softshells with stretch, ideal as mid or outer layers for breathability and abrasion resistance.
Consider your primary activity (climbing, hiking, skiing, everyday use), the expected weather conditions, and whether you prioritise weight, durability, or versatility. Use the product family and modifier codes to match your needs.
Fabric codes describe the material:
- N: Nylon, P: Polyester
- Number: Denier (yarn weight; higher = more durable)
- p/r/mr: Weave type (plain, ripstop, mini-ripstop)
- X: Exceptional durability-to-weight ratio.
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