Arc'teryx Online Store NextGen Climb Commitment Pledges $5M Towards Accessibility

For all the high fashion collabs, celebrity endorsements, and podcast cosigns, climbing remains the North Star at Arc’teryx. But climbing in 2022 isn’t the same as it was when the brand launched its first product (a climbing harness) in 1989. It’s changing fast. To keep up, and to ensure the Dead Bird remains relevant in the sport that spawned it, Arc’teryx has announced the NextGen Climb Commitment, an initiative to invest $5 million CAD in community-based organizations, leaders, and training programs across North America over the next five years.

“We believe in the value of people learning to climb and the impact the sport has on people's lives—it's more than just the technical side of the sport, there's a life evolution that happens, too,” Arc’teryx Vice President of Brand Karl Aaker tells Field Mag. “But accessibility to the sport is a direct problem. It’s access to expertise and knowledge as much as it is equipment and locations to climb… that’s where we're investing and moving resources.”

As such, the ambitious, holistic commitment aims to support newcomers and elite level climbers alike by building on existing grassroots activations and other elevated organization alliances already in place.

To help lead the charge in identifying opportunities to make a real impact, be it through physical events or financial support with operating grants, Arc’teryx will lean on community organizers on the ground in key cities like Toronto, Vancouver, San Francisco, Chicago, and New York.

“We know that our expertise doesn’t match their expertise,” Aaker says. “So our work as an organization is to move resources into the hands of people that are leading the change, leading the work that removes the barriers and helps achieve that level of equitability."

For example, expect to see community-led free climb nights for underrepresented and marginalized groups at local gyms, free certifications, discounted courses, and hosted gym-to-crag events to increase outdoor education.

Grants for diversity, inclusion, and equity-focused organizations like Flash Foxy, Color The Trails, and Brown Girl Outdoor World will continue to help create more safe spaces for new climbers, while the ongoing partnership with Climbing Escalade Canada (CEC) will ensure future Olympic climbers representing Arc’teryx’s home country are not just clad in the brand, but have been fostered by it too.

Now, if you’re wondering why a brand so deeply rooted in the alpine, in outdoor climbing and adventure, is doubling down on gym climbing and competition, so were we. To this, Aaker assures that the core of the brand isn’t shifting. But the industry is, and Arc’teryx isn’t blind to it. “We have roots in the Coast Mountains of Canada. We’ve built a brand and the product we offer in that outdoor space. That's not something to shy away from,” says Aaker. “But I think it goes without saying that the world of climbing, the industry, the sport, is changing rapidly. And to evolve our sport and see it grow in a way that's sustainable and productive we need infrastructure that introduces climbing to people. Gym climbing is an incredible part of that—it’s a driver behind the moment that climbing is in right now.”

All this said, there’s no concrete road map set in place for the NextGen Climb Commitment, beyond what’s been laid out for you here—a fair amount of gut following will guide the commitment. But that’s by design.

"Part of this being successful will be our ability to be nimble and respond to what's needed,” Aaker shared with Field Mag on the subject. “We don't want the money, the people, and the time to go to waste. So we're going to really watch where the impact is, where it occurs, and make sure we're supporting the right things."

In other words, keep an eye out for future news in your neck of the woods. Something might just be cooking.

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GORE-TEX Reveals New ePE Membrane: Patagonia, Arc’teryx Online & More Buy In

GORE-TEX Expanded Polyethylene debuts for fall 2022, promising long-lasting durability, a lower carbon footprint, and lighter weight.

Outdoor industry giant GORE-TEX is so ubiquitous that even small changes to its patented weather-proofing technology reverberate across countless brands and products.

Because of that, details from an announcement made today by the Maryland-based textile leader regarding its all-new waterproof-breathable membrane — its hallmark technology — will send ripples across the industry and may change performance standards in outerwear.

Lofty claims, to be certain, but the unveiling of expanded polyethylene (ePE) already has other industry titans buying in — including Patagonia, Arc’teryx, and more.

“GORE’s commitment to launching ePE directly supports our initiative to reduce our carbon impact by about 65% by 2030,” Arc’teryx director of advanced research, Greg Grenzke, said.

Grenzke teased that ePE would debut in the Arc’teryx line in its Ralle (men’s) and Coelle (women’s) jackets for fall 2022.

We’ve previously reported on details about ePE’s tech. Here’s what we know about GORE’s latest wünder material, and how brands will use it for the fall 2022 season.

GORE-TEX ePE Membrane

GORE-TEX lauds ePE as “a key milestone in GORE’s ongoing sustainability journey.” And that sustainability element is a significant part of both the impetus behind the innovation and brands’ interest in it.

According to GORE, ePE boasts a smaller carbon footprint than its traditional waterproof-breathable membranes. This is thanks to ePE’s more diminutive profile — it has less mass and less overall material, which translates to less energy input, water usage, and carbon output.

Moreover, the ePE membrane is PFC-free, a goal that has rapidly become an industry-wide standard. This lighter membrane can also bond with selected backers and face fabrics — like recycled, solution-dyed, or undyed materials — to ensure the performance elements integrate with a variety of sustainable product constructions.

“This was an ask and a pressure we put on our friends and partners at GORE for a long time,” said Kristo Torgersen, Patagonia’s mountains brand and business lead. “We saw the future of waterproof breathables being in a non-fluorinated chemistry. We set out to eliminate PFCs from the membrane, but we got so much more.”

In addition to its environmental focus, GORE claims ePE possesses long-lasting garment life, fully windproof protection, high breathability, and durable waterproofing.

Where to Find GORE-TEX ePE

In addition to Arc’teryx’s Ralle and Coelle jackets, Patagonia will employ ePE on its Storm Shift ski and snowboard shell kits.

The new membrane will also appear in a variety of both performance and lifestyle products from adidas, Salomon, Dakine, Reusch, and Ziener.

Stay tuned, as GearJunkie will test GORE-TEX ePE in a variety of iterations to see how it stacks up. Learn more about GORE-TEX ePE.

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LORENZ.OG BRINGS "PATENTED COLORSCHEMES" TO ARC'TERYX FOR SALE

Time and time again, LORENZ.OG has proven that he's an attention-worthy artist and designer. On his end, words are no longer needed, as his work rate, products, and "PATENTED COLORSCHEMES" speak volumes all their own.

Refusing to be put in a box, there's more to the designer's offerings than just sneakers. Sure, they may be his bread and butter, the work that got his foot in the door with the likes of Lil Yachty and the late Virgil Aboh, but they're only the tip of the iceberg.

Once we scratch the surface, there's a different gravy below. We saw it first with the recent unreleased Off-White '22 Burrow Bag, and now, Gorpcore gets flipped on its head with a series of light shell jackets.

While we've seen custom Arc' shells before, knocking about the wardrobes of Amine, Drake, and the rest, this is the first time that we've seen the globally desired outerwear look quite like this. That's the "PATENTED COLORSCHEMES" effect – take what you know and blow it out of the water.

Describing the creative process behind the collection of jackets that this Arc'teryx project has to offer in conversation with Highsnobiety, Lorenzo said: "I began sampling jackets towards the end of last year, and felt compelled to move away from the brands I am known for working on.

From the first sample I did for myself, I instantly saw huge potential to put my mark on a new medium. I wanted to present this to Arc'teryx but as a finished campaign, to show rather than tell. People often have to see to believe."

On the evolution of his work, he continued: "Based on my experience in sneakers and the impact I've had on the current trend and design aesthetics, I wish I was more patient in the beginning in showcasing a collection of work rather than piece-by-piece. The aim here was to create a campaign so impactful that even when elements of this are imitated, viewers largely recognize what they are imitating ."

Within the (as expected) color-heavy collection, you'll find the Arc'teryx Theta AR in "Volcano," Beta LT in "Menta," Beta in "Smog" and "Dusk," Beams Beta Patchwork in "Dusk" and "Genesis," and the Alpha AR in "Solis."

While this is an unofficial collaboration, it goes the full mile in continuing LORENZ.OG's demonstration of "PATENTED COLORSCHEMES" diversity of applications, like Lorenzo says: "I take pride in design innovation and new ways of working and feel what I offered to sneakers, I can offer to many mediums.

Clearly, brands across the board are missing out by refusing to bring the young designer on board. Virgil saw the vision and, hopefully, the industry will soon follow suit.

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Arcteryx Jacket Sale - 14 Practical, Comfy Leggings You Can Actually Wear Hiking

For an activity that’s supposed to be soothing and get us closer to nature, hiking comes with its share of bumps, scrapes, and stumbles. Only the best hiking leggings—ones that feature the versatility and stretchiness we associate with regular workout leggings, as well as the abrasion resistance we expect from outdoor gear—will get us through our outdoor adventures without snagging or chafing.

While we love a good pair of hiking pants, a pair of leggings might be preferable if you know you'll want greater freedom of movement (say, if you have to bend and high-step through rocky terrain). They’re also easier to tuck into hiking boots to keep bugs out and can offer plenty in the way of sun protection and breathability. Plus, you can use a pair of leggings as a base layer under your go-to soft-shell or rain pants during cold weather hikes. 

Of course, the best leggings for hikers borrow some of the technical features that we love about hiking and rock climbing pants, including some degree of weather resistance, tough fabrics that won't rip against rocks or trees, and, for extra points, reinforced panels to prevent wear and tear. They also need to be comfy, but that should go without saying. 

While it may sound challenging for a pair of bottoms to strike the fine balance between stretchy and tough, there are quite a few hiking tights out there that do just that. Here, we've highlighted some of the best hiking leggings from top-rated outdoor brands and retailers like Arc'Teryx, The North Face, Patagonia, and more. Read on to find your faves and gear up for the fall hiking and backpacking season.

Arc'teryx Essent High-Rise Leggings 26"

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The holy grail of Arc'teryx collabs for sale is returning soon

Arc'teryx and Beams are packing heat for cool weather. Their “Dimensions” collection, a grail amongst collectors and previously only available in Japan, will soon return for a global release. The highly coveted patchwork pattern from the collaboration sees its return in white, black, tan, and gray panels with an oversized Arc’teryx bird logo.

The colorful partnership initially began in 2001, when Arc'teryx and Beams teamed up to celebrate the latter’s 25th anniversary. Their Dimensions collection is inspired by a bird’s-eye view of nature merged with a human’s from down low. The combination results in hues taken from both micro and macro views of the outdoors, otherwise known as “dimensions.”

As an instant success, the collaboration has continued ever since. Each year, Arc'teryx and Beams offer up a series of bags or jackets, typically the Beta SLs, which are exclusive to Japan. This season, much to the delight of fans, that regional restriction is finally ending.

Arc'teryx

PUTTING IN THE (PATCH)WORK — Leading the release is a patchwork Beta jacket, outfitted with Gore-Tex fabric and Fore-Knit backer technology. The piece flaunts more than just a desirable design with waterproof, moisture permeable, and windproof features. Its frame also keeps the jacket quiet when moving around, so wearers can enjoy the sounds of nature rather than the swish-swish of their outerwear. An oversized Arc'teryx bird logo finishes off the Beta jacket and sits on the sleeve.

The outerwear’s white, black, tan, and gray aesthetic is continued on a Mantis 26 Backpack, a Mantis 2 waist pack, and a Mantis 1 waist pack. Only one of the waist packs utilizes the Dimensions collection’s patchwork look, while the other waist pack and backpack maintain a clean all-white base accented by tan and gray zippers. The bags range from 1.5 liters to 26 liters in volume.

COMING SOON — As usual, Arc'teryx and Beams will offer their Dimensions capsule in Japan, but customers in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and China will have a chance to grab the collection in their region, too. The patchwork pieces are scheduled to release in Japan on August 26 via Beams’s website, while a drop date has yet to be announced for other areas. Fans will want to keep an eye out for their respective release information, though — the collection will surely sell out rapidly.

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Arc’teryx On Sale and BEAMS Unveil Dimensions Collaborative Capsule

Arc’teryx has unveiled its new collaboration with BEAMS, the Dimensions collection.

The unisex capsule includes four pieces from Arc’teryx standard outerwear and accessory lines, reimagined “in a palette reflecting a bird’s eye view of the earth’s terrain,” according to a press release. The pieces also include BEAMS’ staple patchwork in the Beta Jacket, and Mantis 1, Mantis 2 Waistpack, and Mantis 26 Backpack.

The capsule will be sold in-store at BEAMS Japan and Arc’teryx locations in North America, the UK, China, and on arcteryx.com in September, though a date has yet to be confirmed.

Check out images of the collab below.

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Arc'Teryx Store Opens First Canadian ReBIRD Service Center in Toronto

Following the opening of its first ReBIRD Service Center in New York City, Arc’teryx now expands its in-store ReBIRD program to Canada for the first time, offering on-site product assessment, care, education, and repairs at its new location in Toronto Eaton Center. ReBIRD is Arc’teryx’s eco-conscious initiative dedicated to shifting away from a take-make-waste economy to become a more circular ecosystem as the outdoors label looks to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 65% by 2030.

Specific services offered at the new Toronto space include GORE-TEX leak testing, product education, auxiliary hardware (zipper, pull cords, cord locks, buckle, patch) repair, and fabric replacement. “Since opening last Fall 2021, our NY Service team has been able to resolve nearly 3/4 of functionally compromised gear, on-site, reducing the impact on turnaround time for our guests,” reflects Dominique Showers, VP of ReBIRD, Arc’teryx. “That’s our goal — to deliver clear education for technical product care, full assessments, and light touch repairs that keep gear in the field longer.”

The Arc’teryx Toronto Eaton Center Store is now open and two more Canadian retail openings are planned for later this year in Square One Shopping Center and Vaughan Mills Premier Outlet Mall.

Arc’teryx Toronto Eaton Center
220 Yonge St.
Toronto, ON M5B 2H1,
Canada

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Arc'teryx Online Sale Norvan LD 3 Trail Running Shoe Review: Fit for the Long Haul

They're Light as a Feather

A feather that weighs 9.4 ounces, to be precise. That's almost a whole ounce lighter than the new Hoka Speedgoat 5 and 1.5 ounces lighter than the La Sportiva Akasha II. That may not seem like much, but over time, your legs will appreciate the lighter lift.

That lightness doesn't compromise comfort or stability, either. Arc'teryx says these are made for long-distance running, and it's easy to see why. The distance didn't matter when I was running; I always felt like I had a stable shoe underneath me.

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Arc'teryx Online Sale Opens Portland Footwear Office, Focuses On Mountain-Ready Performance

None of the Arc'teryx plans work without buy-in from athletes and consumers. Along with the cadre of athletes constantly sharing feedback, the brand has a new product testing program based in the Coast Mountains. Bruning says the constant athlete interaction—from Instagram DMs with photos of footwear after a race to messages of feedback—and the help they desire is both "unique and beautiful." ..........Read full article

The Arc'teryx Beta Jacket for sale Is the Shell You've Been Waiting For

For me, Arc'teryx has always been the symbol of a true outdoor pro — someone who values performance over anything else. Sure, it's expensive. But ever since I started spending serious time outdoors (and since I started developing my own style), the brand has been an aspirational milestone. Wearing Arc'teryx doesn't actually prove your adventure bonafides, but people are less likely to question you if you roll up to the base of a 10-mile, fourteener summit attempt rocking a shell from the brand.

In 2021, and now into 2022, Arc'teryx has seen a huge rise in its following, one owed to a boom on TikTok and the emergence of GORP in the style world. If you spent any time online last year, you probably saw someone wearing an Arc'teryx jacket in their shower, proving that water does, indeed, just bead up and roll right off the jacket. (But do they actually know what Gore-Tex is?) It's not just TikTokers, though. You can't forget trailblazers like Nicole McLaughlin, the up-cycle legend who is taking the idea of mainstream GORP and flipping it on its head by making one-of-a-kind gear that is no less than capital-F "Fine art".

So, the brand is just as popular as ever. Only problem? It's still price-prohibitive for many outdoor enthusiasts. This is where its newest shell, the Arc'teryx Beta Jacket, comes into play. The Beta takes everything you'd expect from an innovative, cutting-edge brand like Arc'teryx and pares it down into a simple, high-performing shell that's suitable not only for year-round battles with precipitation, but might actually have the best value of anything in the brand's lineup.

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