Arc'teryx

History

Arc’teryx was founded in 1989 by Vancouver native David Lane, who wanted to make better climbing gear that would excel in the challenging conditions of his local mountains. He started out developing harnesses in his basement and selling them by special order. Lighter and better performing in wet weather, the product and then the company quickly took off, later expanding into backpacks and groundbreaking GORE-TEX jackets. Today, Arc’teryx is still headquartered in North Vancouver, where they can easily test prototypes in the nearby Coast Mountains

An Ethos, Culture, and Aesthetics Forged in the Coast Mountains

That initial solution-seeking mindset is now woven into the brand’s DNA. In fact, one of their mantras is “There is always a better way.” Whether they’re improving a harness, backpack, or outerwear, every product is a chance to make outdoor gear and sports evolve. This approach is expressed in the brand’s name and logo, the instantly recognizable archaeopteryx fossil. The dinosaur from the Late Jurassic, as the first known bird and animal to take flight, evokes the driving force of evolution—finding a better way to adapt to the environment. 

For Arc’teryx, that evolution isn’t just theoretical; it moves forward through a synergy between engineers and designers in their Design Centre and athletes putting gear to the test in the Coast Mountains. The brand’s cutting-edge, top-end gear could only emerge from such a harsh, variable proving grounds. Just 60 minutes from the company’s headquarters, the mountains in the company’s backyard stretch all the way into Alaska. The vast range encompasses some of the most remote places on earth, with lush rainforest, deep fjords, rushing rivers, high peaks, and alpine terrain with tundra, snowfields, and glaciers. The sprawling mountains see massive snowfalls, heavy rain, extreme cold, and warm misty air—sometimes within mere hours. It’s a place where there’s scant margin for error: having the best gear can be a matter of life and death. That’s why the brand brings an obsessive attention to detail in its product development, investing tremendous time and effort into every new product. Each prototype goes through countless iterations and refinements as mountain athletes put it to the test in one of the most rugged, demanding environments imaginable. The result of this creative out-of-the-box, out-of-the-office thinking is gear you can trust, whether you’re out and about town on a cold, rainy day or skinning up a mountain in a whiteout.

With Arc’teryx, the look of the gear reflects how it’s built: clean, efficient, stripped down. The stylized name Arc’teryx (with its clipped middle syllables and almost angular shape) shares the gear’s streamlined, minimalist aesthetic. Visually and phonetically, it’s sharp and modern, much like sleek lines of the elegant, pragmatic products themselves.

What are Arc’teryx’s key innovations and technologies?

GORE‑TEX ePE is the next generation of waterproof-breathable fabric from Gore. Lightweight, strong, and PFAS-free, this new membrane delivers the same all-weather protection Arc’teryx is known for—with a reduced carbon footprint and less pollution. It’s a key step in the brand’s effort to design gear that performs at the highest level while moving toward a more responsible future.

Coreloft™ is Arc’teryx’s lightweight synthetic insulation, designed to offer reliable warmth even when wet. It’s a high-loft, durable fill that compresses well, retains heat, and contains no animal-derived materials (making it a vegan-friendly alternative to down). When you’re layering up in the cold, Coreloft™ provides breathable, dependable insulation built for variable conditions.

Articulated fit is Arc’teryx’s approach to patterning garments for the body in motion. Instead of relying on flat construction, pieces are shaped through complex cuts and seam placement to follow the body’s natural contours. This three-dimensional design allows for greater mobility with less material. Whether you’re reaching overhead, crouching, or skinning uphill, your gear moves with you, not against you.

StormHood™ is Arc’teryx’s painstakingly engineered hood design that offers full coverage without sacrificing visibility or mobility. With a laminated brim for structure and a built-in compression system that adjusts without restricting movement, it stays put and moves with your head so you stay protected and alert in high winds, snow, or driving rain.

WaterTight™ zippers are a game-changing innovation that helped redefine weatherproof design. By flipping the zipper inside out and laminating the teeth with a protective urethane coating, Arc’teryx eliminated the need for bulky storm flaps. The result is a sleek, low-profile seal that sheds water while cutting weight and volume.

Is Arc’teryx eco-friendly?

At Arc’teryx, sustainability begins with design. The brand believes that the most responsible gear is gear that lasts because it’s thoughtfully made, rigorously tested, and ready for years of use. The brand is also committed to reducing its environmental impact through better sourcing, repair initiatives, and the gradual shift to more circular models of production. By embracing science-based climate targets and choosing lower-impact materials, such as PFAS-free waterproofing, the brand is working to ensure that performance in the mountains doesn’t come at the planet’s expense.

How to care for and repair Arc’teryx apparel?

Part of Arc'teryx’s commitment sustainability through durability is to educate their customers on the proper care for technical apparel. To extend your clothing’s lifespan, visit the brand’s website for detailed instructions. You’ll also find guidance for basic repairs and for how to submit for professional servicing.

Arc’teryx gear is made to perform when it matters. Oberson offers a carefully selected array of the brand’s technical apparel. If you have any questions about any Arc’teryx products, our knowledgeable team is available to assist you in our Laval and Brossard stores or online.