arcteryx is pretty much the best brand for outdoor clothing out there.

Period.

arc'teryx is great-but they are a status symbol now. Go to the ski resorts, you will see people that ski once in a blue moon wearing arc'teryx due to the appeal and asking for the best gear at the eshops they purchase gear at. I worked at a shop for a while, people would just simply ask for the best that they could purchase while acknowledging that they will use the gear 3 times a season.

That being said, they did make things that no one else such as their waterproof backpacks that are essential for anyone in wet climates or canyoneering-my packs have been bombproof.

I have noticed that arc'teryx gear definitely does not wear out as fast as others gear. Their packs are bomber and more researched than BD and others by far IMO.

If you want true arc'teryx quality that is true to the companies roots-get WESTCOMB-Still made in BC and innovative.

I don't want to start a big debate here, but can you buy any clothing that is actually made in North America anymore? I think Arteryx was one of the last - but no more.

Their return and exchange policy ethics are impecable! They stand by their product.
One other thing I like about their products I'd the choice of color. And their clothes usually go nicely together. That is the only "brand" that I'm willing to pay big bucks for. When it comes to functional gear and durability they never disappoint.
Now, their harnesses and chalk bags, not so much for my likings. Something they still have to work on.
It's true about status symbol. North Face used to be the "adventure gear", that is before they sold out and started making crappy mass production clothes. I hope same thing does not happen to Arcteryx. Hehe I can see trustafarian Boulderides putting a bunch of duct tape on their Arcteryx puffies to get that "rugged mountain look". Maybe it should come with a roll of duct tape!? Funny....

I do trust their functionality though. In particular the way the hoods are cut is just perfect for us helmet wearers. The other day I wore a bike helmet over the hood and it worked sweet in wind and rain. Their cinches are in all the right places too. Non climbers will never appreciate their product to the fullest. We do though!

In my humble experience, their customer service blows relative to everyone else and laughably overpriced. Performance-wise, meh.

"can you buy any clothing that is actually made in North America anymore? I think Arteryx was one of the last - but no more."

Check out:

westcomb.com/ethos/process/

All of westcomb is made in British Columbia factories like arc'teryx used to be before arc'teryx outsourced all of their gear except their highest end gear. My backpacks etc are canadian made as well as a couple of arc'teryx jackets.

As soon as I read the title on the front page, I knew who the author was.

zZZZZZZZZZZzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

Sierra Designs. Northface. Patagonia. Mountain Hardware. Arcteryx. Endless cycle.

Yet another post by Hellenor. Nothing to see here. Move on.

akafaultline wrote:arc'teryx is great-but they are a status symbol now. Go to the ski resorts, you will see people that ski once in a blue moon wearing arc'teryx due to the appeal and asking for the best gear at the eshops they purchase gear at. I worked at a shop for a while, people would just simply ask for the best that they could purchase while acknowledging that they will use the gear 3 times a season. That being said, they did make things that no one else such as their waterproof backpacks that are essential for anyone in wet climates or canyoneering-my packs have been bombproof. I have noticed that arc'teryx gear definitely does not wear out as fast as others gear. Their packs are bomber and more researched than BD and others by far IMO. If you want true arc'teryx quality that is true to the companies roots-get WESTCOMB-Still made in BC and innovative.

Most of the well known companies are making good gear right now. Even TNF has stepped up innovation and quality in the past few years. That said, every brand fits different body types differently. My current wish list is a pair of Patagonia Alpine Guide pants and an Arc'teryx Alpha Comp jacket.

I don't think the "status symbol" effect will impact Arc'teryx negatively. The aforementioned Alpha Comp was released well after the dead bird became the "it" brand, and is pretty hard to argue is a fairly innovative solution. The bottom line is that anyone shopping new outerwear (especially) needs to try on a variety of brands to get the best fit and blend of features most appropriate for the locale and activity.

Cocoapuffs 1000 wrote:I don't want to start a big debate here, but can you buy any clothing that is actually made in North America anymore? I think Arteryx was one of the last - but no more.

Arc T is nice, but as with anything fashion related, it's all mega overpriced. I buy on clearance and get 80% off from Amazon. No one cares if you have the latest, greatest whatever brand shirt. No one. Just save your money and buy on clearance.

Cocoapuffs 1000 wrote:I don't want to start a big debate here, but can you buy any clothing that is actually made in North America anymore? I think Arteryx was one of the last - but no more.

Yes, if you want to make a blanket statement like a pretentious asshole

Who cares how often people use the gear? Sounds like bitterness to me.(referring to akaf)