This video never got to the core question of "Why is Arc'teryx so expensive"? I must admit, I was excited by the strong start to this video, where you were setting the stage with an industry overview and obtained a couple of Arc'teryx jackets (that I assumed you would be performing some testing on, or even just detailed commentary at a minimum). However, you veered off into a directionless tangent of making the point that yes, Patagonia, Arc'teryx, The North Face, and similar brands are striving to make long lasting jackets in a fast fashion consumer environment, but never tied that to a "so what?". I was disappointed that by the end of the video you didn't end up looking into why Arc'teryx is priced higher than it's competitors aside from a vague statement about it's innovation and built to last quality, though your opinion without evidence is near meaningless given you've never owned an Arct'eryx product yourself. I just wanted to raise this as a piece helpful feedback point for your future videos, as taking your audience on a 9:32 journey without much insight is an unsustainable way to grow your channel. All the best!
I got one feeling from whole that videoclip that in fact there is no reason why Arc'teryx is so expensive. I think it is a trend and it is not only in outdoor equipmet that some producers are trying to stress quality of their products only by increasing its price... and some ppl believe that if they buy super expensive product it will be of the best quality. Sometimes yes but sometimes designers of the product overthinkig product so much that they will spoil it. Very often you can buy for half price or less similar product which will do the same fine job for you.
Marco C but he did anwser it? He said that it was expensive because it is the very top of the line and the “racecar” of the outdoor gear industry. He then followed it up by saying most people will never be in such extreme situations to need a “racecar” and added the quote that 80% of what’s out there will do the job for most people.
I was issued their bags in the US military and used their LEAF stuff on missions in the Middle East. Love their prods. They stand up to whatever you throw at them. Worth it if you can afford it.
Thats funny you say that, I bought myself the alpha jacket when it first came out, in truth it was no better in Afghan than the lightweight jacket we were all issued as standard. You can pick those things up at army surplus stores for £20. Fair enough it might have someone else’s name written on the inside, but who cares? Better than paying a £1000! I was also disappointed to learn they are Chinese owned too.
@@karaloca milsurp tends to give high performance for low prices but you live in a fantasy if you think those jackets are completely equivalent to arc'teryx in regards to performance just because they were good enough for combat
Ringo The Flamingo well you know best, I’m glad there’s people like you though. As they’re the type who bought my jacket from eBay, for almost as much as I paid for it new
Arcteryx is a great company that does stand by their products. I owned a jacket from them for four years before the inner liner started to wear away. The seam that kept the outer shell and inside layer had come loose and I went to their store to have it repaired. Before I could even ask how much it would cost me, the store clerk said it was the companies fault and asked me to pick out a new jacket in the same price range as a replacement. This was after FOUR YEARS of already owning that first jacket. Built to last may be an overstatement, but customer service to last was proven to me.
You aren't taking inflation into consideration, the jacket that cost you $400 5 years ago will cost over $1000 today, so you won't find a similar jacket within the same price range unless they made an exception for you.
I bought a jacket from them in about 1990, I wore the thing for 10 years and it was the only jacket that I owned so I wore the hell out of it... and I did a lot of hiking in it as well. As you can guess after 10 years the thing was in pretty bad shape, still wearable, but the "waterproofness" of the jacket was faded and there were quite a few other tiny problems... I sent it to them to see if there was anything that they could do to fix it, I didn't expect them to do anything, it was almost a lark to send it to them... and they sent me back a new jacket for free... after going ultralight in my hiking equipment I stayed away from having a shell jacket for over 10 years and just used light weight ponchos... but this year I went hiking in the rockies for a week and decided to buy an arcteryx jacket again, got it on sale for $400 which is a hefty price for me, but I went for it. During the hike we had 3 days of torrential rain and hail that we had to hike through... It may sound exagerated to say that the jacket probably saved my life, but it did... and I will probably be keeping it for another 10 years... lastly in comparison, I have paid $300 for a Patagonia shell and $270 for an OR shell, both were completely useless against rain after 2 seasons... Arcteryx is expensive, but worth it.
I'm a firm believer in you get what you pay for, Acrteryx being a prime example of this. Family members and friends of mine are ACMG guides, all of whom have been using dead bird stuff since the company started and stand behind it. I have backpacks and pieces of kit going on over 10 years old that have worm well with the right care. These same items are used almost daily, to this day. Among this gear are items that were made off shore, I honestly cannot tell the difference in quality or fit of pieces made in Canada Vs out east. A good example of this is my Beta LT, a jacket I bought nearly 5 years ago. The initial cost is large, but it is an investment that will last you a long time. It is my one and only shell jacket. I wear it ski touring, around town, hiking and always have it on hand. It has holes, the cuffs are dark from wear but it is still as water proof as the day I bought it- as long as you do a yearly wash with tec wash ;) Bashing people in MEC for being posers is pretty rude. There is nothing wrong with camping in campgrounds or hiking on trail. It takes small steps to become more of a hardcore outdoors person. And honestly doing challenging accents or sleeping in a bivy while you and your gear gets soaked is an adventure. But it also sucks a lot at times and sometimes it's nice to do something that's more chill. Like tent in a quiet campground. We should be encouraging people to get outside and enjoy the scenery, even if it's only a couple times a year. We all lead busy lives! I think it is especially important in a place like Vancouver where so many people are disassociated with the outdoors and how things work. Many there do not even know where their food comes from yet ridicule those that choose to chase game. BC is an incredible province and if everyone got to experience it I think a lot more people would be proactive in taking care of it. /end rant hahaha
The one thing that I've learned with rock climbing as well as Outdoors is that if you're doing something that is extreme and puts your life on the line do you really want to cheap out on something like that. For instance people who buy used climbing gear is kind of scary to me.
Okay, i usually dont comment on videos because i feel like i wont make any difference, but i have to say something i feel like the video missed out on. I am 23 year old male, have around 200 days outdoor on trips each year. I love spending time researching gear and i work in a small, expensive high end alpine store which profit from the fact that customers get great advice on gear. For this to be possible we all have to test the gear we sell so we comfortably can stand behind the product recommendations. From what i have experienced so far, the high end part of Arc'Teryx has a much higher standard than most other brands in same price range. The differences are not something you will see right away, atleast not most people, but rather what comes to sight after some time. Here we are talking about small details like how often they change the needle on the machine during production. When you use a needle over a periode of time, the tip will wear out, and therefore leave a slightly bigger hole. The difference is extremely small, but can be enough to compromise the jackets properties after it has been used for some time. My point with this is not at all to sell the most expensive gear to everyone, but rather buy gear for what you are actually are going to do with it. You wouldnt buy a winter jacket for the summer because it is a "better" jacket, so why would you have a jacket that can scale mount everest when you are walking around in some city with 0 degrees celsius. So before you enter a store, be honest with yourself about what you are going to use the gear for, and then buy something that suits those needs. Then you could rather spend the money you have just saved on one more trip with your kids. (This post does not only apply to Arc'Teryx)
Dude this was so well written. I totally agree with what you said here you just put it in a more experienced language. Thanks for taking the time to comment man. 🙏🏼
Martin Leinum I get what you are saying but my lasy Arc jacket lasted only six years and it pretty much fell apart. I only used it as a ski jacket 30 or so days a year. Not great for 600.00 the coat I am in now is some no name brand I paid 175.00 and after three years its pretty much perfect. I did like the style my Arc had but its quality was average at best. Take care
@@mtadams2009 I feel like you maybe didn't follow the care instructions or maybe you had a few too many crashes out on the hill. Washing machines destroy garments and so does the ground.
Most people in the film industry in Vancouver I work with wears Arc'teryx. Everyone LOVES THEM for their quality. Since when filming outside in the rain and cold for 12 hours/day or more, you really want to keep dry and warm.
"How will I use this?" and "Do I already have something similar that serves the same purpose?". Such important questions we should be asking ourselves before consuming.
Bought an Arc'teryx jacket about 7 years ago. Can't remember the exact model, but while it was expensive, their prices have gone up significantly since then. It has been on around 10 week long backpacking trips and is my daily rain jacket on my weekday bike commutes to work through Vancouver rain. Just finished a month long hiking trip with it in September. Through all of this it has performed amazingly. It's even held up to the numerous bike accidents I've had over the years. Two years ago, after a long hiking trip with a lot of rain, I noticed that the material where my pack shoulder straps sit had started to show a just barely visible amount of wear. I mentioned this while visiting the Arc'teryx North Van outlet with a friend and was overheard by one of the staff who told me that I should make a warranty claim. It was so small that I was a little dubious, but I showed it to their warranty guy and he said that it would definitely be covered, so I left it there to see what they could do. A couple of days later I get a phone call saying that they can't fix it but that they'll give me a new jacket instead and that I can get anything off their site that is $700 or less (or pay the difference), which is around twice what I paid for my jacket. So that's how I ended up with my current Beta AR (as shown in this video). And at least IMO, rain jackets have all looked the same for a long time so I can't see myself getting bored of this one and buying another. It does make me laugh a little seeing how many people wear these jackets in Vancouver that have likely never hiked more than a few hours in their lives.
Every time I try on something made by Arc'teryx, I'm surprised by how well it _fits_ me and by how comfortably I can move in it. In my eyes, that's always been the feature of Arc'teryx clothing that distinguishes it from the baggier, boxier clothing I've worn from REI, Columbia, The North Face, etc. that bunches up in awkward places. To me, that alone makes it worth about 50% more. It's like Arc'teryx is the only outdoor clothing company that has figured out how the human body is shaped and how it moves.
I absolutely agree! It's not just about the durability. Arc stuff simply works better. Its fit has evolved, while manufactures like TNF, Marmot, MT Hardwear, etc have put their effort into meeting an acceptable price point so that adventurer wannabe's can look the part. I agree that Patagonia is equal in quality and their warranty/ethical practice is second to none...but for performance and fit, Arc can't be beat. When I wear my Arc stuff, as opposed to outerwear from other manufacturers, I mostly forget I'm wearing it...the highest compliment I can give a piece of outerwear or clothing.
Completely agree. Everything I own from them fits perfectly. Patagonia gear fits well and I absolutely love that they are a stand-up company, but Arc'teryx gear is next level.
Love their kit and have several bits BUT I've never paid full price, only brought stuff when its been on sale, this is the advantage to a company that often brings out new models! Definatly daft for the wannabes in the high street but in an Alpinism setting where weight is actually a big issue (bivi kit, rope, rack etc) Arc' is worth the extra pennies IMO. Also the quality is important in an environment where a stuck/broken zip or ripped open seam could realistically kill you. But for anything less it is kinda overkill.
Good video, I like the point about “Weekend Warriors” I’m in no way Gatekeeping but I live in The middle of nowhere Northern Canada, most of the rugged trappers, hunters, and farmers favour hard use cheap items like Walmart coats, and Military surplus. The most expensive piece of gear these people typically buy is a jacket or pants from Carhartt. (We typically call Carhartt gear “Farmer Gucci”)
I bought a crazy expensive Arc’teryx jacket after having to be saved after 24 hrs in a snow blizzard by Search and Rescue and all my clothing gear failed. I would gladly do it again. Most all of my backpacking clothes are Arc’teryx now. It is a complete hit to my budget, but their clothes are extremely well made (and a lot of research /technology goes into their design). I will not skimp on gear that could possibly save my life out their on trail.
@@malazkm I started with sockes. when I hike, my feet smell and it lived in my pack-blah(cotton). Merino wool is strait MAGIC! chase the sales, read about it, watch thur hiker videos on TH-cam- its worth the investment.
As a big fan of Arcteryx (fit, durability, design & also sticking to the 'we will fix it' promise), I'll buy Arcteryx over virtually anyone else. We visit Iceland regularly (we also live in Switzerland... more mountain sports) and go for many days into the back country. It's one place that will kill just about any gear. I've had gear damaged there and when I sent it to Arcteryx for repair, they commented that it was long past the warranty period but fixed it anyway. Sure, Patagucci does a lot for the planet but, for me, their on again/off again love/hate affair with various sports, colors, etc., not to mention the way it fits me.... or not (usually a lot like a plastic bag).... again, score one for Arcteryx. If you don't want to buy Arcteryx, fine, don't buy it. Buy what you like or what works for you. In any case, I've got many pieces of Arcteryx gear that are over a decade old and still get a lot of love and use.
Canada Goose, from everything I've seen is for the 'I want to look outdoorsy but only wear this jacket shopping at Gucci." crowd. Sail Racing, is that a brand or the 'sport'? North Face, does a lot of good outside the company and I know that some of their far upper tier gear is actual outdoor gear but most is Costco clothing for the name only.
Michael Cleveland when you live in Switz why don’t you support Mammut ? 😉. I used to love their gear but lately the design / colour scheme is weird. But still a big fan.
In the UK Arc'teryx are having to lower their prices due to other brands such as Mountain Equipment offering jackets of equal to above quality of Arc'teryx at a much lower price, sometime Mountain Equipment costing half as much. I've had a Gore-tex Pro Mountain Equipment jacket for 10 years and it has never let me down. Winter mountaineering in Scotland, Ice climbing and cross country skiing in Norway, Hiking in the Lake District in England, mountain biking in Wales, multiple canoeing trips and many more outdoor activities. I would choose Mountain Equipment over any other brand when it comes to waterproof jackets, their patented hood design is simply the best on the market.
MrZimma Frame I had a mountain equipment jacket from 1980 to about 1995, never let me down, I got rid, eventually, as I piled on the pounds, superbly made gear!
Last year I bought an Arc’teryx Sabre ski jacket and pants for ski touring, for a total of 1000€. I do not regret the investment! I was baffled by the quality of these pieces of gear. The construction is flawless and the finishing ridiculously amazing. The fit is near to perfect too (just large enough for layering but just slim enough and stylish). Perhaps it’s too much for me, I’ll admit it. I’m a regular guy and skiing is just a hobby. However in the middle of the storm, when snow turned into rain and harsh winds started to blow I kept enjoying it. Wearing Arc’teryx GoreTex products is like having an armor, watching the elements go wild on you and still feeling comfortable! While I would have normally returned to the hut to take shelter, with my Arc’ jacket and pants I was able to continue enjoying the mountain and skiing much longer. If you have to face the elements and have a sufficient budget, Arc’teryx should be your go-to company. They simply make the best of the best mountaineering gear out there.
Haha dude you should send this comment to them! Yeah they’re pretty amazing designers and if I needed it, they would be my first choice. Thanks for stopping by!
zon3ful It can definitely be a true investment, but you have to put some thought into it. I think it's important to consider how often you will use the pieces of gear that you buy. As a rule of thumb I always try and calculate what will be the "daily cost" of a said item. During a ski trip in December, my guide was wearing a Arc'teryx "Alpha SV" jacket. He had it for many many years and used it in many situations, ranging from ski touring, alpinism, climbing, etc. In the end the jacket did not cost him that much per day of use. If on the other hand you plan to replace your jacket after 3 uses then it's definitely not a worthy investment. As Levi explains in the video, Arc' products are often designed for the harshest conditions. They will be overkill for most situations and for the majority of people. Nevertheless, if you can afford it and if you intend to face the elements at some points, Arc' will not disappoint. It's in difficult, cold, rainy, stormy conditions that you will truly enjoy the products and will realize how amazing they are. Cheers!
I bought my Beta AR over 10 years ago i am still wearing throughout winter and during the summer on heavy rain day. When travelling it always comes with me. love it and it is one of the best purchased i made it is very resitant and still in excellent condition.
As a 60+ YO lifetime outdoor athlete who has used gear by many of the major manufacturers, I can assure you that there are differences. Arcteryx gear has superior patterning, somehow a closer fit for less flapping while also providing better freedom of motion. The hoods fit and work perfectly. Materials are a good balance of light weight versus durability. Lots of thoughtful but subtle detailing, like bar tacking and reinforcing patches at stress points. 4 Arcteryx jackets have been essential and heavily used pieces for me - a rain shell (Sawyer), insulating mid/outer layer (Atom LT), 3-season aerobic shell (Incendo SL), and winter aerobic shell (Trino). These would be a waste of money if just worn to the mall, but they make a real difference on long days covering a lot of ground in tough conditions. High purchase price, but a $100 jacket that gets worn 20 times is higher “cost” than a $250 jacket that gets worn 200 times. On Cost: Goretex from any manufacturer is really expensive. Only buy where really needed. Just one of my Arcteryx pieces is Gore, and it’s a “value” b/c used very frequently, at work as well as play.
Interesting video concept. Nice to see a review of a product by the type of person that most products are used by (unless you’re also a Mount Everest scaling adventurer). I’ve used Arc’teryx, Patagonia, TNF, and MEC. I’ve lived in the United States, Canada, and the Netherlands. I can say living in the Netherlands taught me that Arc’teryx is worth it. In most North American areas people drive for their commuting. But in the Netherlands it’s mostly by bike and train. There is not a day that it rains that I can avoid being outside for an extended period. TNF has only lasted a few years in that climate, for example. But the Arc’teryx is still going strong. So it also depends on lifestyle, not necessarily if you’re going to go on an expedition. To be comfortable and dry showing up to a concert after riding a bike with a cello for 5km, I am glad I have the 20% of clothing that goes beyond what someone needs on average. I got my Arc’teryx Andessa Jacket from the previous season brand new on eBay. So while Arc’teryx is expensive it’s worth it for some people and there are ways to make it more affordable.
I bought a MEC Hydophobia 3 Ply Gortex Jacket 18 years ago and aside from a few dings and patches it is still in good repair and in use today. Awesome video btw, don't listen to the haters.
You have a Beta SL Hybrid jacket (the black shell) and an Atom LT hoody (the blue jacket), NOT a Beta AR jacket OR a Proton LT hoody. You clearly didn't do your research because you don't even know what you actually have in front of you and you don't know what you're talking about. Many people buy Arc'Teryx because of multiple factors such as the fit of the jacket is much better than any North Face/ Eddie Bauer jacket/ Fill in the blank brand are. Arc'Teryx also pays incredibly close attention to detail in their jackets and they are designed in superior ways to other brands, they offer clothing that is more like equipment and that equipment can't fail for some people or it could be life or death, they are genuinely built to last, and they have a superb warranty system where people frequently send in a 20 year old jacket that has been used and abused and they receive a brand new jacket in the mail from Arc'Teryx. That's buying a product that's meant to last - and last for life. Also, Arc'Teryx frequently goes on sale at places like Moosejaw, REI, etc. so you don't need to ever pay full price for an Arc'Teryx item. I've seen people pay full price on an Eddie Bauer jacket that is inferior to an Arc'Teryx jacket I have and I paid way less than they did. If you want the best, buy once and cry once, and buy Arc. If you don't need it/ don't want the best, spend your money elsewhere. There are other brands that are sufficient for most people. Not hating, just saying you need to actually do your research before you make a video making it seem like you know the product, company, and industry when its obvious you don't and you don't even use outdoor gear.
+1 for the fit. When I was shopping for a down jacket I tried them all without knowing the Arcteryx brand and guess what it had the nicest fit... ended buying it for the fit but also because it apparently was the warmest one and most well made with a great warranty!
A true comment from a dead bird lover, i have the atom lt and hope it to last at least 10 years, happy that someone say it could last up to 20 years, considering buying thorium ar, saving money now, ready to cry
I love Arc'teryx. I work in industry, and the industry discount makes it cheaper to buy them compared any other brands. They make it worth it to buy their gear. I have a 3 year old Arc'teryx shell with no signs of wear with year round use. That's 50+ days of back country skiing, and 40+ days of outdoor climbing every year, in addition to daily wearing it for 3 years. If I didn't have that discount, I still wouldn't hesitate to buy it assuming it was on sale. Their gear is bombproof for the right user. Once you wear a harness over top of your jacket, load up your harness with gear, throw on a backpack and do up the belts - you will notice the difference in designs of jackets/pants very quickly. Obviously, if you're using their gear in the city as a $700 raincoat it's overkill I'd rather have a $10 umbrella that covers my legs too. A lot of people think that their "Lifetime Warranty" mean that they never have to buy a jacket again. No that's just wrong. Nothing lasts forever. If you get a hole, rip, etc in it that's your own fault, you're not getting a new jacket for free. They cover any manufacturing defects associated with the item, like seems coming loose. It doesn't cover wear and tear. Any lifetime warranty is for the useful life of the product. A jacket is going to look very different after a year of use when you look at an urban commuter vs. a mountain guide, any company would go broke if mountain guides were coming back every year for new jacket warranty replacements. Hell if they did that a $2000 jacket would be worth it after a few years. Granted if you are using it for commuting it should last forever if you take care of it. Some of their gear is just mumbo jumbo over priced garbage, but the tried and true'd gear is worth it. If you want to buy it, then buy it. If not then just buy something else. At the end of the day, any Gore Tex shell from any manufacturer is just an expensive garbage bag.
It's simple: the shells are top notch, the down jackets are great, the rest is to appeal to those who don't seek adventure, but want to feel like they're part of the team. They have to sell things aside from their shells to keep the company afloat. My Beta AR shell has bell snuggling boulders, sheltering me from downpours, and layering well with other gear for around 3 years now, and it still looks like I bought it.
How warm is the Darrah coat? I bought the kappa jacket from this seller last week and it just came in. Thinking of making a purchase for my wife. Thoughts? www.ebay.ca/itm/372474420306?var=&ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1555.l2649
@@SuperNPProductions I own both the Atom LT and the Proton AR. Both are great, can't go wrong with either. Mountain Hardware, TNF, and Eddie Bauer also make good puffy's that can be bought for much cheaper than Arc'Teryx and those brands go on sale more often. Synthetic: Easier to care for, still warm when wet. Loses the "warmness" when washed. Down: Lasts much longer, even when washed. Not warm when wet, if wet it can get moldy if it doesn't dry out completely. Breathability will be nearly the same. All of the jackets I personally own are synthetic, but down is just as great. Buy whatever looks better, or is cheaper.
@@SuperNPProductions I've owned quite a few, and for the most part most synthetic puffys are filled with polartec regardless of brand so it's more so the design or brand you're paying for. So in my opinion I just buy whatever fits well, and is cheapest. For breathability, in my experience it just comes down to using the right jacket(s) for the right thing. What you wear standing still waiting for the bus in subzero temps vs skiing in the same temp will be very different.
I've been using Arc'teryx for a few years, doing long distance hiking, climbing and camping in Arizona, Utah, Colorado and California. I personally own the Bora 50L Backpack, Atom LT Jacket, Beta AR Jacket and a hole bunch of beanies and caps. I am NOT easy on my gear and have never had any problems with it, it is expensive but I believe in the company and what it produces. Every piece I've purchased I've been very happy with and never had any question on if it were to fail I would be left out to dry. This company cares about it's supporters and I fully stand by it.
I’ve had this question since the day I saw Arc’teryx. But I fell in love with their products at first sight. I bought a sweater made of Polartec fleece but the outer material was in a knitted design. I travelled with it for one year. After a year, the material had quite significantly deteriorated. The ability to provide warmth was much lower. And it had so much of those woolly balls all over. I removed the balls and wore it for almost another year. After that it was practically not warm any more. I gave it away to charity after that because it could no longer serve my needs. So... built to last? I wish.
I got my first Arc’teryx jacket in 2007 and wore it for 11 years with one manufacturer repair. Which was free to me. Then in 2018 I sold it to someone else. Yes.. SOLD it. So someone else could continue using it. It really is the greatest equipment made and I will continue to support this company. I don’t think it’s accurate to say that there aren’t people out there that will actually need a jacket that performs on this level. My new Arc’teryx ski jacket actually outperforms all of the other equipment I have seen anyone else use and for people like me who spend 40+ days on mountain per season I believe it’s absolutely essential that you’re not caught out in the elements in some LL bean or north face base model sub par gear. Every manufacturer that caters to people like me makes a line of upper echelon equipment because we need it to continue to outperform and to survive the toughest most brutal conditions imaginable. You have made some great points, but my point is.. good luck keeping up with the best. See you at the bottom. I will have a clif bar for you to eat on the lift so you can try again. 🤙🏼🏂🏔
Love wild camping and hiking. I like to vary my brand choices which mainly include Rab, Mountain Equipment, Montane & Fjallraven. Not many are super cheap but all are of a high standard and serve me well 👍
I have Arc’teryx clothes that have lasted me for over a decade with hard use. Patagonia is also another brand I really like & has stood up to a lot of use.
I've use my beta shell for four years in the swiss alps and it's never let me down. I consider the purchase worthwile IF you take care and hadle it properly
Arc'teryx is good kit, you can get cheap jackets and trousers but they don't last five minutes if you take them climbing or into the mountains. In response to a comment below about serious outdoor enthusiasts not buying 'arc'teryx or patagucci', my two favourite bits of clothing are a pair of arcteryx softshells and a patagonia midlayer, I've had both for 4 years, they've done hundreds of days on rock and ice, kept me warm, cool, and although the trousers have a few holes from crampons, both are still holding up really well. It's true that cheaper alternatives would do, maybe sacrificing breathability or weight, but I think it's worth the money when you're three days in, not covered in sweat and hauling around a couple of kilos less than your mate.
I've had cheaper Columbia and North Face jackets wear out on me (pockets ripping, tears on the backside from wearing a backpack). I have not had these issues with my Arcteryx products yet. I learned not to buy cheap crap anymore that becomes useless after a few years.
Columbia is crap usually, but their Titanium line is pretty good. Mountain Hardware is the better product line in the Columbia family. Northface doesn't get decent until their Summit series.
Ive had my Arc Teryx shell for 7 years... It's done two deployments and 4 New York City winters along with numerous expeditions. Got it on sale at REI for half off and used my dividend. Paid $300. That's $40 a year for one of the best jackets in the world. I'm a 2XL and it rolls up to the size of a water bottle. ------- Outdoor Research is another phenomenal company. Love their shooting gloves, boot gaiters, watch caps, and thermal gloves. I supplemented my issued gear with OR. My next jacket purchase (if I ever need to buy one) will probably be OR.
After tons of research, I bought a Outdoor Research jacket, and then through an accident that is too long to explain here, I got $250 worth of other Outdoor Research clothing and absolutely love all of it. I can’t recommend them enough.
lots of my ski/snowboard and hiking buddies love their Arcteryx jackets, if you use it enough each season you wont want to go back to some entry level stuff. its like saying yeah a toyota will get you to work but a mercedes can do it quieter, comfier and more stylish. that appeals to many many outdoor seeking people
I own a fair few items by Arc'teryx and Norrøna. I love all of them and do not regret the investment. Some of them I've been wearing for over 5 years now and they still perform as if they were new. I would say that these items are only worth the expense if you are genuinely serious about your outdoor pursuits. And I don't mean day hikes down your local nature trail, I mean mountaineering, ski touring and expeditions in remote parts of the world with extreme weather. If you spend at least a month or two in the wilderness each year, you will not regret the investment. You will not notice the benefit of these items if you use them to go to Starbucks or to walk the dog... a less expensive item would feel exactly the same.
My husband and I just bought the Beta Ar Arc'teryx jackets and i'm eager to test it out. We are avid hikers/scramblers and hike in every condition from +30 and sunny to -30 and snowing. The biggest problem I have with shells is breathability. Last week we went up a mountain, it was sunny one minute then raining the next and at the top we had to wait out a blizzard. The shell I was wearing kept the rain and snow out but was soaked inside because it didn't breath at all. When you are on top of a mountain its important not to be wet.
I was an early adopter of Arc'teryx, buying my first two jackets from them in the 1990s. This was before anyone had heard of them in the US. They rewarded me by denying repairing my jacket after it fell apart at the seams. They explained that their "lifetime warranty" was just "for the life of the jacket, not the life of the owner." I have Marmot jackets from the same period that are in great shape and don't have anything else that just delaminated like that. Marmot, Patagonia, and OR - among many other brands, would have all just fixed it. I am changing to OR going forward.
A base layer, mid layer, and outer windproof/waterproof shell can all be purchased at your local Walmart for less than $100 and be good with moderate activity in subzero temperatures. Yes I own technical jackets from Outdoor Research, Patagonia, and North Face but I find all I really need is to layer properly. Factor in your intended activity level and sweating and you will wish all your jackets had little things like pit zips.
Am I the only one who think this "made to last" mantra is all a lie. Exhibit A: I bought a freakin expensive waterproof jacket. Over a few years, it has holes in it, the outer layer is abraded and water saturates the outside of the jacket in a matter of minutes. Washing it in DWR "refresh" product will renew the DWR for one use. The warranty does cover the holes in the jacket, but now my jacket have a bunch of patches all over the place. The warranty service also took 3 months and it cost me close to $50 for shipping to and from. I think you can probably patch it yourself for less than $50 and it'll take less than 3 months. I know they are trying their best, but performance and durability are conflicting requirements a lot of the time (e.g. light but durable). Who has a really good warranty repair experience with recently with a manufacturer? A lot of them just replace it, which defeat the purpose made to last.
I will pin this post to see how people react but I will give you my experience. From what I have read and researched about Patagonia (featured in another video) they have the stats to back up their product guarantee and their quality. They have impeccable service and a repair program that literally tours the country repairing clothing (the work wear project). From other people and comments on my videos I have heard that both Patagonia and Arc have been exemplary when items are returned or damaged. I can’t speak for other brands but this is my understanding so far. Thanks for the comment man!
I'd say that Patagonia has the best overall warranty, repair, and replacement program. As Tee Jay mentioned, OR's is also fantastic. The key is to take the "made to last" mantra with a grain of salt. It really depends on how much use garments get. Any "waterproof" shell is going to be used more, and in more harsh conditions, than other articles of clothing. So I don't expect a shell to last me 20+ years when I use it year round here in Colorado. So I focus instead on buying from a company like Patagonia, because I know the shell I buy from them will last longer than the competition. And if there's something wrong with it, Patagonia will fix/replace it, and recycle as many of the materials as possible. I have Patagonia fleeces and shirts that are close to 15 years old, and still are going strong. That makes me continue to buy their products.
Yep. There's benefits from buy once-cry once. I had a zipper problem on a four or five year old Pat R1 that I'd beat to hell, sent it in and it came back with a new zipper. That matters. To add one though to the best overall warranty/replacement? Darn Tough socks. Lifetime replacement on, IMO, the best socks out there.
I'm extremely happy with my 2 Arc'teryx jackets -which I bought for very cheap in their outlet. 😎 Super light weight, durable, work well for extreme weather and a nice mininalistic design. Love it!
Hey, nice video. I've been subbed ever since the Patagonia video popped up on my suggestions a few months back. I have an Arc'teryx jacket. You're right that they are geared towards extreme sports enthusiasts. I have to say though, that segment when you were in MEC was quite pretentious. I bought an Arc'teryx jacket because I wanted something that would last the harsh Vancouver Island winters. I was in college when I first bought the jacket, a couple of years later I noticed that my backpack had worn a small area through the Goretex layer of the jacket. I sent an email to the company, they asked for some pictures and the next day I got an email saying a new jacket was being shipped off. That's why I buy jackets like Arc'teryx, knowing they will be able to keep you dry when they say they will. If they don't, the company goes above and beyond in fixing the issue.
Yeah I think that’s the difference. If you use the product for its intended use and then when you do actually wear it out and they replace it? That’s real value. My point with the MEC component was that most people today aren’t using these products. I know what you mean about me sounding pretentious, wasn’t my intention of course haha but yeah I get you.
"Harsh Vancouver Island winters" is a little bit much wouldn't you say. I've worked all over Canada and live on the Island now and our winters are kind of a joke. So sure, its your money and buy what you like, but's its not like we are living north of 60 here.
Exactly. It is just a Fashionable brand these days. Most people have a $500-$700 jacket to go from their car to inside or for use under an umbrella. Same with Canada Goose jackets in Vancouver. Plenty of people have these luxury items then complain about the high cost of living.
I live close to the mountain area in central Europe (Austria, close to the Switzerland border). Here they also sell a couple of brands really high priced, with the argument of durability. I usually buy the cheap discounter brands. They don't look as slick and fashionable, are more bulky, raw and not as light, but 1. when I go hiking I go hiking and not dating and 2. if you crawl under a fence and tear your jacket up, or if the bicycle chain get's into your clothes, or if the fabric doesn't live up to what is promised, or if an idiot causes a burn hole, or if you accidentally select the wrong program with the washing machine, and so forth, it's $25 vs $350.
It's probably a little difficult to justify the price-tags associated with Arc'teryx, but I have a few pieces of their gear (Beta SV jacket and Atom LT mid-layer) and have enjoyed both immensely. I've worn both through the Himalayas and, while I didn't suffer extreme conditions, I can say that both performed well when put to use. Having owned these products for less than a year, I can't speak to the long-term suitability of the product yet, but I can say that both, respectively, handle wet and cold very well. Arc'teryx's GORETEX Pro has yet to fail me during prolonged exposure to rain and the Atom LT midlayer has done a great job keeping me warm in temperatures as low as -10 Celsius. Nothing extreme but these are also not insignificant markers either. To your point about the race car, you're absolutely right. For most people, Arc'teryx products are beyond the scope of what's necessary. But, for those who need race car performance in the world of outdoor adventures, Arc'teryx is a good place to start. Or end.
Thank you! He doesn't even talk at all about the material or that certain jackets are made for entirely different purposes. But the fact that it's more expensive definitely has nothing to do with 3L goretex and extreme weight reduction! /s
Cute video Levi. I am an outdoor guide here in Iceland and spend my summers trekking in the highlands. This island can be unforgiving, strong winds, rain, rough terrain. By the end of summer, I am piecing together whatever is left of my gear, trying to salvage as much as possible. I must say I havent owned an Arc´teryx jacket but I own other expensive jackets made from Gortex and polartec. They are consistently holding up summer after summer. Sure I pay more but I trust what I buy, I trust it will protect me, keep me warm and dry during these long journeys therefore making is worth every dollar. Thanks for the wonderful video!
I was thinking 'wow how have i not seen this guy before' and looked down expecting to see 250,000+ subs at least. HOW DO YOU NOT HAVE MORE SUBS !!!!!? Quality is amazing and so engaging ! Thank you :)
"Probably" the most hardcore? Hmm... How about some European (mostly, Scandinavian) brands like Norrøna, Haglöfs, Bergans, Fjällräven (for natural fiber lovers), Carinthia? By the way, their products cost as much as Arc'teryx stuff, but taxes and salaries in these countries (especially, Norway and Austria) are incomparably higher than in Canada. Snugpack clothing made in the UK is visibly cheaper. Another simple question: how many hard shell jackets made by Arc'teryx have a storm flap, not just an exposed "waterproof" zipper (say hello to wind and rain/wet snow)? That's a must-have thing for a "hardcore" expedition-grade jackets.
I'm Scandinavian and I've used all the brands you mentioned except Norrøna. I stuck with Arc'teryx because it just functions. It keeps working forever if you treat it well (by that I mean don't chop it with an ax otherwise it's getting beat up by my use).
+Viktor Gissum-Greve, I have no reason to reject your personal experience and say that you are biased, however, particular personal experience in uncontrolled circumstances can't constitute an evidence. I am an engineer, so I'm used to make conclusions based on knowing and understanding the mechanisms of a certain difference, not on empirical information. That's the core principle of an evidence-based knowledge called "science".
My gamma MX hoody is 13 years old now. I've used it everywhere, as a daily winter jacket, and as a mountaineering, xc skiing softshell. It's my most used piece of gear ever. It's getting permanently dirty so these days I only use it when I am exercising or going into the back country. It cost less per use than any other equipment I've used.
People need to understand that when it comes to clothing, they are extremely different. I am from Iceland and believe me, the weather in the highlands can get pretty extreme. It is under these conditions the true quality kicks in. Brands like Arc´teryx simple stand out and literally can safe lives , in conditions so extreme that lower quality garments don't!
Great video...no question Arc'y is top class, ridiculously expensive, not needed by most & driven by consumerism. Can also say that if you use it for intended purpose and can find ways to obtain she's the bomb. Retired my Alpha SV Bibs at 12 years after multiple expeditions plus other activities replaced with same also bought at Arc'ys sidewalk sale 50% off for about $400...same with ThetaAR shell, just retired and replaced at their outlet store. If you use it for 10 years + then get a couple hundred bucks or make a great gift with someone else who will use and love for years it makes sense.
Good job. Yep, I believe that one is better off buying a quality jacket that does it's job, even if it's 100% or 200% more expensive than a lesser jacket. That said, seems to me like Arc'Teryx, and other brands (Kanuk) are inflating prices by 600% to 800%. That's EXCESSIVE. They're counting on the snob factor. You can get very good quality for more reasonable prices. So... in essence you're paying too much for a good item.
Where Arc excels is in the hardcore niche. If you can’t rationalize a $300 rain shell and $350 down jacket, the brand isn’t for you. But for someone that is outside at least 100-200 days a year in all conditions, it becomes pretty easy to try your first piece of gear and then your second, and before you know it your closet is full of Arc’teryx 15 years later. I still do research for each new piece of gear, and I still end up with Arc for what I need. That should tell you something.
Selling my Arc'teryx Kappa jacket Brand new with tags on my Ebay page. rover.ebay.com/rover/1/706-53473-19255-0/1?icep_ff3=2&pub=5575378759&campid=5338273189&customid=&icep_item=372466014202&ipn=psmain&icep_vectorid=229529&kwid=902099&mtid=824&kw=lg&toolid=11111
I have had my Arc’teryx Insulated women’s snowboarding jacket for 7 years and not one hole or stitch is out of line. It has been washed hundreds of times with speciality detergent to tide to gain. It was around 600-700$ 7 years ago it was a gift from my husband. It’s the only winter coat I’ve owned this whole time and it’s served me well. It has spent several winters in Michigan, Montana, Chicago, and Colorado. I have no doubt I’ll have that coat for another 7 years. 🤘🏻
I was thinking the same thing. I wanted to be an editor and studied video prod in college so I always keep a keen eye on editing and here (along with everything else) it's on POINT! Great job. Subbed as well.
I have two Arc'teryx jackets both purchased on sale. One hooded one not. Both are very useful but the hooded one is used for mid layer when backpacking and the no-hood is a city deal. Both about $200 when purchased on sale an a locally owned outdoor shop. I also have a Patagonia rain shell. Fabulous coat. Very useful in all settings. It probably costs the same. None of these are true 4 seasons wear except here in Georgia. All are very sell made and I am proud to own them. I am never buying cheap gear again, I like being warm and dry.
I feel like the video could have had some more specific info. I mean sure, outdoor gear is the race car of clothing, but among race cars, Arcteryx is often literally twice as expensive. The trouble is that arcteryx doesn't seem to have twice the performance? In some cases, their clothing is similar in materials to something 1/2 the price, so why is arcteryx so (much more) expensive?
Take your shell above 11,000 feet in the sleet or rain and you will re-assess. Arc'teryx isn't always twice as expensive, but the performance difference, fit, and finish are second to none.
I would suggest that the elevation isn't as pertinent as the rain part. Rain is the anti-thesis to all shells in my experience. Once that DWR coating wears off (and it does on Arc'teryx too, don't let the people at the store tell you otherwise), the exterior saturates and forms a barrier to breathability for the waterproof membrane. This is no fault of Arc'teryx though, that's a Gore-Tex thing. I would say I believe the fit and fashion are among the best going, and often just the best, but performance doesn't change much within the class of garment because the materials are generally the same. Everyone is using some kind of waterproof breathable membrane for their shells and generally the stitching is seam sealed. Mind you, some of the design choices they make are reflective of personal preference and there's no clear superior way. For example, some of their insulated jackets skip insulation between the pocket and the outer layer in order to prevent a cold spot on your torso around the pocket opening. The down side of this is your hands are chilly while they are in your pockets. Why don't they double the insulation there and make the jacket without a cold spot and also able to warm your hands? To save weight. So what are your pockets for really? If you think they are for keeping your hands warm, you might be better off with a different jacket. Arc'teryx thinks they are for storing stuff and otherwise it should be as light as possible. As a back country skier and climber, I like Arc'teryx's choice, but if I'm waiting at a bus stop, maybe I'm more of a North Face guy.
Not all of the Arc'teryx pockets are designed that way. I just checked my Cerium LT, both of my Atom LT's (different generations) and my Procline and they all have insulation outside of the pockets. On the rain part, you're right, but at elevation where storms can come in unimpeded, with heavy winds, and much lower temps, protection from the rain matters even more (that's what I was saying). As far as DWR being lost, yes, it absolutely does, but I've found their DWR to be superior over all brands I've owned. Like I stated though, I also take care of my clothes and wash them properly when suggested and how suggested.
If it boiled down to a DWR that was much more durable in Arc'teryx then that would be miraculous and I would agree that the significant price jump would be appropriate (because beading in heavy rain is totally fantastic!), but I believe they use the same DWR chemical treatment that everyone else is using. If what they were using was significantly different then the other guys, they would call it something like like "TitaniDWRm". They wouldn't let an outstanding feature like a proprietary DWR that's superior go unadvertised.
Ok I am 70 and I have backpacked in ponchos and mildewed cotton shirts. I have had Pategonia, North Face etc. I am now a fan of Arc’teryx. We have hiked all over North America, Italy and Switzerland and will spend a lot of time hiking in Switzerland and New Zealand this year. Add to that we moved to Brevard NC to retire and hike and probably had 100” of rain in 2018. We go outside all the time. We are gear junkies. I am pretty much on board with all Arc’teryx including as gifts. But I do look for deals. Backcountry occasionally has 30% off one item and occasionally REI. And I get that young folks have trouble parting the cash. But when we were young we bought so much stuff twice. My sleeping bag from Sierra Designs bought in seventies-second bag after a mistake-is still magnificent and would be $1,000 today. Full goose down kept fully extended under our bed when not in use. So treat your gear with respect and it will serve you well if you buy great gear.
Ummmh... the sweet smell of Marketing, i lived in Vietnam and had friends working for different clothing factories, you are usually rip off buying these fancy outdoors clothing. Buy in outlets or when massive discounts are available. 500 bucks for a jacket is the hamster running in the marketing wheel, and the worst thing its the hamster will feel gratified and convinced that the performance of that equipment justifies the price.
500$ jacket cost 50 dollars at best to produce (shipped from Viet Nam to US, or Canada), the remained 450$ goes to profit ( usually more than 40% profit margin), repair, marketing, sponsoring athlete, and R&D, taxes ... etc. And I live in Vietnam, where Columbia, Osprey, The North Face, Deuter, Nike, Dynafit ... has their stuff made here, from outdoor clothing to backpack, trail running shoes. Do you think it's a rip off ? I DO.
Tommy Le I used to do supply chain analysis for one of those importers, and you're (basically) totally right. Inside particular price tiers it's really hard to tell them apart (we usually specified better material for our high line than Nike would, for instance, but our low end was made by the same shop). There are differences but they're immaterial. See what I did there? Anyway. We did insist on pretty close to 100% first quality - we would accept some seconds and blems if we could repair them, but that would have to be below 1-2%. All the above brands are a lot better that something from Old Navy or Target, but are they worth 20 times as much? Depends. Incidentally, I just bought some synthetic "packable travel slacks" from Wal-Mart of all places, and they're very nearly as good as one of the branded "hiking pants" above. Took them out last weekend and they work just fine. No cargo pockets. $17. Also - nothing short of a meatcutter's suit will stand up to thorns. Nothing.
I have started buying my gear from cottage companies and steering clear of the big brand names. It is a little expensive but it's made state side and made to order.
i bought the arcteryx beta ar jacket about 4 yrs ago.got it for half price online in Canada.as soon as i put it on and zipped it up i was in love.the fit is simply amazing.it feels like a second skin. just dont gain too much weight,its not a coat for couch potatoes. its for the rich. its insanely expensive.ill definitely buy another beta ar in the future.my jacket looks better now than it did 4 yrs ago.i highly recommend it.but look around. marmot and patagonia make excellent jackets also.
Why don't you do the research yourself? MEC is a CO-OP and therefore is more transparent about the MEC brand than any other corporate brand out there. Amongst other information, you can find a list of the MEC brand suppliers here: www.mec.ca/en/explore/factories You can click the link for the supplier list for all MEC Brand label products which means yes you can actually find them on a map and go to the factories. Also on that page are all the partnerships in which MEC is trying to extend its reach to generate change in the textile and manufacturing industries. To be honest no company can be perfect, especially when a Co-op like MEC is just a drop in the bucket when it comes to how much reach and engagement they have within the industries that make their products. By partnering with larger companies, sustainability think-tanks and working with manufacturers they are contributing above and beyond their size. O and one last thing, if you are so concerned, then you should do something about it. Become a member (if you aren't already) get engaged, and do something about it, vote for the board of directors and go to the yearly general meetings (this goes for all those reading this).
I bought an atom about 10 years ago when I was working for a trekking outfitter. It’s still water proof and warm. Probably wouldn’t have bought it without a pro deal but I do love the jacket.
The price factor has a lot to do with their machining department. They have their own department that customizes and engineers the tools necessary to step the material craftsmanship up to the next level.
Thank you for this excellent YT Video and for your thorough research in the outdoor clothing business! Wishing you all the Very Best! Best Regards from Sweden!
15 years ago I parted with almost $300 and bought a top of the line Arc'teryx jacket. That was a BIG buy for me then. And not nearly as nice as jackets of today but best of the time period. I hike, snowshoe, ski and snowboard a considerable amount each winter on North Shore Vancouver and Whistler. For 15 years it has kept me warm and mostly dry. It is NOW after 15 years that it looks a little ratty and is starting to soak in water. NO rips or zipper fails and just been a great jacket. Worth Every Penny if you intend to go hard for years to come.
Either people buy the coats & they genuinely don’t know or they know and just don’t care. For others reading, it’s not veganism or peta talk, it’s factual. Canada goose like all company’s - work for profits & growth. If they sell 200’000 units last year they will be looking to sell 220’000 this year. How many coyote / wolf skins make a coat I’m not sure, but if a company’s business model is based on targeting and killing a wild animal population - it cannot rely on these animals to reproduce quick enough to “replenish stock” and eventually these canine groups will be extinct. Wolves / coyotes are critical for population control and prevent over gracing of prey animals. Again if people don’t care, these coats cost 50-75 dollars to make and retail at 1000 dollars. The profit margin will be great, so these people are driving round in flash cars off your money.
If for others it’s about being ethical, Canada goose is one of the best company’s at green screening their products. The coyotes and wolves are caught via medieval trapping method. Like trawler fishing, these traps cannot specifically target wild dogs. They trap everything - bears, birds, deer, elk, moose, even peoples pets if unfortunate as by catch. Due to remoteness, the traps are checked once a week, so an animal will be caught by the leg for as long as 7days before the trapper ‘humanly’ shoots it in the head... I know you have videos to make & advertising supports your living - but it’s heading into north hemp. winter and this company needs to switch to faux fur. They will only if sales drop.
Well done, you nailed it. That said I have multiple Arc'teryx pieces in my arsenal and really like the way they perform. I am also in the industry so I don't pay full retail.
Loved my arc terix jackets used it daily for close to 3 years until the zipper broke. Way better warmer form fitting than any of the competitors. Aside from the zipper I would highly recommend it
another point i’ve noticed/worth mentioning about the new consumers now purchasing techwear like arcteryx, it has become more of a status symbol than being used for what it is intended to endure.
I have an Arc’Teryx jacket and it’s great. Have had it for years and it looks brand new still. Yes it’s expensive but it looks and feels great and is very durable.
I think you got Arc'teryx and The North Face mixed up. Arc' doesn't market to urban millennials with clean finger nails. They just sell their stuff at REI and MEC. And very little of it at that. TNF is different. It's also an inferior product. Patagonia falls under that banner with some of their stuff too. People who spend real time in the wilderness, like me, have valid reasons for buying Arc'. At least one or two critical pieces. And "built to last" is one of those reasons. You're clearly not an outdoors guy but you can probably understand that gear failure can be a make or break. And if you do this shit a lot, 'breaking' has to be taken off the table as much as possible. Arc' is also pretty much the only gear company in North America that hasn't gone to "American sizing." They don't think it's important to appease fat people. Their stuff is for athletes. Where Arc'teryx is smart is they speak to that audience. The posers come along on their own. See someone with an Arc' piece with Tenacious Tape on it? That's a backpacker, climber or mountaineer. See a clean piece on the street? Feel free to giggle.
Yeah I would definitely agree that Patagonia and TNF occupy a different part of the market. I didn’t mean to say that Arc targets them but they are wrapped up into that world by nature of being in that industry. For example the guy who I borrowed the jacket from said “ it’s very expensive for someone who doesn’t go camping or hiking”.
Appreciate that. You're right. They sort of get wrapped up in to it just because they're there. What's interesting to me is that TNF went from a relatively decent gear company to the 'choice' by those who just wanted to wear the brand. Over the last couple of years they've come out with a new line intended for mountaineers and people who really get out there but their reputation suffered. I think they lost a lot of dirtbags who didn't wanted to be associated with the brand. Going after the urban market may have helped their bottom line in the short term but I think they'll pay for it in the long run.
TNF has had the Summit series for a very long time and it is good, so I think you are off base. Yes, they also have plenty of mass market less quality stuff that they want to sell to everyone, but those items are easy to pick out by price point alone. Also, your outdoor elitist "I have Arc' because I'm a hardcore outdoors guy and anyone with a clean jacket in town is poser" is asinine and makes me think you think too highly of yourself. I do agree with a lot of what you said though.
I think you're right that it's been around for a while. Maybe 15 years or so. But it seems they've only recently really started to push it. I'm guessing it's in response to them starting to be seen as more of a lifestyle brand than a gear brand.
Use to work for an outdoor store. I bought 2 men Arc’teryx AR and 1 women AR. Goretex, breathable, thoughtful and seamless jacket. And is one of the best jackets I ever invested in but it helped that I got a discount. Legit, I am able to use my jacket in the winter, use it for snowboarding with their coreloft jacket but I can also use it in spring, summer and fall as a rain jacket. It’s an amazing all around jacket. Arcteryx is a top notch brand and highly recommend as I use to get clients who wanted gear to last. BTW they use to make the jackets in Canada but now outsource to China.
I still wear Rohan clothing I bought more than a dozen years ago (sizing permitting!). I took an eight year old jacket with a torn seam into their London shop and they mended it free. They even have a takeback scheme with a charity to reuse/upcycle their products for a discount on new kit. Rohan are the polar opposite of fast fashion. The shirts I bought this year I expect will outlast me. (I'm not affiliated, just a customer since the 1980's). Páramo clothing is pretty indestructable, (at least the products they sold in 1995 are, haven't had to replace any yet). Their Analogue jacket insulates so well that snow will settle on the outside.
You didn't analyse a single thing about the jackets you got... How can you judge a brand you've never tried ? Anyway I own some arc'teryx gear, but never bought anything from them that was more than say 150 €. I only buy their stuff when it's on sale. When I was living in Melbourne, it was the same thing with Aussie or Kiwi brands like MacPac, you had to wait until it was on sale, noone was paying full retail. Arc'teryx are very durable, the only thing I was disappointed with was their Spotter Pants, too fragile. On a lot of reviews, Arc'teryx is on top, sometimes Patagonia, The North Face or another brand can steal the show. Arc'teryx is always the best in a few areas : backpacks and jackets of all sorts. I hear they do some great climbing gear too. For gloves, they do great stuff too, but Black Diamond as well. For pants, I'd say it's a more even field, especially with Montane who do some fantastic stuff. It's hard to find a "best in class" review showing brands from all over the world... MacPac from New Zealand is doing some GREAT stuff. So are Salomon and Millet from France or Montane from the UK. But often websites who do reviews are American and it's always the same brands : Patagonia, The North Face, Outdoor Research, Arc'teryx, Marmot, REI, Black Diamond...
Osprey Backpacks/Hiking Packs absolutely stand behind this "built to last" guarantee. In fact, theirs is an "All Mighty" Guarantee: "Osprey will repair any damage or defect for any reason free of charge - whether it was purchased in 1974 or yesterday. If we are unable to perform a functional repair on your pack, we will happily replace it. We proudly stand behind this guarantee, so much so that it bears the signature of company founder and head designer, Mike Pfotenhauer." I have had an amazing experience with this. Was camping with a friend, and simply cutting some rope to hang a tarp for an incoming rainstorm. We had the rope attached to the back of the pack through a loop system so we could quickly spool off rope if needed quickly to help with climbing, etc. I cut the rope while still attache to the pack, and my knife went right the the side of the bag. We sent it for repair and it came pack with a perfectly colour matched panel, double taped seams and is working flawlessly. They even noted that if the bag wasn't performing after the repair , or water was leaking in the new patch to contact them and they would replace it with the newest model! Love that they try to repair first, but its also great to know that if you buy one of their bags, you will truly have it for life!
I have an Arc’ cerium lt jacket I wore when I got into an accident on my bike. Fully expected the jacket to be ripped to shreds from grinding on the concrete as I slid. Much to my shock not a scratch, tear or marking. That alone has given me a lot of faith in their products. My only gripe it’s not as warm as I would have hoped.
i'm in something called MAST program here in canada in fernie BC and yes the cost of gear is expensive but you need to search for deals and really hunt for the best set up for 5 days in the rockies and then you need to be able to take most of the same clothing on programs like rock climbing in montana and then mountaineering the next week. Then we still have avalanche skills training and ski guide 1 and 2 and avalanche skills training 2 and SO MUCH MORE. the gear you where is important and worth the money... but i agree that you do not need a Arc'teryx soft shell but they do make other very durable and IF YOU TAKE CARE OF YOUR GEAR THAT IT WILL TAKE CARE OF YOU. that means caring and cleaning and not treating your gear that you spent several hundred dollars on. the key to life long gear is life long care for it :) great video Levi please keep these coming! i just started following and am already happy with how you display your facts! thank you!
I don't need shoes to run but it sure helps. I get the angle you are coming from but it came close to vilifying those who indulge in the higher end gear despite them possibly not NEEDING it. I've always been of the mindset that the item to buy is the best one that fits within your budget. Whether it be tools, furniture or outdoor gear. If I decide that a $400 Arc'Teryx jacket makes my day trip slightly more comfortable than perhaps it is worth it, regardless of how long I intend to keep it. Additionally, the only issue with not keeping a jacket long term is if you dispose of it while it is still in good condition. Many people rely on used gear to be able to do what they love to do, and that requires someone purchasing it brand new. Brands of this caliber are almost never about needs, and that is fine. Let people buy what they want because at the end of the day, it is their money.
y &n. getting from North America to Europe used to require 3 months on a boat. I'm so very happy my vacation dollars can fly my ass around the world...and no one dies of dysentery.
You hit the nail on the head that the outdoor retail industry is getting caught up in fast fashion. I work at and outdoor retailer (that you may have been filming in), and I swear we rotate our stock around and get new clothes in just as fast as the H&M across the street. Yes, the tried and true quality pieces are a constant in the back of the store, but there always has to be new new new! to attract the weekend warriors. The "faster" fashion is still made to very high ethical and environmental standards, but is catering to rampant consumerism all the same. It's something that has been eating away at my soul since starting the job to be honest.
![[LIVE] : ONE ลุมพินี 88 | คู่เอก "ป้อมเพชร vs อัสลามจอน"](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/1ZqTVVbMgbo/mqdefault.jpg)
This video never got to the core question of "Why is Arc'teryx so expensive"? I must admit, I was excited by the strong start to this video, where you were setting the stage with an industry overview and obtained a couple of Arc'teryx jackets (that I assumed you would be performing some testing on, or even just detailed commentary at a minimum). However, you veered off into a directionless tangent of making the point that yes, Patagonia, Arc'teryx, The North Face, and similar brands are striving to make long lasting jackets in a fast fashion consumer environment, but never tied that to a "so what?". I was disappointed that by the end of the video you didn't end up looking into why Arc'teryx is priced higher than it's competitors aside from a vague statement about it's innovation and built to last quality, though your opinion without evidence is near meaningless given you've never owned an Arct'eryx product yourself.
I just wanted to raise this as a piece helpful feedback point for your future videos, as taking your audience on a 9:32 journey without much insight is an unsustainable way to grow your channel. All the best!
So annoying.
I got one feeling from whole that videoclip that in fact there is no reason why Arc'teryx is so expensive. I think it is a trend and it is not only in outdoor equipmet that some producers are trying to stress quality of their products only by increasing its price... and some ppl believe that if they buy super expensive product it will be of the best quality. Sometimes yes but sometimes designers of the product overthinkig product so much that they will spoil it. Very often you can buy for half price or less similar product which will do the same fine job for you.
Marco C but he did anwser it? He said that it was expensive because it is the very top of the line and the “racecar” of the outdoor gear industry. He then followed it up by saying most people will never be in such extreme situations to need a “racecar” and added the quote that 80% of what’s out there will do the job for most people.
@@emilyc7303 but what makes it "the very top of the line" and "racecar" quality? He didn't answer this in the video.
Marco C materials is why.
I was issued their bags in the US military and used their LEAF stuff on missions in the Middle East. Love their prods. They stand up to whatever you throw at them. Worth it if you can afford it.
Thats funny you say that, I bought myself the alpha jacket when it first came out, in truth it was no better in Afghan than the lightweight jacket we were all issued as standard. You can pick those things up at army surplus stores for £20. Fair enough it might have someone else’s name written on the inside, but who cares? Better than paying a £1000! I was also disappointed to learn they are Chinese owned too.
@@karaloca milsurp tends to give high performance for low prices but you live in a fantasy if you think those jackets are completely equivalent to arc'teryx in regards to performance just because they were good enough for combat
Ringo The Flamingo well you know best, I’m glad there’s people like you though. As they’re the type who bought my jacket from eBay, for almost as much as I paid for it new
Thanks for that update. And thank you for your service more importantly.
@@karaloca China owns the world now.
Arcteryx is a great company that does stand by their products. I owned a jacket from them for four years before the inner liner started to wear away. The seam that kept the outer shell and inside layer had come loose and I went to their store to have it repaired. Before I could even ask how much it would cost me, the store clerk said it was the companies fault and asked me to pick out a new jacket in the same price range as a replacement. This was after FOUR YEARS of already owning that first jacket. Built to last may be an overstatement, but customer service to last was proven to me.
That's great! THanks for leaving a comment!
You aren't taking inflation into consideration, the jacket that cost you $400 5 years ago will cost over $1000 today, so you won't find a similar jacket within the same price range unless they made an exception for you.
I bought a jacket from them in about 1990, I wore the thing for 10 years and it was the only jacket that I owned so I wore the hell out of it... and I did a lot of hiking in it as well. As you can guess after 10 years the thing was in pretty bad shape, still wearable, but the "waterproofness" of the jacket was faded and there were quite a few other tiny problems... I sent it to them to see if there was anything that they could do to fix it, I didn't expect them to do anything, it was almost a lark to send it to them... and they sent me back a new jacket for free... after going ultralight in my hiking equipment I stayed away from having a shell jacket for over 10 years and just used light weight ponchos... but this year I went hiking in the rockies for a week and decided to buy an arcteryx jacket again, got it on sale for $400 which is a hefty price for me, but I went for it. During the hike we had 3 days of torrential rain and hail that we had to hike through... It may sound exagerated to say that the jacket probably saved my life, but it did... and I will probably be keeping it for another 10 years... lastly in comparison, I have paid $300 for a Patagonia shell and $270 for an OR shell, both were completely useless against rain after 2 seasons... Arcteryx is expensive, but worth it.
which model are you wearing?
I'm a firm believer in you get what you pay for, Acrteryx being a prime example of this. Family members and friends of mine are ACMG guides, all of whom have been using dead bird stuff since the company started and stand behind it. I have backpacks and pieces of kit going on over 10 years old that have worm well with the right care. These same items are used almost daily, to this day. Among this gear are items that were made off shore, I honestly cannot tell the difference in quality or fit of pieces made in Canada Vs out east. A good example of this is my Beta LT, a jacket I bought nearly 5 years ago. The initial cost is large, but it is an investment that will last you a long time. It is my one and only shell jacket. I wear it ski touring, around town, hiking and always have it on hand. It has holes, the cuffs are dark from wear but it is still as water proof as the day I bought it- as long as you do a yearly wash with tec wash ;)
Bashing people in MEC for being posers is pretty rude. There is nothing wrong with camping in campgrounds or hiking on trail. It takes small steps to become more of a hardcore outdoors person. And honestly doing challenging accents or sleeping in a bivy while you and your gear gets soaked is an adventure. But it also sucks a lot at times and sometimes it's nice to do something that's more chill. Like tent in a quiet campground.
We should be encouraging people to get outside and enjoy the scenery, even if it's only a couple times a year. We all lead busy lives!
I think it is especially important in a place like Vancouver where so many people are disassociated with the outdoors and how things work. Many there do not even know where their food comes from yet ridicule those that choose to chase game.
BC is an incredible province and if everyone got to experience it I think a lot more people would be proactive in taking care of it.
/end rant hahaha
@D B fucking savage. I agree with the original statement, but the response was too great to not respond
The one thing that I've learned with rock climbing as well as Outdoors is that if you're doing something that is extreme and puts your life on the line do you really want to cheap out on something like that. For instance people who buy used climbing gear is kind of scary to me.
Okay, i usually dont comment on videos because i feel like i wont make any difference, but i have to say something i feel like the video missed out on.
I am 23 year old male, have around 200 days outdoor on trips each year. I love spending time researching gear and i work in a small, expensive high end alpine store which profit from the fact that customers get great advice on gear. For this to be possible we all have to test the gear we sell so we comfortably can stand behind the product recommendations.
From what i have experienced so far, the high end part of Arc'Teryx has a much higher standard than most other brands in same price range. The differences are not something you will see right away, atleast not most people, but rather what comes to sight after some time. Here we are talking about small details like how often they change the needle on the machine during production. When you use a needle over a periode of time, the tip will wear out, and therefore leave a slightly bigger hole. The difference is extremely small, but can be enough to compromise the jackets properties after it has been used for some time.
My point with this is not at all to sell the most expensive gear to everyone, but rather buy gear for what you are actually are going to do with it.
You wouldnt buy a winter jacket for the summer because it is a "better" jacket, so why would you have a jacket that can scale mount everest when you are walking around in some city with 0 degrees celsius.
So before you enter a store, be honest with yourself about what you are going to use the gear for, and then buy something that suits those needs. Then you could rather spend the money you have just saved on one more trip with your kids.
(This post does not only apply to Arc'Teryx)
Dude this was so well written. I totally agree with what you said here you just put it in a more experienced language. Thanks for taking the time to comment man. 🙏🏼
Martin Leinum I get what you are saying but my lasy Arc jacket lasted only six years and it pretty much fell apart. I only used it as a ski jacket 30 or so days a year. Not great for 600.00 the coat I am in now is some no name brand I paid 175.00 and after three years its pretty much perfect. I did like the style my Arc had but its quality was average at best. Take care
@@mtadams2009 I feel like you maybe didn't follow the care instructions or maybe you had a few too many crashes out on the hill. Washing machines destroy garments and so does the ground.
TenguAlpha I followed the care instructions and only washed it a couple of times. I have been skiing all my life and rarely fall. Take care
@@mtadams2009 companies are using more sustainable "ingredients" so hardshells are not lasting as long as they did in the past
Most people in the film industry in Vancouver I work with wears Arc'teryx. Everyone LOVES THEM for their quality. Since when filming outside in the rain and cold for 12 hours/day or more, you really want to keep dry and warm.
this is why i love shopping the pre loved market these items last forever and i can find them for half the price with plenty of life still in them
Could be fake tho
@@BobGnarly420 that's a good point! it's important to be careful when shopping online to make sure you're getting the real thing!
"How will I use this?" and "Do I already have something similar that serves the same purpose?". Such important questions we should be asking ourselves before consuming.
Bought an Arc'teryx jacket about 7 years ago. Can't remember the exact model, but while it was expensive, their prices have gone up significantly since then. It has been on around 10 week long backpacking trips and is my daily rain jacket on my weekday bike commutes to work through Vancouver rain. Just finished a month long hiking trip with it in September. Through all of this it has performed amazingly. It's even held up to the numerous bike accidents I've had over the years.
Two years ago, after a long hiking trip with a lot of rain, I noticed that the material where my pack shoulder straps sit had started to show a just barely visible amount of wear. I mentioned this while visiting the Arc'teryx North Van outlet with a friend and was overheard by one of the staff who told me that I should make a warranty claim. It was so small that I was a little dubious, but I showed it to their warranty guy and he said that it would definitely be covered, so I left it there to see what they could do. A couple of days later I get a phone call saying that they can't fix it but that they'll give me a new jacket instead and that I can get anything off their site that is $700 or less (or pay the difference), which is around twice what I paid for my jacket.
So that's how I ended up with my current Beta AR (as shown in this video). And at least IMO, rain jackets have all looked the same for a long time so I can't see myself getting bored of this one and buying another. It does make me laugh a little seeing how many people wear these jackets in Vancouver that have likely never hiked more than a few hours in their lives.
Every time I try on something made by Arc'teryx, I'm surprised by how well it _fits_ me and by how comfortably I can move in it. In my eyes, that's always been the feature of Arc'teryx clothing that distinguishes it from the baggier, boxier clothing I've worn from REI, Columbia, The North Face, etc. that bunches up in awkward places. To me, that alone makes it worth about 50% more.
It's like Arc'teryx is the only outdoor clothing company that has figured out how the human body is shaped and how it moves.
daemon facts
I absolutely agree! It's not just about the durability. Arc stuff simply works better. Its fit has evolved, while manufactures like TNF, Marmot, MT Hardwear, etc have put their effort into meeting an acceptable price point so that adventurer wannabe's can look the part. I agree that Patagonia is equal in quality and their warranty/ethical practice is second to none...but for performance and fit, Arc can't be beat. When I wear my Arc stuff, as opposed to outerwear from other manufacturers, I mostly forget I'm wearing it...the highest compliment I can give a piece of outerwear or clothing.
Completely agree. Everything I own from them fits perfectly. Patagonia gear fits well and I absolutely love that they are a stand-up company, but Arc'teryx gear is next level.
And ACRONYM
Love their kit and have several bits BUT I've never paid full price, only brought stuff when its been on sale, this is the advantage to a company that often brings out new models! Definatly daft for the wannabes in the high street but in an Alpinism setting where weight is actually a big issue (bivi kit, rope, rack etc) Arc' is worth the extra pennies IMO. Also the quality is important in an environment where a stuck/broken zip or ripped open seam could realistically kill you. But for anything less it is kinda overkill.
extra "pennies" yeah, tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands of extra pennies.
Arc is really good for skiing
Good video, I like the point about “Weekend Warriors” I’m in no way Gatekeeping but I live in The middle of nowhere Northern Canada, most of the rugged trappers, hunters, and farmers favour hard use cheap items like Walmart coats, and Military surplus. The most expensive piece of gear these people typically buy is a jacket or pants from Carhartt. (We typically call Carhartt gear “Farmer Gucci”)
I bought a crazy expensive Arc’teryx jacket after having to be saved after 24 hrs in a snow blizzard by Search and Rescue and all my clothing gear failed. I would gladly do it again. Most all of my backpacking clothes are Arc’teryx now. It is a complete hit to my budget, but their clothes are extremely well made (and a lot of research /technology goes into their design). I will not skimp on gear that could possibly save my life out their on trail.
I know that is right. I want to backpack in extreme wintes in Europe. Have you tried Merino wool? I heard that wool is amazing.
@@malazkm I started with sockes. when I hike, my feet smell and it lived in my pack-blah(cotton). Merino wool is strait MAGIC! chase the sales, read about it, watch thur hiker videos on TH-cam- its worth the investment.
As a big fan of Arcteryx (fit, durability, design & also sticking to the 'we will fix it' promise), I'll buy Arcteryx over virtually anyone else. We visit Iceland regularly (we also live in Switzerland... more mountain sports) and go for many days into the back country. It's one place that will kill just about any gear. I've had gear damaged there and when I sent it to Arcteryx for repair, they commented that it was long past the warranty period but fixed it anyway. Sure, Patagucci does a lot for the planet but, for me, their on again/off again love/hate affair with various sports, colors, etc., not to mention the way it fits me.... or not (usually a lot like a plastic bag).... again, score one for Arcteryx. If you don't want to buy Arcteryx, fine, don't buy it. Buy what you like or what works for you. In any case, I've got many pieces of Arcteryx gear that are over a decade old and still get a lot of love and use.
What are your views on Canada Goose, The North Face or Sail Racing?
Canada Goose, from everything I've seen is for the 'I want to look outdoorsy but only wear this jacket shopping at Gucci." crowd. Sail Racing, is that a brand or the 'sport'? North Face, does a lot of good outside the company and I know that some of their far upper tier gear is actual outdoor gear but most is Costco clothing for the name only.
I agreed with you but lets agree that Arcteryx mark up is insane!!!!! And the only to moderate that we are the consumer!!!!!
Patagonia will fix it or replace it for you for life for a fraction of the cost of an Arc jacket.
Michael Cleveland when you live in Switz why don’t you support Mammut ? 😉. I used to love their gear but lately the design / colour scheme is weird. But still a big fan.
In the UK Arc'teryx are having to lower their prices due to other brands such as Mountain Equipment offering jackets of equal to above quality of Arc'teryx at a much lower price, sometime Mountain Equipment costing half as much. I've had a Gore-tex Pro Mountain Equipment jacket for 10 years and it has never let me down. Winter mountaineering in Scotland, Ice climbing and cross country skiing in Norway, Hiking in the Lake District in England, mountain biking in Wales, multiple canoeing trips and many more outdoor activities. I would choose Mountain Equipment over any other brand when it comes to waterproof jackets, their patented hood design is simply the best on the market.
MrZimma Frame I had a mountain equipment jacket from 1980 to about 1995, never let me down, I got rid, eventually, as I piled on the pounds, superbly made gear!
Last year I bought an Arc’teryx Sabre ski jacket and pants for ski touring, for a total of 1000€.
I do not regret the investment!
I was baffled by the quality of these pieces of gear. The construction is flawless and the finishing ridiculously amazing. The fit is near to perfect too (just large enough for layering but just slim enough and stylish).
Perhaps it’s too much for me, I’ll admit it. I’m a regular guy and skiing is just a hobby. However in the middle of the storm, when snow turned into rain and harsh winds started to blow I kept enjoying it. Wearing Arc’teryx GoreTex products is like having an armor, watching the elements go wild on you and still feeling comfortable! While I would have normally returned to the hut to take shelter, with my Arc’ jacket and pants I was able to continue enjoying the mountain and skiing much longer.
If you have to face the elements and have a sufficient budget, Arc’teryx should be your go-to company.
They simply make the best of the best mountaineering gear out there.
Haha dude you should send this comment to them! Yeah they’re pretty amazing designers and if I needed it, they would be my first choice. Thanks for stopping by!
"Investment"
zon3ful it is if you spend time in the cold weather.
I think you mean depreciating asset
zon3ful It can definitely be a true investment, but you have to put some thought into it.
I think it's important to consider how often you will use the pieces of gear that you buy. As a rule of thumb I always try and calculate what will be the "daily cost" of a said item. During a ski trip in December, my guide was wearing a Arc'teryx "Alpha SV" jacket. He had it for many many years and used it in many situations, ranging from ski touring, alpinism, climbing, etc. In the end the jacket did not cost him that much per day of use.
If on the other hand you plan to replace your jacket after 3 uses then it's definitely not a worthy investment.
As Levi explains in the video, Arc' products are often designed for the harshest conditions. They will be overkill for most situations and for the majority of people. Nevertheless, if you can afford it and if you intend to face the elements at some points, Arc' will not disappoint. It's in difficult, cold, rainy, stormy conditions that you will truly enjoy the products and will realize how amazing they are.
Cheers!
I bought my Beta AR over 10 years ago i am still wearing throughout winter and during the summer on heavy rain day. When travelling it always comes with me. love it and it is one of the best purchased i made it is very resitant and still in excellent condition.
Arc'teryx on me
As a 60+ YO lifetime outdoor athlete who has used gear by many of the major manufacturers, I can assure you that there are differences. Arcteryx gear has superior patterning, somehow a closer fit for less flapping while also providing better freedom of motion. The hoods fit and work perfectly. Materials are a good balance of light weight versus durability. Lots of thoughtful but subtle detailing, like bar tacking and reinforcing patches at stress points. 4 Arcteryx jackets have been essential and heavily used pieces for me - a rain shell (Sawyer), insulating mid/outer layer (Atom LT), 3-season aerobic shell (Incendo SL), and winter aerobic shell (Trino). These would be a waste of money if just worn to the mall, but they make a real difference on long days covering a lot of ground in tough conditions. High purchase price, but a $100 jacket that gets worn 20 times is higher “cost” than a $250 jacket that gets worn 200 times. On Cost: Goretex from any manufacturer is really expensive. Only buy where really needed. Just one of my Arcteryx pieces is Gore, and it’s a “value” b/c used very frequently, at work as well as play.
Interesting video concept. Nice to see a review of a product by the type of person that most products are used by (unless you’re also a Mount Everest scaling adventurer). I’ve used Arc’teryx, Patagonia, TNF, and MEC. I’ve lived in the United States, Canada, and the Netherlands. I can say living in the Netherlands taught me that Arc’teryx is worth it. In most North American areas people drive for their commuting. But in the Netherlands it’s mostly by bike and train. There is not a day that it rains that I can avoid being outside for an extended period. TNF has only lasted a few years in that climate, for example. But the Arc’teryx is still going strong. So it also depends on lifestyle, not necessarily if you’re going to go on an expedition. To be comfortable and dry showing up to a concert after riding a bike with a cello for 5km, I am glad I have the 20% of clothing that goes beyond what someone needs on average. I got my Arc’teryx Andessa Jacket from the previous season brand new on eBay. So while Arc’teryx is expensive it’s worth it for some people and there are ways to make it more affordable.
Re you saying you bought an 800-dollar jacket for some rain? I bet you were the only one doing that in Amsterdam
I bought a MEC Hydophobia 3 Ply Gortex Jacket 18 years ago and aside from a few dings and patches it is still in good repair and in use today. Awesome video btw, don't listen to the haters.
I used to buy new but for the last while I’ve been looking for used outdoor gear, it’s amazing how much is out there at a fraction of the price!
You have a Beta SL Hybrid jacket (the black shell) and an Atom LT hoody (the blue jacket), NOT a Beta AR jacket OR a Proton LT hoody.
You clearly didn't do your research because you don't even know what you actually have in front of you and you don't know what you're talking about.
Many people buy Arc'Teryx because of multiple factors such as the fit of the jacket is much better than any North Face/ Eddie Bauer jacket/ Fill in the blank brand are. Arc'Teryx also pays incredibly close attention to detail in their jackets and they are designed in superior ways to other brands, they offer clothing that is more like equipment and that equipment can't fail for some people or it could be life or death, they are genuinely built to last, and they have a superb warranty system where people frequently send in a 20 year old jacket that has been used and abused and they receive a brand new jacket in the mail from Arc'Teryx. That's buying a product that's meant to last - and last for life.
Also, Arc'Teryx frequently goes on sale at places like Moosejaw, REI, etc. so you don't need to ever pay full price for an Arc'Teryx item. I've seen people pay full price on an Eddie Bauer jacket that is inferior to an Arc'Teryx jacket I have and I paid way less than they did.
If you want the best, buy once and cry once, and buy Arc. If you don't need it/ don't want the best, spend your money elsewhere. There are other brands that are sufficient for most people.
Not hating, just saying you need to actually do your research before you make a video making it seem like you know the product, company, and industry when its obvious you don't and you don't even use outdoor gear.
+1 for the fit. When I was shopping for a down jacket I tried them all without knowing the Arcteryx brand and guess what it had the nicest fit... ended buying it for the fit but also because it apparently was the warmest one and most well made with a great warranty!
Charles Hope Which model is the warmest?
A true comment from a dead bird lover, i have the atom lt and hope it to last at least 10 years, happy that someone say it could last up to 20 years, considering buying thorium ar, saving money now, ready to cry
I love Arc'teryx. I work in industry, and the industry discount makes it cheaper to buy them compared any other brands. They make it worth it to buy their gear. I have a 3 year old Arc'teryx shell with no signs of wear with year round use. That's 50+ days of back country skiing, and 40+ days of outdoor climbing every year, in addition to daily wearing it for 3 years. If I didn't have that discount, I still wouldn't hesitate to buy it assuming it was on sale. Their gear is bombproof for the right user. Once you wear a harness over top of your jacket, load up your harness with gear, throw on a backpack and do up the belts - you will notice the difference in designs of jackets/pants very quickly. Obviously, if you're using their gear in the city as a $700 raincoat it's overkill I'd rather have a $10 umbrella that covers my legs too.
A lot of people think that their "Lifetime Warranty" mean that they never have to buy a jacket again. No that's just wrong. Nothing lasts forever. If you get a hole, rip, etc in it that's your own fault, you're not getting a new jacket for free. They cover any manufacturing defects associated with the item, like seems coming loose. It doesn't cover wear and tear. Any lifetime warranty is for the useful life of the product. A jacket is going to look very different after a year of use when you look at an urban commuter vs. a mountain guide, any company would go broke if mountain guides were coming back every year for new jacket warranty replacements. Hell if they did that a $2000 jacket would be worth it after a few years. Granted if you are using it for commuting it should last forever if you take care of it.
Some of their gear is just mumbo jumbo over priced garbage, but the tried and true'd gear is worth it. If you want to buy it, then buy it. If not then just buy something else. At the end of the day, any Gore Tex shell from any manufacturer is just an expensive garbage bag.
It's simple: the shells are top notch, the down jackets are great, the rest is to appeal to those who don't seek adventure, but want to feel like they're part of the team. They have to sell things aside from their shells to keep the company afloat. My Beta AR shell has bell snuggling boulders, sheltering me from downpours, and layering well with other gear for around 3 years now, and it still looks like I bought it.
How warm is the Darrah coat? I bought the kappa jacket from this seller last week and it just came in. Thinking of making a purchase for my wife. Thoughts? www.ebay.ca/itm/372474420306?var=&ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1555.l2649
@@SuperNPProductions I own both the Atom LT and the Proton AR. Both are great, can't go wrong with either. Mountain Hardware, TNF, and Eddie Bauer also make good puffy's that can be bought for much cheaper than Arc'Teryx and those brands go on sale more often.
Synthetic: Easier to care for, still warm when wet. Loses the "warmness" when washed.
Down: Lasts much longer, even when washed. Not warm when wet, if wet it can get moldy if it doesn't dry out completely.
Breathability will be nearly the same. All of the jackets I personally own are synthetic, but down is just as great. Buy whatever looks better, or is cheaper.
@@SuperNPProductions I've owned quite a few, and for the most part most synthetic puffys are filled with polartec regardless of brand so it's more so the design or brand you're paying for. So in my opinion I just buy whatever fits well, and is cheapest. For breathability, in my experience it just comes down to using the right jacket(s) for the right thing. What you wear standing still waiting for the bus in subzero temps vs skiing in the same temp will be very different.
I've been using Arc'teryx for a few years, doing long distance hiking, climbing and camping in Arizona, Utah, Colorado and California. I personally own the Bora 50L Backpack, Atom LT Jacket, Beta AR Jacket and a hole bunch of beanies and caps. I am NOT easy on my gear and have never had any problems with it, it is expensive but I believe in the company and what it produces. Every piece I've purchased I've been very happy with and never had any question on if it were to fail I would be left out to dry. This company cares about it's supporters and I fully stand by it.
I’ve had this question since the day I saw Arc’teryx. But I fell in love with their products at first sight. I bought a sweater made of Polartec fleece but the outer material was in a knitted design. I travelled with it for one year. After a year, the material had quite significantly deteriorated. The ability to provide warmth was much lower. And it had so much of those woolly balls all over. I removed the balls and wore it for almost another year. After that it was practically not warm any more. I gave it away to charity after that because it could no longer serve my needs. So... built to last? I wish.
You wore it regularly for 2 years lmao what more do you want?
Given what others said in the comments, you probably could have warrant it
I got my first Arc’teryx jacket in 2007 and wore it for 11 years with one manufacturer repair. Which was free to me. Then in 2018 I sold it to someone else. Yes.. SOLD it. So someone else could continue using it. It really is the greatest equipment made and I will continue to support this company. I don’t think it’s accurate to say that there aren’t people out there that will actually need a jacket that performs on this level. My new Arc’teryx ski jacket actually outperforms all of the other equipment I have seen anyone else use and for people like me who spend 40+ days on mountain per season I believe it’s absolutely essential that you’re not caught out in the elements in some LL bean or north face base model sub par gear. Every manufacturer that caters to people like me makes a line of upper echelon equipment because we need it to continue to outperform and to survive the toughest most brutal conditions imaginable. You have made some great points, but my point is.. good luck keeping up with the best. See you at the bottom. I will have a clif bar for you to eat on the lift so you can try again. 🤙🏼🏂🏔
Love wild camping and hiking. I like to vary my brand choices which mainly include Rab, Mountain Equipment, Montane & Fjallraven. Not many are super cheap but all are of a high standard and serve me well 👍
I have Arc’teryx clothes that have lasted me for over a decade with hard use. Patagonia is also another brand I really like & has stood up to a lot of use.
I've use my beta shell for four years in the swiss alps and it's never let me down. I consider the purchase worthwile IF you take care and hadle it properly
How do you make sure to look after it well
Just found one of these jackets mispriced at a thrift store for 10 dollars in great condition , so pumped , even fits perfectly
Wanna tripple your money? ;)
Probably a fake
@@diegosantos3333 nah hell be able to tell by quality and labels
Arc'teryx is good kit, you can get cheap jackets and trousers but they don't last five minutes if you take them climbing or into the mountains. In response to a comment below about serious outdoor enthusiasts not buying 'arc'teryx or patagucci', my two favourite bits of clothing are a pair of arcteryx softshells and a patagonia midlayer, I've had both for 4 years, they've done hundreds of days on rock and ice, kept me warm, cool, and although the trousers have a few holes from crampons, both are still holding up really well. It's true that cheaper alternatives would do, maybe sacrificing breathability or weight, but I think it's worth the money when you're three days in, not covered in sweat and hauling around a couple of kilos less than your mate.
Exactly I only use patagonia & arc teryx
This is the first of your videos that I've seen. Well researched and presented points. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you!
I've had cheaper Columbia and North Face jackets wear out on me (pockets ripping, tears on the backside from wearing a backpack). I have not had these issues with my Arcteryx products yet. I learned not to buy cheap crap anymore that becomes useless after a few years.
I would never buy Columbia. Thanks for the comment man
Columbia is crap usually, but their Titanium line is pretty good. Mountain Hardware is the better product line in the Columbia family. Northface doesn't get decent until their Summit series.
Ive had my Arc Teryx shell for 7 years... It's done two deployments and 4 New York City winters along with numerous expeditions.
Got it on sale at REI for half off and used my dividend. Paid $300. That's $40 a year for one of the best jackets in the world. I'm a 2XL and it rolls up to the size of a water bottle.
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Outdoor Research is another phenomenal company. Love their shooting gloves, boot gaiters, watch caps, and thermal gloves. I supplemented my issued gear with OR. My next jacket purchase (if I ever need to buy one) will probably be OR.
Nice thoughts on OR, I’ll have to look into them! Thanks for leaving a comment 👍🏼
Don't over look Outdoor Research, great gear for the money.
I’ve heard really good things too actually! I’ve got a list going of brands I would like to explore, I’ll add them to the list. ;)
After tons of research, I bought a Outdoor Research jacket, and then through an accident that is too long to explain here, I got $250 worth of other Outdoor Research clothing and absolutely love all of it. I can’t recommend them enough.
Glad you like them, my staple pieces are the Transcendent Hoody, and the Ferrosi Hoody. I wear them over my Patagonia and other brands....
My jacket is the Foray, but I now have a couple of pairs of their Ferrosi shorts (I think) and a long sleeve T and love them.
OR makes great stuff. One more to add to the list is Taiga Works in Vancouver.
lots of my ski/snowboard and hiking buddies love their Arcteryx jackets, if you use it enough each season you wont want to go back to some entry level stuff. its like saying yeah a toyota will get you to work but a mercedes can do it quieter, comfier and more stylish. that appeals to many many outdoor seeking people
I own a fair few items by Arc'teryx and Norrøna.
I love all of them and do not regret the investment. Some of them I've been wearing for over 5 years now and they still perform as if they were new.
I would say that these items are only worth the expense if you are genuinely serious about your outdoor pursuits. And I don't mean day hikes down your local nature trail,
I mean mountaineering, ski touring and expeditions in remote parts of the world with extreme weather.
If you spend at least a month or two in the wilderness each year, you will not regret the investment.
You will not notice the benefit of these items if you use them to go to Starbucks or to walk the dog... a less expensive item would feel exactly the same.
I agree with the point about level of seriousness. Don't buy a ski jacket if you don't ski. :D
Agreed with you....but do you know that their mark up is almost 20 times their cost ?
My husband and I just bought the Beta Ar Arc'teryx jackets and i'm eager to test it out. We are avid hikers/scramblers and hike in every condition from +30 and sunny to -30 and snowing. The biggest problem I have with shells is breathability. Last week we went up a mountain, it was sunny one minute then raining the next and at the top we had to wait out a blizzard. The shell I was wearing kept the rain and snow out but was soaked inside because it didn't breath at all. When you are on top of a mountain its important not to be wet.
I was an early adopter of Arc'teryx, buying my first two jackets from them in the 1990s. This was before anyone had heard of them in the US. They rewarded me by denying repairing my jacket after it fell apart at the seams. They explained that their "lifetime warranty" was just "for the life of the jacket, not the life of the owner." I have Marmot jackets from the same period that are in great shape and don't have anything else that just delaminated like that. Marmot, Patagonia, and OR - among many other brands, would have all just fixed it. I am changing to OR going forward.
A base layer, mid layer, and outer windproof/waterproof shell can all be purchased at your local Walmart for less than $100 and be good with moderate activity in subzero temperatures. Yes I own technical jackets from Outdoor Research, Patagonia, and North Face but I find all I really need is to layer properly. Factor in your intended activity level and sweating and you will wish all your jackets had little things like pit zips.
Am I the only one who think this "made to last" mantra is all a lie.
Exhibit A: I bought a freakin expensive waterproof jacket. Over a few years, it has holes in it, the outer layer is abraded and water saturates the outside of the jacket in a matter of minutes. Washing it in DWR "refresh" product will renew the DWR for one use. The warranty does cover the holes in the jacket, but now my jacket have a bunch of patches all over the place. The warranty service also took 3 months and it cost me close to $50 for shipping to and from. I think you can probably patch it yourself for less than $50 and it'll take less than 3 months.
I know they are trying their best, but performance and durability are conflicting requirements a lot of the time (e.g. light but durable).
Who has a really good warranty repair experience with recently with a manufacturer? A lot of them just replace it, which defeat the purpose made to last.
I will pin this post to see how people react but I will give you my experience.
From what I have read and researched about Patagonia (featured in another video) they have the stats to back up their product guarantee and their quality. They have impeccable service and a repair program that literally tours the country repairing clothing (the work wear project).
From other people and comments on my videos I have heard that both Patagonia and Arc have been exemplary when items are returned or damaged. I can’t speak for other brands but this is my understanding so far. Thanks for the comment man!
I've had some really good interactions with Outdoor Research. And one with Leki that made me a customer for life.
I'd say that Patagonia has the best overall warranty, repair, and replacement program. As Tee Jay mentioned, OR's is also fantastic. The key is to take the "made to last" mantra with a grain of salt. It really depends on how much use garments get. Any "waterproof" shell is going to be used more, and in more harsh conditions, than other articles of clothing. So I don't expect a shell to last me 20+ years when I use it year round here in Colorado.
So I focus instead on buying from a company like Patagonia, because I know the shell I buy from them will last longer than the competition. And if there's something wrong with it, Patagonia will fix/replace it, and recycle as many of the materials as possible.
I have Patagonia fleeces and shirts that are close to 15 years old, and still are going strong. That makes me continue to buy their products.
Patagonia is my #1 at this point. After making a video about them my feelings were confirmed. Thanks for the comment 🙏🏼
Yep. There's benefits from buy once-cry once. I had a zipper problem on a four or five year old Pat R1 that I'd beat to hell, sent it in and it came back with a new zipper. That matters. To add one though to the best overall warranty/replacement? Darn Tough socks. Lifetime replacement on, IMO, the best socks out there.
I'm extremely happy with my 2 Arc'teryx jackets -which I bought for very cheap in their outlet. 😎 Super light weight, durable, work well for extreme weather and a nice mininalistic design. Love it!
Hey, nice video. I've been subbed ever since the Patagonia video popped up on my suggestions a few months back. I have an Arc'teryx jacket. You're right that they are geared towards extreme sports enthusiasts. I have to say though, that segment when you were in MEC was quite pretentious. I bought an Arc'teryx jacket because I wanted something that would last the harsh Vancouver Island winters. I was in college when I first bought the jacket, a couple of years later I noticed that my backpack had worn a small area through the Goretex layer of the jacket. I sent an email to the company, they asked for some pictures and the next day I got an email saying a new jacket was being shipped off. That's why I buy jackets like Arc'teryx, knowing they will be able to keep you dry when they say they will. If they don't, the company goes above and beyond in fixing the issue.
Yeah I think that’s the difference. If you use the product for its intended use and then when you do actually wear it out and they replace it? That’s real value. My point with the MEC component was that most people today aren’t using these products. I know what you mean about me sounding pretentious, wasn’t my intention of course haha but yeah I get you.
"Harsh Vancouver Island winters" is a little bit much wouldn't you say. I've worked all over Canada and live on the Island now and our winters are kind of a joke. So sure, its your money and buy what you like, but's its not like we are living north of 60 here.
Exactly. It is just a Fashionable brand these days. Most people have a $500-$700 jacket to go from their car to inside or for use under an umbrella. Same with Canada Goose jackets in Vancouver. Plenty of people have these luxury items then complain about the high cost of living.
Yeah I agree with the others. "Harsh Vancouver Island winters". You're adorable. Alberta says hi
Doesn't Vancouver Island have the most mild winter in pretty much all of Canada?
Watching this on a $70 used smartphone wearing a $900 Arcteryx shell. Priorities. I work in some NASTY weather and arcteryx has never let me down.
I live close to the mountain area in central Europe (Austria, close to the Switzerland border). Here they also sell a couple of brands really high priced, with the argument of durability. I usually buy the cheap discounter brands. They don't look as slick and fashionable, are more bulky, raw and not as light, but 1. when I go hiking I go hiking and not dating and 2. if you crawl under a fence and tear your jacket up, or if the bicycle chain get's into your clothes, or if the fabric doesn't live up to what is promised, or if an idiot causes a burn hole, or if you accidentally select the wrong program with the washing machine, and so forth, it's $25 vs $350.
It's probably a little difficult to justify the price-tags associated with Arc'teryx, but I have a few pieces of their gear (Beta SV jacket and Atom LT mid-layer) and have enjoyed both immensely. I've worn both through the Himalayas and, while I didn't suffer extreme conditions, I can say that both performed well when put to use. Having owned these products for less than a year, I can't speak to the long-term suitability of the product yet, but I can say that both, respectively, handle wet and cold very well. Arc'teryx's GORETEX Pro has yet to fail me during prolonged exposure to rain and the Atom LT midlayer has done a great job keeping me warm in temperatures as low as -10 Celsius. Nothing extreme but these are also not insignificant markers either.
To your point about the race car, you're absolutely right. For most people, Arc'teryx products are beyond the scope of what's necessary. But, for those who need race car performance in the world of outdoor adventures, Arc'teryx is a good place to start. Or end.
They're jackets are unreal for climbing thoooooo
they make amazing clothes for outdoors. thankfully they have a lot of sales.
hey levi, i am really excited about your channel. your context is super interesting and i can’t wait for mores to come
9 mins of rambling completely unrelated to the click bait video title.
Yes, way too much time trying to be clever with no perceivable content.
Thank you! He doesn't even talk at all about the material or that certain jackets are made for entirely different purposes. But the fact that it's more expensive definitely has nothing to do with 3L goretex and extreme weight reduction! /s
Yup, kept skipping forward to try and find any actual review of the jackets.
I disagree. I thought this was excellent.
@@AnthonyRecenello You clearly have lower standards then.
Cute video Levi. I am an outdoor guide here in Iceland and spend my summers trekking in the highlands. This island can be unforgiving, strong winds, rain, rough terrain. By the end of summer, I am piecing together whatever is left of my gear, trying to salvage as much as possible. I must say I havent owned an Arc´teryx jacket but I own other expensive jackets made from Gortex and polartec. They are consistently holding up summer after summer. Sure I pay more but I trust what I buy, I trust it will protect me, keep me warm and dry during these long journeys therefore making is worth every dollar. Thanks for the wonderful video!
THanks for the thoughtful comment my friend! Glad to hear the gear is holding up! See you soon!
I agree, but there are companies with comparable products that last just as long, for less than $600 and up that Arc’teryx charges
I was thinking 'wow how have i not seen this guy before' and looked down expecting to see 250,000+ subs at least.
HOW DO YOU NOT HAVE MORE SUBS !!!!!?
Quality is amazing and so engaging !
Thank you :)
Dude thanks a bunch! I really appreciate the support man!
I have an atom LT and it’s the best jacket I’ve ever owned. From 35° to 64° it kept me comfortable
"Probably" the most hardcore? Hmm... How about some European (mostly, Scandinavian) brands like Norrøna, Haglöfs, Bergans, Fjällräven (for natural fiber lovers), Carinthia? By the way, their products cost as much as Arc'teryx stuff, but taxes and salaries in these countries (especially, Norway and Austria) are incomparably higher than in Canada. Snugpack clothing made in the UK is visibly cheaper. Another simple question: how many hard shell jackets made by Arc'teryx have a storm flap, not just an exposed "waterproof" zipper (say hello to wind and rain/wet snow)? That's a must-have thing for a "hardcore" expedition-grade jackets.
I’ve heard the Norrona brand a bunch of times, I’d love to see some of their stuff.
I'm Scandinavian and I've used all the brands you mentioned except Norrøna. I stuck with Arc'teryx because it just functions. It keeps working forever if you treat it well (by that I mean don't chop it with an ax otherwise it's getting beat up by my use).
+Viktor Gissum-Greve, so, you're saying that Bergans hard shells don't last, systematically? If yes, it sounds quite original. :)
@@sciloj they do, and very well. The brands you mentioned are very well made however not as well as Arc'teryx
+Viktor Gissum-Greve, I have no reason to reject your personal experience and say that you are biased, however, particular personal experience in uncontrolled circumstances can't constitute an evidence. I am an engineer, so I'm used to make conclusions based on knowing and understanding the mechanisms of a certain difference, not on empirical information. That's the core principle of an evidence-based knowledge called "science".
My gamma MX hoody is 13 years old now. I've used it everywhere, as a daily winter jacket, and as a mountaineering, xc skiing softshell. It's my most used piece of gear ever.
It's getting permanently dirty so these days I only use it when I am exercising or going into the back country.
It cost less per use than any other equipment I've used.
People need to understand that when it comes to clothing, they are extremely different. I am from Iceland and believe me, the weather in the highlands can get pretty extreme. It is under these conditions the true quality kicks in. Brands like Arc´teryx simple stand out and literally can safe lives , in conditions so extreme that lower quality garments don't!
Great video...no question Arc'y is top class, ridiculously expensive, not needed by most & driven by consumerism. Can also say that if you use it for intended purpose and can find ways to obtain she's the bomb. Retired my Alpha SV Bibs at 12 years after multiple expeditions plus other activities replaced with same also bought at Arc'ys sidewalk sale 50% off for about $400...same with ThetaAR shell, just retired and replaced at their outlet store. If you use it for 10 years + then get a couple hundred bucks or make a great gift with someone else who will use and love for years it makes sense.
Got an Arcteryx Rush Jacket, use it for skiing, resort and BC, in my experience, its well worth the money I paid for it.
Brother Bear I want more videos like this I love your outdoor side to your channel ✌🏼
Good job. Yep, I believe that one is better off buying a quality jacket that does it's job, even if it's 100% or 200% more expensive than a lesser jacket. That said, seems to me like Arc'Teryx, and other brands (Kanuk) are inflating prices by 600% to 800%. That's EXCESSIVE. They're counting on the snob factor. You can get very good quality for more reasonable prices. So... in essence you're paying too much for a good item.
Yeah I feel like there’s gotta be a threshold you know? Thanks for commenting!
Where Arc excels is in the hardcore niche. If you can’t rationalize a $300 rain shell and $350 down jacket, the brand isn’t for you. But for someone that is outside at least 100-200 days a year in all conditions, it becomes pretty easy to try your first piece of gear and then your second, and before you know it your closet is full of Arc’teryx 15 years later. I still do research for each new piece of gear, and I still end up with Arc for what I need. That should tell you something.
pennos
Selling my Arc'teryx Kappa jacket Brand new with tags on my Ebay page.
rover.ebay.com/rover/1/706-53473-19255-0/1?icep_ff3=2&pub=5575378759&campid=5338273189&customid=&icep_item=372466014202&ipn=psmain&icep_vectorid=229529&kwid=902099&mtid=824&kw=lg&toolid=11111
I have had my Arc’teryx Insulated women’s snowboarding jacket for 7 years and not one hole or stitch is out of line. It has been washed hundreds of times with speciality detergent to tide to gain. It was around 600-700$ 7 years ago it was a gift from my husband. It’s the only winter coat I’ve owned this whole time and it’s served me well. It has spent several winters in Michigan, Montana, Chicago, and Colorado. I have no doubt I’ll have that coat for another 7 years. 🤘🏻
The production quality here shocks me. It’s informative, visually stimulating, and well put together. Subbed for sure. Keep up the work!
Thanks so much! We will be seeing you around!
I was thinking the same thing. I wanted to be an editor and studied video prod in college so I always keep a keen eye on editing and here (along with everything else) it's on POINT! Great job. Subbed as well.
I appreciate your efforts making this video. Very informative and enjoyable to watch.
Where did you but the red T-shirt
That was a gift from my mother in law, I think she got it on the island? Sorry I’m not more help haha
Its by a company called "west coast tees" based in the cowichan valley of Vancouver Island
I have two Arc'teryx jackets both purchased on sale. One hooded one not. Both are very useful but the hooded one is used for mid layer when backpacking and the no-hood is a city deal. Both about $200 when purchased on sale an a locally owned outdoor shop. I also have a Patagonia rain shell. Fabulous coat. Very useful in all settings. It probably costs the same. None of these are true 4 seasons wear except here in Georgia. All are very sell made and I am proud to own them. I am never buying cheap gear again, I like being warm and dry.
I feel like the video could have had some more specific info. I mean sure, outdoor gear is the race car of clothing, but among race cars, Arcteryx is often literally twice as expensive. The trouble is that arcteryx doesn't seem to have twice the performance? In some cases, their clothing is similar in materials to something 1/2 the price, so why is arcteryx so (much more) expensive?
Take your shell above 11,000 feet in the sleet or rain and you will re-assess. Arc'teryx isn't always twice as expensive, but the performance difference, fit, and finish are second to none.
I would suggest that the elevation isn't as pertinent as the rain part. Rain is the anti-thesis to all shells in my experience. Once that DWR coating wears off (and it does on Arc'teryx too, don't let the people at the store tell you otherwise), the exterior saturates and forms a barrier to breathability for the waterproof membrane. This is no fault of Arc'teryx though, that's a Gore-Tex thing.
I would say I believe the fit and fashion are among the best going, and often just the best, but performance doesn't change much within the class of garment because the materials are generally the same. Everyone is using some kind of waterproof breathable membrane for their shells and generally the stitching is seam sealed.
Mind you, some of the design choices they make are reflective of personal preference and there's no clear superior way. For example, some of their insulated jackets skip insulation between the pocket and the outer layer in order to prevent a cold spot on your torso around the pocket opening. The down side of this is your hands are chilly while they are in your pockets. Why don't they double the insulation there and make the jacket without a cold spot and also able to warm your hands? To save weight. So what are your pockets for really? If you think they are for keeping your hands warm, you might be better off with a different jacket. Arc'teryx thinks they are for storing stuff and otherwise it should be as light as possible. As a back country skier and climber, I like Arc'teryx's choice, but if I'm waiting at a bus stop, maybe I'm more of a North Face guy.
Not all of the Arc'teryx pockets are designed that way. I just checked my Cerium LT, both of my Atom LT's (different generations) and my Procline and they all have insulation outside of the pockets. On the rain part, you're right, but at elevation where storms can come in unimpeded, with heavy winds, and much lower temps, protection from the rain matters even more (that's what I was saying). As far as DWR being lost, yes, it absolutely does, but I've found their DWR to be superior over all brands I've owned. Like I stated though, I also take care of my clothes and wash them properly when suggested and how suggested.
If it boiled down to a DWR that was much more durable in Arc'teryx then that would be miraculous and I would agree that the significant price jump would be appropriate (because beading in heavy rain is totally fantastic!), but I believe they use the same DWR chemical treatment that everyone else is using. If what they were using was significantly different then the other guys, they would call it something like like "TitaniDWRm". They wouldn't let an outstanding feature like a proprietary DWR that's superior go unadvertised.
as I've said, my experience over time with a multitude of products.
Ok I am 70 and I have backpacked in ponchos and mildewed cotton shirts. I have had Pategonia, North Face etc. I am now a fan of Arc’teryx. We have hiked all over North America, Italy and Switzerland and will spend a lot of time hiking in Switzerland and New Zealand this year. Add to that we moved to Brevard NC to retire and hike and probably had 100” of rain in 2018. We go outside all the time. We are gear junkies. I am pretty much on board with all Arc’teryx including as gifts. But I do look for deals. Backcountry occasionally has 30% off one item and occasionally REI. And I get that young folks have trouble parting the cash. But when we were young we bought so much stuff twice. My sleeping bag from Sierra Designs bought in seventies-second bag after a mistake-is still magnificent and would be $1,000 today. Full goose down kept fully extended under our bed when not in use. So treat your gear with respect and it will serve you well if you buy great gear.
Ummmh... the sweet smell of Marketing, i lived in Vietnam and had friends working for different clothing factories, you are usually rip off buying these fancy outdoors clothing. Buy in outlets or when massive discounts are available. 500 bucks for a jacket is the hamster running in the marketing wheel, and the worst thing its the hamster will feel gratified and convinced that the performance of that equipment justifies the price.
Woah that's some insider stuff right there! Thanks for the comment friend!
500$ jacket cost 50 dollars at best to produce (shipped from Viet Nam to US, or Canada), the remained 450$ goes to profit ( usually more than 40% profit margin), repair, marketing, sponsoring athlete, and R&D, taxes ... etc. And I live in Vietnam, where Columbia, Osprey, The North Face, Deuter, Nike, Dynafit ... has their stuff made here, from outdoor clothing to backpack, trail running shoes. Do you think it's a rip off ? I DO.
Tommy Le I used to do supply chain analysis for one of those importers, and you're (basically) totally right. Inside particular price tiers it's really hard to tell them apart (we usually specified better material for our high line than Nike would, for instance, but our low end was made by the same shop). There are differences but they're immaterial. See what I did there? Anyway. We did insist on pretty close to 100% first quality - we would accept some seconds and blems if we could repair them, but that would have to be below 1-2%. All the above brands are a lot better that something from Old Navy or Target, but are they worth 20 times as much? Depends. Incidentally, I just bought some synthetic "packable travel slacks" from Wal-Mart of all places, and they're very nearly as good as one of the branded "hiking pants" above. Took them out last weekend and they work just fine. No cargo pockets. $17.
Also - nothing short of a meatcutter's suit will stand up to thorns. Nothing.
I have started buying my gear from cottage companies and steering clear of the big brand names. It is a little expensive but it's made state side and made to order.
i bought the arcteryx beta ar jacket about 4 yrs ago.got it for half price online in Canada.as soon as i put it on and zipped it up i was in love.the fit is simply amazing.it feels like a second skin. just dont gain too much weight,its not a coat for couch potatoes.
its for the rich. its insanely expensive.ill definitely buy another beta ar in the future.my jacket looks better now than it did 4 yrs ago.i highly recommend it.but look around. marmot and patagonia make excellent jackets also.
Can you do a video looking at MEC / REI and reviewing just how eco-friendly they are? :)
Why don't you do the research yourself? MEC is a CO-OP and therefore is more transparent about the MEC brand than any other corporate brand out there. Amongst other information, you can find a list of the MEC brand suppliers here: www.mec.ca/en/explore/factories You can click the link for the supplier list for all MEC Brand label products which means yes you can actually find them on a map and go to the factories. Also on that page are all the partnerships in which MEC is trying to extend its reach to generate change in the textile and manufacturing industries. To be honest no company can be perfect, especially when a Co-op like MEC is just a drop in the bucket when it comes to how much reach and engagement they have within the industries that make their products. By partnering with larger companies, sustainability think-tanks and working with manufacturers they are contributing above and beyond their size. O and one last thing, if you are so concerned, then you should do something about it. Become a member (if you aren't already) get engaged, and do something about it, vote for the board of directors and go to the yearly general meetings (this goes for all those reading this).
No one cares how eco friendly it is
I bought an atom about 10 years ago when I was working for a trekking outfitter. It’s still water proof and warm. Probably wouldn’t have bought it without a pro deal but I do love the jacket.
The price factor has a lot to do with their machining department. They have their own department that customizes and engineers the tools necessary to step the material craftsmanship up to the next level.
Thank you for this excellent YT Video and for your thorough research in the outdoor clothing business! Wishing you all the Very Best! Best Regards from Sweden!
In Norwaywe have something called Norrøna
I’ve heard of this company actually! Thanks for the recommendation!
I own the Norrøna Lofoten ski pants, absolutely love them! :D
Expensive like hell in the USA, a pair of ski pants or bibs $ 740.00. WTF???????
15 years ago I parted with almost $300 and bought a top of the line Arc'teryx jacket. That was a BIG buy for me then. And not nearly as nice as jackets of today but best of the time period.
I hike, snowshoe, ski and snowboard a considerable amount each winter on North Shore Vancouver and Whistler. For 15 years it has kept me warm and mostly dry. It is NOW after 15 years that it looks a little ratty and is starting to soak in water. NO rips or zipper fails and just been a great jacket. Worth Every Penny if you intend to go hard for years to come.
You sure talked a lot and said a bunch of nothing, especially about the actual Arc'teryx jackets.
I bought an arc'teryx theta 11 or 12 years ago. So far it's seen some wear and lasted very well. Also got it used on eBay cheap
Can you do a video on Canada goose
I'd love to actually! That's a good idea! Thanks for the comment!
Pls do, pls concentrate on how they use traps to catch / kill coyotes and wolves to produce a real fur trim.
Woah that's crazy, never heard of this.
Either people buy the coats & they genuinely don’t know or they know and just don’t care. For others reading, it’s not veganism or peta talk, it’s factual. Canada goose like all company’s - work for profits & growth. If they sell 200’000 units last year they will be looking to sell 220’000 this year. How many coyote / wolf skins make a coat I’m not sure, but if a company’s business model is based on targeting and killing a wild animal population - it cannot rely on these animals to reproduce quick enough to “replenish stock” and eventually these canine groups will be extinct. Wolves / coyotes are critical for population control and prevent over gracing of prey animals. Again if people don’t care, these coats cost 50-75 dollars to make and retail at 1000 dollars. The profit margin will be great, so these people are driving round in flash cars off your money.
If for others it’s about being ethical, Canada goose is one of the best company’s at green screening their products. The coyotes and wolves are caught via medieval trapping method. Like trawler fishing, these traps cannot specifically target wild dogs. They trap everything - bears, birds, deer, elk, moose, even peoples pets if unfortunate as by catch. Due to remoteness, the traps are checked once a week, so an animal will be caught by the leg for as long as 7days before the trapper ‘humanly’ shoots it in the head... I know you have videos to make & advertising supports your living - but it’s heading into north hemp. winter and this company needs to switch to faux fur. They will only if sales drop.
Well done, you nailed it. That said I have multiple Arc'teryx pieces in my arsenal and really like the way they perform. I am also in the industry so I don't pay full retail.
That’s a game changer. And I’m jealous haha. Thanks for the comment though friend!
almost 10 minutes and so little information!
Loved my arc terix jackets used it daily for close to 3 years until the zipper broke. Way better warmer form fitting than any of the competitors. Aside from the zipper I would highly recommend it
another point i’ve noticed/worth mentioning about the new consumers now purchasing techwear like arcteryx, it has become more of a status symbol than being used for what it is intended to endure.
I have an Arc’Teryx jacket and it’s great. Have had it for years and it looks brand new still. Yes it’s expensive but it looks and feels great and is very durable.
I think you got Arc'teryx and The North Face mixed up. Arc' doesn't market to urban millennials with clean finger nails. They just sell their stuff at REI and MEC. And very little of it at that. TNF is different. It's also an inferior product. Patagonia falls under that banner with some of their stuff too.
People who spend real time in the wilderness, like me, have valid reasons for buying Arc'. At least one or two critical pieces. And "built to last" is one of those reasons. You're clearly not an outdoors guy but you can probably understand that gear failure can be a make or break. And if you do this shit a lot, 'breaking' has to be taken off the table as much as possible. Arc' is also pretty much the only gear company in North America that hasn't gone to "American sizing." They don't think it's important to appease fat people. Their stuff is for athletes.
Where Arc'teryx is smart is they speak to that audience. The posers come along on their own. See someone with an Arc' piece with Tenacious Tape on it? That's a backpacker, climber or mountaineer. See a clean piece on the street? Feel free to giggle.
Yeah I would definitely agree that Patagonia and TNF occupy a different part of the market. I didn’t mean to say that Arc targets them but they are wrapped up into that world by nature of being in that industry. For example the guy who I borrowed the jacket from said “ it’s very expensive for someone who doesn’t go camping or hiking”.
Appreciate that. You're right. They sort of get wrapped up in to it just because they're there. What's interesting to me is that TNF went from a relatively decent gear company to the 'choice' by those who just wanted to wear the brand. Over the last couple of years they've come out with a new line intended for mountaineers and people who really get out there but their reputation suffered. I think they lost a lot of dirtbags who didn't wanted to be associated with the brand. Going after the urban market may have helped their bottom line in the short term but I think they'll pay for it in the long run.
Yeah I would never buy them. Seems like too much hype to maintain. Thanks for commenting and stuff eh?
TNF has had the Summit series for a very long time and it is good, so I think you are off base. Yes, they also have plenty of mass market less quality stuff that they want to sell to everyone, but those items are easy to pick out by price point alone.
Also, your outdoor elitist "I have Arc' because I'm a hardcore outdoors guy and anyone with a clean jacket in town is poser" is asinine and makes me think you think too highly of yourself. I do agree with a lot of what you said though.
I think you're right that it's been around for a while. Maybe 15 years or so. But it seems they've only recently really started to push it. I'm guessing it's in response to them starting to be seen as more of a lifestyle brand than a gear brand.
Use to work for an outdoor store. I bought 2 men Arc’teryx AR and 1 women AR. Goretex, breathable, thoughtful and seamless jacket. And is one of the best jackets I ever invested in but it helped that I got a discount. Legit, I am able to use my jacket in the winter, use it for snowboarding with their coreloft jacket but I can also use it in spring, summer and fall as a rain jacket. It’s an amazing all around jacket. Arcteryx is a top notch brand and highly recommend as I use to get clients who wanted gear to last. BTW they use to make the jackets in Canada but now outsource to China.
Arc'teryx garments are just status symbols for urban pretenders. Save your money.
I still wear Rohan clothing I bought more than a dozen years ago (sizing permitting!).
I took an eight year old jacket with a torn seam into their London shop and they mended it free.
They even have a takeback scheme with a charity to reuse/upcycle their products for a discount on new kit.
Rohan are the polar opposite of fast fashion. The shirts I bought this year I expect will outlast me.
(I'm not affiliated, just a customer since the 1980's).
Páramo clothing is pretty indestructable, (at least the products they sold in 1995 are, haven't had to replace any yet). Their Analogue jacket insulates so well that snow will settle on the outside.
Chris Haughton-Brown Rohan were never cheap, but beautifully made.
You didn't analyse a single thing about the jackets you got... How can you judge a brand you've never tried ? Anyway I own some arc'teryx gear, but never bought anything from them that was more than say 150 €. I only buy their stuff when it's on sale. When I was living in Melbourne, it was the same thing with Aussie or Kiwi brands like MacPac, you had to wait until it was on sale, noone was paying full retail. Arc'teryx are very durable, the only thing I was disappointed with was their Spotter Pants, too fragile. On a lot of reviews, Arc'teryx is on top, sometimes Patagonia, The North Face or another brand can steal the show. Arc'teryx is always the best in a few areas : backpacks and jackets of all sorts. I hear they do some great climbing gear too. For gloves, they do great stuff too, but Black Diamond as well. For pants, I'd say it's a more even field, especially with Montane who do some fantastic stuff. It's hard to find a "best in class" review showing brands from all over the world... MacPac from New Zealand is doing some GREAT stuff. So are Salomon and Millet from France or Montane from the UK. But often websites who do reviews are American and it's always the same brands : Patagonia, The North Face, Outdoor Research, Arc'teryx, Marmot, REI, Black Diamond...
Osprey Backpacks/Hiking Packs absolutely stand behind this "built to last" guarantee. In fact, theirs is an "All Mighty" Guarantee: "Osprey will repair any damage or defect for any reason free of charge - whether it was purchased in 1974 or yesterday. If we are unable to perform a functional repair on your pack, we will happily replace it. We proudly stand behind this guarantee, so much so that it bears the signature of company founder and head designer, Mike Pfotenhauer."
I have had an amazing experience with this. Was camping with a friend, and simply cutting some rope to hang a tarp for an incoming rainstorm. We had the rope attached to the back of the pack through a loop system so we could quickly spool off rope if needed quickly to help with climbing, etc. I cut the rope while still attache to the pack, and my knife went right the the side of the bag. We sent it for repair and it came pack with a perfectly colour matched panel, double taped seams and is working flawlessly. They even noted that if the bag wasn't performing after the repair , or water was leaking in the new patch to contact them and they would replace it with the newest model! Love that they try to repair first, but its also great to know that if you buy one of their bags, you will truly have it for life!
My arc’terix gloves literally cost almost more than my descent jacket
I have an Arc’ cerium lt jacket I wore when I got into an accident on my bike. Fully expected the jacket to be ripped to shreds from grinding on the concrete as I slid. Much to my shock not a scratch, tear or marking. That alone has given me a lot of faith in their products. My only gripe it’s not as warm as I would have hoped.
You should do Moncler
It's simple. Moncler is for the people who think Canada Goose is cheap stuff.
i'm in something called MAST program here in canada in fernie BC and yes the cost of gear is expensive but you need to search for deals and really hunt for the best set up for 5 days in the rockies and then you need to be able to take most of the same clothing on programs like rock climbing in montana and then mountaineering the next week. Then we still have avalanche skills training and ski guide 1 and 2 and avalanche skills training 2 and SO MUCH MORE. the gear you where is important and worth the money... but i agree that you do not need a Arc'teryx soft shell but they do make other very durable and IF YOU TAKE CARE OF YOUR GEAR THAT IT WILL TAKE CARE OF YOU. that means caring and cleaning and not treating your gear that you spent several hundred dollars on. the key to life long gear is life long care for it :) great video Levi please keep these coming! i just started following and am already happy with how you display your facts! thank you!
This video was 9 minutes of nonsense...you barely talked about the specs smh
I don't need shoes to run but it sure helps.
I get the angle you are coming from but it came close to vilifying those who indulge in the higher end gear despite them possibly not NEEDING it. I've always been of the mindset that the item to buy is the best one that fits within your budget. Whether it be tools, furniture or outdoor gear. If I decide that a $400 Arc'Teryx jacket makes my day trip slightly more comfortable than perhaps it is worth it, regardless of how long I intend to keep it.
Additionally, the only issue with not keeping a jacket long term is if you dispose of it while it is still in good condition. Many people rely on used gear to be able to do what they love to do, and that requires someone purchasing it brand new.
Brands of this caliber are almost never about needs, and that is fine. Let people buy what they want because at the end of the day, it is their money.
Considering most first ascents were made wearing wool and cotton I'd say we are soft and lazy and love expensive things more than each other.
y &n. getting from North America to Europe used to require 3 months on a boat. I'm so very happy my vacation dollars can fly my ass around the world...and no one dies of dysentery.
You hit the nail on the head that the outdoor retail industry is getting caught up in fast fashion. I work at and outdoor retailer (that you may have been filming in), and I swear we rotate our stock around and get new clothes in just as fast as the H&M across the street. Yes, the tried and true quality pieces are a constant in the back of the store, but there always has to be new new new! to attract the weekend warriors. The "faster" fashion is still made to very high ethical and environmental standards, but is catering to rampant consumerism all the same. It's something that has been eating away at my soul since starting the job to be honest.
LEVI---You SHOWED us everything and did not Tell us ANYTHING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Dang dude idk how you don't have more subs. Great videos, got my subscription.
Thanks so much! I really appreciate it!