When Arc'teryx thrust System_A into the spotlight, it offered a new point of entry to its extensive high-performance network, essentially speaking to the younger end of the Arc spectrum.
From the first drop, System_A has found enormous success, expanding the Arc'teryx universe while delivering a fresh perspective on its legacy. Cross-seasonally, new collections have found their way into the light, becoming increasingly expressive through color and style options.
The impending arrival of Drop 5, inspired by a multitude of outdoor activities from trail to climbing, effortlessly strikes the division's characteristic balance between nature and city.
While offering the technical prowess expected of an Arc'teryx collection regardless of sub-division, the 5th iteration of System_A speaks to the brand's usage amongst youth-subcultural groups.
From where I stand in the UK, this is the exact kind of gear you'd be pulling out to make a statement during festival season, fighting off rain and wind while planted in deep mud. It's only right.
After all, stage-facing is still an outdoor activity, right?
While concise in nature, the upcoming drop expands in size from the norm, offering several layers that play to the needs of the season, regardless of which outdoor activity takes your fancy.
Playing to the youthful nature of System_A, short and long-sleeve tees have had their graphic applications dialed-up with the type of heavy contrasts and placement you might expect from Boiler Room merch, and it's super effective.
As the layers become more technical, so does their styling, with outerwear options like the Chexa Hybrid Hoody decked out in a two-tone finish for cool weather, while the Chexa Hybrid Vest is the perfect rotation piece when temperatures are balanced.
..........Read full articleArc’teryx System_A offers outerwear and accessories that combine high-performance technology with the sensibility of everyday staples. Established in 2021 as an extension of its parent brand and helmed by senior design director Taka Kasuga, the Vancouver-based sublabel supplies a range of technical apparel designed to withstand urban landscapes and the great outdoors with the vision of a modular wardrobe.
Catering to hybrid living between nature and the city, Drop 05 focuses on mountain activities with a “hike to climb” aesthetic, offering a variety of updated climbing essentials of soft-shell cargo pants and jackets, graphic T-shirts, midlayer vests and hoodies, a graphic five-panel softshell cap and a versatile waist pack.
This latest iteration of the System_A collection introduces components for outdoor layering and styles that allow unrestricted movement and flow, leveraging hybrid design and construction.
Notable features include the Chexa hybrid vest, which utilizes Coreloft insulation and fleece sides, and the Paltz cargo pant, which provides protection against the elements thanks to its Fortius 1.0 double-weave softshell.
With prices ranging from $100 for the T-shirts, $200 for the hybrid vest, $250 for the cargo pants and $300 for the waist pack, System_A’s fifth drop is available for purchase now at Arc’teryx retail stores and at the brand’s e-shop.
..........Read full articleAhh, the Arc’teryx Bib Pant: perhaps the holy grail of backcountry design and performance, with a price tag to match. For touring in the wet, wild Pacific Northwest, the full-coverage protection is a must have and I’ve enjoyed testing some great bib pants over the years. We’ll shake these down for how they performed with some hard wear, plus chat a bit about how they stack up to similar offerings to see where they shine.
Arc’teryx Rush Bib Pant Features:
The Rush line from Arc’teryx has come and gone over the years, but mostly has been a stable presence in the Arc’teryx lineup as their all-mountain focused hit-big-lines-don’t-die kit. It’s a bit more burly than bibs and shells in their LT lineups, but doesn’t have the frills and insulation that make their resort pieces so sought after. This is the type of gear that I could see people using for sled-assisted access in big terrain, but I’ve also spent plenty of time earning turns in the Rush Bibs and never felt too slowed down. Clocking in at 725g, these aren’t ultralight by any stretch (compare with the Arc’teryx Sabre LT at 620g), but they don’t feel cumbersome.
One touch is that the top segment of the bib is Arc’teryx’s Fortius DW 2.0 fabric, which is a four-way stretch weave meant for next-to-skin comfort. For most layering approaches, this won’t be next to your skin, but it gives the area around your chest a feeling of being protected but unrestricted. The rest of the bib is N70d Most Rugged GORE-TEX PRO 3L, which is a bomber fabric built for years of heavy use. The denier range on garments like this go up to 100D, so N70d basically connotes a really durable fabric that is perhaps a step down from ‘professional-grade’ use like their Alpha SV. For 99% of outdoor users, N70d is a sweet spot of protection and light weight.
Massive ventilation on the right leg thanks to the 1/2 length zip.Some other big features stand out, notably the 1/2-length zipper dropping down the left side all the way from the garment edge. Because it goes all the way to the top hem (rather than a conventional side vent), you can use this to drop these babies down for a mountain-side poop. Many of us try not to poop on the skin track during our day-to-day recreation, but if you’re out charging big lines during all-day excursions, it can be harder to time your bowel movements. The nice thing about this is you can unzip to expose the booty without significantly undressing or exposing too much of your vulnerable skin to the elements. The right side has a simple non-meshed side vent.
Other details are pretty straightforward, like the dual bib and thigh pockets located on each side. The stretchy Fortius DW 2.0 on the bib pockets can accommodate bars, keys, phones or what have you, and you can drop lots of stuff into the thigh pockets. The paneling and tailoring helps keep your knees moving freely without bonking against the contents of the pockets. It goes without saying that all the pocket zips are waterproof.
Catch the Rush bibs flaunting their instep next to the *phenomenal* Rush SK 16 BackpackThe last feature to touch on is the instep and the 100D Cordura powder cuffs. I really like the way Arc’teryx designs their powder cuffs. The 100D Cordura is a totally bombproof choice, and it’s hard to get better than this in terms of durability. Arc’teryx leaves a slit at the back of the cuff for you to pop your boot’s powder strap through, and then you cinch that down over the cuff onto the boot. The result of this ‘Touring Cuff’ is a killer seal. I used these with Scarpa Maestrales and Dynafit Radical Pro’s, and the Hoji lock system on the Dynafit’s worked just fine. It’s a great feature.
One of the interesting details on this end of things is the instep. Rather than a dense fabric instep (many companies put 100D Cordua here), Arc’teryx drizzled on a TPU grid to fend off ski edges. I’m a feet-together skier, which is how my old-school Tahoe ski instructor Dad taught me, so I tend to put instep material through their paces. While I’m just midway through a season with these, they’ve held up well to my ski edges. There are a lot of variables here, and I think AT-oriented powder hounds have different opinions about edge sharpness than ski racers. My edges aren’t crazy sharp. That said, so far, this innovation seems like a weight-saving choice with promising durability. Time will tell.
So that’s a whole lot of technical detail about fabric, design and purpose. How do these things actually ski? Well, really stinking well. Let’s start with the uphill.
A couple things going on here, but you can see where the two zip pockets are in the stretchy Fortius fabric, which are good for bars or keys.On the skin track, the Rush Bib Pants benefit massively from the generous side vents. The right vent runs a full half length, and you can dump a ton of heat out of it. The left vent is a more conventional 1/4 length vent at the knee, and it does its job. The bib design that Arc’teryx chose is simple, and I noticed that the suspenders didn’t tend to slip and lose tension throughout the day.
I always recommend that you try on a piece of high-dollar gear before you buy, but in my case I was pleased with how the Rush bibs fit for touring. The cut is a little more generous than the Sabre LT’s I previously reviewed, and I think that goes with the all-mountain focus. They can accept moderate layering and didn’t bunch up in the thighs or crotch.
Is that zinc oxide, or am I just that pale in the winter?I also loved using the Touring Cuff because it made transitions a little easier. Often, when you’re transitioning, fiddling with cuff fabric to get it over/off/onto your boot can require taking gloves off or stripping to liners. Not having to do that was a major benefit on bitingly cold days.
After you transition and start to head down, the bibs essentially disappear. Where are they? No one knows. You forget, because you’re just charging powder and you just know that you’re reasonably dry and warm. They’re full-protection, and there’s no chance snow’s getting up in through the bib. Or, maybe you’re on a classic North Cascades ski-out that involves some bush whacking; the N70D fabric shrugs off whippy twigs or rough bark. No worries.
Quick layer switch. I love the comfortable Fortius fabric that tops off the bibs.Fit: I’m 5’11” and around 200 lbs, wearing a size large jacket and pants.
The Good
The Bad
I think it goes without saying that these are really good bibs. The real question is: who will these be great for? Arc’teryx offers a number of bib and pant options, from the Alpha series to the Sabre LT already mentioned (and currently available as the Sabre bib). The Rush is situated in between the Alpha SV and the Sabre. It’s not quite as movement-focused as the Alpha SV bib, which I’d recommend more for ski mountaineers. But it’s not as heavy as the current Sabre iteration, which has a taller bib for more coverage. The Alpha SV has burlier fabric and is also 140g lighter, but its travel-specific features won’t be needed by every user and neither will the extra protection of the Sabre’s taller bib. In all, the Rush is a balanced offering which maximizes uphill mobility and downhill protection. If you’re looking for a do-it-all bib, the Rush is Arc’teryx’s top offering this season.
..........Read full articleArc’teryx has always been about coziness. GORE-TEX shells combine with high-tech down layers to swaddle grown men and women, protecting them against the grizzly elements — or their own showers. Arc’teryx System_A is no different, it’s made for the cozy boys and girls, and it just proved it with the new Blanket Down Cape.
The Arc’teryx System_A Blanket Down Cape is essentially a deconstructed down jacket. Featuring a down-feather fill and water-repellent 7D Arato fabric shell, the Blanket Down Cape might look a little less serious than a regular Alpha SV, but it features the same kind of maxed-out tech that we expect from Arc’teryx.
Fastening using press studs across the chest, the Arc’teryx System_A Down Cape is designed to be worn, and why wouldn’t you? We’ve seen the likes of A$AP Rocky hit the red carpet in a blanket, and now Arc’teryx is saying that it’s your turn. This is, after all, the ultimate lazy-day bodega-trip flex.
The Arc’teryx System_A Blanket Down Cape is available now for a price of $650 at SSENSE.
..........Read full articleWhen it comes to finding the perfect jacket for outdoor adventures, it's important to strike a balance between style and functionality. That's where Arc'teryx Shell Jackets come in. These jackets offer a sleek and modern design that is sure to turn heads, while also providing the protection and performance you need to stay comfortable in any environment.
One of the standout features of Arc'teryx Shell Jackets is their high-quality construction. These jackets are made with durable materials that are designed to withstand the elements, so you can stay dry and comfortable no matter what the weather has in store. They also come with a variety of features, such as adjustable cuffs and hoods, that allow you to customize your fit and protection.
But it's not just about practicality - Arc'teryx Shell Jackets also have a strong sense of style. From bold colors to sleek designs, there is a jacket to suit every personal style. Whether you're hitting the slopes or just running errands around town, an Arc'teryx Shell Jacket is sure to make a statement.
Overall, Arc'teryx Shell Jackets are the perfect choice for those who want a jacket that combines both style and functionality. So why wait? Get one today and stay stylish and protected in any environment.
..........Read full articleArc'teryx has gone from hiker fav to streetwear flex in a matter of years, thanks in no small part to co-signs from much-imitated folks like Virgil Abloh and Drake. Longtime fans may grouse but such is the nature of the biz and Arc'teryx seems keen to adapt.
There's the accessible System_A sub-label, for instance, and a rumored Lunar New Year capsule that'd further Arc'teryx's push into the perpetually profitable Chinese market.
Note that the Arc'teryx Lunar New Year capsule hasn't been confirmed by the brand but the bunny-centric jackets that first surfaced on Arc'teryx's always opinionated Reddit forum is pretty compelling (Lunar New Year 2023 is the Year of the Rabbit). Plus, the capsule wouldn't even be Arc'teryx's first Lunar New Year drop, though it's more involved than some of the previous efforts.
Highsnobiety has reached out to representatives of the brand to confirm details of the Lunar New Year capsule.
In the meantime, there's plenty of time to dissect the goods, given that Lunar New Year will be observed in China on January 22, 2023. If it's legit, the capsule will once again be exclusive to Chinese Arc'teryx outlets.
Not that there's actually that much to dissect: the sneak peeks reveal only a few classic Arc'teryx items — Alpha SV Jacket, Atom LT Hoody, Motus AR shirt — branded with a stylized rabbit logo on the front and rear.
The oversized branding is especially telling of the streetwear crowd that Arc'teryx is chasing here, considering that these garments are normally bereft of any rear branding.
It's also interesting that Arc'teryx went so big on the bunny branding, swapping out its signature Archaeopteryx skeleton — "dead bird" to devotees — for a rabbit in motion.
Arc'teryx has toyed with its logo for previous collaborations, like when Jil Sander and Palace got its 'lil logo beneath the typical Arc'teryx branding, but this is a pretty big departure from the norm (assuming it's real).
The comments on Arc'teryx's subreddit are unsurprisingly critical of the collection — one top comment summarizes the response succinctly: "Not a fan. Dead bird is OG and can never be topped."
Unless a limited capsule is particularly considered, it's unlikely to score anything other than tepid reviews but Arc'teryx likely cares not. After all, this drop isn't for them.
..........Read full articleArc’teryx is slated to gear up for the 2023 Lunar New Year with a Year of the Rabbit-themed capsule collection.
Initial images of the themed fan-favorite hiking and streetwear hybrid brand’s upcoming collection first surfaced on Reddit. The label has not yet confirmed the capsule however, the images that appeared on the Reddit forum are quite compelling given that it will not be the first time Arc’teryx has dropped a Lunar New Year collection.
According to the Reddit forum, the surfaced images pinpoint sneak peek reveals of the classic Arc’teryx items including the Alpha SV Jacket, Atom LT Hoody and Motus AR shirt, all with a stylized rabbit logo on the front and rear, replacing its typical bird logo. The monochromatic black, white and grey rabbit appears to be in a leaping motion and the stitched label name is highlighted in a shade of dark turquoise green. So far, the capsule logo appears on classic black renditions of the aforementioned apparel silhouettes.
Take a look above at what is to come for Arc’teryx this Lunar New Year.
..........Read full articleArc’teryx has just released a new shoe for alpine running. Made with breathable, synthetic fibers, the Vertex has been fine-tuned to give outdoor lovers the support they need during rough terrain.
The Vertex comes in three colorways and features a 100% recycled PFC-free polyester upper, a knit collar, and protection via a TPU rock plate, 360-degree randing, and a welded support zone. For tread, Arc’teryx has chosen a Vibram Megagrip outsole with a deep 4mm lug pattern.
Priced at $180 USD, those interested can shop the Vertex over at the brand’s online store.
..........Read full articleThe Beta LT Jacket Hadron by Arc’teryx is a shell that checks every box for a functional, lightweight rain jacket — and it could last you the rest of your life.
The air was cold and filled with misty rain. Everything was wet: the rocks, the mossy hills, the sheep. But I was dry as a bone.
Beads of water rolled off the Arc’teryx Beta LT Hadron Jacket’s hood, onto my shoulders, and tumbled down the hydrophobic GORE-TEX shell.
So far, the jacket was handling the cold, wet, and windy climate of Iceland in late October pretty well. But this was only the first of 9 days — and the weather wasn’t forecasted to get much better. If ever there was a gauntlet for rainwear testing, this was it. If this shell could perform well in this environment, it would perform almost anywhere.
In short: I took the Arc’teryx Beta LT Jacket Hadron to the “Land of Ice and Fire” and wore it almost nonstop every day for 9 days straight. I wore it in blustery winds, rain storms, on cold snowy mornings, and even hiking into sopping wet gorges. It did not fail once.
It proved impenetrable to both wind and water. And paired with a midlayer or two I was warm enough to hike around in freezing temperatures on top of snow-capped mountains. It’s an expensive piece of gear (at $450), but for anyone who takes advantage of Arc’teryx’s “Rebird Program” it could, quite literally, last a lifetime.
..........Read full article
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