Arc’teryx Men’s Outdoor Clothing & Outerwear Review
With an authentic approach and unforgiving environment, Arc’teryx is a serious Canadian force in the outdoor recreation industry. Born in an area sparsely populated due to the terrain climate, Arc’teryx has able to talk the talk and walk the walk since 1991.
The Coast Mountains are hospitable to few, making its inhabitants very, very tough. Another notable fact of the locale is that it is home to the worlds largest temperate rainforest in British Columbia, CA.
Their production facility is called ARC’One and is located in Vancouver, BC. After viewing their information about this facility, you begin to get the sense that the folks at Arc’teryx take their gear extremely seriously. They have no choice as lives depend on what they make sometimes.
As much as they keep things local in CA, Arc’teryx does have a global supply chain reach to source the world’s best. By developing key supplier relationships, Arc’teryx has grown alongside industry giant W.L. Gore since the beginning. This specific relationship has given them the ability to produce some of the most innovative and revolutionary designs to date, such as the Alpha SV- circa 1998.
Access to some of the world’s harshest environments means the toughest real-world R&D imaginable. Combine geographic benefit with a cutting edge design center and add a 200+ design team who use what they create plus global reach and you have something exceptional.
If you have the chance to handle any of Arc’teryx gear or products you can feel the difference. Check out what our experience was with some of their latest releases.
Quick Highlights:
Granville 16 Zip Backpack
- Available in black, pilot and bushwhack color options
- Lightweight, laminated construction with water-resistant AC² (Advanced Composite Construction)
- Taped seams
- Slim, urban profile.
- Dedicated padded 15-inch laptop sleeve
- Large compartment for magazines, paperwork, and folders
- Stretch mesh zippered pocket for chargers and cables
- External WaterTight zippered pocket for small accessories
- 16 L backpack
- 0.75 kg (26 oz) weight
- Top carry handle
- Key tether hook
- Sternum strap
Aerios FL Mid GTX Shoes
- Vibram MegaGrip rubber compound
- Taller collar to block debris and add support
- 4mm thickness OrthoLite 3D molded insert
- Mid height ankle support
- Compressed EVA foam midsole
- Integrated TPU shank
- TPU toecap
- GORE-TEX (Waterproof and breathable)
- Ultra-lightweight construction
- Cordura mesh
- TPU high abrasion protection films
- Available in Orion/Proteus and Taan Forest/Lampyres colors
Zeta LT Jacket
- Lightweight construction at 335 grams
- Packable design
- (3-Layer) N40p-X 3L GORE-TEX fabric with GORE C-KNIT™ backer technology
- Available in Lliad, Bushwhack and Black color varations
- Windproof, waterproof and breathable textiles
- Trim fit keeps shell closer to body
- Gusseted underarms
- Arc’teryx StormHood
- Hip length with drop back hem
- Internal laminated pocket
- Two hand pockets
- WaterTight zippers
- Articulated elbows
- Arc’teryx Nu water repellent treatment
- Laminated brim
- Single ball cap style adjusting hood drawcord
- Taped seams for added weatherproofness
- Laminated high-strength hanger loop
- Micro-seam allowance (1.6 mm) reduces bulk and weight
- Die-cut Velcro cuff adjusters
- Chin guard with brushed microsuede facing
Bushwhack Arc’teryx Granville 16 Zip Backpack Review
Arc’teryx delivers high-quality outdoor products that never fail to delight me. Everything I’ve tried has far exceeded my expectations. The brand stays true to its motto of “there is always a better way.”
One of those products is their Granville 16-Zip Backpack, a daypack above all others. The name is somewhat deceiving because it’s actually slim and very well-organized in spite of its many compartments. When I first opened the main compartment, I was floored at how I could organize my important documents in the back pockets and keep them safe with the padded sleeve.
Those back pockets are graduated to make all my documents visible so I don’t have to thumb through them to find them. Its ease of access means I can swing the backpack around on one shoulder and partly zip it open to quickly take out things.
It’s also efficient in terms of weight and size. The fact that the whole backpack is slim means my whole back can support it, but it’s also lightweight so as to not burden me with extra material while I’m carrying around my laptop and other essentials. Plus the smaller zippered pockets are great for things like socks and underwear, while taped seams allow custom attachments such as water bottle pouches and keychain tools.
These features make it versatile enough for everyday use as well as short trips. I can easily go to school, go on a short hike, and take a small vacation using the same backpack.
Another important feature is the waterproof construction everywhere, not just the outer zippered compartment. The laminated material — even on zippers — repels rain and snow so I don’t have to worry about ruining any of my belongings. If it gets dirty, it’s super easy to clean; I just wipe it down.
Padded straps make it comfortable to carry as long as I need to and cut down on the weight of my belongings. The backpack comes in low profile colors for blending into daily commuting around a busy city or hiking in the woods. It really is the ideal daypack.
Some of my favorite highlights include the Advanced Composite Construction (AC²) technology for resistance against rain and snow, WaterTight™ zipper on main compartment, padded sleeve for 15-inch laptop or documents, stretch mesh zippered pocket for chargers and cables, external WaterTight™ zippered pocket for keys, wallet or smartphone and the super light 26oz pack weight.
Orion Proteus Men’s Arc’teryx Aerios FL Mid GTX Shoes Review
Thanks to Arc’teryx, the Aerios FL Mix GTX Shoe gave me the ultimate hiking experience. Gore-Tex material started showing up in hiking shoes so that people could go for long periods of time and be able to endure most kinds of terrain and weather without needing another pair. Since then, they’ve come a long way. Not only does Gore-Tex wick away moisture, it stops moisture from coming in. You don’t have to worry about cold weather, either, because it will keep your feet warm.
Tough yet flexible enough for your feet to move over rough terrain, Gore-Tex is also comfortable. I can hike or run for as long as I want to without having to stop, so I can develop my endurance and stamina. Gore-Tex is waterproof, windproof, and breathable to handle wet and cold terrain, like mountains.
The pair was designed with runners in mind so it fits my feet well and doesn’t chafe. The whole shoe conforms to the basic shape of the foot, including the heel, sole, and toebox. Those areas are reinforced for support since they tend to be well-worn areas. However, the shoe doesn’t look bulky like some other pairs out there.
Since rough, variable, or technical terrain includes rocks, roots, and loose surfaces, it’s important for a hiking shoe to have stability. I get that with this shoe and its Megagrip outsole. The other lightweight yet protective materials are an EVA (e thylene-vinyl acetate)midsole and TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) shank. These shoes are my go-to pair for hiking.
In addition to the above, the standout features of the Aerios FL Mix GTX Shoe that stood out the most include the Gore-Tex fabric with with GORE Invisible Fit Technology to handle a variety of terrain and weather conditions, Vibram Megagrip outsole for traction and stability on slippery surfaces, compressed EVA midsole and integrated TPU shank for toughness and shockingly light 13.1 oz weight.
Black Men’s Arc’teryx Zeta LT Jacket Review
For awhile I was in search of a rock-solid trekking and hiking jacket for cooler temps, and well, I found it,. Arc’teryx has hit high marks with their latest and greatest Zeta LT Jacket. What makes it so special? Well, everything. But first, I want to tell you about the Gore-Tex fabric, its main feature.
Gore-Tex is ideal for cold and rainy days since the material is windproof, waterproof, and breathable. Why do I need a breathable jacket for the winter, you ask? It actually keeps me warm and dry. The tiny pores in the fabric are larger than water vapor molecules and force them out, while they’re smaller than raindrops and snowflakes to repel outside moisture.
My sweat easily evaporates if I get hot inside the jacket so I stay comfortable no matter how long I’m out. There are also WaterTight™ zippers. Now to its other features, the icing on the cake!
The Zeta LT Jacket is efficient in its construction for a light weight. Yes, it seems strange that a lightweight jacket can keep one just as warm as a heavier one, but it works. Anyone who exercises or does other physical activities understands that lightweight clothing is essential for ease of movement, flexibility, and speed. I was pleasantly surprised to know that I didn’t have to be limited by the weather nor by my jacket. It lets me fully take part in the natural exercises of walking, hiking, and trekking.
Besides that, it is minimalist for less bulk, so you can wear multiple thin layers underneath. Its whisper-quiet design is great for being in the woods, hearing friends, and observing animals without disturbance from noise. This jacket will serve you well no matter where you are.
My personal favorite highlights include the Gore-Tex fabric with Gore C-Knit backer technology for windproof, weatherproof, and breathable material, minimalist design with articulated sleeves and gussetted underarms allows for freedom of movement and peripheral vision, drop back hem extends past hip length for additional coverage and won’t inrefere with a hip belt, WaterTight zippers keep water out, and finally the lightweight 11.8oz weight.
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