Canadian brand Arc'teryx presents a new approach to winter sportswear. The supple nylon combines strength and toughness to create a feel that will shake up stereotypes. Here's a review from ski guide Junya Kurakane, who tried it on in the tough backcountry
Dynamic warmth outerwear that simplifies layering on snowy mountains
Sabre
Insulated
Size: XS-XL
Color: Dark Magic, Black, Smoke Bluff
Weight: 815g
¥110,000
To achieve high levels of protection and warmth while also ensuring breathability, this jacket is made with a Gore-Tex outer layer and a highly breathable lining, wrapped in synthetic cotton. The padding is made with Coreloft, which is highly breathable and does not get stuffy, and the three-dimensional cut follows the movement of the body, making it an ideal active, dynamic warmth-retaining garment
Arc'teryx was born in the humid and snowy Coast Mountains of Canada's west coast. The mountain weather there is similar to that of Japan, a country surrounded by the sea, making it a trusted mountain apparel brand among Japanese climbers and guides. Arc'teryx has recently been focusing on insulated hard shell jackets and pants, just like hard shells, in the freeride scene
The waterproof and breathable Gore-Tex keeps out the rain and wind, while the highly breathable synthetic cotton keeps you warm and allows moisture to escape. In backcountry skiing, where hiking is required, layering with a hard shell is the norm, but in situations where you are at high altitude and are more susceptible to the wind, this actually has many advantages. So says Kuragane Junya, a ski guide based in Hachimantai, Iwate Prefecture
"Even above tree line, where the snow is scattered and the wind is strong, it provides an overwhelming sense of security without losing body heat. If you start to overheat inside the garment, you can release heat through the pit zips and front zip and regulate your temperature. After wearing it for a season at BC, I often wore it with a base layer, a light fleece, and a Saber jacket, with a wind shell as a backup."
While Coreloft in a strong fabric can make you feel uncomfortable, the ergonomic design ensures freedom of movement. Another advantage is that it simplifies and minimizes the number of layers you need to pack on snowy mountains, which can be complicated due to the need to deal with sweat and keep warm
"The biggest advantage of choosing an insulated hard shell is that it simplifies layering. When skiing or snowboarding at a resort on a cold day, all you need to do is wear a base layer (or a thin mid-layer) underneath. It's easy to get your clothes ready each morning, and it's also very simple to take off and put on when taking a break at a rest house."
This eliminates the need for an insulated jacket, which has traditionally been worn as a mid-layer, and offers the added benefit of being lightweight thanks to the two-in-one garment. The use of a waterproof, breathable membrane, synthetic fiber batting, and innovative sewing techniques means you can enjoy plenty of skiing in this insulated shell
Pants to match the jacket
Sabre
Insulated Pant
Size: SR - XL-R
Color: Boxcar, Black
Weight: 630g
¥84,700
These GORE-TEX pants are filled with synthetic insulation made from 100% recycled materials. The mesh side zippers allow moisture to escape while keeping snow out. Two dual zippered thigh pockets provide easy access and secure storage. The design makes them versatile for any occasion. They can be attached to the Sabre Insulated Jacket
Text/Shinya Moriyama
Photo/Shota Kikuchi (ITEM) * Reprinted from BRAVOSKI 2024 Winter Vol.2
Information
Arc'teryx
Official website: https://arcteryx.jp/Official
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