Arc'teryx enters a new era of insulated jackets, updating fixed concepts

Canadian-born Arc'teryx presents a new proposal for winter sportswear. Flexible nylon combines strength and toughness, creating a feel that challenges stereotypes. We've heard from ski guide Junya Kuragane, who actually wore it on a tough backcountry trip.

Dynamic thermal outerwear that simplifies layering on snowy mountains.

Arc'teryx has been grown in the Coast Mountains on the humid and snowy west coast of Canada, North America. It is a mountain apparel brand that is highly trusted by Japanese mountaineers and guides because the weather is similar to that of Japan's mountains, which are surrounded by the sea. Recently, Arc'teryx has been focusing on insulated hardshell jackets and pants in the freeride scene, as well as hardshells.

Gore-Tex, which is highly waterproof and breathable, keeps out the rain and wind, while highly breathable synthetic cotton keeps you warm and wicks away stuffiness. When hiking in the backcountry, it is common to layer on a hard shell, but in situations where you are at high altitude and are easily affected by the wind, it has many advantages. So says Junya Kuragane, a ski guide based in Hachimantai, Iwate Prefecture.

``Even above the tree line, where there is scattered snow and strong winds, you can feel an overwhelming sense of security as your body heat will not be taken away.If you feel like your clothes are about to overheat, the pit zip and front zip let the heat escape, allowing you to regulate your body temperature. After wearing one-season BC, I often carried a combination of base layer, thin fleece, and Saber, with a wind shell as a backup.''

When core loft is incorporated into a strong fabric, one may be concerned about the comfort of the garment, but the uncompromising design based on ergonomics allows for ease of movement. Another advantage is that you can minimize the number of snowy mountain layers, which tend to be complicated due to sweat treatment and heat retention.

"The biggest benefit of choosing a hard shell with insulation is that it simplifies layering. For resort skiing or snowboarding on cold days, just wear a base layer (or a thin midlayer) inside. It's easy to prepare, and it's also very simple to put on and take off while taking a break at the rest house."

This eliminates the need for the insulation jacket that was previously worn as a middle layer, and provides benefits such as being lighter because it can serve two purposes. By using a waterproof and breathable membrane, synthetic cotton, and innovative sewing technology, you can enjoy skiing to the fullest while wearing this insulated shell.

pants to match jacket

Text/Shinya Moriyama


Photo/Shota Kikuchi (ITEM) * Reprinted from BRAVOSKI 2024 Winter Vol.2

Information

arc'teryx

Official site: https://arcteryx.jp/
Official SNS: Instagram ｜ Facebook ｜ YouTube