The History of Arc'Teryx

Arc’Teryx is one of the hottest brands in streetwear - but as some of it’s life-long fans know, it’s actually preceded by a rich history of high performance and technological innovation. To put it simply - Arc’Teryx is proof the quality is cool, and in this video we’re going to be breaking that down to give you an idea of how they’ve positioned themselves comfortably on the line of fashionable and functional. It’s a favorite among celebrities like Drake, Kanye West, and the late Virgil Abloh - and they’ve also done a handful of interesting collars like one with the streetwear brand Palace and the high end fashion house Jil Sander. We’ll be talking about all of this and more - this is the history of Arc’Teryx.
Threaducation Instagram: / threaducation​
Channel Discord: / discord
Contact: [e-mail]
Disclaimer: The images and videos used in this video are not owned or created by Threaducation. This video strictly adheres to fair use guidelines (educational content, review, research, discussion).
Sources: docs.google.com/document/d/1l...

[@corsoww]

Most slept on channel on KZbin.

[@finesser882]

Factoids

[@rudyrai]

fr

[@gorddihiryn444]

100%

[@user-et8ek8im9s]

International treasure

[@Giovannilefils]

Facts!

[@wednesdaysbliss1]

Coming from some who has lived in the Rockies my whole life, I find this new trend obsession with outdoor gear brads to be pretty interesting and somewhat ironic (?). Most everyone in my area grew up wearing brands like Arc'Teryx, Patagonia, and TNF, not because it was fashionable, but because we are pretty outdoorsy. Really kinda a trip when I saw my regular hiking gear on the runway, haha.

[@unconscious1256]

same, in Canada it's pretty normal seeing people wear Arc'Teryx , North Face and Patagonia. It was just something we wear because it was cold lol

[@MONET8iAM]

So in NYC (as it’s known, we take our fashion seriously), you always had to have a good coat. Staple fashionable coats in Black communities (the influential drug dealers, rappers, and regular 9-5 people) in the 70s and 80s include shearlings, leather, and wool coats. I believe in the late 80s through 90s and early 2000s is when sportier outdoor coats and bubble coats (“puffers” as they call them now) became the go-to. A lot of Black fashion from the 80s on include clothing that isn’t worn for practicality, but to step outside of the box. That made you “fly” or “fresh”. That’s how the Timberland 6” boots became a NY hood staple. As you can see, this continues on. Black people have so much influence on fashion, and Threaducation videos continue to point that out!

[@z4kri405]

i think people just buy into the brand tbh. its cool ig.

[@saintnick4983]

@@MONET8iAM great break down. First thing that came to mind was Marmot jackets & asolo hiking boots. Made for hiking & what not but was made popular by NYC youth. We make it & they take it

[@MONET8iAM]

@@saintnick4983 Yup, I thought about that too. I’m sure they have seen the picture lol of the dudes in the liquor store with their pants sagging super low with the “biggies” on. It became a meme.

[@hellaginked4322]

As a guy from Vancouver. I grew up with my parents wearing arcteryx. It was mostly a brand for old hikers lol. But it’s cool seeing it Blow up in mainstream fashion.

[@rocketman3770]

the same happened with Moncler

[@nimaiiikun]

it's now owned by ANTA, a China based sportswear company, which is now moving Arcteryx to more mass consumer models like TNF

[@phonussyslayerbatterycriti1746]

damn

[@stateofmissouri5651]

This is cool as hell. Always been looking for a top-down history of ArcTeryx

[@StandbyCymbalist]

I find the same story with lots of action-sports related equipment. My 1st pair of Vans shoes when I was a kid had to be custom ordered at a surf shop and were nearly exclusively used by skateboarders and bmx. Now they are everywhere. I think newer sporty products get adopted by the mainstream because classic fashion houses hold onto outdated, uncomfortable, and impractical ideals.

[@danylol772]

funny how i think arc'teryx is neither outdated, uncomfortable nor impractical

[@szu3560]

Wait are you saying arc’teryx is impractical???

[@aedanonline]

the hype on Arc'teryx started with graffiti. Racking goretex winter coats, especially Arc'teryx has been a staple in the scene for a very long time

[@trainspotting218]

straight facts. And the german football ultras wear TNF.

[@spacetimex6]

Confirmed! Could have dug deeper, but cool video.

[@lHATETHEINTERNET]

110% graft heads have been wearing arc

[@CanadianPaxman]

Great Video! as a Canadian Living in the rockies, I find the current streetwear obsession with Arc'Teryx quite funny as we wear them mostly for actually being in the outdoors (Their Ski jackets are some of the best around). When I saw virgil, Drake and Travis Scott wear them I knew it was only a matter of time until it hit the full force mainstream. Kind of sucks as now their products are sold out so quickly even for people like myself who just want to rock them for their intended use.

[@Arbiter609]

Yeah, switched to OR to get away from the fashionista image - and better pricing.

[@boneypony]

My partner and I make this point all the time. It makes it really frustrating when you NEED a GORE-TEX jacket and pants for work, but they've sold out days after dropping.

[@CanadianPaxman]

@Jay Rock AK super functional and great quality though. can’t blame anybody who can afford to Rock it for choosing it

[@VinceFowler]

​ @CanadianPaxman I hear you. I see the same thing in Calgary. I walk a lot in the city and there isn't a time when walking that I don't see a city-dweller rocking an Art'teryx jacket LOL... and why wouldn't they, it's a beautiful jacket. I absolutely love wearing their stuff on my backcountry adventures.

[@CanadianPaxman]

@@VinceFowler yeah I live in Calgary too, and I can’t go a single day without wearing my Atom LT even if it’s just for casual wear around downtown. It’s just such a nice piece!

[@huntertothee]

my fav fashion channel. such good quality and deep dives ❤️

[@zombl337og]

glad to see this channel hit 100k subs :) These videos really opened my mind to the people BEHIND the clothing i enjoy :)

[@austinrockney7752]

Hey man…I’ve held off on commenting for a while but I’ve watched every video and I have to say your channel is one of the most important channels IMO for up and coming creatives…having a more insightful deep dive on creatives we know and love gives people like myself a blue print on how to move in this industry and those around it…I truly appreciate you igniting a fire within the community showing how tangible a career truly is with hard work and untamed creativity

[@cassidyrogers5497]

I’m glad you touched on this because I feel the exact same way especially being in the NYC creative scene

[@Bookclub107]

Love your channel! I really want to get into the fashion industry and learning about all these brands is a big help

[@VinceFowler]

I spend a lot of time in nature; back country hiking, trail running, and only now getting back into hiking. Arc'teryx makes my life so simple because I know exactly what I'm buying based on their naming convention. Oh... and it works! Great video Mr Threaducation. 🙏🏼

[@ThatwasAsian]

i was just doing research on ARc' and was disappointed when I saw you hadn't made a video on them yet and then HERE IT IS! amazing content as always

[@Threaducation]

Glad I could help!

[@mosaclipz6549]

so weird seeing arcteryx blow up being from a place where everyone had been rocking it

[@jacobnash1759]

Yessir! Been waiting on this one.

[@sorr4807]

this channel is golden !!

[@bandmandom]

Love your videos💯 interesting to learn how these brands started and came up. Would love to see a video on MCM and Enyce

[@iixsist6496]

love your content!

[@jeffspicoli2643]

Really well done Sir. Thanks!

[@JamesBeaucoup]

Usually i complain about outdoor brands jacking up their prices when they find their way into markets like this, but Arcteryx started off so high because of their materials and development (sorta like Patagonia) that I think it'll stay the same

[@powdertrax9742]

Growing up snowboarding just south of the British Columbia border in Washington State, we have very similar weather pattern and snow conditions, so choosing Arc’teryx was a no brainer. My first goretex shell was made by Moonstone it was a great weather resistant shell, that jacket was followed by a Marmot Alpinist jacket which I still own today. But for the last 25 years I’ve used the Arc’teryx Sidewinders, the first one I purchased I still use today and it is bombproof. On one trip to Baker my closest friend who was hellbent on the Northface Guide jacket, it was a wet heavy day so we headed to the lodge when my buddy tossed me his Guide jacket and mentioned how heavy it was. I took off my Sidewinder and told him to feel a real jacket, we were both blown away at the difference. In all the years I owned my first Sidewinder I had to send it back for a new zipper because I had put something heavy on it ruining it. Two years ago a friends son was working for Arc’teryx and mentioned that he could hook us up with gear, I didn’t need a new jacket the old one was still perfect but at more than 50% off I couldn’t pass it up, so I purchased another Sidewinder. If I have any complaint against Arc’teryx it’s the fact that their fit is more geared towards climbers, which I’ve read other people’s complaints about them. Part of that is that I’m 55 and not as thin as I used to be, but a looser fit geared more towards free skiing/boarding would be nice.

[@unknown.mp4]

Great video! Extremley informative and concise, great job on the editing also! Earned my sub

[@Jeeesh888]

Every video is a vibe ✨

[@Sambeeeer]

Fascinating video

[@tapioportimo2551]

I have about 30 pieces of Arc'teryx gear, mostly clothing but also packs, have been buying them since 1997 (some still in use). Also from their professional LEAF military line (90% of time I wear their Combat pants). Just can not deny they are the primus inter pares among the outdoor brands. What does it matter if they become popular street wear, as long they just ignore it and keep doing top level outdoor clothing people want to buy even if the price is high. They also have a big military department selling $1000 backpacks and down jackets to military, but that is a bit under cover. But if you want something that lasts forever, you find it there (my favourite Combat Pants gen2 I wear every day are 7 years old, and still like new).

[@silentspirit0563]

This video made me appreciate Arc'teryx wayyyy more great video

[@chillrve9109]

Loyal 🙏🏾💪🏾 thanks as always

[@wynnsimpson]

Well done video. Thanks

[@tjrileymedia]

solid video, love the brand focus that isnt designer. They just as important and influential !

[@jimvick8397]

Some of the best days of my life were spent wearing the Alphas SV Bibs, SV Jacket, Acrux 50 backpack, Nepal EVO boots, and mountain tools insulated supergaiters... Utterly superb gear, once you wore the best there was no going back...

[@quinnmadarang1632]

I learned a lot. Great video

[@davegibson2810]

Great content! I come from the outdoor world and learned a few things.

[@7stargraphix]

One of my favorite channels to watch 🔥

[@Threaducation]

thanks!

[@Officialcbr]

LOVE THIS CHANNEL!! Please please pleasaaase do a video about Iceberg and their 90s fame and their comeback !!!

[@samuelalmeida995]

great video!

[@rafeeqwarfield9690]

Haven’t even watched but excited!

[@lucastheGSD]

found you on instagram today and immediately binge watched all your videos 🤞

[@Threaducation]

love that! welcome

[@high.talks.]

You really do educate people about fashion

[@Threaducation]

thats the goal

[@alexdem3]

@@Threaducation Great content! Can you please do a video covering Massimo Osti and Carlo Rivetti - Stone Island / C.P Company

[@aaazzz8678]

love this channel so much!! i hope we can get history of Mugler! it would be interesting

[@KosherLifeMir]

YOU GONE GET YO SHINE SOON! Threaducation BEST CHANNEL ON KZbin!!

[@sugebzzy2038]

Never heard of the company till today. Nice video

[@huguesderoissart8599]

Great video! you might have just left out that in 2005, Amer Sports purchased the Salomon Group from Adidas, and since 2019, the Amer Sports Corporation is owned by the Chinese Anta Sports group.. Concerning their take on the fashion industry, the System_A line might have been usefull to be discussed. I personnaly hope that they will not fall for the hype, as it has been seen with brands like TNF. They need to stick to their core values & keep production steps in their hands to ensure quality.

[@professorsogol5824]

According to Wikipedia "Anta Sports [provides] R&D and production resources required for expansion on the Chinese market." We should note the word "production" Where are the products and raw materials (fabric, etc.) manufactured? Unlike, for example Patagonia, Arc'teryx is no longe a feisty, little company run by scumbag climbers hanging out at Stawamus Chief.

[@briansmith9714]

Great call out! That deal basically launched Westcomb from all the Arcteryx post-sale employee exits. I believe Westcomb still manufactures exclusively in Canada, versus anything in Asia. They also weren’t bound by the Gore deal and helped to open the market for alternative fabrics in the innovative outdoor apparel space.

[@everythingisaworkinprogres5729]

Glad you brought up TNF. I was thinking the same.

[@charlesblithfield6182]

I have an Arcteryx day pack that is at least 20 years old that I still use every day. Amazing quality and exceptional ergonomic design. The zippers are the most durable and robust I have seen on a product. A few months ago I got some gloves and they are the best fitting I have ever found. Great Canadian originating company. My only criticism is some of the prices seem too high compared to competition despite the very high quality.

[@MobileAura]

The thing is that they have no competition and seemingly competitive brands like Patagonia are a complete and utter disgrace compared to Arcteryx. Patagonia and the North face is like a dollar store version of Arc’teryx. These companies have to follow fashion trends and get on their knees about sustainability nonsense to begin to even remotely compete.

[@kaws6616]

Damn bro u sound hyped up after hitting 100 k Love you work bro

[@pim3327]

Keep posting don't stop the views will come !

[@lorenzpeter2859]

Very good video 👏

[@Threaducation]

Thank you 👍

[@CrapKerouac]

A marketing company came up with Arc'Teryx brand name. As you mentioned, Jeremy was a business person and knew branding was very important and found a marketing company to create the name, font, and emblem.

[@frenchyroastify]

As a Vancouverite, it's funny how folks from the east of Canada made fun of how we all wore Gore Tex in BC.

[@yanis_s500]

Their best marketing is to put all marketing budget into the products! So the product excellence speaks for itself and other brands simply can not replicate the quality of their products. They also go after a consumer, who cares about their products and are willing to pay for this quality product. This is quite unusual, because most of the brands go after the volume and sales - so sacrifice quality for quantity. This approach becomes part of their brand identity and people always appreciated superior products. I am amazed, how much their products stand out in the store from the rest of the brands.

[@kevindouglass5175]

They and many others are also following Patagonia's for fronting environmentally conscious approach. As well as fair trade. Recycle reuse. Most of there ( material and craftmanship ) products are buy far a benchmark for other brands to live up to. Also giving sport class. R/D And highlighting athletes. Further more Standing behind the products that the put out. Money well spent .

[@alpineflauge909]

solid content

[@jglads21]

Watching Sam Kuch going full send at the end has me wanting Arc'teryx and Head gear suddenly lol

[@prodlilrasta]

love your content! could u make a video on Hedi Slimane?

[@bazislav]

Can you please do a video about Porter-Yoshida? It kind of gives a similar vibe of achiving unique style language above history of beautiful craftsmanship and enormous amount of tasteful collabs. Still kinda feel that even though it is pretty well known it still does not fall in line of mainstream hype.

[@christopherkline4042]

I love my Birds! (Nickname for Arc’teryx pieces) it truly is the best system for the outdoors. I have 5 pieces total, and they all pack super tight into my backpack. Working in the film industry, I find myself either standing a lot or working really hard for long periods of time, and I can simply remove a layer and pack it away discreetly and add it whenever it’s necessary. There’s that and it also gives me a great piece of apparel that’s can be dressed up or dressed down. Arc’teryx’s system will never be beat!

[@tumelo02]

never misses🔥

[@WhatsTheHype.Landon]

Really good video, I’m currently working on a similar one myself.

[@princeasvp9234]

G o

[@user-ob9zo9cr4c]

thanks for video, fire.

[@Threaducation]

thanks for watching, fire

[@user-ob9zo9cr4c]

@@Threaducation as usual, since start of channel I'm on. hope you good.

[@emrys.826]

Content always slaps

[@spicee1000]

I'd like to see a video on the history of Ortovox. That would be a great video.

[@bazislav]

Oh yes, the arc’twizzy. That time when your dad suddenly became the freshest dude on the block.

[@canmtb4676]

Love my Arcteryxs. Wish they make sailing jackets competing HH.

[@salmaramirez9320]

Sooo good ! comme des garçons would be a good watch too or even just on rei

[@Threaducation]

yes that's coming soon!

[@Truth.Keeper]

Arcteryx is a solid brand. I still have several of their products and use some of them daily. I just hope they keep their ethos and uncompromising commitment to their customers 😉

[@antn8387]

i'm wearing my arc'teryx jacket watching this

[@Chiller01]

As an old climber, I’ve spent a ton of time mountaineering, rock & ice climbing and skiing in the Canadian and US Rockies. I’ve been wearing Arc’teryx since the early 2000’s. They had a strong reputation for quality and being made in Canada. The QC seems to have remained pretty high as they’ve grown and off shored stuff but we’ll see. Functional or work apparel becoming fashionable is nothing new. Look at Carfartt or Redwing boots. Growing up in the West the only companies making denim in my youth were Levi Strauss and Wrangler.

[@HeatLedgerKicks]

Pretty interesting to see technical gear made for specific purposes blurring the lines with fashion and trend. Not a new thing by any means but makes you wonder what’s next

[@kenthall6584]

The sidewinder was the jacket thatgot me hooked and sealed zippers

[@ThePerpetualStudent]

As a person not living in Vancouver, British Columbia, and or the Rockies, I found this quite interesting.

[@nana10221]

Arc'teryx was purchased by a big Chinese company few years ago. Many of its high-end gore tex jackets are now made in China now.

[@carlosmontanez2562]

Everything is made by China now. Even the ones " made in Europe" or the US. Because big brands tend to bring workers from China or different countries and make them work in their factories for a very low salary to make more profit. They are even videos and proof about it. So the made in whatever location tags mean nothing now.

[@nana10221]

@Carlos Montanez that's why I buy patagonia or North Face. They made their high end jackets in Vietnam or Indonesia. Much better lifetime warranty, especially patagonia.

[@tylern3696]

@@carlosmontanez2562 it’s not that their jackets are made in China, it’s hard to avoid made in China, it’s that they are owned by the Chinese Communist Party as well and attached to Uyghur slave labor

[@jamielancaster01]

Love this brand❤

[@nnib]

the rapper Kankan put me on to this brand, hes always rappin about being high and rockin Arc’Teryx lmao

[@misterfunnybones]

5:46 That's Mike Danks from North Shore Rescue.

[@caseydelaney9785]

I have been rocking with Arc’teryx since 019

[@jaimito2525]

Even though I am not a climber, I have been wearing their products since I remember and I even feature them on my blog!

[@ezzz1212]

One comment is that Arc'Teryx and Salomon actually are connected still. They are both part of Amer Sports. Great video!

[@soleboy2829]

I love your channel, can we get a history lesson on vetements

[@lucasmelor]

Can you talk about Yeezy, your content is amazing

[@josepht82]

Would love a video on moncler

[@takeaseat6969]

I've had a Arc'teryx pullover for about 7 years. Zero pilling, zero issues. Super warm, super high quality.

[@lose8447]

This guuuuuyyyy

[@jacobw7360]

"The SV stands for severe wheather" ahh yes that makes sense (great vid as always btw)

[@Marcusy00]

I had the issey miyaki jeans with the arcteryx jacket

[@liljun4414]

I rly appreciate it if you put the subtitles..

[@paulbcote]

Another interesting footnote for Arc'teryx was their section by the US Army (or was it the Marines?) To make all their back-packs for a while. They are great packs. That must have been a nice little contract.

[@Dallaspulla521]

name goes hard

[@njabuloradebe9253]

Fuck yeah waking up to this 😭😭🔥

[@gavinredhead2446]

Was here when u had 300 subs

[@bryanespanola9299]

Do Coogi next!

[@jayburnaby]

Great company, had few friends worked and still working there, they take care theirs customers and employees

[@JaylonMP3]

Need that Ralph Lauren

[@ibncarter4729]

1:00 being lack of quality rock climbing equipment so you make your own is a diff kind of fed up lmfaook

[@23v0lv32]

BC Born and raised here, SURREY WHAT!. Arcteryx hype is hilarious. I still have one of my Canadian made Beta ARs still going strong though abit beat up

[@Xander102]

Dude I like this company even more now. I just spent a crap time of money on a bunch of this stuff because it fits so well and I live in Canada so it just makes sense , I didn’t realize it was this big or was this popular

[@Threaducation]

im glad you like it just because you like it - not because of the hype/popularity! glad the history can make you appreciate it even more!

[@mountainman6172]

We're in for a treat 🥳

[@Threaducation]

yupppp

[@mountainman6172]

@@Threaducation MVP *sigh* 😌

[@teddynash9338]

Love the video but you missed talking about the beams collabs. Came way before 2020

[@frenchyroastify]

They have a great warranty program. My 4 year old jacket liner was fraying at the sleeves and they gave me a credit for a new jacket.

[@tapioportimo2551]

I had a 10 year old jacket fixed free in Switzerland...

[@RudolphValenta]

Before Plance and JS collaborations, there was BEAMS in Japan.

[@mortonbeard2240]

I wore their Vapor harness for years.

[@jamilwalji8622]

The mountain range near Vancouver is the coastal mountains.

[@user-hc8wk7lb3t]

Great video and very informative! That said, I have heard their gear does not always last super long, and it seems their gear comes at a pretty steep premium. Mountain Equipment, for example, is a less well-known brand that is often used by mountaineering companies in the Himalayas and produces some epic gear too, albeit at a lower price (AB comparison). That is not to say Arc Teryx is not worthy of all the praise, but I think it's important to acknowledge other brands that are just as committed and in some respects more competitive.

[@SgtMjr]

I've had Dead Bird gear for years now and I'd never turn back. Sent a jacket back for repair 3 years after I bought it and it was repaired for free. Best. Gear. Ever. LEAF all the way. -40c no problem, pouring rain, wind it takes it all, fit, function I can't praise it enough. It's expensive though, buy once, cry once.