This article introducing you to three Arc’teryx icons is sponsored by our friends at Arc’teryx.
The list of Arc’teryx icons doesn’t stop at the stylised fossil logo – the brand’s garments are worthy of veneration, too.
There will be few readers of The Great Outdoors who are unfamiliar with Arc’teryx. You may recognise the stylised logo, a play on the transitional fossil of early dinosaurs to modern dinosaurs, Archaeopteryx, and the brand’s namesake. You may see ‘The Bird’ out on your local hills. But, this doesn’t mean Arc’teryx’s obsessively designed outerwear isn’t at home in our high places.
The brand says its gear can be ‘worn when it counts’ by mountain athletes who must not be let down by kit in all manner of severe mountain conditions. Indeed, athlete cooperation is key when designing the products. Three of their garments particularly embody this drive to continue to hold the adventurous heritage close when making clothing for the outdoors. In case you haven’t encountered them already, let us introduce you to the Arc’teryx icons you may want to consider for your next outdoor gear collection investment.
Meet the Arc’teryx icons
The Alpha SV
The Alpha SV is the first jacket that Arc’teryx created and the brand calls it an ‘alpinist’s storm fortress’. In other words, it was designed by climbers to protect other climbers in the most severe alpine conditions – hence the £800 price tag. Sitting at the centre of the Alpha range, it is lightweight (485g), minimalist and offers a roomy, regular fit for efficient movement whilst climbing. Hem adjusters prevent the jacket from slipping out from under a climbing harness, the helmet-compatible StormHood™ adjusts for full coverage with maximum visibility, and articulated construction that frees you to move across mountain terrain.
Arc’teryx say the Alpha SV boasts its most durable face fabric – N100d Most Rugged 3L GORE-TEX PRO made from 100% recycled materials – for prolonged exposure to severe conditions. The micro grid backer enhances resistance to abrasion, and the latest design updates to the improved cuff, hem and chin guard lamination make repairs easier. The Alpha SV also includes an embedded RECCO® reflector to RECCO® reflector aid search and rescue in emergency situations.
The Beta SL
Designed for hillwalkers, the gear testing team here at The Great Outdoors have been putting kit from the Beta family through their paces for years. Most recently, Chris Townsend gave the Beta LT his recommendation while Fiona Russell awarded it her Best Buy in comparative tests of the best waterproof jackets on the market.
Now, the Beta Lightweight tested by our team has been updated with the GORE-TEX ePE, the most sustainable fabric Arc’teryx offers, and renamed the Beta SL. Still “alpine light and ready to go”, the Beta SL (350g) offers as-lightweight weather protection for hiking and everyday climbing.
At half the price of the Alpha SV, this jacket is a keystone of the versatile Beta family, suitable for diverse activities and conditions on the trail. A combination of the GORE-TEX three-layer construction, adjustable StormHood™ and taped seams are designed to protect you from the elements while pit zips keep you ventilated. Again, freedom of movement is at the forefront of the Arc’teryx design. The Beta SL has a trimmer fit which stays close to the body through the chest, waist, hip, and thigh, with a low profile to eliminate bulk when worn over midlayers.
The Atom
Speaking of midlayers, the Atom is one of the most-loved Arc’teryx Favourites, according to the brand. The Atom Hoody is a streamlined midlayer or a standalone jacket which offers “warmth for every objective”. This means its light weather resistant fabric – Tyono™ 20 – along with the Coreloft™ Compact insulation allows you to stay warm even when wet.
This versatile hoody, with an insulated StormHood™ which adds warmth and stretch fleece side panels for fit, freedom and ventilation, is built to handle a range of conditions and activities. Arc’teryx also made it with loft retention to withstand years of packing and unpacking.
Learn more at Arc’teryx.
