Arcteryx
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For what it’s worth, I used to be a huge Arc’teryx fan. They were subsequently sold to Anta (a Chinese company), who left the BCI (better cotton initiative) to continue using cotton from the Xinjiang region of China (where forced/slave labor of Uighar muslims to work crop fields has been reported). Of course, I’m not an international trade expert, or cotton expert, or clothing expert, or… you get the point. I also don’t support 3Sixteen (India) and Post O’alls (China) for reasons in the same bucket. Again, I’m not an expert, I can’t say I have even a tenth of the information, and I could be completely wrong in my decision.
Iron heart appears to be a company that supports ethical manufacturing, fair pay for workers, environmentally conscious sourcing and development practices, and just plain appears to treat people well. It’s becoming harder and harder to find clothing companies to purchase from that can say all of those things. So, very grateful to you guys and the work that you do!
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I have an Atom that I downsized as a mid layer, under a IH CPO, for riding motorcycles in the winter. That and my 362 is all that’s needed in the 30f range. I love that thing.
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@Megatron1505 system? I dont have one. Other than no cotton if its cold and snowy.
Read the thread and thats some serious apparel, you guys know alot more about it than I do. -
@Buckeye , I didn’t know about them leaving the BCI, that’s not good at all. I know what you mean about the difficulty in finding ethically sourced…..well, anything these days.
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@steelworker , it can get a bit of an obsession, which is something most folks here can relate to.
The whole layering system thing is probably the most common question asked on Reddit Arcteryx threads. People really seem to want to know how others stack their clothing on cold days.
I think it’s the outdoor clothing worlds equivalent of “how breathable is that denim” ?
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@seawolf , low key ninja style, I like it.
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It’s great stuff. I have a few items but have no idea what they are called. I most recently got a light waterproof jacket for my trip to Ireland back in May. Of course it didn’t rain a drop for the entire trip. Probably the nicest weather I have ever experienced there. But that’s the way it goes.
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I just bought a vintage (2006) Gamma MX hoodie from Vinted for next to nothing (£40).
The taped seam at the bottom has been stitched in place, and it’s a little faded around the seams but it should be great for hikes in crap weather without worrying too much about it.
I’ll throw it in the wash with some Arcteryx soap and replace the DWR when it gets here then throw some pics up.
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I have a fairly good sized collection of Arc’teryx, I’m in BC so it was a local brand. I bought all of my stuff before COVID. The brand has completely lost its way and the quality has nose dived on a lot of the products since they were bought out. It’s basically a hype beast brand and here in BC it’s basically just considered a flex to wear it to show how much money you spent.
Patagonia is a better brand and FAR better warranty for 99% of the population. There’s very few people who need the weight savings from Arc’teryx.
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Only have one piece.
Got it in january from a friend who had stocked up on these Leaf stuff.
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Looking toasty @PJ and that looks like the perfect piece for Norway.
I bought this Veilance Mionn for our Norway trip but I think it will get a lot of use this fall.
It is a hair lighter than an Atom hoody but obviously a different cut.
It fits a hair large but will be good for layering. It also has these massive chest pockets than can fit anything that my Bellroy sling can. Great design.
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@nrtphotos I think you have to be quite careful about what Arcteryx items you buy these days in terms of quality. After my Gamma MX purchase today, which is made in Canada, I’m interested in looking back at some vintage stuff.
The brand is not too well known where I am (in the UK) so its still more of an “if you know, you know” thing over here.
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@Anesthetist , that looks great, very stylish and subtle.
@PJ , interested how the LEAF version compares to the standard. I’m guessing much more durable for military applications.
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@Megatron1505 I think only the Alpha SV is made in Canada, that’s it. The brand has become a bit of a running joke in BC, it’s mainly worn by young kids or office guys trying to flex their wealth. Obviously you will see it on the trails and outdoors but it’s basically a status symbol in BC. The laminated seams are absolute trash for longevity, I will never buy another jacket with them. Doesn’t matter how you treat them or wash them either. The warranty and customer service is abysmal now too.
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@nrtphotos , that’s quite sad to hear, but I guess when a brand which is known for quality and dependability lets those things slip then this is what happens.
I haven’t experienced anything bad myself yet, in fact my Zeta SL which all the Redditors say is “trash” due to using Paclite Pro has stood up for almost three years of use now.
For me, I’ll enjoy what I have and most likely look for bargains on the secondary market of older items if I want to get anything else.
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@Anesthetist
That’s a really cool jacket/hoody. Kinda like coach jacket vibe -
@meatmarketdenim1 hadnt thought about it in that light, but you’re right
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Ignore my last post, I’m a big fat liar. Just bought a Proton because it was on sale ️