Arc'teryx

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Arc'teryx is an outdoor clothing and sporting goods company founded in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, in 1991. The company still maintains its headquarters, design studios, and primary manufacturing facilities in North Vancouver. Its products are usually associated with climbing- and hiking-related activities.

Originally named Rock Solid by founders Dave Lane and Jeremy Guard, the company's first line of products were climbing gear. Using a heat laminate technology, the partners designed and marketed the Vapor harness, which would become the company's most popular item. In the second year of operations, after a series of relocations and staff additions, Arc'teryx released the Bora backpack using the same Vapor technology. In 1996, after obtaining a license from WL Gore and Associates for use of the Gore-Tex fabric, the company adapted it for its new line of outdoor technical apparel.

The Berlin Archaeopteryx, 1881

The Arc'teryx LEAF (Law Enforcement and Armed Forces) product line is comprised of equipment targeted to the military and law enforcement markets. Although some items are simply counterparts in design to their civilian models, other items, such as Arc'teryx's Tango and Charlie packs, are made in camouflage patterns and constructed to military specification.

Their products are considered high-end and typically command premium pricing. Top selling items in their clothing line include the Theta AR and Gamma MX jackets. Arc'teryx's designs have won a number of awards from Backpacker, Outside, Climbing, Men's Journal, and Powder magazines.^[1]

Today the company is owned by Salomon,^[1] now a subsidiary of Amer Sports^[2] of Finland. Arc'teryx operates out of North Vancouver, though some manufacturing of accessory items has been outsourced to New Zealand, China, and Vietnam.

The name and logo of Arc'teryx refer to the Archaeopteryx, the earliest known bird. The symbol is based on the "Berlin specimen" of the bird, the most complete skeleton to date.