TECH TALK

OBSESSIVE DESIGN

Arc’teryx is famous for creating some of the most technical clothing in the outdoor game. We spoke to Senior Design Director Ashley Anson to find out more about their meticulous approach.

What does Obsessive Design mean to Arc’teryx?

Obsessive Design is more than a campaign, it’s how we make our gear – those invisible details in a product that enhance its performance across running, hiking, snow sports and climbing. Our team has created features that have changed the way outdoor design looks and feels – like the StormHood, WaterTight zippers, articulated fit and micro seam technology.

What’s the process behind bringing a new product to market?

Our most exciting designs are brought to life in partnership with our athletes. The process begins when one of them comes to us and presents a problem that they, and we, are dealing with in the mountains. From there, we get to work on a solution; it’s a constant back and forth from concept to completion.

How do you decide what to focus on for upcoming seasons?

We look to our athlete team who are continually pushing the boundaries of their sport. Our designers are also athletes, and it’s their combined experiences that drive our product pipeline. Spending time in the mountains – living and breathing the outdoors – is a big piece of what we believe makes our approach so unique. We use the pieces and equipment ourselves, and we’re seeing these activities evolve – going further, faster, and deeper into the mountains than ever before. Our gear needs to keep pace and adapt to these new limits and demands.

What are the key factors in any quality garment?

Durability is our top priority, closely followed by pinnacle performance. We want our community to know they can count on our gear time and time again. Our designs go through extensive testing to measure a variety of attributes like tear strength and abrasion resistance, as well as many more field tests. Garments can spend many hours, months and sometimes years in the mountains – on our athletes and employees – before we approve a concept. We create prototypes in our in-house sewing room and then test and make changes based on real-time feedback. This process can go on for multiple rounds of protos until we get it right. This might be what makes Arc’teryx, Arc’teryx: a constant commitment to iteration, and the belief that there’s always a better way.

What does your tagline 'no such thing as a minor detail' mean?

Arc’teryx is a brand founded by rock climbers obsessed with building a better product, and the spirit of our founders and their guiding principles have remained central to who we are today. What sets our gear apart is all of the invisible elements that enhance its feel and performance. “No such thing as a minor detail” speaks to this fact. Our products are meticulously designed and refined until they’re pared down to the minimum, without sacrificing the essentials. What appears to be a small detail – like reducing seams or perfecting the pockets and zippers – really does have a major impact on the user’s experience. Read the full interview at ellis-brigham.com/arcteryx.

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