Arc'teryx is a Canadian company specializing in technical high-performance outdoor apparel and equipment for mountaineering and alpine sports. Founded in 1989 in North Vancouver, British Columbia, by Dave Lane and Jeremy Guard, it initially operated as "Rock Solid". The name and logo reference the Archaeopteryx, a transitional fossil of early dinosaurs to modern birds, symbolizing the company's commitment to evolution and innovation. Arc'teryx is known for its waterproof Gore-Tex shell jackets and down parkas.
The company has expanded its product range to include apparel, backpacks, and more. Arc'teryx maintains three divisions: Veilance (luxury streetwear), LEAF (law enforcement and military), and PRO (ski patrol). The brand influences the "gorpcore" and "normcore" fashion movements, characterized by wearing minimalist, technical apparel in urban settings. While Arc'teryx designs its products in Canada, manufacturing takes place in international markets, including China, the Philippines, and Vietnam. The company also owns Arc'One, a manufacturing plant in North Vancouver, allowing them to maintain control over the production process and develop new technologies.
