Arc’teryx take London!
The Canadian company, and long time Fall-Line favourite, has opened a flagship store on Piccadilly, the first in Europe to be wholly owned and operated by the brand. Jonny Richards gives it the once over
I like the Arc’teryx items I own so much because of their subtle detail and branding, mixed with mega levels of tech and durability. Or as the BC based manufacturer puts it: design, craftsmanship, performance.
The new central London shop is as sleek, uncluttered and well thought-out as you’d expect. While those familiar with Arc’teryx won’t be surprised to hear the 4000-foot building, on closer examination – just like their outerwear and equipment – has the sort of design flourishes to make you smile and think “just a bit brilliant!” Such as the overhead lights arranged in a perfect Union Jack, something you only notice when looking up the stairs from the lower level.
Sadly, I’m not sure they’ll be serving complimentary champagne or craft beer to all customers, as they were at the launch. But plenty of excellent stuff remains, from the community area (run in association with British Mountain Guides, and perfect for planning trips/studying summits) to various manufacturing displays/product cut-outs that show off their high-performance tech, to the ability to actually touch kit and note the care and attention that has gone into producing it.
Go, have a good look around and don’t worry about drooling – they’ve thought of that already, with someone very sensibly deciding there should be no carpets. If, like me, your wear an extra small sometimes, feel free to do a little jig too, as they’re one of the few ski brands to stock the size. Like I said, they’re rather good on detail…
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Buy it!
Fall-Line’s editors pick their favourite Arc’teryx pieces for this winter, all available at the 212 Piccadilly store
Nicola, editor
We’ve all been there: riding a blustery chairlift on a bitter sub-zero-degrees mid-January day, fantasising about electric-heated ski gear. Well, there are no electrics to speak of – but the Lillooet jacket is about as toasty as you can get mid-snowstorm. It’s the warmest freeride jacket Arc’teryx makes, filled with lofty 750-fill power goose down.
Arc’teryx are pros at Down Composite Mapping, and here they’ve strategically placed extra insulation in areas that may lose heat, like the torso and sleeves, and Coreloft synthetic insulation in areas where moisture may occur, such as the cuffs, collar and hood. Genius!
Meanwhile, the N70p 3L Gore-Tex takes care of the snow and wind. For big mountain warmth without the bulk you won’t find a better jacket.
Mary, digital editor
Ask any equipment buyer and they will tell you this is the most versatile layering piece around. It’s lightweight and compressible enough to keep in your rucksack, low-bulk enough to fit under your shell and weatherproof enough to wear as a stand alone jacket.
It’s packed with technical features, using a hybrid construction of Coreloft 60 insulation for efficient warmth and Polartec Power Stretch side panels for good breathability and fit.
I literally don’t go a week without wearing mine and when the snow melts it comes in handy for hiking and climbing, making it excellent value for the best kit in the business.
Jonny, editor at large
This super-light backcountry jacket (510g) does it all. I love that while everyone else is sweating madly after a decent hike, I’m far less overheated thanks to breathable Trusaro softshell panels to the back and under arms. While ever-dependable Gore technology to the front and shoulders mean you never get damp, even if it’s dumping snow.
I’ve been surprised by how it’s warm enough for any day, even riding the slowest of chairs. I just put an extra merino layer in my pack, and burrow down under the ultra-high collar. Or if the wind is really whipping in, slip the Storm Hood over my helmet.
I’m so fond of mine I even pack it as carry-on. After all, why let an airline lose something so perfect?