Arc'teryx

An outdoor apparel company. Generally known for producing high-quality (read: expensive) clothing, that is undoubtedly nicer than other companys' lifestyle/low level lines. However, most outdoor companies manufacture a high-end line of clothing that is comparable if not superior to Arc'teryx products (eg TNF Summit Series). The company started out manufacturing high-end climbing harnesses and packs (these were also too expensive for anybody to buy), but then broke into the Goretex Shell market. They now have an extensive product line that is fairly redundant (ie the differences between many products is negligible at best) that includes softshells, hardshells, insulation pieces, pants, baselayers, hats, fleeces and gloves so pricey you can buy a mid-range car with the money you could save by not being a fanboy. In addition to their technical garments, Arc'teryx recently revealed a line of technical-fashion line (who wouldn't want a gore-tex trenchcoat?! only 1K too!) God help us all if they start to make shoes. Arc'teryx used to be made in Canada, but have grown larger and now manufacture in Thailand, China etc in addition to the small portion of shells that are still made by canucks. Due to a recent rise in popularity, some outdoor store employees theorize that Arc'teryx may become something like TNF in years to come, but that remains to be seen.