Tactical Tailor

Softshell Tech – Sphinx Giveaway

This is the second of four articles sponsored by Arc’teryx LEAF to educate readers on softshell fabrics used in their garments. In the last article we covered Tweave, a product of Gehring Textiles. What better way to learn about how Arc’teryx combines world class design and materials like Tweave Durastretch and Durastretch LT than to actually wear them? So, this time we are going to give away a set of Sphinx Halfshell and Pant.

The Sphinx Halfshell combines both weights of Tweave Durastretch. It is an armor compatible design that features articulated arms with roll up sleeves that stow for a short-sleeve option. A mandarin collar and bicep pockets top this technical version of a combat shirt off. The Sphinx pant also features softshell construction and an articulated fit for comfort and mobility. These pants are designed to be worn over the top of hiking and mountaineering boots so they incorporate an internal gaiter. The Sphinx pant also includes a knife/tool loop as well as an ingenious reinforced knee construction with an internal pocket for hardshell kneepads which allows you to still use the kneepads’ straps for added stability.

For your chance to win, in the comments section of this posting on SSD, tell us what product you’d like to see Arc’teryx develop. Use your real email address to enter because that is how you will be contacted in case you win. You posting may have to be approved so be patient of it doesn’t show right up. Only one entry per email address. The contest closes at 1200 GMT, 27 April, 2012. At that point, SSD will randomly draw a winner from the entries. We will then pass the name and email address of the winner to the Arc’teryx LEAF team and they will contact the winner and arrange shipment.

Void where prohibited.

leaf.arcteryx.com

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791 Responses to “Softshell Tech – Sphinx Giveaway

  1. Will says:

    I would like them to develop a tan/crocodile coloured talos uniform.

    Its an awesome hot weather uniform but there are some situation where camo isn’t wanted/appropriate but you still desire the function and features of a “combat” uniform.

    Oh and design some LEAF rucksacks, your range was discontinued and no replacement range was made……

    • Joshua says:

      I would like to see some Arc’teryx products in other patterns, especially ATACS.

  2. phill says:

    I would like them to make a small daypack / patrolepack.. LEAF style

    or some more pockets on your pants..

    other than that i can just say good job keep it up !!

  3. Ryan says:

    I’d like to see a high-quality vest, in Multicam, similar in style to the one that is part of the SOF Protective Uniform, but with lower loft and better wicking ability, to be used as a layer under kit for late fall/early winter operations in mountainous terrain.

  4. Frederik says:

    I’d love a durable windshirt combined with a combat shirt!

    Light, breathable and fast drying, with reinforcements on the elbows and on the shoulders. And with a moisture wicking torso, either from anti scent treated coolmax or merino wool.
    Kinda like a Wraith mated with a Sphinx.

    Main purpose should be high activty in warm climate with strong winds carrying a plate carrier.

  5. Kevin says:

    I secon the poster above. It would be nice if all of the combat / LEAF items came in solid colors (especially crocodile) for times when camo just doesn’t work. Aside from that – they make pretty much everything I can think of to ask for.

  6. Andrew says:

    I would like to see their take on normal patrol duty outerwear.

  7. Nicholas says:

    Same as the gents above, love to see some more solid colors for low pro work. Also love to see some Dirty Bird wool socks… Ones that hold up well and are tall enough for boots.

  8. Mike says:

    Fully recognizing that you get what you pay for, I’d like to see some of the common items offered at a lower price point.

    For me it is just too difficult to justify buying such spendy equipment when I am given plenty of lower quality equipment.

    About the only products that I’d like to see are LEAF versions of civilian packs in colors other than black.

  9. Andy Rhodes says:

    Like posted above they pretty much make everything already. Solid color items would definitely be a big plus. I would like to see some more types of packs from them.

  10. Richard says:

    I’d like the Bird to add foliage green to the LEAF lineup. And if they make an ATOM in FG, I can wear it with ACUs without the uniform nazis descending upon me like vultures. See how I carry the bird theme throughout my UCP-colored rant (I mean request)?

  11. Etienne says:

    +1 on the FG color choice. It matches well with many different camos, and is good to with civilian life.

  12. Mike K. says:

    The NAGA Hoody would look great in Ranger Green. Add another zipper opposite the one on the left breast.

    Heck, just make more products available in RG for us on the LE side.

  13. Kango says:

    Need more items in ninja color as most police agencies including mine wear black uniform.

  14. mdough6 says:

    Just my two cents but I would like to see a nice, durable, woobie. I know Kifaru makes one but why should they be the only ones. A good woobie is a blanket, a shelter, shade, a pillow, an emergency litter, a shooting mat, a shooting blind, and so much more. Yep, I like it. A “tuff” woobie.

  15. JK says:

    I would like to see also other subdued colors where to choose. Only one which seems to be lacking is a lightweight Gore-Tex shoes with good ankle support. In the tip of the shoe should have room for the toes and on the surface of the shoe a good protection against the rocks. Probably a High-cut boots.

  16. snakedoc03 says:

    Would like to see the talos set in crocodile, the BAD Cap in crocodile and multicam and another resetup of the charlie pack.

  17. jack says:

    Please expand the Wolf line to other LEAF garments in the line-up, and please start working with gear manufacturers to implement your designs with theirs, so that we finally get a state of the art full combat system (clothes + gear), with matching colors (especially thinking about Wolf and Croc).

  18. Thierry says:

    I’d also say more backpacks in FG and crocodile.

    Unfortunately, you discontinued many of your LEAF backpacks, so now the offering is quite limited. I’d like to see at least 3 packs:
    – Daypack

    – Medium (65L) ruck without MOLLE, lighter construction (not entirely 1000D). Possibly a civilian ruck such as the Altra 65 in LEAF colors.

    – Medium (70L) ruck with MOLLE, heavy-duty (lots of 1000D)

    Both rucks should have possibility to integrate with the daypack.

  19. Alan C says:

    Another vote for FG as well as a lighter brown like Eberlestocks ‘Dry Earth’. It would fit into my area better than Crocadile in the winter.

    Also would agree with pack options in the Leaf line.

  20. John says:

    A slick, properly-rated belt/harness system that would allow the user to wear a belt similar to the H-150, and to don/attach leg straps when needed to turn it into a full, certified harness for climbing/HRST/rappelling.

  21. Husky says:

    Would like to see jacket with hood! Like combat hoody jacket!

  22. Norbis says:

    I would like to see some “low” gaiters (mc and/or croc of course). I don’t need something up to my knees to keep snow out of my shoes and pants dry but something breathable to keep the rocks, dirt, sand etc. out of my boots would be awesome!

  23. Ryan says:

    Like others, would like to see the Talos in solid color and some of the jackets (Gryphon Halfshell and Alpha Jacket) at a lower price. My paycheck is not keeping up with the rise in fuel and food items. And right now those things come before anything else.

  24. Viktor says:

    I’d like to see Arcteryx design a 3 day pack or something similar. Given what they’ve made historically i’d love to see them take on the all so popular (and really old) classic 3 day assault pack and totally redesign it from the ground up.
    Taking the classical design and bringing it to 201* regarding design aswell as material.

  25. Jacob says:

    I’d agree with the folks above, we definitely need to see more stuff in solid FG. Stuff in A-TACS FG, if possible would be an interesting variation.

    It’ll also be great if it’s possible to expand your range of tropics specific products. Maybe a greater range of light clothing and gear to accommodate the searing heat and humidity.

    Mini sized packs, sized 20L and below in more color options would be great as well.

  26. sinner_LA says:

    I would like to see Arc’teryx develop a modern police uniform. I’m surprised that so many agencies are still required to wear the same dated wool uniforms from 20 years ago. I’m all for tradition, but how about updating to modern materials.

  27. Richard says:

    A smaller assault-style pack(smaller than the Echo).

  28. Luke says:

    I would like to see them develop some body armor. I have a feeling that given their reputation for making awesome stuff they would come out with some comfortable and durable tactical gear.

  29. Rob says:

    I would most like to see a British-style combat smock.

  30. Doug says:

    A non-polyester uniform pant that doesn’t fade. Sorry if my suggestion isn’t very doable.

  31. Chong says:

    I would like to see something developed for a rainforest/jungle environment where it is both hot, wet and humid. So clothing with good ventilation and quick drying properties which would also keep the wearer reasonably dry would be great.

  32. Vinchenzo says:

    More hats both cold weather knit hats and BAC style hats. They need to use some of their more advanced materials on the hats they offer.

  33. Casey says:

    First off I would just like to say that the Sphinx uniform is hands down the best uniform I’ve ever worn ( Thanks to David at Arc’teryx).

    I like Ryan’s idea for a vest, but how about adding some reinforced zipp away arms for the vest with an integrated elbow pad system similar to the one used in the Sphinx pants. I would like the vest to be lined with the same material as used on the waist line and neck line of the sphinx and I would leave the removable arms the same weight as the torso of the sphinx for an easy stow capability. I would also keep the pocket design from the sphinx, that design still allows for easy stow and it’s just handy.

    De Oppresso Liber

  34. John says:

    I would like to see some more colors besides the basic camo and tacticals. I like their gear but some of my friends don’t because they want to use it for camping and climbing.

  35. Joe says:

    I completely agree with Ryan on a lightweight, multicam vest. A thin, moisture wicking vest with some insulating properties would be ideal for working in the mountainous. It could also be used to go over the halfshell after removing your kit in order to provide the additional warmth needed when your sitting still.

  36. Tyler says:

    I definitely agree with all of the posts before me. Specifically, I agree with the addition of FG to the color pallet and the expansion of the LEAF pack line (likely to the standards that Thierry suggested.) Perhaps you could also introduce some casual wear. I should not have to be decked to the nines to represent the Bird. And, lastly, the introduction of more to the women’s line. I know a few steely-eyed ladies who love your stuff, but just wish there was more.

  37. Mike Petronella says:

    Leaf pricing on all items and ranger green color choices.

  38. John says:

    I would like to see a 3 Day assault pack with real support. Almost internal frame support. I tend to put alot of weight in mine, and it always seems to want to fold in on itself. Just my 2 cents.

  39. PhilA says:

    Wolf and Multicam available in the Chimera would be excellent. I also second one of the comments from above in regards to mixing the colors. A Crocodile center mass and Multicam arms/shoulder/hoodie Naga hoodie would be a dream.

  40. Andrew says:

    I would like to see some FR rated clothing and add Event shells to the line. Adding tall sizes would also be a big plus for those of us over 6ft. tall.

  41. drako says:

    I’d like to see more greenish colors and/or introducing camo other than multicam. What I need is something I could use in less dry climate (Europe) and still blend in.

  42. Adrian says:

    Body armor. You guys make a #1 solid clothes. As good or better than Crye. I want to see what you guys can come up with in the body armor realm. Also a small 1000 cubic inch patrol pack would be good to see as well.

  43. I would like to see them get into chest rigs, or introduce olive drab as a color.

  44. Jake says:

    Solid colors and more pack options. The woobie suggestion above also has me interested.

  45. Adrian says:

    A small assault pack, 1000 ci. something to integrate with body armor.

  46. Ben says:

    I’d like to see them make a smaller pack(30-40 leter) range but incorperate their internal frame and support system from some of their larger packs(Bora60-80 like).

  47. Eric says:

    Would be nice to see this done in a winter variety!

  48. Ben Branam says:

    A light weight water proof jacket that will go over the top of everything designed for use in warm weather. Jacket with only one function, keep you dry.

  49. Ross says:

    Please consider developing your LEAF lineup of climbing equipment to take into account that many potential LEAF customers wear rigger & molle belts with holsters or thigh mounted subloads in addition to the climbing harness, which can end up cumbersome when layered and restrict movement no matter how light you make your excellent harnesses.

    Just spit balling here, but perhaps a climbing belt that can better accommodate the attachment of molle pouches and the ability to easily remove the leg loops when necessary

  50. Leo says:

    Love to see a hybrid glove. With the “feeling” of a Mechanic original covert glove. What I mean by “feeling”, is you can still feel very small objects with the index finger. And to incorporate the insulation and natural feel of the Tactician AR Glove from Arc’teryx. If both gloves were to combine, it would be the ultimate glove in my opinion.