SureFire

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. ben says:

    A heavy duty duffel bag that incorporates cordura and soft shell materials. This should allow it to be strong and light along with some water resistance. It should also be convertible into various sizes depending on the mission and collapsible if you need to stow it away.

  2. Tony says:

    A poncho / shelter FR rated and a soft shell boonie hat.

  3. Nic says:

    I’d like to see leg straps for the H150 and they should add the stretch feature to the existing products.

  4. scott says:

    I would like to see some gortex lined tall boots

  5. Ken Blanchard says:

    Looking over the product line, it looks like they have the clothing covered, and some accessories… but i agree with the above, need some sort of chest rig or plate carrier. Also a pack that can be integrated with a plate carrier (i.e. a pack that has no shoulder straps, but rather heavy-duty buckles that attach it to the plate carrier).

  6. Jordan Snyder says:

    I would love to see Arc’teryx develop a traditional “hoodie” hooded sweatshirt made with softshell material. I would also love to see a softshell trouser with zip off lower legs. I ride a bicycle daily, and need durable weather resistant gear. I recently discovered the benefits of softshell gear as opposed to the hardshell I have been wearing. I could really use a softshell skull cap. How about zip closure pockets.

  7. Chad says:

    I would like to see them develop a lightweight daypack utilizing some of the waterproof materials they utilize in their clothing lines, with similar color schemes. Combat oriented pack, but without miles of PALS webbing to get caught on things. Streamlined, good internal organization, lightweight, and waterproof.

  8. Cory says:

    I would like to see a sphinx line that is reversible. Set up to be discrete on one side and camo on the other.

  9. Paul says:

    I would like to see more wet weather gear using eVent instead of Gore-tex.

  10. Josh H says:

    I’d like to see them develop footwear with the same quality and waterproofing their top quality jackets have

  11. Matt L says:

    The market needs a genuine Low-drag ater-resistant concealment jacket that is not overtly tactical in appearance. Keep close the Arc’teryx look but no visible velcro, excessive exterior pockets, etc. Maybe in multiple shades of grey/black.

  12. Josh says:

    A full zip lightweight hoody with arm pockets and hand warmer pockets!

  13. Mads says:

    I would like to see the Sphinx in full multicam.
    I’ll like to see you compite with CP i making vests such as the CP JPC and so on.

    I’am a huge Arc’teryx fan so pick ME 🙂

  14. Rich says:

    Probably not going to be a popular subject, but I would like to see AF Digital Tiger Stripe Uniform (ABU). Mainly so I can tell the AF “up-yours” for choosing such a piece of crap design and poorly manufactured uniform. Plus, my career field is in desperate need of a functional & comfortable duty uniform.

  15. Frank says:

    More civilian friendly colors and less velcro patches

  16. BS says:

    Well, there are few products and options which could be added to LEAF line.

    First, Ranger Green or smiliar – that color will better blend in Europe than Crocodile (which is great but does not work so well in woodland evironment). I would see it in packs, soft shell and in Alpha.

    Second, maybe a medium (3-day) sized combat pack done in Arc’teryx way. Lightweight, durable and with few nice touches and details.

    Third, a LONG sizes – I have pretty long arms and the regular sized items does not fit me well.

    And last thing I would add, cold weather combat shirt with optional (removable) hood for extended protection.

  17. Tatu Leppänen says:

    Classic SAS style smock, with arc’teryx flavour. In Multicam. Lot of pockets so could live from the jacket.

    Or insulated overall with hood, in crocodile or white, for those long waitings and stalkings in fall/winter. could be paired with wraith line.

  18. craig says:

    Agreed. Naga in patterns. Chimera and Code T’s as well.

  19. FormerSFMedic says:

    I would like to see footwear as well. I would also like to see some more casual wear that’s based on the leaf product line.

  20. Ben says:

    A 3 in 1 jacket in wolf would be nice.

  21. A Mac says:

    I would like to see them develop elbow pads that are based off of their knee pad design, as well as a ballistic plate carrier.

    Mostly I would like to see them develop a jacket that costs less than a monthly paycheck!

  22. Trevor says:

    I would like to see them come up with a true three day pack that could actually be used that way.

  23. WRTCHD1 says:

    Hi, I would love to see Arc’teryx create fire-resistant clothing. The materials that they use for weather-proofing are revolutionary, having some of their clothing options be fire-resistant would put them over the top. In addition, they should look into expanding their LEAF line of Packs to compete with some of the other manufacturers. I can only imagine what kind of new gear they would create!

  24. Scott says:

    Many folks are scared off by Arcteryx price. ADS did a Multicam softshell hat a while back that sold out quick (for a trade show I think).
    It might be cool just to make a styled logo baseball hat in some of their high performance materials that all could afford yet show off the “uniqueness” of what they are doing with their high tech fabrics. Multicam hats seem to sell very well and it could be a good advertisement. I don’t think their B.A.C. cap is very unique or tech-laden.

  25. JC says:

    I would like to see a lightweight releaseable plate carrier with cumberbunn. This should be built for sapi plates with backers (IE Paraclete HPC-019 or CP JPC). Release system that works but does not add overly bulky pieces. Think of fitting thru small opening such as Afghan doors, maritime type door sizes, elevators, ect. Make it lightweight and low profile in the shoulders to keep good shoulder stock for the weapons and think about radios and all kinds of pouches being added. Consider routing for antennas into the vest itself with spots to exit the wires and possible a small thin pull out pouch on the back where medical stuff could be instead of a bulky pouch. Think of the plate sized medical kit that was on here several months ago. Ensure that it is flexable so it can be worn snug but will give when the user is moving and breathing. Lightweight on the torso side but rugged on the outside.

  26. Giovani says:

    I would like to see them update the R300 for their LEAF line-right now it’s just the X350a.

  27. Austin says:

    I’d love to see a full Arc’teryx sleep system including mat, sleeping bag, and bivy bag

  28. Alex W says:

    Bring to the open market what you already make: your bird’s nest capes for the vancouver homeless.

    Link: http://gearjunkie.com/arcteryx-capes-for-vancouver-homeless

    I would love one of the those in crocodile, wolf, multicam, etc. To make the suggestion even more sweet, you could include a “buy one/give one” setup, further supporting the bird’s nest project.

    I think this would be a hot item!

  29. Justin says:

    As a hardcore Dead Bird addict, I would second just about every comment above, especially those about developing (or partnering with existing designers) footwear, concealment garments and more color availability for the LEAF line. Then I could dress head to toe in Arcteryx!

    My thoughts:

    -More use of fire resistive materials. The LEAF program has excluded firefighters in the past and I feel that there is a big market for duty wear in fire resistive materials for everyone, military, law enforcement and fire/EMS.
    -More LEAF products geared towards Grey Man use. For example, I love the Drac for its cut and materials, but deleting the shoulder loop patches make it that much less obvious.
    -Make their socks more available in the US. Just got my first pair from Canada and they are great!
    -More duty or uniform pants. Especially using Tweave Durastretch and fire resistive materials. I’m of the opinion that the Spotter Pant is the best casual/Grey Man pant ever. It’d be interesting to see the same design in different materials for active pursuits/duty.

  30. A. R. King says:

    I own quite a few of their products and agree completely that a more covert line with the same functionality is needed. Darkish colors that fit in with normal urban wear but that keep the same articulation, fit and cargo space.

  31. Adam says:

    Boots in both desert/jungle and gore-tex flavors. USMC approved versions would be appreciated. I’d also like to see them try their hand at a plate carrier and a medium size pack that is designed to work with armor.

  32. Jackson says:

    Arc’teryx makes incredibly high quality pants. But few are available in custom waist/inseam sizing.

    Please, at the very least, make more of your pants available in longer (34″-36″) inseams.

  33. Matthew says:

    I think Arc’teryx should consider producing a line within the LEAF product that incorporates a lot of their technology into normal wear clothing. Basically something for those of us nerds/preppers who want the technology/tactical capability but don’t want to look like we just walked out of the Army/Navy store, nor bought from the Cabella’s catalogue.

    I want something that I could wear to church, would get me through a random storm cell with breathability/waterproof capabilities, yet doesn’t appear like a north face/patagonia product. All at the same time, offering a tactical build-up (insertable knee pads, jacket pig enough to put over a plate carrier/double secret pockets) in the event of urban combat/civil unrest.

  34. Chuck says:

    A travel blazer that is wrinkle/stain resistant yet looks good enough to wear to a meeting or out to dinner but is designed with concealed carry and durability in mind. In a worst case scenario it would actually be a functional outer garment. A true travel blazer that would look just as good in Manhattan as it would in Kabul. Sure, other companies make these, but not with Arc’teryx’s advanced materials and construction and attention to detail. Please make sure at least one is navy blue with gold buttons.

  35. Jack says:

    Light weight plate carrier, molle gear, gaitors, a hooded soft shell jacket that the hood could be rolled up or zipped off… Multicam balaclava, shemagh

  36. Roecar says:

    Civilian looking LEAF wear. Too much tactical going on for urban/casual use.

  37. Wes Rogers says:

    It would be awesome if they could produce a super lightweight either printed or multicam material pack, something like an osprey. When hunting or outdoors I go as light as possible, however any multicam offering in this type of pack is 6 plus pounds and its hard to get into a pack when you’ve got a multicam cover on it.

    Also, I’d like to see dual zippers on second layer pieces or their hoodys. Dual zippers are HUGE when layering, IMO.

  38. Isaac says:

    A LEAF style messenger bag, not too big, not too small, but for average laptop size while still having lots of dividers for lights, pistol mags, etc.

  39. Aaron says:

    I would really love to see Arc’teryx come out with either a boot line or maybe even a battle belt or tactical climbing harness. possibly a system that combines the two such as the CTOMS?

  40. john says:

    I’d like to see a superior smock and what you guys could do with the old poncho liner. I also would like to see where you could go with a military version of the bird’s nest.

  41. anirishlad says:

    -Grey man oriented clothing
    -More Rucks
    -More FR Gear
    -Sleep System
    -Cotton Ripstop t-shirts

    That said, pretty much anything they release is worth drooling over…

  42. Aaron says:

    I would love to see Arc’teryx come out with a line of boots, or possibly even a battle belt! maybe a system that can incorporate a climbing harness such as CTOMS?

  43. TM says:

    I’d love to see some gaiters in Multicam or Crocidile.

  44. Brent says:

    I’d like to see some discreet concealed carry products. Stuff that looks like regular guy clothes, so that I don’t draw attention to myself when I carry. Also, discreet range bags or EDC bags that don’t scream “hey, I got knives and guns and all kinds of cool stuff in this bag.”

    I’d also like to see someone make an undershirt that is longer for tucking in between my holster and body, but won’t stretch in the neck.

  45. Joshua Estevez says:

    Would like to see some new camo pattern incorporated into their products, such as ATACS camo, also with the possibility of developing a lightweight plate carrier.
    Also would love to see them develop their own brand of boots, just a thought.

  46. ender says:

    7.62 chest rig would be awesome.

  47. Aaron McGrath says:

    I would love to see some tactical packs and bags, also maybe an assault pack. I agree with some people above about the chest rig to, and I’ve been waiting to see if someone comes out with an assault pack that integrated into your plate carrier, thus no more annoying straps in your way. I think it would be great if they took a swing at that!!

  48. Steve says:

    The good folks at LEAF should consider the “Ultimate PT short”. Arc already makes some fine trail run/PT shorts but there are issues laid out here that prevent them from being the no brainer short for the MIL/LE crowd. First, most civilian shorts have some form of reflective piping or printing on the short. Not ideal for behind the wire, downrange, or the grey man concept. Second, they don’t have built in liners. Not sure about the majority, but having to pack a pair of compression shorts to wear under your PT shorts isn’t ideal. Lastly, most shorts from Patagonia/TNF, etc., are putting too many pockets on their trail run/PT shorts. Keep it simple with one rear zippered pocket for access badges or gels. The liner should be compression type, like the higher end Salomon shorts. Keep the price down and the stock high on the LEAF site, so this item will always be available to those needing replacement. NMT $40 for the shorts with minimal features and offered in black, Urban Wold, and Crocodile.

  49. Randall Sortino says:

    I would really like to see Arc’teryx come out with either a plate carrier or boots.

  50. Marc Crain says:

    I would love to see the Sphinx Halfshell come with a removable hood. I would like to see this with a roll or fold down hood that is removable. Same material and make it articulating. A slim and sleek design that is high speed and low drag.