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.
Tags: Arc'teryx, Arc'teryx LEAF, Tweave
I would like to see gloves with a rubber / poly knuckle guard to help protect your knuckles in a combat / training environment where your knuckles can get banged up.
I would like to see a pack for EDC that attaches to your belt and stays in the upper thigh reigon. Something that would allow you to carry a water bottle, knife, and/or pistol with some spare mags. Perhaps even something you could take the leg strap and loop it internally through a holster to keep your sidearm secure in the bag.
I would love to see a 3 day pack.
Would love to see a plate carrier and maybe a poncho that is reversible and could double as a bivy cover.
Would like to see the alpha offered in wolf. Would also like to see fleeces that were a tad looser to be able to access a holster
I want to second the request for a covert hoodie with the high tech fabrics.
I’d love to see a modular camera bag from them. Something highly water resistant, 2-3 lens modular inner sections and molle webbing on the outside.
I think socks would be a great addition!
How about have Arc’teryx add silver to their material in order to hide body ordor.
Wicked system looks comfortable!
A good long distant running tank with logo on the rib cage.
I have owned an ARC’TERYX coat for a few years and it remains one of the best investments in outerwear I have ever made.
ANYTHING AND EVERYTHING IN WOODLAND DIGITAL CAMO!
Expand your LEAF pack line to include smaller EDC or Mil/LEO packs.
Honestly, I’d like to see them consider a plate carrier or vest system. They already have proven expertise in apparel and some equipment, let’s see how they approach an old problem of the perfect plate carrier. A truly inspired company often perfects that which everyone else had failed to innovate.
Failing that, a revolution in integrating carbon fiber into equipment would be great. Trying to increase durability without increasing weight while providing some serious protection.
Honestly I think you on the right track. My only wish is that. your gear didn’t cost as much as it does. I would buy a lot more of it if it was more affordable. And yes I know good gear isn’t cheap and you get what you pay for. And your product is the best I have ever seen or used.
Hoping I win this contest so I can get a full set.
I would like to see more jackets without the velcro on the sleeves — the Drac in Wolf is very low profile, except for this. I realize the Bravo doesn’t have the velcro, but they recently removed the shoulder pockets, and the chest pocket configuration is not ideal for street-usage, in my opinion.
Furthermore, I would like to see the Talos set in solid colors — Crocodile, Wolf, and Black.
Thanks for the opportunity, SSD!
The army used to have a three bag system: light weight, heavy weight, and a bivy sack. All could be packed into a stuff sack. Would love to see an updated version of this three bag system, which is rarely seen in the civilian market. Great to have the option of a subzero/waterproof (all bags combined) to 40 degree bag (light weight bag only) in one system.
i would also like to see a sock line.
I believe Arc’teryx would do well to develop, and this may be simplistic, but hosiery and socks with the same innovative materials, for a variety of climates and conditions.
Two product ideas. 1. short that could also be versatile as swimwear. 2. A-TACS pattern on other gear.like your softshell line.
Thanks,
Michael
A tweave material outer vest carrier (soft armor) with well places pockets. Make it available in cam and uniform colors.
I would like to see more products like the Naga hoddie. I would also like to see Arc’tyrex develop some summer clothing as well. Something in a lightweight long sleeve line. Developing a fire retardant line would also be useful in the field where Pyro will be in use. Thanx and keep up the good work.
I would like you guys to develop an outfit that package handlers could use. Needs to be lite and durable, and take moisture from skin. Low profile is a must, and at a lower cost is always good. Maybe like a lower baller budget line
I’d like to see a line that’s devoted to the civilian outdoor enthusiast, someone who does a bit of hiking and camping but is not hardcore about. Something that would be of similar design construction and functionality but at a much lower price point that’s much more affordable (and justifiable) for those without a Tier 1 budget and who don’t need super Gucci gear but like the styling of such gear.
If it was a lower price point, that means they’d have to cut features and quality and then it wouldn’t be Arc’teryx.
Like to see a EDC Pack or a 3 Day pack.
I’d like to see pant with loops behind the knees and abbreviated pockets above and below the knee to keep the Arc’Teryx Knee Caps more secure.
id like to see them get into bigger sizes of there gear. its kind of limited. im a big guy and its hard finding quality equipment and clothing to use.
I also would love to see a low profile armor/plate carrier that is more comfortable than what’s on the market.
All of the Arc’teryx I have functions perfectly and I would not replace it with anything. What I would LOVE to see developed is a ruggedized iPad sleeve that I can toss into my trail pack or even into my Blade backpack.
I’d like to see a plate carrier or other protective gear utilize the Poron XRD technology.
I would like too see wicking sock for severe cold weather.Im not meaning Electric sock’s,somthing thin and can be worn against the skin and can have an oversock too help keep feet dry and warm at the same time.
Let the LEAF stuff be purchased by non-military and offer an “all in one” system that allows the end user to make one purchase and have a jacket / liner / base layer system that is ready to go out of the box
Non-mil can order LEAf. However, I like your package idea.
I would like to see more pack on the line of Arcteryx leaf. the only pack that’s design in M.O.L.L.E is the Echo in 42, 54, 58L. a new design and a 30L-35L can be interessting for us.
Thanks for the oppotunity to win SSD
I would like you to develop a more lightweight windbreaker/wetweather top, with a kangaroo pocket, pockets on the sleeves too, preferably velcro, but inside has the warm insulating layer, but its light enough for warmer climates too. Something that keeps you warm and dry and thats lightweight, like the fleece n windbreaker that is issued to us army soldiers but in one piece, I also vecro pockets with velcro the snap link cuffs. Draw strings around the waist would be a good feature to me. Im just trying to put together a system that i would repalce 3 different layers that the army issues from experience, so I dont have to carry so much cold weather/wet weather gear on missions
something in between a three day pack and a 24 hour pack
I would like to see a covert jacket made out of carhart like material for undercover work and put zips worked into more of their jackets.
All the products in FLECKTARN.
Glück Ab!
I would like to see replaceable built in knee pads and elbow pads. Something tough but comfortable.
Id loke to see boonies that actually have a flexfit feel and keep sweat away from eyes and eyepro. That shit gets annoying on long patrols.
I would like to see more color options in the LEAF line, I understand the colors are marketed towards certain use and crowds but it would be awesome to see some of the LEAF jackets in more diverse colors like a lot of other Arcteryx jackets.
I would like to see your men’s products transfer over to the women’s section. I’d like to provide the same multi-cam awesomeness that i enjoy to my wife. Women are a very fast growing demo in the shooting community and I come across women all the time who are interested in learning to shoot and what gear is available for them. If you get a head of the curve you could be a real leader in this demo
Second on the Flecktarn
I would also like to see a covert hoodie with the high tech fabrics.
I would love to see the Gryphon jacket with a full zip.
Thanks Arc’teryx and SSD!
Great gear, i would maybe consider adding something like the north faces verto jacket. Extremely light and rainproof.
Keep up the good work!
I would love to see an expanded line of tactical gloves for different climates. Otherwise you have a fantastic and well-engineered product lineup. Awesome Work!
I’d love a good pair of hardy ACU style pants that was better arranged for use in a climbing harness or subload holsters. Lower profile pockets to better clear leg loops maybe closer to the knees than hips would be ideal. And improved reinforcement in the seat/groin that could stand up to more time in a harness. A bit of stretchy softshell would go a long way for me.
Being a taller guy, I like the flexibility of a cotton/spandex and think a little more give here and there would make movement a lot smoother while keeping things low profile, unlike my old BDUs bunching and blousing all over.
Would like a lightweight urban covert wind/rain shell.
LIke to see some soft of shell with light/flexible body armor built in.
Assault and long range medical bags!