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

Tags: , ,

791 Responses to “Softshell Tech – Sphinx Giveaway

  1. Thomas Weir says:

    would be nice if it were water/wind proof for winter and some cool for the hot summers here in south Alabama.

  2. Jordan says:

    I would like to see the Talos in Crocodile.

  3. Joe Martinez says:

    I’d like to see more options in pants like zip off legs, different fabrics choices for like quick dry, insulated, or just casual. I’d also like to see what y’all could do with some tactical style boots or outdoor/trail boot/shoes! Also an economy line for the everyday causal consumer would be much appreciated!

  4. Mike G says:

    I would like to see a Laptop/EDC “Go Bag” in development.

  5. Duncan says:

    I love the introduction of the new Wolf color – but I would love to see the following:

    -LEAF offerings with the option to remove velcro patches.

    -Other solid, yet subdued, colors for the LEAF line for Law Enforcement to wear (in garments that are cut to allow for concealed carry).

    -Use other waterproof barrier materials besides Gore-tex products.

    -Maybe, just maybe – branch out into footwear and socks. I think you all could come out with something pretty innovative.

    Thanks for doing what you do. Many of us appreciate your approach!

  6. Bill Harmon says:

    It seems to me a hood would be a natural addition to this product.

  7. Jappe says:

    A nice tarp would be nice! In combination with a mosquito net.

    Regards

  8. Forest says:

    How about some National Park Service Uniform gear! Might as well stay comfortable in the toughest environments. Especially some forest green pants!

  9. Mark says:

    I have used your products for mountaineering long before I saw them take off in the tactical community. They have always been second to none. I would love to see a functional and highly durable glove that is warm but allows for dexterity. Many gloves claim both but don’t actually achieve both.

  10. Mike says:

    I’d like to see some pants and shirts that retain the capabilities of the Arc’teryx LEAF products but are more business casual.

  11. Patrick Murphy says:

    I would like to see a plate carrier, and a line of pouches. I have been extremely pleased with every piece of Arc’teryx gear that I have purchased, and would love to see the brand expand to this area.

  12. TR says:

    What I’d really like to see from Arc’teryx is a selection of outerwear that is both functional and affordable for the everyday Patrol LEO; e.g. jackets and pants that will accommodate duty belt and quick access to a firearm, patrol gloves that will work in inclement weather and have solid tactile feedback. If Arc’teryx Leaf really wants to be manufacturer for LE, it would be great to see them offer a line for the most common LE job there is, Patrol.

  13. John O'Malley says:

    A weatherproof light weight jacket with no collar, or a removable collar, OD, OCP(multicam). Bugout bag, not overly tactical, but more of a subdued appearance suitable for the street, or duty.

  14. cesar says:

    I would like to see some summer gear for hot temps. Shorts and t-shirts maybe, something loose fitting. Maybe jeans designed to look normal but have your type of protection. Or getting together with companies like BCM to do limited run shirts with screen designs and other gear.

  15. I would like to see a vest to compliment the Sphinx also. I would fine this very handy.

  16. Matt says:

    I would like to see some wind-proof gloves that would be suitable for Motorcycle use.

  17. Brian Stantz says:

    Love your gear. I would love to see a vest/plate carrier also.

  18. AJ says:

    I am a huge fan of the various LEAF products I’ve used. My Atom Jacket is probably my most used outer layer.
    With the addition of the Wolf color and the recognition of the need for some more discreet functional clothing, I would love to see a flat color pant something like the evil lovechild of the LEAF Talos and the regular line’s Rampart pant in weight and features.
    Tough, durable, functional, but doesn’t scream Mil/LE the way “tactical pants” do.

  19. John says:

    more conceal tactical pants

  20. Wendell W. says:

    A gillie type poncho of a quiet fabric for use as a body blind while sitting in a folding chair. Us handicaped types needing something like this for hunting.

  21. Eddie says:

    I would like a durable rain jacket/hard shell at a $250 price point. Don’t he goal being continuing to use great materials but a no-frills design.

  22. Ryan says:

    I own and regularily wear the Talos and Rampart pants, but neither work very well for plain clothes on/off duty wear. Vertx pants are good, but Arc’teryx is really missing a similar, non-tactical LEAF pant in their product line. I think there are more law enforcement, military, and security detail customers who are shoping for khaki, grey, black, and olive drab than just Multicam or Crocodile.

    I would like to see a pair of Cotton/Canvas, Cotton/Nylon, and/or Nylon/Spandex pants with features similar to the Talos. I love the waist, gussett, and pockets on the Talos, but the calf and knee pad pockets, reinforced knees, integrated gaiter, and 10″ cuffs need to go away for non-tactical wear.

  23. Doug VW says:

    Add OD and Black to the color scheme. While Croc and Wolf work great…they aren’t approved colors for some LEO agencies.

  24. harry meek says:

    Pants that have an elastic crotch. Too many times have I ripped the crotch of my combat pants while shooting and moving. Most companies focus on the combat shirts, but the most important piece is the pants. The elastic in that area will not be too worn because of location, but many men rip the crotch when keeling. We wear gear on our belt which sometimes pushed the pants down. This causes the crotch to drop and cause rips when the legs go apart.

  25. Adam S says:

    I love L.E.A.F.

  26. Steven M Fulgham says:

    I would like to see cheaper prices… More color options would fine though.

  27. Steve says:

    – a plate carrier

    – a light jacket for rainy early summer days in humid climates

    – hoodies

  28. Jess Banda says:

    A fleece that doesn’t scream “tactical.” I understand a segment of your customers appreciate that quality, but for others, discretion is a necessity.

  29. Christian says:

    I’d like to see an affordable pair of boots, but without compromising a lot of the quality.

  30. Brian Daniel says:

    I would like to see space panties for my wife’s sphinxtor, cause her ass is out of this world!!

  31. Geoff says:

    tactical pant with subdued coloring would be good

  32. Tyler Lane says:

    Definatly would like to see a plate carrier and some puches!

  33. Jason says:

    Shpinx pant & Chimera shirt in Wolf please!

    And a matching EDC/sling bag would be great too.

    Love the LEAF gear, y’all keep up the great work!

  34. Todd says:

    Let’s be real. Arc’teryx is head and shoulders above its competition. If Arc’teryx makes it and you spent money on another brand you’ve just pissed your money away! I would love to stop pissing money away on TACTICAL BOOTS AND SHOES.

  35. Jim says:

    Boots to go with the rest of the set with a nice rain jacket with a hide away hood that rolls up into the collor. a zip in liner with the jacket for colder days.

  36. Adam says:

    I’d like to see more plain clothes tactical wear for guys in low-visibility and under cover work.

  37. Tobe says:

    I use the combat jacket as an everyday-jacket, and has been doing so for some time in Afghanistan. I love the jacket, and would like to see a “combat jacket II”. A combat jacket, in the same tough material as the Alpha- jacket, with an additional, two angled chest pockets..
    That would complete my “four season collection” of ar’cteryx daily clothing.

  38. Will Toohey says:

    Id like to see more lightweight, unlined softshells, some tactical, some not. Regular people colors, maybe some extreme sports style graphics to make the jackets look less like “Shoot me first” jackets and stuff, just ways a CCW permit holder can blend in better and still look and feel cool out on the town. Thanks for the chance, take care.

  39. Chad says:

    I think it would be a perfect fit to make these into convertible shorts/pants. I love your gear and have been extremely satisfies in the quality, durability and comfort. It almost like you design this stuff that way! 😉

  40. Lee Trowell says:

    I’m looking for pants in khaki and OD or similar colors without the pad pockets.

  41. Jameson says:

    I would like to see a pants with a more casual/covert look. Most of the pants have more fabric around the knee area for knee caps which gives it a bulkyness.
    Also, GORTEX Bonnie hats and mid layer GORTEX insulated jackets for time we get unexpected weather.

  42. Shane says:

    Add an adjustable hood to the combat jacket. Whether stow away or permanently sewed on. Also, offer berry compliant in urban wolf. A version of the combat jacket that doesn’t look like a tactical jacket for everyday use so not everyone knows you’re a gun guy/lady would be nice.

  43. Kevin Oubre says:

    I think some casual khaki type pants would be cool. Same toughness like in all arcteryx but more casual looking

  44. Travis says:

    The quality of Arc’teryx LEAF and Arc’teryx in general would surely translate into an expansion into tactical gear. Plate Carriers, Chest Rigs and MOLLE-compatable pouches that adhere to the history of quality and attention-to-detail that Arc’teryx has had in the past would be a valuable and competitive addition to the market.

  45. Richard says:

    How about some more athletic style gear such as the Wraith Jacket?

  46. Josh Walton says:

    Im new to the Arct’terix gear but one thing id like to see is a discreet edc backpack

  47. Jonathan says:

    As others have stated, maybe dabble in some tac gear. I’d like to see some sort of Sling system perhaps.

  48. Tyson says:

    Just love what the guys at “Dirty Bird” are doing with their knowledge of fabrics and their uses. Keep it up guys! P.S. Maybe ATAC camp in the near future? Just throwing it out there.

  49. Brock says:

    non tactical tweeve gear to train other activities in. More non cold weather gear.

  50. Chemlightbattery says:

    Kit.