SIG MMG 338 Program Series

The Arc’teryx LEAF Cloak LT – Myth or Marketable?

By now you’ve seen the viral video by Tactical Distributors of Uber Group’s DK detailing the various functions of the fictional Urban Cloak. But what if it was a real product?

I just had a discussion here at OR with some of the folks on the Arc’teryx LEAF team (ok, it was Marc’teryx and someone else) about making a real cloak/cape.

Here was my pitch in a nutshell.

Arc’teryx employees have been manufacturing capes for Vancouver’s homeless in their free time for years as part of the Nest project. Made from scrap fabric, these cloaks provide rudimentary shelter for their wearers.

Every time I mention these cloaks, readers want to purchase them. So why not make a limited run of these simple garments that can be wrapped around wearer and gear? Make them in Urban Wolf or Crocodile and do a two-for -one deal. For every Cloak purchased through LEAF, a Cloak will be donated to a homeless Veteran.

Granted, they aren’t quite the same thing, but the this project would provide an item that the market has asked for and also provide some support to our brothers and sisters who aren’t doing so well. So what do you guys think?

Should Arc’teryx undertake this project?

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75 Responses to “The Arc’teryx LEAF Cloak LT – Myth or Marketable?”

  1. Matt Smith says:

    Yes , please! I must have one, or maybe three depending on the price. It would especially cool if the donation could get done too! One request, a limited run is fine. But please, PLEASE, make enough where we can all buy them and not have to worry about them being sold out.

    I can’t wait!

  2. Paul says:

    Sometimes the best outdoor products are the simplest ones; like capes, ponchos, cagoules, and tarps. There are very few quality ones around anymore. It seems like every piece of gear has gone over-the-top high tech with super-duper whiz-bang fabrics, a zillion zippers, velcro this and that and with stratospheric prices to accompany them.

    Make these. In fact, why not make a whole line dedicated to basic, old-fashioned stalwarts that worked…and still work? Put a different label on them if you want, i.e. market segmentation 101.

    They will sell.

  3. VIV says:

    Hell yea !

  4. Blehtastic says:

    I’m a big fan of cloaks/ponchos. It would be great if they could make something that covers chest rigs and makes the wearer low profile in rain, snow, cold.

  5. Ezekiel says:

    Hell yeah! I’ve been wanting one for myself ever since I first heard they were even a thing. And if they were donating one to a vet’ in need with every purchase, that would just make me want one even more! Hell, I’d buy three-for my flatmates and myself. And then bam, three more to those in need.

    Damn it! Arc’teryx, take my money!

  6. Josh says:

    YES – DO IT. Not much more to say beyond – “Let me give you my money!”

  7. Ian says:

    Count Me In

  8. Patrick aus Würzburg says:

    Damn it! Arc’teryx, take my money!

  9. Snakedoc03 says:

    Also will purchase a Few!!! So yes arcteryx go for it.

  10. Daniel Shayder says:

    I would buy one. I like the idea of the second one going as a donation to the homeless. Sign me up.

  11. reverend says:

    Yes. Just… Yes. Make them in that 2-for-1 deal.

  12. UlfBjorn says:

    I think this is a great idea. Kudos!

  13. TPP says:

    TAKE MY MONEY.

  14. Andrew says:

    definitely, if nothing else, it would be a great fundraiser to provide clothing for those in need.

  15. Spartan says:

    Great idea and thanks for helpping look out for our Vet’s

  16. Shawn Eckel says:

    Definately, an update on the issued poncho = needed. with the added benefit of a second one going for donation… sign me up. Especialy if you can work in a maching “woobie” to go with it!

  17. Mr Bill says:

    Of course, anytime you can get some cool gear and help the homeless is a win-win

  18. Jordan says:

    Count me in for one!

  19. Alex says:

    I’d buy one.

    I’ve wanted the Arc’teryx alpha parka for the longest time due to how long and large it is but it’s out of my price range. Fitting my body armor, rifle under the parka is my biggest desire.

    The cloak seems like an alternative that would work well.

  20. jjj0309 says:

    72 comments? What the hell?
    Why’s people crying out for a piece of gore-tex fabric?
    I just don’t get it. There’s plenty of alternatives in the market already. like waterproof blanket.

  21. Joe says:

    Would buy several. Love the 2for1 deal, and if they needed help making it happen, I could organize it in NYC (we’ve got a lot of homeless vets, pretty bad winters, and I’ve got charity/humanitarian experience CONUS).

  22. Tommy says:

    Maybe this urban cloak joke is hiding some truth inside.

    watch http://youtu.be/So_9PP-NEBA