Earlier today I spoke with Arc’teryx’s Fred Norton about the LEAF Cold WX SVX.
Cold WX SVX is an amazing combination of design, materials, and manufacturing. Insulated with Goose down with a Gore-Tex face fabric, the ensemble consists of Parka and Bib Pant.
leaf.arcteryx.com/us/en/shop/mens/cold-wx-parka-svx
Although we’ll tell more of the Cold WX SVX story in the coming months, photos and limited background data has been released by the various retailers selling Arc’teryx LEAF products. While everyone is excited to see what’s new, this has led to some confusion regarding this two-piece ensemble.
At $1500 for just the parka, many are crying foul. But, as is so often true when it comes to LEAF, if you’re complaining about the price, it wasn’t meant for you. That is double so in this case. Cold WX SVX was created for a very focused customer, operating in extreme cold weather.
If you’re someone who needs Cold WX SVX, you’ll welcome it, and as a core LEAF customer, you’ll most likely be issued it. You’ll appreciate what it does. You’ll marvel at how little it weighs compared to other arctic clothing solutions. You’ll rave about how mobile you are while wearing the suit.
The roots of Arc’teryx are in building clothing and equipment for athletes who conquer the most challenging environments on earth. Designed for wear in the Arctic, Cold WX SVX was created for a different class of athlete, the military elite.
Cold WX SVX is the pinnacle of Arc’teryx design, materials and manufacturing. There’s a little piece of everything Arc’teryx has learned about making clothing over the past few decades in that garment. Quite frankly, it’s amazing.
Because it’s purpose built for a very narrow application, it’s not replacing anything already in the line. And, it’s existence isn’t going to drive the price down on other cold weather items in their line. Truth be told, considering how many Arc’teryx will end up selling, they’ll be lucky to break even. They’ve spent several years developing this product and putting the infrastructure in place to make it a reality. Originally, they had planned on launching the garment a year ago, but it wasn’t quite where they wanted it, so they worked for several more months, tweaking here and there and placing the final design into production at their plant near Vancouver, British Columbia.
The insulation is Goode Down because it is meant to be worn in the Arctic. It’s cold and dry there. Yes, they’ve included a GORE-TEX face fabric, but it’s extremely breathable and intended to stop wind rather than precipitation. SVX is not intended for the average guy to wear in the rain while walking from his car into the office. You’ll be sweating long before you get there. It’s WARM. Over a year ago, I stood in the design studio at Arc’teryx and tried a prototype parka on. I began to warm immediately and had to take it off after a few minutes.
Specifically, it’s constructed with Allied 850fp Grey Goose Down packed into boxed pleated baffles constructed of nylon taffeta fabric with a shell combining panels of GORE WINDSTOPPER 2L 40d Nylon Plain Weave face fabric and GORE-TEX 3L 30d Nylon Plain Weave fabric.
“We are excited to work closely with Arc’teryx to leverage our portfolio of protective fabric solutions for their cutting-edge outerwear products,” says Tom Dykes, Application Engineer at Gore. “The combination of Gore fabrics used in the Cold WX Parka SVX will provide a broad level of protection for military and law enforcement personnel who encounter harsh weather conditions. The design and technical fabrics offer a distinctive advantage so users can remain warm and alert during their mission.”
The features are called out below.
You’re probably wondering why it’s not White if it’s intended for wear in extreme cold weather. Instead, they chose Harrier, a light Grey hue. That’s because the Arctic isn’t completely White and Harrier will blend in with many of the places that get really cold. Plus, Harrier isn’t going to show every little smudge like the color White will. Besides, guys who really need to blend in are going to use Overwhites.
If you’re in the business of exposing yourself to the coldest environments on earth, then by all means, get the LEAF Cold WX SVX Parka and Bib. It will be money well spent and you’ll appreciate the investment. If you just want to buy one because “Arc’teryx”, I understand. I just want you to understand what you’re buying and why it costs so much.
Coming soon from leaf.arcteryx.com or from your favorite LEAF outfitter.
It’s all about air perm these days, we’ll explain more at SHOT!
The pinnacle of Arc’teryx design and innovation for extreme cold conditions, check the Cold WX SVX Jacket and Bib out at SHOT Show.
For many SSD readers, this may very well be your dream job. Arc’teryx is seeking a full time designer for their LEAF line. The design center in Vancouver is amazing and the team is a fantastic group, packed with talent.
Department: Design
Reports to: Design Manager
Job purpose: You design and develop comprehensive product collections for our Law Enforcement and Armed Forces (LEAF) product line that are in line with Arc’teryx design philosophies and LEAF customer needs, and you collaborate with all branches of Research and Development to bring these products to market.
Key responsibilities and accountabilities:
• You execute assigned projects within seasonal time lines
• You create patterns, mock ups, and prototypes to explore, resolve, or prove new concepts or construction techniques
• You provide detailed product initiations to Product Development, including spec drawings, pattern and fit direction, and fabric information
• You work with the development team to resolve fit, style and construction challenges and ensure a fully commercialised product
• You maintain up to date product illustrations throughout the development process
• You develop and maintain a thorough understanding of the materials and manufacturing techniques that Arc’teryx works with
• You coordinate with the Materials team to identify the needs for new materials and evaluate fitness for use in specific products
• You work closely with other Designers to bring new and better toolbox solutions that benefit the brand (such as new technologies, construction techniques, features, etc.)
• You present work at internal reviews and annual sales meetings
• You stay up to date with industry trends and work with other industry representatives to help ensure we’re meeting our customers evolving needs
• You assist with current product design changes where necessary in order to address in-line production issues
• You assist Design Manager and Product Line Manager to generate a comprehensive multi-year line plan
• You attend tradeshows and company events as required
Additional experience, education and/or skills required:
• You have a Degree in Design (Apparel or Industrial), or Textile Engineering
• You have 5+ years hands-on experience designing products, preferably textile based
• You have hands-on experience coming up with tools and methods to assist in solving construction issues
• You have technical and creative skills to pattern and prototype
• You are entrepreneurial and innovative
• You have excellent communication skills, including written and spoken English
• You have excellent time management skills
• You have strong planning and organizational skills
• You are proactive in identifying the root cause of issues and developing solutions
• You remain highly flexible and adaptable when faced with ambiguity
• You are able to balance autonomy and collaboration
• You inspire breakthrough thinking and continuous improvement
• You seek the best (but sometimes not the easiest) solutions, with an unwavering commitment to do what is right
• Your passion for your work is paralleled by your passion for getting outside and living it
For additional information, and to apply, visit www.arcteryx.com/Careers.
This article offers the first peek at the 2018 Arc’teryx LEAF line with the new Courier Bag 15. It’s a 15 liter capacity messenger style bag for use at administrative as well as operational tasks.
Inside, there’s a removable Velcro-faced internal divider, which can cradle a sub gun or a 13″ – 15″ laptop. It will also accept after-market Velcro pouches from a variety of manufacturers. I saw the Courier Bag 15 earlier this year and I understand prototypes have been under evaluation at SIG Academy for some time as it will accept the SIG MCX Rattler. The design is nondescript and you don’t notice the access zipper at the side. I also really like the fully adjustable three-point shoulder strap, which makes the load quite stable.
Constructed from a plain weave, high tenacity nylon, the Courier Bag 15 is durable, weather resistant and most importantly, discreet.
Available after the new year, contact your favorite Arc’teryx LEAF dealer for details, or visit leaf.arcteryx.com.
We just received this note from Arc’teryx.
Today, Arc’teryx is announcing an advisory notice for both 20L and 30L Voltair Avalanche Airbags.
Our quality control team has recently discovered an issue with our battery which affects its proper deployment at extremely cold temperatures due to an unanticipated change during battery production. This change impacts the proper deployment of the airbag when the battery is exposed to temperatures below -20°C (-4°F). Due to this change, we are revising the minimum operating temperature limit for Voltair Airbags from -30°C (-22°F) to -20°C (-4°F). No other parts of the Voltair Airbag have been affected by this change.
We sincerely apologize for this inconvenience. With the newly stated temperature limit of -20°C (-4°F), we are confident the airbag is still a great solution for your backcountry adventures.
You have two options:
Option 1 – Keep my pack.
If you wish to continue using your Voltair Airbag, understanding the revised minimum operating temperature of -20°C (-4°F), we request that you submit an online warranty form, sign a release form and receive instructions to relabel your pack. To compensate you, we will send you an arcteryx.com Gift Card for $250CAD ($200USD/22,240JPY) good for two years upon receipt.
Option 2 – Return my pack.
If you are not satis ed with the revised minimum operating temperature of -20°C (-4°F), Arc’teryx will offer you a full refund. To compensate you, we will send you an arcteryx.com Gift Card for $250CAD ($200USD/22,240JPY) good for two years upon receipt.
If you have any questions regarding this issue, please contact our customer service team at 1-866-458-2473.
