Archaeopteryx always sought evolution.
1989 | Vancouver, CANADA | Dave Lane & Jeremy Guard
The gaze of a mountaineer fixed on the horizon. The yearning of a climber challenging unknown walls. And the passion of a cyclist speeding through the concrete jungle of the city. By their side are always the shells and gear of "that brand" that possesses the finest functional beauty. Yes, it's ARC'TERYX, born from the magnificent nature of Vancouver, Canada, and now dominating fields and streets around the world. The Archaeopteryx fossil etched in its logo is not merely a glorious memory of the past. It is a symbol of relentless evolution, pushing forward into the future.
The story begins in 1989 in North Vancouver, Canada. Two young climbers, Dave Lane and Jeremy Guard, were sewing in the basement of their home. Their passion was focused on creating the ideal climbing harness for themselves. At the time, harnesses lacked comfort and freedom of movement. Using lamination technology, which bonds different materials together with heat and pressure, they created a harness that was thin, lightweight, and fit snugly to the body's curves. This groundbreaking product quickly gained popularity within the local climbing community. The name of the brand they founded, Rock Solid, spread as a testament to its unwavering quality.
However, the founder's vision was not confined to climbing gear. In 1991, the brand name was changed to ARC'TERYX in order to evolve gear for all outdoor activities. The name is said to be derived from Archaeopteryx, the first creature in ancient times to develop wings and expand its habitat from the ground to the sky. Perhaps this embodies a strong will to constantly evolve.
When discussing the evolution of Arc'teryx, their encounter with GORE-TEX, the pinnacle of waterproof and breathable materials, is indispensable. After obtaining the license to use it in 1995, their innovation exploded in the new field of apparel. Then, in 1998, the ALPHA SV JACKET was born, rewriting the history of outdoor jackets. Particularly noteworthy is the adoption of a waterproof zipper developed in collaboration with YKK. Until then, it was common practice for jackets to cover the zipper with a thick flap to prevent water from seeping in. Arc'teryx eliminated the flap by making the zipper itself waterproof, achieving dramatic weight reduction and a minimalist, sophisticated design. Combining the best materials with the best technology into the most innovative design, the Alpha SV Jacket perfectly embodies Arc'teryx's strong will to evolve without end and became the model for subsequent outdoor shells.
Arc'teryx continues to produce numerous masterpieces, from apparel to bags. Their pursuit is not limited to rugged mountain peaks; their wings continue to expand into new territories. More than 30 years after its founding, what began as a small passion in a basement sewing machine has now become a colossal wing leading the world. And today, those wings continue to soar silently through the sky, aiming for heights no one has ever seen before.