Arc’teryx Breathes New Life Into Old Gear

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Imagine taking a pair of sharp scissors to hundreds of high-end ski jackets, sewing the resulting pieces of fabric together to make an expedition-worthy tent, then using that patchwork creation as a basecamp while exploring some of the world’s best ski terrain. Although it may sound like a daunting project, this is exactly what pro skier Michelle Parker and her longtime friend and snowboard partner Robin Van Gyn had in mind as they were piecing together plans for their co-produced film Continuum .

“That tent was essentially the home base for the whole film project,” said Parker, “We traveled with it, along with a great group of shredders, over the course of a season and documented our adventures.” Although this endeavor pushed the concept of upcycling to its limit, it is exactly the type of idea that sits at the heart of Arc'teryx's innovative ReGEAR program .

With a name that’s synonymous with top-of-the-line outdoor gear, Arc’teryx set a new standard in sustainability when it launched its ReGEAR program. Focused on the reclamation and refurbishment of used gear, the groundbreaking initiative extends the lifecycle of its products, which in turn minimizes overall environmental impact.

“Arc'teryx products are built to last: they're durable, hard-wearing and high-performance, made for extreme mountain conditions. We know that the simplest way to reduce the impact of our gear is to keep it in play for as long as possible. ” said Dominique Showers, VP, ReBIRD (circular programming) for Arc’teryx. ReGEAR is Arc’teryx’s solution, a marketplace for high-quality used gear that just needs a new home. It’s also a great place to find your favorite discontinued and vintage styles or pieces that have been uniquely repaired and now flaunt a custom touch. “This allows us to keep the good in play, and reduce the climate impact of each item we create,” says Showers.

Outdoor gear, like ski jackets and bibs, carries a significant environmental footprint that encompasses a number of stages, from raw material extraction to manufacturing, distribution, and eventually disposal. By acknowledging this impact and taking steps to reduce it, Arc'teryx not only extends the life of its products but also reduces the demand for new materials and energy-intensive manufacturing processes. Studies show that a significant portion of a product's environmental impact occurs during its production phase. By keeping gear in use longer, Arc'teryx spreads out this impact over time, minimizing waste and resource consumption.

The ReGEAR process begins when Canadian and U.S.-based customers send in their used gear. Just because there’s a small tear or a broken zipper doesn’t mean it deserves to end up in a landfill. Each garment is then rigorously inspected and repaired by Arc'teryx's skilled technicians who ensure that every offering meets the brand's high performance and durability criteria. Once refurbished, the gear is made available for resale through Arc'teryx's online store and select outlets. Additionally, as Parker pointed out, the financial barrier to entry is also reduced. “The price point on a brand new jacket can be intimidating, but through the ReGEAR website skiers can find super high-quality gear at a better price.”

The success of Arc'teryx's sustainability initiatives relies on community engagement and education. Through ReGEAR, Arc'teryx encourages users to participate actively in sustainable practices by returning their used gear for refurbishment rather than discarding it. This engagement fosters a sense of responsibility and stewardship among outdoor users, promoting a more sustainable outdoor gear culture.

Looking ahead, Arc'teryx aims to expand the reach of its ReGEAR program beyond North America. By partnering with retailers and organizations worldwide, they seek to create a network of sustainable practices that transcend borders and promote environmental stewardship on a global scale. After all, the extremes of nature–where this gear truly excels–aren’t confined to the same boundaries as mankind.

As Parker experienced firsthand, while spending a week in her custom-created tent ski mountaineering in the Alaskan wilderness, the intimate relationship between pieces of gear and nature has the power to create lasting memories. “On the last night of our film shoot for Continuum we were camping deep in the Alaska Range. With the Northern Lights as an appropriate backdrop, we used a variety of party lights to turn the tent into an inhabitable kaleidoscope, and proceeded to dance the night away. That night will forever be emblazoned in my memory!” recalls Parker. "Once the season changed, Arc'teryx turned the tent back into a jacket to showcase the lifecycle of their gear and how it can continuously evolve into something new. The jacket is a standout with memories woven into the threads. It's a beautiful piece of functional and wearable art.”