Born at the base of the Coast Mountains in Vancouver, British Columbia, Arc’teryx has been producing high-quality outdoor equipment since 1989. In the brand’s 30 years of gear manufacturing, Arc’teryx has established itself as one of the most sought-after makers of dependable gear, especially its winter products. With the design center, its Arc’One Factory and the continent’s only temperate rain forest within an hour’s drive of each other, designers are able to pass off product for testing in the most extreme winter conditions–think wet and freezing–the same day it’s made. The brand’s convenient locale allows feedback to be implemented in real-time. Arc’teryx’s dedication to and obsession with perfection means the brand is never truly satisfied and continues to improve its products season after season based on the feedback they receive from their athletes and testers. That singular focus culminates in the Sentinel AR–Michelle Parker’s product-of-choice for her biggest pursuits–and Sabre AR jackets, all-new for the 2019-20 season.
Sentinel AR Jacket
Buy Now – $625
The Sentinel has been a staple piece in the Arc’teryx lineup for years and the 2019-20 AR version comes with design and feature changes lifted directly from athlete feedback. The torso of the Sentinel AR jacket has been expanded for more freedom of movement–on the up and down–as well as room for an extra layer or two, should conditions warrant bundling up at the top of your objective. The pit zippers on the AR are higher up than previous versions of the Sentinel for better and easier venting and bigger hand and sleeve pockets allow for more skin track snacks–i.e. extra bacon. This three-layer GORE-TEX shell is a champion in protecting you from the elements while also allowing enough breathability to keep you cool when the ascent starts heating up. Pairing the Sentinel AR jacket with the Sentinel AR pant completes this sleek-as-hell, backcountry freeride kit.
Sabre AR Jacket
Buy Now – $625
Built specifically for freeride touring, the Sabre AR jacket is the new-and-improved version of the Sabre. This three-layer GORE-TEX shell features an expanded torso for a boost in flexibility as well as room to layer when the mercury takes a frigid fall. The oversized pit vents in the jacket and outer thigh vents in the Sabre AR pant offer massive opportunities to dump internal heat and the oversized pockets provide ample storage for your phone, skins and the ever-important snacks. Whether it’s a bluebird day or a total white-out the Sabre AR kit has you covered for your biggest days.