Well known for producing top-of-the-line ski wear, Arc’teryx ups the ante with the launch of Grottoflage: the first printed graphic in the history of the brand’s storied freeride collection. Rooted in a camouflage-inspired aesthetic, the eye-catching design integrates Arc’teryx’s bird logo into a unique pattern with a subtle grayscale palette using a carefully developed screen-printing process. The result is a fresh take on a classic theme that speaks to freeriders who are down with a little flair but shy away from bold and bright colors.
A Multi-Product Release for Men and Women
The Grottoflage collection spans nine different products, available for both men and women. These pieces include some of Arc’teryx’s most popular freeride items, like the women’s Sentinel Gore-Tex shell jacket, the men’s Sabre Gore-Tex outerwear kit (jacket and pants), men’s and women’s Rho base layers, Rho Toque and Rho neck gaiter. Each item is a well-tested performer, suited for the needs of demanding freeriders.
The Inspiration Behind Grottoflage
The design concept was directly inspired by Arc’teryx’s beloved Grotto Toque hat, which features an abstract take of the brand’s classic bird skeleton logo, which has become a fan favorite over the years. Recognizing its popularity, the Arc’teryx team chose to expand the concept and bring it to their broader freeride lineup. The idea was to merge the familiar camouflage style with the brand’s unique visual identity, using layered elements of the company’s logo to create a fresh take on camo.
According to Philip O’Sullivan, Director of Color and Graphics at Arc’teryx, “We dissected our logo and created a textural pattern by layering the elements in shades of grey and black. Grottoflage is our take on a camouflage-style print and was inspired by the success of our coveted Grotto toque. We iterated on the concept countless times to perfect the visual, obsessing over every mark.” This attention to detail has resulted in a look that’s both unique and timeless, bridging the gap between highly functional outdoor wear and exclusive fashion.
Durability Meets Design
As with every Arc’teryx product, durability was paramount in the development of the new capsule collection. The print is applied to high-quality nylon face fabrics, ensuring durability without compromising on comfort or style. Additionally, extensive colorfastness testing was done to make sure there won’t be any fading, even after exposure to environmental factors like sunlight, sweat and regular washing. This is particularly crucial for skiers who need gear that performs well under all conditions.
With Grottoflage, Arc’teryx has succeeded in creating a freeride collection that not only stands out visually but also holds up against the demands of alpine adventures. This focus on durability, paired with the timeless appeal of the design, ensures that it will remain a staple in your gear locker for years to come.
When and Where to Find ‘Em
For those eager to add these garments to their winter wardrobe, the collection is now available on arcteryx.com as well as in select stores across North America, including its Boston, Chicago, New York City and Washington, DC storefronts. Word on the street is that they will sell out quickly, so act fast to get yourself kitted-out for the upcoming season.
There’s Even a Ski
Arc’teryx partnered with fellow Amer Sports brand Atomic to launch the limited-edition Maverick 115 CTI Arc’teryx Edition ski. This plank merges Arc’teryx’s Grottoflage pattern with Atomic’s powder-hungry freeride machine, making it a standout collaborative product that embodies both brands commitment to alpine adventure. Developed alongside skier Craig Murray, who is sponsored by both companies, this ski fuses a high level of functionality and style. It’s scheduled to hit the EMEA (Europe, the Middle East and Africa) market on atomic.com on November 11th, which makes it appear as if us North Americans may be out of luck.
A Look to the Future
The Grottoflage collection represents more than just a one-off design—it signals Arc’teryx’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of alpine apparel. By developing a print that can be continuously iterated by adjusting the colors and contrast, Arc’teryx has created a pattern that’s set to evolve over time. We can look forward to future Grottoflage pieces that will likely bring new twists to the same theme, keeping the collection fresh while staying true to its roots.
