Outdoor Scrutinizing the Dead Bird Recoil Staff October 6, 2016 Join the Conversation At RECOIL, we review every product fairly and without bias. Making a purchase through one of our links may earn us a small commission, and helps support independent gun reviews. Read our affiliate policy. Find out more about how we test products. Are you a fan of so-called “Dead Bird” gear? Arc'teryx builds some of the most popular snivel kit and extreme weather technical apparel in the world. A writer called Hendrik Morkel recently journeyed to Vancouver, Canada, toured the Arc'teryx manufactory as part of a trip to observe the launch of Voltair and Procline. He discussed his visit on the website Hiking Finland. All photos courtesy Hendrik Morkel and HikingFinland.com. Scrutinizing the Dead Bird Says Morkel (who is clearly an Arc'teryx fan), “What goes into designing a jacket like the Arc’teryx Alpha SV Jacket? How is it made? Who makes it? Where is it made? After my visit to the Arc’teryx factory in North Vancouver – one of four factories Arc’teryx operates in Canada – these are questions I feel I have the answers to. If you’re a gear nerd like me then visiting a factory – an Arc’teryx factory! – is like entering the holy halls of outdoor gear making. There’s so much skill and knowledge going into making these garments which we take out to the mountains and forests on our adventures that it’s inspiring to see it happen in front of your eyes, ask questions and of course take photos.” While there, Morkel was able to watch the gear as it was made, discuss methodologies and design philosophies with Arc'teryx principals and learn how they train their personnel. “[Arc'teryx sewing staff] learn in a 12 week sewing training programme all the skills they need to work at the Arc’teryx factory – from sewing over taping and learning about the Lean programme. They have a 94% graduate rate of this programme, and the employees made a happy & proud impression on me. Arc’teryx cares well for their employees, with regular breaks, being able to switch up stations, good pay – and many were also sporting Arc’teryx garments, some even garments which they sewed just for themselves! The trainees of the sewing programme also do good, as they make from excess material Ponchos for the homeless of Vancouver and give these away for free to those in need.” Read the rest of the story in its entirety and see the entire gallery of images right here. Why you can trust RECOIL Since our founding in 2012, RECOIL remains the premier firearms lifestyle publication for the modern shooting enthusiast. We deliver cutting-edge coverage of guns, gear, accessories and technology. We go beyond basic reviews, providing no B.S. buyer’s guides, hands-on testing and expert analysis on everything from firearms and survival equipment to watches and vehicles. Our reviewers are the backbone of our operation and come from diverse shooting backgrounds: Former law enforcement, military veterans, competitive shooters, seasoned hunters and plain old firearms enthusiasts. Furthermore, we’re not just gun experts, but dedicated journalists who adhere to the strictest standards of our profession. At RECOIL, editorial independence is the foundation of everything we publish and the cornerstone of reader trust. Our editors, writers and content creators make all editorial decisions independently, free from outside influence. That boils down to: advertisers don’t dictate our coverage, the outcomes of our reviews or what we recommend in our buyer’s guides. First and always, our commitment is to our audience—ensuring every review and article is accurate, unbiased, and driven by real-world experience. Whether you’re selecting your next firearm, upgrading your gear, or exploring the latest innovations in the shooting world, RECOIL provides the trusted insights you need to make informed decisions. Learn more about our Editorial Standards and how we review products. NEXT STEP: Download Your Free Target Pack from RECOILFor years, RECOIL magazine has treated its readers to a full-size (sometimes full color!) shooting target tucked into each big issue. Now we've compiled over 50 of our most popular targets into this one digital PDF download. From handgun drills to AR-15 practice, these 50+ targets have you covered. Print off as many as you like (ammo not included). Get your pack of 50 Print-at-Home targets when you subscribe to the RECOIL email newsletter. We'll send you weekly updates on guns, gear, industry news, and special offers from leading manufacturers - your guide to the firearms lifestyle.You want this. Trust Us.
