Scrutinizing the Dead Bird

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.

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