>>421850Let's just say that if you know what to look for, Arc'teryx makes very good stuff. If you're not sure why someone would pay 2x or even 5x more for "the same" thing made by Arc'teryx, then this brand is probably not for you. If all you're looking at is a list of features, then you probably won't understand. You can likely get all your gear at Walmart, and you'll think it's good because that's the limit of your ability to appraise your gear.
However, if you have enough experience with using gear in the field to have seen how it breaks and wears out over the course of normal use, and also how a poor fit can affect your movement, and how/why certain design choices are better than others, then you might develop an eye for detail that can help you appreciate why Arc'teryx is worth the money.
I have had several pairs of hiking pants more or less come apart as I was wearing them. A pair of Ibex pants (expensive brand that uses merino wool) in particular started coming unstitched at the crotch within the first week of owning them... (forget about whether I returned it or not, this is the product that left Ibex's factory after being approved by their QC process). Other brands' clothes have broken in more subtle ways, like zippers coming off the tracks, material developing holes from moderate handling, waterproof coatings flaking off, etc. However, none of my Arc'teryx clothes have worn out... at all. If you look closely at the seams, you can see why. Extremely tight double-stitching, and intelligent reinforcements ensure that this equipment (because let's face it, that's what it is) will last a very long time.
The fabric they use is likewise tough, as well as very suitable to its application. If all you want out of a fleece is "warmth," then any old sweater from Walmart will do. If you want a fleece that will form-fit, shed wind, bead water, and transport sweat to the outside when you're active, hoever, then Arc'teryx might be the way to go.
