Thread: Arc'teryx LEAF

Originally Posted by Sarvo

I have been looking for this Brand via my contacts in East Europe (for Frodo) I have found it - but some items state "Made in China" and other saying Made in Canada.
Is it the same product or a replica coming out of China - China - if strict manufacturer quality controls etc etc are followed can and do produce top quality workmanship and product.
There does seem to be a price difference between the two options

@Sarvo, Arcteryx is a Canadian company, but in 2001 they were bought out by the Adidas owned Salomon group, expanded their product line, and began outsourcing their mountaineering/outdoor line of clothing to China, Bangladesh and Vietnam (and Greece, I think). Going by reviews, the quality hasn't taken a hit - it had more to do with efficiency of manufacture and scale.

The LEAF (Law Enforcement & Armed Forces) line of clothing on the other hand is still made in Canada.

The only tangible difference between the two clothing lines is that the LEAF stuff is built to withstan higher degrees of abrasion and harsher chemicals, sweat etc, and they come in more subdued colours. They also have a slightly looser, less athletic fit than the outdoor line. Probably because of how many doughnuts your typical CIA operative eats on a daily basis. It is however priced similarily to the mountaineering/outdoor clothing.
B)


@Damnitchy - thanks for all the info mate. I've been reading similar accounts from other people, where they've sent in garments up to a decade later and recieved brilliant customer service. For a company as large as Arcteryx, that's quite impressive! Kinda makes the upfront costs seem a little easier to swallow.