Arc’teryx Equipment, the global design company specializing in technical high-performance apparel and equipment, today announced a commitment of $5 million CAD over the next five years to community leaders and organizations who are advancing equitable access in climbing, as well as those who support the highest level of the sport.

Founded by climbers in 1989, Arc’teryx design legacy began in climb with its first product: the innovative three-dimensional, form-moulded climbing harness. Anchored in climbing since inception, Arc’teryx is proud to be supporting both new and experienced climbers with this programmatic investment in the sport.

The Arc’teryx NextGen Climb Commitment will continue the organization’s existing work funding organizations who are leading the way in creating access for those new to the sport, as well as those who are elite or semi-pro, across North America.

These funds are given to organizations to determine tactical investment. In the past, organizations and leaders have used these investments to provide access to indoor climbing gyms via day passes, hosting climb nights for marginalized communities, providing individuals monthly and annual memberships to climbing gyms, transportation to outdoor climbing areas and crags, belay tests and certifications, mountaineering courses, and hosting Arc’teryx climbing ambassador events.

“Over the past five years Arc’teryx has invested over $600,000 CAD in community-based, community-led climbing organizations, as well as elite, professional-adjacent climbing and training clubs,” said Jurgen Watts, Senior Director of Brand Experience at Arc’teryx. “Our origins in climbing are at the heart of what the brand is about. We are committed to supporting ways for new and elite climbers to experience the sport.”  

Through the Arc’teryx NextGen Climb Commitment, Arc’teryx has and will continue to support organizations such as Flash Foxy, Colour The Trails & Brown Girl Outdoor World, whose work aims to promote access for new climbers.

“Flash Foxy is an organization whose mission is to provide accessible resources, opportunities and welcoming spaces for women and gender non-conforming folks in the climbing community through events and education programs. The climbing community is not static, and Flash Foxy has adapted over the years to meet the needs of its membership as we grow, change, and continue to self-actualize. By partnering with Arc’teryx we have been able to expand our capacity and our reach, and with continued support like that which we receive from Arc’teryx, we will be able to continue to do so over the next five years,” said Shelma Jun, Founder of Flash Foxy.

“Climbing has always been core to who we are. We firmly believe that the mountains are a special place, and that they make you better. If we can open doors or provide support for more people to get inside a climbing gym, or even better, ultimately get to a rock face, we’ve done our job,” said Karl Aarker, VP Brand.

On the elite spectrum, Arc’teryx sponsors Climbing Escalade Canada (CEC), investments that will continue, aimed at enabling CEC to invest in the next generation of climbers who will are aiming to reach the pinnacle of the sport.

When considering funding, Arc’teryx will prioritize organizations committed to delivering equitable access to climb, and in areas where we have an existing community base. This includes established climbing communities such Toronto and Vancouver in Canada, as well as San Francisco, Chicago, and New York in the US.

Arc’teryx is a Canadian company based in the Coast Mountains. Our design process is connected to the real world, focused on delivering durable, unrivaled performance. Our products are distributed through more than 2,400 retail locations worldwide, including over 160 branded stores. We are problem solvers, always evolving and searching for a better way to deliver resolved, minimalist designs. Good design that matters makes lives better.

The post Arc’teryx Doubles Down on Climb, Commits $5 M to NextGen Climb appeared first on VANISH TODAY.

The Arc’teryx Outer Peace initiative kicked off this week with the brand announcing the $1 million commitment to support removing barriers and protecting nature so that individuals who have traditionally been excluded from access to nature may now have this opportunity.

For those who don’t know, Arc’teryx is an iconic Canadian company based in the Coast Mountains, whose design-first process is connected to the real world and real athletes focused on delivering durable, unrivaled performance, distributed through more than 3,000 retail locations worldwide.

“The challenges of 2020 brought to light the importance of physical and mental wellness, and we were inspired to launch Outer Peace by asking ‘What does the world need, and what can we do to help?’” said George Weetman, Vice President of Brand and Digital Commerce at Arc’teryx. “Nature calms us, connects us, and heals us, and we recognized this has been central to what drives our obsessive spirit of design. Spending time in nature is at the core of who we are, and we are here to inspire others to open their doors and step outside so they can find peace – even in the harshest of weather.”

And while this is something we have always advocated for at Vanish, backed by science and rooted in historic proof-points, having an industry leader like Arc’teryx step forward with real money only validates this cause. In a statement they said Outer Peace is centered around the benefits of nature, and how being immersed in it can have measurable, long-lasting impacts on our mental, emotional, and physical well-being. In case anyone remembers what that feels like.

In collaboration with voices from the scientific, design, and sports communities, over the course of the next five years Arc’teryx will develop initiatives that champion discussion and action for everybody to be able to spend time in nature. As part of the Outer Peace initiative, in 2021 Arc’teryx is pledging $1 million toward outdoor accessibility and nature conservancy. The brand will do this by supporting talented partners around the world who are working to address structural inequalities and barriers to the outdoors.

Over coming months Arc’teryx will feature its Outer Peace partners across brand channels to share knowledge, leverage Arc’teryx ambassadors and athletes to strengthen advocacy, and host activations in retail epicenters with the goal of inspiring, educating, and engaging global communities.

“Research across different fields has explored the positive connections between nature and humans, and the findings are consistent: nature is transformative,” said Weetman. “As a brand our purpose is to connect people with nature and design, and to help them discover that the path to a better world and a better self begins outside. We believe the outdoors is for everyone, and with our Outer Peace program, we will bring forward initiatives that generate awareness and create opportunities for time well spent in nature, wherever it can be found.”

Strategic launch partners include Big City Mountaineers (US); Brown Girl Outdoor World (Canada); Rocky Mountain Adaptive X Bowhead Corp (Canada); and Venture Trust (UK).

The post Arc’teryx Commits $1 Million to the Transformative Power of Nature Through Outer Peace Initiative appeared first on VANISH TODAY.