Two brands that outdoor enthusiasts consistently turn to are Eddie Bauer and Arc’teryx. With over 100 years of history between them, both companies have become go-to names for durable and technical apparel and equipment.
In this article, we’ll compare these two outdoor giants, analyzing their main features, materials, manufacturing, and pricing.
You’ll learn which brand offers the best value and performance for different activities like hiking, climbing, and winter sports.
In the end, you’ll easily determine which is best suited for your needs and budget.
Contents:
1. Eddie Bauer Outdoor Gear
History of the Brand
Eddie Bauer’s official website
Eddie Bauer has a century of heritage, being born in 1920 in Seattle, Washington, USA. Renowned for pioneering various patented items, including the first down jacket in the United States, the brand has garnered numerous awards for its outdoor equipment, particularly shoes and jackets.
It has also supplied equipment for significant expeditions such as the initial American Mount Everest summit in 1963, as well as subsequent ascents like Dhaulagiri in 1973 and Makalu in 1980.
Emphasizing sustainability and renewable resources, the company presently operates over 200 stores across America, solidifying its position as a leading outdoor product brand.
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Materials, Fabrics, and Production Process
Primarily crafted from Polyester and Nylon, Eddie Bauer’s production also incorporates WeatherEdge®, a proprietary technology ensuring waterproof and breathable jackets and other items.
Thermafill® serves as a synthetic insulation technology, while StormDown, treated with DWR coating, enhances natural down insulation’s moisture resistance.
Another material is Thindown, an innovative Italian fabric. Eddie Bauer employs this unique material to insulate select garments, offering the same loft and compressibility as natural down, but with increased resilience to bad weather conditions.
Emphasizing sustainable design, Eddie Bauer creates durable, utility-focused apparel and gear, promoting extensive and multi-generational product use.
The brand’s commitment to lower-impact materials includes recycled polyester and nylon, as well as sustainably sourced man-made cellulosic fibers, and the integration of recycled packaging to minimize environmental impact.
Also, Eddie Bauer collaborates with organizations like American Forests to support ecosystem restoration and urban reforestation, while actively advocating for equity and inclusion within their community and industry. You can read more about Eddie Bauer’s sustainability efforts on their website.
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Where is Eddie Bauer’s outdoor gear made?
Eddie Bauer’s outdoor apparel and equipment are mainly produced in Asian countries, including Vietnam, China, India, Pakistan, and Indonesia.
Recommended Products
Eddie Bauer Men’s Superior Down Parka
Image: eddiebauer.com
Check it out at EddieBauer.com
The Eddie Bauer Men’s Superior Down Parka is a durable winter jacket created to withstand extreme weather conditions. It includes a waterproof and breathable recycled nylon shell with WeatherEdge® technology and StormRepel® Super DWR finish to resist moisture.
The parka is filled with 650-fill-power premium down for insulation in cold winters. It is equipped with inner rib-knit storm cuffs, secure zip pockets, an adjustable hood with detachable faux fur, and an action back construction for ease of movement.
The fit is loose for convenient layering. This parka delivers both practicality and comfort for winter conditions.
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Eddie Bauer Adventurer® Trail Backpack
Image: eddiebauer.com
Check it out at EddieBauer.com
The Eddie Bauer Adventurer Trail Backpack is a multi-functional pack intended for various outdoor pursuits, from short hikes to extended technical ascents. Constructed with tough 70-denier shadow ripstop nylon, it can endure the demands of the trail while remaining lightweight.
With a 30L capacity, the backpack provides ample room for all essential gear. Comfort is a central focus, featuring the FreeCool® trampoline airflow back panel for cushioning and ventilation to prevent overheating during strenuous activities.
Hydration is easily managed with the pack’s hydration options, ensuring convenient access to water while on the move. For organization, the backpack includes a Power Mesh front pocket for storing rain gear or insulation, along with a secure top lid pocket for readily accessible items.
Additionally, the pack incorporates side compression straps for load balance and stability, as well as strategically placed tool loops for easy access to essential gear such as hiking poles or ice axes.
Read also: Eddie Bauer vs Columbia: Which Brand is Better?
Prices
Eddie Bauer’s pricing falls within the mid-range. The cost of their jackets begins at about $60 and can go up to $300, whereas numerous backpacks are available for under $80. Although certain backpack designs are pricier, they rarely surpass $200.
So it’s quite an affordable brand, especially when considering the quality it provides.
Are Eddie Bauer products worth the price?
For this question, we can consider the two products we saw above. If you require something practical and adaptable, these are two good choices because they can be used in various situations, whether for outdoor pursuits or daily use in your city.
So, for such multipurpose products, we believe that Eddie Bauer offers reasonable pricing, and their gear provides good value for the price you pay.
Read also: 10 Oldest Outdoor Clothing and Gear Brands
2. Arc’teryx Outdoor Gear
History of the Brand
Arc’teryx official website
Founded in 1989 by Dave Lane, Arc’teryx is a renowned Canadian brand specializing in outdoor apparel and equipment. Originally named Rock Solid, the company initially focused on crafting climbing gear.
In 1991, Dave Lane joined forces with Tim Duholke and Blair Murdoch, leading to the establishment of the official brand name “Arc’teryx“. The name is inspired by the Archaeopteryx, the oldest known bird, representing the brand’s commitment to evolution and innovation.
Arc’teryx has introduced several iconic products, such as the pioneering early designs of the Bora backpack and the Vapor harness.
With the acquisition of the Gore-Tex fabrics license, the company expanded its product range to include outdoor clothing, continuing to incorporate Gore-Tex fabrics into many of its top-performing pieces.
While initially concentrating on climbing gear, Arc’teryx now serves hikers, climbers, and snowsport enthusiasts, offering high-quality snowsport and mountain clothing.
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Materials, Fabrics, and Production Process
Arc’teryx has built a strong reputation for its utilization of premium, sustainable, and ethically sourced materials. These materials hold Bluesign® certification and undergo thorough evaluation via the Life Cycle Assessment protocols to assess the impact of the product life stages.
The brand employs a mix of natural and synthetic materials, tailored to each design, to ensure the utmost quality of all final products. The insulation utilized in jackets adheres to the Responsible Down Standard, guaranteeing the humane treatment of ducks and geese.
Coreloft is predominantly used for synthetic insulation blends, while Gore-Tex is employed for membranes and fabric technologies in the clothing line. In the case of backpacks, Arc’teryx uses its proprietary AC2 technology.
The company places a strong emphasis on ethical manufacturing and material sourcing, a key factor in its enduring appeal.
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Where is Arc’teryx outdoor gear made?
Arc’teryx produces in various places around the world, including Canada. The Canadian facility, called ARC’One, is based in Vancouver, BC, and is responsible for 10% of the brand’s clothing and equipment.
The majority of Arc’teryx gear (90%) is made in Asian countries, such as Vietnam, China, Indonesia, Bangladesh, Philippines, etc., but also in Romania and El Salvador. (source)
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Arc’teryx Atom Women’s Hoody
Image: arcteryx.com
Check it out at Arcteryx.com
The Women’s Atom Hoody produced by Arc’teryx is a lightweight and practical jacket equipped with synthetic insulation, suitable for use as either a mid-layer or standalone, depending on the conditions.
It is a component of the Atom Series, showcasing Coreloft Compact insulation, and is available in multiple colors and sizes. This garment is engineered for optimal performance and represents a superb option for outdoor enthusiasts in search of robust and adaptable gear for pursuits like hiking, climbing, or backpacking.
Read also: The North Face vs Arc’teryx: Which Brand is Better?
Arc’teryx Bora 65 Backpack for Men
Image: arcteryx.com
Check it out at Arcteryx.com
The Bora 65 Men’s Backpack by Arc’teryx is a great selection for those who enjoy outdoor activities and are preparing for a weekend or extended journey. It offers a comfortable carry that facilitates the exploration of new destinations and the ability to surpass personal boundaries.
The RotoGlide™ hipbelt moves in sync with your body, ensuring improved equilibrium and increased steadiness. With the GridLock™ harness adjustability, a precise fit is guaranteed. Crafted from high-tenacity Cordura® pack cloth, the backpack is resilient for use in remote areas.
The lid is equipped with a Weather Vault that offers waterproof storage, and the main compartment can be easily accessed from the top or side, along with multiple external pockets. This backpack presents a dependable and long-lasting choice for outdoor enthusiasts in search of a comfortable and practical solution for extended backcountry adventures.
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Prices
Arc’teryx is commonly seen as a high-priced brand in the outdoor industry, offering jackets priced from $150 to $1,000 and backpacks ranging from $50 to $350.
Are Arc’teryx products worth the price?
Arc’teryx gear, despite its premium pricing, offers exceptional performance and longevity, making it a worthy investment for serious outdoor enthusiasts engaged in mountain activities or snow sports. Although the cost may pose a barrier for many customers, the superior quality and durability of the gear justify the initial investment in our opinion.
Learn more: Why is Arc’teryx so Expensive and Popular? Is It Worth It?
3. Which is Better? Eddie Bauer or Arc’teryx?
Both are great brands for their target markets which have some differences. Here are our considerations to help you choose between the two:
- Eddie Bauer is more affordable and offers a wider selection of casual outdoor apparel and gear for activities like hiking, camping, and everyday wear. Arc’teryx is a premium, high-end brand and more specialized for serious outdoor activities like mountaineering and snow sports.
- Eddie Bauer has a long heritage as an outdoor brand but Arc’teryx is newer and very innovative with its designs and materials.
- Arc’teryx is considered superior in the outdoor community in terms of performance, durability, waterproofing, and use of technical fabrics and materials. Their gear is designed for extreme conditions.
- For jackets, Eddie Bauer has some solid options for casual use but Arc’teryx jackets are highly acclaimed for features like Gore-Tex membranes and durable face fabrics.
- For things like backpacks, shoes, and other gear, Arc’teryx is generally regarded as higher quality and more durable, but much pricier.
- Eddie Bauer has a wider selection of clothing beyond just outdoor gear. Arc’teryx focuses almost exclusively on high-end outdoor and tactical apparel.
In the end, Eddie Bauer is our recommendation for casual outdoor gear at affordable prices, while Arc’teryx offers premium, performance-driven gear for extreme conditions if you are willing to invest more.
That’s all for this comparison! We hope to have made your ideas clearer! Let us know in the comments what you think about these brands.
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