Both Jack Wolfskin and Arc’teryx have devoted fans and produce high-quality outdoor gear for hiking, camping, mountaineering, and snow sports. They also have casual, everyday product lines.
But, they do have some differences in their approach.
Jack Wolfskin was founded in Germany and has become popular for its affordable yet durable clothes. On the other hand, Arc’teryx was born in Canada and is known for its technical designs favored by serious outdoor enthusiasts.
Today, we’ll compare key aspects of these two companies including their product lines, materials, manufacturing, prices, and more to help you decide which of the two might be a better fit for your needs and budget.
So, let’s get started!
Contents:
1. Jack Wolfskin Outdoor Gear
History of the Brand
Jack Wolfskin’s official website
Jack Wolfskin, a well-known European brand, was established by Ulrich Dausien in 1981 in Frankfurt, Germany. Since 1997, the company has been based in Idstein, Germany.
Over the years, it has grown into one of Germany’s leading outdoor brands, offering a wide range of products and gaining popularity across Europe.
Nowadays, Jack Wolfskin provides a large collection of gear for outdoor activities, including clothing, shoes, sleeping bags, backpacks, and tents. The brand has a strong focus on sustainability, environmental protection, and social responsibility, reflecting its dedication to responsible business practices.
Both those shopping for high-quality casual wear and outdoor enthusiasts appreciate the company’s style and performance.
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Materials, Fabrics, and Production Process
Jack Wolfskin is a brand that prioritizes a strong environmental dedication and incorporates recycled materials such as recycled polyester into its outdoor products.
The company also utilizes a mix of natural and synthetic materials for insulating its jackets and winter clothing such as Natural RDS-certified Down, Microguard (synthetic), PrimaLoft (synthetic), and Fibercloud (synthetic).
Additionally, Jack Wolfskin employs various technologies like the Texapore fabric technology in its coats and sports garments, offering a range of styles and protection levels suitable for various activities.
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Where is Jack Wolfskin’s outdoor gear made?
Products from Jack Wolfskin are made in both Europe and Asia. Their production facilities are situated across Asia, such as in China, Bangladesh, Vietnam, South Korea, and other locations. In Europe, they have a presence in Germany, Turkey, Slovenia, and Italy. The sourcing of their raw materials happens in Europe, the USA, and Asia. (source)
Recommended Products
Jack Wolfskin Troposphere Men’s Insulated Jacket
Image: jack-wolfskin.com
Check it out at Jack-Wolfskin.com
The Jack Wolfskin Troposphere is a classic, straightforward, and highly practical insulated hardshell jacket.
It incorporates a Texapore Pro fabric known for its great windproof, waterproof, and breathable properties, protecting you from the elements while facilitating the excess heat and moisture escape, increasing freedom of movement.
The jacket is made with PrimaLoft Black Rise fill, a recycled moisture-resistant synthetic fiber insulation that offers warmth in cold winters. It boasts three external pockets and one internal pocket for securely stowing small items.
The use of recycled materials shows Jack Wolfskin’s dedication to environmental protection in its production. Designed for active outdoor use in cold and damp conditions, the Troposphere combines technical materials with insulated construction for optimal performance.
Jack Wolfskin Highland Trail 50+5 Women’s Trekking Pack
Image: jack-wolfskin.com
Check it out at Jack-Wolfskin.com
The Highland Trail 50+5 Backpack is specifically crafted for female adventurers, featuring a comfortable ergonomic fit and tailored women-specific attributes. Boasting a generous capacity of 50+5 liters, it offers ample storage for extended outdoor use.
The pack is equipped with a height-adjustable X-Transition back system, ensuring exceptional comfort, good ventilation, and optimized load distribution for effortless carriage of heavy loads. Its dual access to the main compartment enables versatile packing and convenient gear retrieval from both the top and front zipper.
The long zipper on the lid pocket facilitates quick access to stored items. A spacious elasticated mesh pocket on the front provides practical storage for your hiking jacket. The waist belt incorporates a dedicated pocket for your water bottle, and the pack is designed to accommodate a hydration bladder.
Using recycled materials, this trekking backpack is committed to sustainability as a bluesign-certified and PFC-free product.
Prices
A variety of items from Jack Wolfskin are affordable. This company offers numerous options for low to medium budgets if you want to complete your outdoor equipment collection.
But it’s important to note that Jack Wolfskin’s pricing is not always on the lower side, as it varies. Their jackets range from $60 to $500, backpacks from $50 to $400, and shoes from $60 to $230.
Are Jack Wolfskin products worth the price?
Their outdoor gear, in our opinion, is worth its price. If you want good equipment with a fair quality-to-price ratio, Jack Wolfskin is a great option. They’re well-known in the outdoor community for using excellent materials and the latest technology.
Must read: 9 High-End, Expensive Hiking Brands for Clothing and Footwear
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 producing climbing gear.
In 1991, Dave Lane partnered with Blair Murdoch and Tim Duholke, leading to the establishment of the official name “Arc’teryx” derived from the Archaeopteryx, the oldest known bird, symbolizing evolution and innovation.
The brand has created iconic products such as the pioneering early designs of the Bora backpack and the Vapor harness.
Upon obtaining the license to use Gore-Tex fabrics, the company expanded its product range to include outdoor clothing, continuing to incorporate Gore-Tex fabrics into many of its top-performing pieces.
While the brand’s initial emphasis was on climbing gear, it now caters to hikers, climbers, and snowsport enthusiasts, offering some of the best, high-quality snowsport clothing.
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Materials, Fabrics, and Production Process
Arc’teryx is well-known for its utilization of premium, sustainably and ethically acquired materials. These materials hold Bluesign® certification and undergo thorough evaluation via Life Cycle Assessment protocols to gauge their impact across product life stages.
The brand employs a mix of natural and synthetic materials, tailored to each design, to guarantee the utmost quality in all final products.
The insulation utilized in jackets adheres to the Responsible Down Standard, ensuring ethical treatment of ducks and geese. Coreloft is primarily used for synthetic insulation blends, while Gore-Tex is the go-to for membranes and fabric technologies in the brand’s clothing.
In the backpack sector, Arc’teryx utilizes its proprietary AC2 technology. The company places a strong emphasis on ethical manufacturing and material sourcing, a factor that has significantly contributed to its enduring appeal.
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Where is Arc’teryx outdoor gear made?
Arc’teryx outdoor products are made in various countries, with Canada being one of them. The Canadian facility, ARC’One, is located in Vancouver, BC, producing 10% of the brand’s products.
The majority of Arc’teryx gear (90%) is manufactured in Asian countries like China, Vietnam, Indonesia, Bangladesh, Philippines, etc., but also in Romania and El Salvador. (source)
Recommended Products
Arc’teryx Atom Women’s Hoody
Image: arcteryx.com
Check it out at Arcteryx.com
The Arc’teryx Women’s Atom Hoody offers a lightweight and practical design, incorporating synthetic insulation suitable for use as either a mid-layer or standalone garment, depending on the conditions.
Belonging to the Atom Series, it incorporates Coreloft Compact insulation and is available in a range of sizes and colors. Crafted to deliver high performance, it stands as a top pick for outdoor enthusiasts in need of resilient and adaptable gear for pursuits like hiking, climbing, or backpacking.
Arc’teryx Bora 65 Backpack for Men
Image: arcteryx.com
Check it out at Arcteryx.com
The Bora 65 Men’s Backpack is a great selection for individuals who enjoy outdoor activities and are preparing for a weekend or week-long excursion. It offers a comfortable carry that facilitates the exploration of new locations and the pushing of personal boundaries.
The RotoGlide™ hipbelt moves in tandem with your body, delivering improved equilibrium and additional support. The GridLock™ harness adjustability guarantees a precise fit. 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, while the primary compartment is easily accessible from the top or side, featuring multiple external pockets.
The Bora 65 presents a dependable and robust choice for outdoor enthusiasts in search of a comfortable and practical solution for extensive backcountry journeys.
Prices
Arc’teryx is commonly considered a high-priced brand in the outdoor industry, offering jackets priced from $150 to $1000 and backpacks ranging from $50 to $350.
Are Arc’teryx products worth the price?
Arc’teryx gear, while pricey, offers exceptional performance and longevity, making it a good investment for serious outdoor enthusiasts. Although the cost may be a deterrent for some, the superior quality and durability of the gear justify the initial cost.
Learn more: Why is Arc’teryx so Expensive and Popular? Is It Worth It?
3. Which is Better? Jack Wolfskin or Arc’teryx?
Both are excellent outdoor clothing and gear brands! And of course, the choice will depend on your intended activities and budget.
But let’s try to differentiate them a bit so you can have a clearer idea for your next gear purchase:
Jack Wolfskin is a German brand that focuses on hiking and outdoor activities. Their clothing is durable and functional for active use in various weather conditions and types of terrain. They are more affordable than Arc’teryx in general.
Arc’teryx is a Canadian brand known for high-performance technical gear. They specialize in mountaineering, rock climbing, and extreme outdoor sports. Arc’teryx uses cutting-edge fabrics and technology. Their clothing is water and weather-resistant.
Both brands also have casual lines for everyday wear.
In terms of quality and durability, Arc’teryx tends to last longer through more rugged use, as per many customers’ reviews. But their clothing is usually pricier than similar Jack Wolfskin products.
For casual hiking, travel, and outdoor activities, Jack Wolfskin provides good value and their clothing will stand up to normal wear. Arc’teryx is better suited for more strenuous activities in harsh environments, in our opinion.
Both brands have strong reputations for customer service and warranties to back their products.
Also, both have advanced sustainability programs in place, focused on recycled materials, waste reduction, and improving the durability of their gear so you don’t have to replace them too soon.
In the end, Arc’teryx gear is better performing for serious outdoor enthusiasts but costs more. Jack Wolfskin offers good quality at more affordable prices, great for average outdoor use.
Let us know what you think in the comments below.
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