When it comes to gearing up for the great outdoors, enthusiasts are often faced with the decision between premium brands that promise to enhance their experience.
Two such brands that stand out in the outdoor gear landscape are Marmot and Arc’teryx, each with its own heritage, technological innovations, and dedicated following.
In this article, we explore the history, main products, technology, sustainability efforts, and pricing of these two iconic names.
Understanding the nuances of these brands can guide you to the right choice for your outdoor needs.
So, let’s explore what sets them apart!
Contents:
1. Marmot Outdoor Gear
History of the Brand
Marmot official website
Marmot is a well-established American brand that originated in the 1970s, specifically in 1974, focusing on specialized technical clothing and outdoor gear for activities such as hiking and climbing.
The brand was created by two students, Eric Reynolds and Dave Huntly, from the University of California Santa Cruz during a school project in Alaska, leading to the creation of the Marmot Mountain Club.
Subsequently, with the assistance of Tom Boyce, they repurposed an old building into a retail store for outdoor clothing and accessories, giving rise to the Marmot Mountain Works brand, which in the following years gained global recognition.
Since then, Marmot has been dedicated to offering top-quality products for outdoor enthusiasts, including jackets, sleeping bags, tents, backpacks, and other gear, catering to men, women, and children.
These products undergo rigorous testing by alpine guides and elite athletes in real-world conditions, contributing to the brand’s ongoing innovation and advancement.
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Materials, Fabrics, and Production Process
Marmot utilizes premium materials in their apparel and gear, including Nylon and Polyester, which are commonly used in outdoor brands.
One standout technology they employ is Gore-Tex, known for its ability to repel water while allowing body-generated vapor to pass through, ensuring breathability. This makes Gore-Tex ideal for high-performance clothing and equipment, providing resistance to water during extreme activities.
Additionally, Marmot incorporates high-insulating materials with a high fill power, such as natural down and PrimaLoft synthetic insulation, to effectively separate cold and hot air.
The brand’s commitment extends beyond comfort, as they continuously innovate new materials and technologies, such as Marmot MemBrain, a high-performance, breathable, and waterproof membrane, and NanoPro.
In terms of sustainability, Marmot prioritizes environmentally friendly production and utilizes eco-conscious materials like EvoDry for rainwear and Featherless, a sustainable alternative to down insulation. You can read more about Marmot’s sustainability efforts on their website.
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Read also: The North Face vs Marmot: Which Brand Should I Choose?
Where is Marmot outdoor gear made?
Marmot’s outdoor apparel and equipment are predominantly made in Asian nations like China and Vietnam.
Recommended Products
Marmot Men’s Guides Down Hoody
Image: marmot.com
Check it out at Marmot.com
The Marmot Men’s Guides Down Hoody offers versatile warmth for winter activities, blending sustainable materials like 100% recycled polyester ripstop with a 700-fill-power down insulation.
Its packable design and adjustable features make it suitable for various outdoor pursuits, ensuring both comfort and protection from the cold. Whether skiing, hiking or simply enjoying the winter weather, this hoody prioritizes warmth and breathability for a range of adventures.
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Marmot Women’s GORE-TEX Orion Jacket
Image: marmot.com
Check it out at Marmot.com
The Marmot Women’s GORE-TEX Orion Jacket is a robust and high-performance ski jacket designed for those who enjoy skiing in challenging conditions. Made from recycled 3-layer GORE-TEX® material, it delivers waterproof, windproof, and breathable defense, ensuring dryness even in harsh weather.
The jacket is equipped with a RECCO® Avalanche Rescue Reflector for enhanced mountain safety, a helmet-compatible adjustable hood for complete protection, and a fixed powder skirt to prevent snow ingress.
For active skiers, the PitZips provide adaptable ventilation for temperature control, while water-resistant pocket zippers safeguard your necessities. The fit is adjustable with VELCRO® cuffs, and articulated elbows allow unrestricted movement without sleeve slippage. This jacket is engineered to offer comfort and safety!
Read also: Mammut vs Marmot: Which is Better?
Prices
Marmot’s pricing aligns with the quality of its products, reflecting the brand’s commitment to delivering high performance. The use of premium materials ensures above-average quality.
Marmot’s jackets are available at prices ranging from $100 to $650, while the cost of equipment such as sleeping bags and tents varies based on the specific product type.
So, in general, Marmot is positioned as a mid-to-high-priced brand in the outdoor market.
Are Marmot products worth the price?
Yes, we think that every item they offer is of great value! And this is also the thought of many online reviewers. Marmot’s materials offer durability and performance.
Read also: 8 Best Sustainable Outdoor Clothing Brands: Our Top Picks
2. Arc’teryx Outdoor Gear
History of the Brand
Arc’teryx official website
Established in 1989 by Dave Lane, Arc’teryx is an innovative Canadian brand specializing in outdoor apparel and equipment. Originally known as Rock Solid, the company initially focused on crafting climbing gear.
In 1991, Dave Lane with the help of Blair Murdoch and Tim Duholke, adopted the current official name Arc’teryx. The brand’s name is inspired by the Archaeopteryx, the ancient bird, symbolizing innovation and creativity.
Arc’teryx is renowned for pioneering products such as the early Bora backpack and the Vapor harness.
With the acquisition of the Gore-Tex fabric license, the company expanded its offerings to include outdoor clothing, maintaining a strong emphasis on Gore-Tex fabrics in its top-performing items.
While its origins lie in climbing gear, Arc’teryx now serves hikers, climbers, and snowsport enthusiasts, delivering high-quality snowsport and alpine apparel.
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Materials, Fabrics, and Production Process
Arc’teryx uses premium, sustainable, and ethically sourced fabrics and materials. These materials have the Bluesign® certification and undergo thorough evaluation via the Life Cycle Assessment protocols to determine the impact of the product life stages.
The brand uses both natural and synthetic materials, depending on the type of each design, to ensure the best quality of all final products.
The down insulation against the cold used in jackets and parkas follows the Responsible Down Standard guidelines, guaranteeing the ethical treatment of ducks and geese.
Coreloft is mainly used for synthetic insulation, while Gore-Tex is the standard for membranes and fabric technologies in the brand’s clothing and jackets. In the case of backpacks, Arc’teryx utilizes its proprietary AC2 technology.
The company places a strong dedication to ethical manufacturing and material sourcing, a factor that has significantly contributed to its enduring appeal.
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Is Arc’teryx Sustainable? A Look at their Environmental Practices
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Where is Arc’teryx outdoor gear made?
Arc’teryx produces in various countries, including Canada. The Canadian factory, called ARC’One, is based in Vancouver, BC, and is responsible for 10% of the brand’s production of clothing and gear.
The majority of Arc’teryx gear (90%) is made in Asia, in countries such as 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 Women’s Atom Hoody by Arc’teryx is a light and versatile jacket featuring synthetic insulation, suitable for use as either a mid-layer or standalone depending on the weather conditions.
A member of the Atom Series, it incorporates Coreloft Compact insulation and is available in a range of colors and sizes. This jacket is made for high performance and represents a great option for outdoor enthusiasts in search of resilient and adaptable equipment for activities like mountaineering, hiking, or backpacking.
Read also: Eddie Bauer vs Arc’teryx (Outdoor Gear Comparison)
Arc’teryx Bora 65 Backpack for Men
Image: arcteryx.com
Check it out at Arcteryx.com
The Bora 65 Men’s Backpack offers a great choice for outdoor enthusiasts planning a weekend or longer trip. It provides a comfortable carry for exploring new places and pushing limits, with a RotoGlide™ hipbelt for improved balance and stability.
The GridLock™ harness ensures a precise fit, and the high-tenacity Cordura® pack cloth construction enhances durability for backcountry use. The lid includes a Weather Vault for waterproof storage, while the main compartment is easily accessible from the top or side, along with multiple external pockets.
This backpack is a reliable and durable option if you need a comfortable and functional choice for extended backcountry trips.
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Prices
Arc’teryx is commonly seen as a high-priced brand in the outdoor sphere, offering jackets priced from $150 to $1,000 and backpacks ranging from $50 to $350.
Are Arc’teryx products worth the price?
Despite the high prices, Arc’teryx gear justifies the initial investment due to its outstanding performance and long lifespan. If you are dedicated to mountain activities or snow sports, we believe that Arc’teryx gear represents a great purchase.
Although the cost might be a barrier for certain customers, the excellence and endurance of the products are worth the price.
Learn more: Why is Arc’teryx so Expensive and Popular? Is It Worth It?
3. Which is Better? Marmot or Arc’teryx?
These are both excellent outdoor gear brands, but which should you choose? Here is what you should keep in mind during decision time:
Durability: Arc’teryx is known as a bit more durable thanks to its use of high-quality, weather-resistant, and premium fabrics. Marmot gear is still very durable though.
Weather protection: Arc’teryx again has a slight edge here, as per many reviewers, due to their expertise with technical fabrics. Their jackets and pants are highly waterproof and breathable. Marmot gear is very water-resistant as well.
Weight: Marmot focuses more on packability and lightweight gear compared to Arc’teryx. Their down jackets are often a bit trimmer.
Price: Arc’teryx is usually more expensive due to its focus on technical performance and is seen as a more premium brand. Marmot, on the other hand, offers very good value for its prices.
Style and design: Marmot has more casual and lifestyle gear compared to Arc’teryx’s more technical and alpine focus.
Technologies and sustainability: Both use industry standards like Gore-Tex along with their proprietary technologies. Both have sustainability programs.
In the end, for serious alpinism and mountaineering, Arc’teryx’s technical prowess makes them our main recommendation, if you have the budget.
For general backpacking, camping, hiking, and travel, Marmot is also great and offers good value for the price you pay. Marmot also has a few technical pieces for extreme conditions, but less than Arc’teryx.
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