When scaling frozen peaks, guiding in subzero conditions, or chasing fresh lines with friends in the backcountry, you need extreme cold-weather clothing you can count on. In harsh mountain environments, staying dry, retaining body heat, and maintaining mobility and focus can make all the difference when exposure quickly drains energy and compromises safety. The right layers keep you protected when temperatures drop and conditions turn unforgiving.

Arc’teryx was born in the Coast Mountains of British Columbia, where wet snow, biting wind, and shifting conditions across varying terrain set a high bar for performance. Every piece of apparel we create is tested against these elements and refined to deliver warmth, protection, and mobility when it matters most.

Connecting with the mountains has always been at the heart of Arc'teryx. Founded in 1989 in North Vancouver, British Columbia, Arc'teryx set out to create gear that could withstand the relentless cold, wet, and wind of these environments, because the only way to build the right gear for the mountains was to build it in the mountains. This connection between place, purpose, and performance continues to shape every decision we make.

Since then, Arc'teryx has become synonymous with obsessive design and precision craftsmanship. Our focus on extreme cold-weather clothing has evolved through decades of testing, engineering, and refinement, resulting in products trusted by alpinists, guides, and cold-weather professionals around the world.

Advanced technology and materials for extreme cold-weather clothing

Arc'teryx designs extreme cold-weather clothing as part of a complete system that balances warmth, breathability, and protection through advanced technology and materials. Dressing for extreme cold begins with understanding how each layer works together: outerwear provides protection, insulated midlayers retain warmth, and base layers manage moisture to keep you comfortable and performing in the harshest conditions.

Accessories

For accessories, our GORE-TEX INFINIUM™ technology delivers windproof, highly breathable protection that prevents heat loss in exposed areas without adding extra bulk. These small but critical pieces complete your extreme cold-weather system. The Venta Gloves and Venta Toque block wind on storm days, while Merino beanies and winter socks retain warmth and manage moisture at the extremities.

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Together, all of these advanced materials form a cohesive system built for the harsh realities of mountain environments. Each one plays a precise role in retaining warmth, allowing heat and moisture to escape during output, and withstanding years of wear in rugged alpine conditions. The result is dependable comfort and protection from the inside out, no matter how severe the cold.

Not sure where to start? Take this quick quiz to get matched with the right jacket and start building your layering system from there.

At Arc’teryx, design begins where conditions are most demanding. Every product starts with a problem to solve—how to move efficiently, stay warm, and remain protected in unpredictable alpine environments. Each detail is considered with intent, from the ergonomic patterning that mirrors natural body motion to the minimal seam construction that reduces weight and prevents heat loss. This commitment to precision ensures that every stitch, zipper, and cuff works toward one goal: performance you can trust when temperatures fall and terrain turns unforgiving.

Testing happens far from the studio. Designers, athletes, and guides take prototypes into the same mountains that inspired them, pushing each garment through snow, wind, and ice until every element proves its purpose. Lessons from those field tests return to the design floor, shaping and refining features that help the body adapt to extreme cold.

For example, our helmet-compatible StormHoods™ seal out spindrift without restricting vision. Glove-friendly zipper pulls and Cohaesive™ cord locks allow adjustments with numb hands. Strategically placed vents prevent overheating during steep ascents, while laminated seams and insulated pockets preserve warmth where you need it.

It’s a constant cycle of innovation grounded in real-world experience, where function, craftsmanship, and the mountain itself guide every decision in design.

Arc’teryx approaches performance and responsibility as one and the same. Every decision, from material selection to manufacturing, reflects a commitment to reduce impact, improve longevity, and ensure your gear performs in the most demanding cold-weather conditions. Many of our extreme cold-weather clothing now use recycled fibres, bluesign®-approved materials, and GORE-TEX fabrics made without intentionally added PFAS to lessen impact without sacrificing protection or durability.

We build gear to endure harsh conditions and years of use, supported by our ReBIRD™ program, which helps extend product life through repair, resale, and upcycling. The best way to reduce impact is to keep gear in play longer.

Conclusion

What sets Arc'teryx apart in the realm of extreme cold-weather clothing is our uncompromising approach to design and performance. Every piece is informed by the demands of the mountains and refined through advanced materials, precise construction, and extensive field testing to ensure warmth, mobility, and protection in the most challenging conditions.

Explore the collections or visit a local store to find the layers, insulation, and protection you need for your cold-weather pursuits.