Sponsored by ARC’TERYX
Born in the mountains, Arc’teryx has been on a journey to solve real problems for mountain athletes. With the core belief that there’s always a better way, the company continues to grow as a brand, supporting mountain athletes in both climbing and snow sports, and going further into mountain running. The connection between climbing and running is undeniable, and Arc’teryx has applied this technical knowledge to create versatile and durable trail running gear. Collaborating with experienced Arc’teryx athletes like Adam Campbell and Emma Cook-Clarke, they have propelled design standards in product innovation to transcendent heights, enabling athletes to continuously push boundaries.
Preparing for unpredictable elements is paramount to the safety and success of any mountain adventure, whether it’s high alpine altitudes, extreme temperatures or precipitation in any form. First and foremost, a GPS device should always be used when venturing into the mountains to ensure essential communication with search and rescue (SAR) if needed.
When it comes to apparel, the redesigned Norvan Windshell Jacket comes in weighing just over 2 ounces and can be used as a breathable running layer that offers quick protection for lighter days in the mountains. In harsher environments, athletes like Campbell and Cook-Clarke turn towards the Norvan Shell Jacket and Gore-Tex Shell Pants. These technically engineered pieces are light and provide the waterproof protection needed to survive in the harshest environments yet are still highly packable and breathable. Built with the minimalist aesthetic design Arc’teryx is known for, they deliver complete weather protection while enabling freedom of movement. Advanced biomechanical data from athlete testing helped design an ergonomic and articulated fit, giving the jacket and pants enhanced freedom of movement while reducing irritation and abrasion. Always keeping the mountain athlete in mind, the jacket is the first running garment to include a Recco reflector for SAR visibility, and the pants have articulated patterning and a long ankle zipper, making them easy to pull on quickly when the weather shifts at a moment’s notice. “This layer is with me year-round. For something so light and compact, once on, it provides a surprisingly substantial barrier to the elements,” said Cook-Clarke.
Mountain athletes rely on a stable, yet dynamic connection to a multitude of demanding terrain types. From rocky and steep pitches to wet boulders, mud and snow, the correct footwear is an imperative choice. The revamped Norvan SL 3 was designed as one of the lightest mountain running shoes on the market and maximizes comfort, speed and performance over technical alpine terrain. The model was originally inspired by climbers seeking to expedite their approaches when connecting routes.
“I have been deeply involved in the development and testing of many footwear models—the Norvan SL 3 being my favorite project. It fulfills my need as a mountain athlete, offering a super light shoe without compromising on durability, protection and predictability. I use it often for fast and light mountain missions that sometimes involve running between climbing routes, or steep and technical mountain runs,” said Campbell.
Long hours in the mountains require the ability to carry the appropriate amount of fuel, hydration, technical equipment and safety gear. The Norvan Run Vest 7L and 14L models are made to enable athletes to carry all of the aforementioned gear in a compact way. The 14L vest has enough capacity to carry technical tools as well as a climbing helmet. A running vest also becomes incredibly important for longer training runs when additional layers and calories are essential.
Running in the mountains is inherently unpredictable, which is why Arc’teryx is constantly innovating products to enhance an athlete’s ability to stay safe while moving seamlessly through technical alpine terrain anywhere in the world. Preparing for the worst while being equipped with the essentials will provide protection for a comfortable day in the mountains, no matter what the forecast has in store.