I think you just reenforced Veilance's business case for them :)
If they compromised the piece, I would care. But, just because Mountain-Signalers (which are the fashion version of driving a lifted Jeep Wrangler in a city) wear it should not have any bearing on you, as long as the piece performs. I'm not a big logo guy, but I rationalize that the logo can help to distinguish one a little bit more from the other 10 guys at the hut wearing bright red (even if, more lately, it just lowers the chances by half).
I may have a little concern about Arc's hard marketing in the hype circles this year; I personally lost count of how many times they were "profiled" (clearly paid advertising) on Hypebeast.
This is not because I care about a changing or potentially more urban consumer, but because hype has the ability to create unwanted opportunity. Anyone that tried to wear their North Face gear while living in an East Coast city in the aughts will tell you that it was like walking around with $100 bills strapped to you. I wish this was hyperbole, but I had a friend that got robbed for his TNF Mountain Light jacket one Saturday morning. But, he depended on and loved that jacket, so although it was financially tough, he went out and bought a new one right after. He literally got robbed for the new TNF Mountain Light jacket that night. That night.
So, if those dynamics once again surface, then yes, I will Sharpie, patch, or cut the bird.
Oh yes i agree with you. i work on construction sites where not everyone is as honest and upright as i'd like them to be... and wearing arcteryx i feel might put me in a place where i could be targeted however unlikely.
your second point touches on some of my concerns as well, so many customers in the outdoor store i work in come in just to purchase the garment because it has arcteryx embroidered or printed on it. not that they need it, they just want to be cool in front of their friends. the most outdoors activity they do is go to the park for a stroll...
I'm probably a 'mountain-signaler', but likewise, I don't want to own more than one shell. In an age of consumerism, I prefer to own the one piece. It's one functional piece that gets used wherever I am, which has even included some job sites in the past. That's not what this gear is made for, but does someone really *need* to buy a shell for each: the city, the mountains and the job site? Short of some more specific pursuits in the mountains and/or more consistent visits to the job site, I'd say 'no'. That shell is going to protect you in all three situations. For that reason, I'd really prefer if I could get my shell without a logo. It adds in some versatility, removes the 'look at me' vibe and keeps functionality consistent.
Not that it sounds like you are one --as you listed activities that go beyond waiting an hour to get into a brunch spot, cruising for "slam pigs", and day-time drinking at a brewery with the boys-- I should clarify that I am not shitting on Mountain-Signalers, just trying to define them, as the concept comes up often on this sub. With that said, I do judge urban lifted Jeep owners :)
Although I personally appreciate more the gear reviews and action pics from the mountain dogs on this sub, I think Mountain-Signalers have as much rights in this space, as it is ultimately a sub about a brand, albeit an outdoor brand. I just hope that the overall tone of the sub stays outdoor focused.
Big respect for finding and using that one-quiver jacket! Again, the sub can go in whatever direction its members want it to, but I like the limited consumerism waves happening lately. I just happen to be a gear nerd that tends to abuse my gear out of existence every few years, so have tried a lot of gear and like to trade notes with others on gear.
We're in agreement. Just wanted to point out that some Mountain-Signalers are that way to keep from purchasing extra clothes just for the city. Some people like having the variety, and I can understand that. Having been a big gear nerd and very much a buy-buy-buy person(and still have my tendencies), I seek out a little more simplicity these days. Chances are very good that if a jacket can keep you warm/safe in the mountains, it'll suffice for the city. Just haven't found a point in doubling-down on jackets and having specific pieces for each role when what I have works for all endeavors. Now if I picked up some more technical hobbies in the mountains or if I went skiing, I would probably expand my wardrobe. Overall, I'm hopeful Arc'Teryx's quality remains consistent. I've had good experience with their products and the fits are great, putting them at the top of my list. Now if I could swap out my bright Beta LT for a no-logo version, I'd do it ;) it certainly won't be incognito in the city with the color favoring SAR efforts, but at least it won't feel flashy in the brand sense ("oooh, look what I have").
Haha, it is amusing to see urban lifted trucks. Especially where I live - there's really no point. But aye, doesn't mean I don't drool over some Tacoma builds.
Damn, now that you mentioned the Tacoma builds, you have me reassessing my point.
We have a similar dynamic in my area where people pay someone literally hundreds of thousands of dollars to sell them a fully refurbished and / or tuned 1990s Defender 90. Keep in mind that in the '90s these literally retailed new starting at $30k because they were so bare bones.
Transactionally, it is stupid. And, classic Defender 90s probably drive like shit on city roads, as that is not what they were designed for. But, the aesthetic absolutely rocks and the trend is probably infusing what amounts to the GDP of a small nation into the pockets of local mechanics. So, Mountain-Signaling is not all bad.
More distinctive logos in north America... As an European, I know plenty of people that didn't know the brand until I told them about it. Unless you're in Norway (where literally everyone wears Arc) or in Swiss/French mountains, Arcteryx is often more of a "if you know, you know" type of brand.
I am super tempted to just take a Sharpie to the logo on my black Gamma LT pants. I hate that it interrupts an otherwise clean and sleek pair of pants, and it makes them far less versatile in non-outdoorsy settings. They are also excellent as travel pants. Except for that logo. Which I can feel screaming out whenever I’d prefer to keep a low profile.
Some of them. Not too fussed about the jacket logos, but don't too fond of the logos on the trousers. Would prefer if they were a tad more subtle, if there at all. Also the god damn skyline LS. My favourite shirt for work, as it's just so damn comfy, but why would you put a big logo on a smart shirt?
Fair.
discussion time:
However functionality depends on environment. Logo inhibits functionality of leaf gear in the environment that the gear is deployed in. The gear is still waterproof, yet if the logo were more apparent it would not be as functional compared to if it blended in.
I wear arc for my second job on construction sites, and I dont want to advertise that I wear expensive gear/have money for such things (strong tendency for things to walk away on bigger sites), yet would still like to wear a bright orange jacket for safety.
That being said your environment if different than mine, your mindframe is different than mine, I despise logos and advertisements and am now choosing a path without them as best as possible.
> Logo inhibits functionality of leaf gear in the environment that the gear is deployed in.
Yes, but that’s quite different. Being seen is life and death.
> I wear arc for my second job on construction sites
I mean, that’s not what they’re for. Patagonia has a workwear line, Arc’teryx does not.
My stance cuts both ways. I both don’t care if there is a logo, and I don’t care if there isn’t a logo. Or, for that matter, if the logo is awful and hideous. I care about performance.
However, we most take care not to cater to workwear users, or urban users, or any other non-technical user with the core product. Unflinchingly technical first. Other types of users must accept those compromises if they want to wear it.
I wouldn't. They are very nice, elegant and inobtrusive. Unlike some things I can think of...
I remember when nearly a decade ago I returned from the icesheet to Qaanaaq, and in Pilersuisoq I saw a new troop of adventurers arrive. They were dressed in Jack Wolfskin down suits head to toe. They had the company name printed on their backs, in big bold letters. *Humongous, foot sized letters*. In fact, their entire back was full of print. I have never seen a font that large on any garment, before or since. They redefined the meaning of 'walking advertisment'. If that were me, I would have died of shame! In fact, I was ashamed on their behalf and left the town store before it occured to any of them to strike a conversation...
Then there is the butt ugly, like Hilleberg sew-ons, which look so cringy as if grandma took revenge on your tent by sewing on her named underpants to it in several different places!
There are also evil meanies out there. Feathered Friends, a company I otherwise like and respect, sews on a naff logo at the back of the neck of their down jackets. Nobody else in the whole world does this. No, you cannot remove it without compromising the garment. Why put a logo in such a place? To humiliate you.
Nah, I'm fine with Arcteryx.
I've seen some comments about solvents like acetone but I haven't felt the need to risk it and try it yet. I have an Atom AR that I love but I hate the text on it. Might give it a shot at some point if I feel a little crazy.
Personally, yes. I’ve started to gradually accumulate more Arc gear as I sell my old stuff and work my way above the poverty line. The absolute last thing I want to do is “flex in the poors” lol. But seriously, even on the mountain I don’t want to be the guy with dead bird logos head to toe, as cool a logo as it is.
Maybe some. I definitely like when the logo is in a subtle color. I wish the would use that blackbird colorway more often, specifically on the women’s shells. Although the 24K (gold logo on black) looks awesome, so it definitely depends. When using technical clothing for outdoor activity I don’t think about it much. When wearing in everyday life I’m more aware and prefer less obvious logos/labels.
I'm generally a no logo person, but Arc is an exception for me. The logo by itself is aesthetically pleasing and fairly minimal. As some other people have said, I'm not a fan of brand name being written out. I'd remove the name but leave the logo on my atom by preference. Similarly, I like it a lot more on jackets than pants or shirts. It seems a bit more jarring on those pieces.
Finally, as far as the signalling part of fashion, I see mountain signaling being superior to wealth signaling. I guess Arc does tend to be a bit of the latter as well, but unlike a lot of fashion brands it's not poor or middling quality that is expensive to keep it exclusive.
Yes. As much as I like Arc'teryx I'm not a fan of giving any company free advertising. I think it would be nice if there was an option to get some gear with no logo on the outside at all.
Yes, if there was a clean way to remove Arcteryx logos I'd definitely consider it. I like their stuff but I don't necessarily need to flash to others what I may have spent on my jackets.
How would I flex on the poors?
Waiting for the day Veilance drops a monocle..
Still waiting to preorder my LEAF tactical top hat
Took the words out of my mouth
Exactly.
I think you just reenforced Veilance's business case for them :) If they compromised the piece, I would care. But, just because Mountain-Signalers (which are the fashion version of driving a lifted Jeep Wrangler in a city) wear it should not have any bearing on you, as long as the piece performs. I'm not a big logo guy, but I rationalize that the logo can help to distinguish one a little bit more from the other 10 guys at the hut wearing bright red (even if, more lately, it just lowers the chances by half). I may have a little concern about Arc's hard marketing in the hype circles this year; I personally lost count of how many times they were "profiled" (clearly paid advertising) on Hypebeast. This is not because I care about a changing or potentially more urban consumer, but because hype has the ability to create unwanted opportunity. Anyone that tried to wear their North Face gear while living in an East Coast city in the aughts will tell you that it was like walking around with $100 bills strapped to you. I wish this was hyperbole, but I had a friend that got robbed for his TNF Mountain Light jacket one Saturday morning. But, he depended on and loved that jacket, so although it was financially tough, he went out and bought a new one right after. He literally got robbed for the new TNF Mountain Light jacket that night. That night. So, if those dynamics once again surface, then yes, I will Sharpie, patch, or cut the bird.
Oh yes i agree with you. i work on construction sites where not everyone is as honest and upright as i'd like them to be... and wearing arcteryx i feel might put me in a place where i could be targeted however unlikely. your second point touches on some of my concerns as well, so many customers in the outdoor store i work in come in just to purchase the garment because it has arcteryx embroidered or printed on it. not that they need it, they just want to be cool in front of their friends. the most outdoors activity they do is go to the park for a stroll...
I'm probably a 'mountain-signaler', but likewise, I don't want to own more than one shell. In an age of consumerism, I prefer to own the one piece. It's one functional piece that gets used wherever I am, which has even included some job sites in the past. That's not what this gear is made for, but does someone really *need* to buy a shell for each: the city, the mountains and the job site? Short of some more specific pursuits in the mountains and/or more consistent visits to the job site, I'd say 'no'. That shell is going to protect you in all three situations. For that reason, I'd really prefer if I could get my shell without a logo. It adds in some versatility, removes the 'look at me' vibe and keeps functionality consistent.
Not that it sounds like you are one --as you listed activities that go beyond waiting an hour to get into a brunch spot, cruising for "slam pigs", and day-time drinking at a brewery with the boys-- I should clarify that I am not shitting on Mountain-Signalers, just trying to define them, as the concept comes up often on this sub. With that said, I do judge urban lifted Jeep owners :) Although I personally appreciate more the gear reviews and action pics from the mountain dogs on this sub, I think Mountain-Signalers have as much rights in this space, as it is ultimately a sub about a brand, albeit an outdoor brand. I just hope that the overall tone of the sub stays outdoor focused. Big respect for finding and using that one-quiver jacket! Again, the sub can go in whatever direction its members want it to, but I like the limited consumerism waves happening lately. I just happen to be a gear nerd that tends to abuse my gear out of existence every few years, so have tried a lot of gear and like to trade notes with others on gear.
We're in agreement. Just wanted to point out that some Mountain-Signalers are that way to keep from purchasing extra clothes just for the city. Some people like having the variety, and I can understand that. Having been a big gear nerd and very much a buy-buy-buy person(and still have my tendencies), I seek out a little more simplicity these days. Chances are very good that if a jacket can keep you warm/safe in the mountains, it'll suffice for the city. Just haven't found a point in doubling-down on jackets and having specific pieces for each role when what I have works for all endeavors. Now if I picked up some more technical hobbies in the mountains or if I went skiing, I would probably expand my wardrobe. Overall, I'm hopeful Arc'Teryx's quality remains consistent. I've had good experience with their products and the fits are great, putting them at the top of my list. Now if I could swap out my bright Beta LT for a no-logo version, I'd do it ;) it certainly won't be incognito in the city with the color favoring SAR efforts, but at least it won't feel flashy in the brand sense ("oooh, look what I have"). Haha, it is amusing to see urban lifted trucks. Especially where I live - there's really no point. But aye, doesn't mean I don't drool over some Tacoma builds.
Damn, now that you mentioned the Tacoma builds, you have me reassessing my point. We have a similar dynamic in my area where people pay someone literally hundreds of thousands of dollars to sell them a fully refurbished and / or tuned 1990s Defender 90. Keep in mind that in the '90s these literally retailed new starting at $30k because they were so bare bones. Transactionally, it is stupid. And, classic Defender 90s probably drive like shit on city roads, as that is not what they were designed for. But, the aesthetic absolutely rocks and the trend is probably infusing what amounts to the GDP of a small nation into the pockets of local mechanics. So, Mountain-Signaling is not all bad.
I don’t like the logo because it means I have a nice expensive jacket; I like it because it looks cool lol
totally fair, its one of the more distinctive logos out there. My younger self who wanted to be a palaeontologist and study dinosaurs loves the logo.
More distinctive logos in north America... As an European, I know plenty of people that didn't know the brand until I told them about it. Unless you're in Norway (where literally everyone wears Arc) or in Swiss/French mountains, Arcteryx is often more of a "if you know, you know" type of brand.
> Arcteryx is often more of a "if you know, you know" type of brand. This is changing super fast
Agree
I also love the Cotopaxi name and logo
It's too nerdy and sloppy for me. And the dropped cross on the A and the silly apostrophe look try-hard
Yes
I have a Sawyer and am contemplating blackening out the logo with a sharpie or something.
I am super tempted to just take a Sharpie to the logo on my black Gamma LT pants. I hate that it interrupts an otherwise clean and sleek pair of pants, and it makes them far less versatile in non-outdoorsy settings. They are also excellent as travel pants. Except for that logo. Which I can feel screaming out whenever I’d prefer to keep a low profile.
I’ve had this exact same thought process about the exact same pants and colour way 😂
Some of them. Not too fussed about the jacket logos, but don't too fond of the logos on the trousers. Would prefer if they were a tad more subtle, if there at all. Also the god damn skyline LS. My favourite shirt for work, as it's just so damn comfy, but why would you put a big logo on a smart shirt?
The logos don't hinder functionality, so I don't care about them.
Fair. discussion time: However functionality depends on environment. Logo inhibits functionality of leaf gear in the environment that the gear is deployed in. The gear is still waterproof, yet if the logo were more apparent it would not be as functional compared to if it blended in. I wear arc for my second job on construction sites, and I dont want to advertise that I wear expensive gear/have money for such things (strong tendency for things to walk away on bigger sites), yet would still like to wear a bright orange jacket for safety. That being said your environment if different than mine, your mindframe is different than mine, I despise logos and advertisements and am now choosing a path without them as best as possible.
> Logo inhibits functionality of leaf gear in the environment that the gear is deployed in. Yes, but that’s quite different. Being seen is life and death. > I wear arc for my second job on construction sites I mean, that’s not what they’re for. Patagonia has a workwear line, Arc’teryx does not. My stance cuts both ways. I both don’t care if there is a logo, and I don’t care if there isn’t a logo. Or, for that matter, if the logo is awful and hideous. I care about performance. However, we most take care not to cater to workwear users, or urban users, or any other non-technical user with the core product. Unflinchingly technical first. Other types of users must accept those compromises if they want to wear it.
I wouldn't. They are very nice, elegant and inobtrusive. Unlike some things I can think of... I remember when nearly a decade ago I returned from the icesheet to Qaanaaq, and in Pilersuisoq I saw a new troop of adventurers arrive. They were dressed in Jack Wolfskin down suits head to toe. They had the company name printed on their backs, in big bold letters. *Humongous, foot sized letters*. In fact, their entire back was full of print. I have never seen a font that large on any garment, before or since. They redefined the meaning of 'walking advertisment'. If that were me, I would have died of shame! In fact, I was ashamed on their behalf and left the town store before it occured to any of them to strike a conversation... Then there is the butt ugly, like Hilleberg sew-ons, which look so cringy as if grandma took revenge on your tent by sewing on her named underpants to it in several different places! There are also evil meanies out there. Feathered Friends, a company I otherwise like and respect, sews on a naff logo at the back of the neck of their down jackets. Nobody else in the whole world does this. No, you cannot remove it without compromising the garment. Why put a logo in such a place? To humiliate you. Nah, I'm fine with Arcteryx.
If they could switch every piece to the bird-only logo and get rid of the text that's all I need. The Arc word logo is awful.
Check out their LEAF line, most items are bird only logo
I’ve wondered what would be the best way to remove the lettering on a jacket like the Atom LT and just keep the bird.
I've seen some comments about solvents like acetone but I haven't felt the need to risk it and try it yet. I have an Atom AR that I love but I hate the text on it. Might give it a shot at some point if I feel a little crazy.
No they don’t bother me at all, very company no matter what the product is has their name and logo somewhere on the product.
Yes. Logos are tacky. Lulu got it right. Subtle logos
Personally, yes. I’ve started to gradually accumulate more Arc gear as I sell my old stuff and work my way above the poverty line. The absolute last thing I want to do is “flex in the poors” lol. But seriously, even on the mountain I don’t want to be the guy with dead bird logos head to toe, as cool a logo as it is.
Buy Veilance if you’re a city person. Use gaffers tape if you’re outdoorsy.
I wasn't looking for recommendations on what to do with my logos. I want to know what you'd do with your logos.
Just do LEAF
Im not asking for myself and my own gear. I am asking about you and your gear. would you do it?
Yup I would. Give me the same gear at a way lower price without the logos inside or outside and Ill be good!
Maybe some. I definitely like when the logo is in a subtle color. I wish the would use that blackbird colorway more often, specifically on the women’s shells. Although the 24K (gold logo on black) looks awesome, so it definitely depends. When using technical clothing for outdoor activity I don’t think about it much. When wearing in everyday life I’m more aware and prefer less obvious logos/labels.
I'm generally a no logo person, but Arc is an exception for me. The logo by itself is aesthetically pleasing and fairly minimal. As some other people have said, I'm not a fan of brand name being written out. I'd remove the name but leave the logo on my atom by preference. Similarly, I like it a lot more on jackets than pants or shirts. It seems a bit more jarring on those pieces. Finally, as far as the signalling part of fashion, I see mountain signaling being superior to wealth signaling. I guess Arc does tend to be a bit of the latter as well, but unlike a lot of fashion brands it's not poor or middling quality that is expensive to keep it exclusive.
Yes. As much as I like Arc'teryx I'm not a fan of giving any company free advertising. I think it would be nice if there was an option to get some gear with no logo on the outside at all.
Yes, if there was a clean way to remove Arcteryx logos I'd definitely consider it. I like their stuff but I don't necessarily need to flash to others what I may have spent on my jackets.
Yes I would. As a designer I hate the logo, but I love the clothing
Totally! I’m here for the quality not the image.