Arc’teryx has historically been popular among outdoor enthusiasts and adventurers, but recently youngsters have been sporting workwear and outdoor gear as fashion statements, elevating the garments to designer territory (to mixed reception). Gorpcore especially has been wildly popular over the last (almost) decade, with Arc’teryx at the forefront of the trend. For the uninitiated, gorpcore isn’t so much defined by specific brands, although Patagonia and The North Face are certainly among the poster children, but by wearing clothes designed for the outdoors in a streetwear-inspired fashion. Thanks to this rise in popularity, many technical/outdoor apparel brands have launched sub-labels to capitalize on the growing profile of these clothes in the fashion world, particularly streetwear. Arc’teryx’s sublabel, System_A, is the perfect example of a brand understanding what the fashionable young crowd wants and delivering it – without losing the essence of what originally made them popular. And now another collection from System_A, Drop 5, has just been released, featuring performance clothing inspired by rock climbing, among other pieces.
In this collection, we have new jackets, shirts, pants, and hats – along with a nifty waist pack. Kicking it off is the insulated yet breathable Chexa Hybrid Jacket, a mid-layer garment (that also works as a stand-alone), including Coreloft insulation and fleece. The long-sleeve Copal T-Shirt features iconic Arc’teryx graphics, odor resistance, and the company’s Phasic AR II fabric, a moisture-wicking polyester. Two hats are also featured in the collection including the Letro Bucket Hat and the Paltz Cap Print, with graphics to match the shirts. Last but not least is the Q5 Waistpack, an adjustable pack perfect for city and outdoor activities.
The inspiration for this collection comes from a team of rock climbers (bouldering specifically) hailing from Utah, who prioritized warm and breathable clothes for their sends.
The System_A Drop 5 is out now online and in stores, with more information on the Arc’Teryx website.
