Light is Right: New Arc’teryx Climbing Gear

Arc’teryx got its start in climbing before expanding into the technical apparel for which it is better known today. This season, the brand is returning to its roots with the new Lithos SL Harness, which completely reimagines the possibilities of lightweight climbing gear. Alongside it is the updated Alpha Jacket, a renowned alpine workhorse built for rugged, waterproof, and breathable protection. Together, the lightweight Lithos SL Harness and the durable Alpha Jacket form the ultimate alpine climbing kit. Let’s dive into the details.

Arc’teryx Lithos SL Harness
In the Arc’teryx lineup, "SL" stands for Super Light—a designation perfectly embodied by the minimalist Lithos SL Harness. Built specifically for ultralight sport climbing, it features the latest evolution of Warp Strength Technology (WST 2.0). By spreading structural fibres across the entire width of the back panel, Arc’teryx has streamlined construction to create a waist belt just 2mm thick without sacrificing support or comfort.

The overall design is intentionally minimalist, featuring two strategically placed, snap-fit moulded gear loops that securely hold your rack. A re-engineered, low-profile forged buckle makes donning and removing the harness quick and effortless while providing a smoother, more secure cinching action. Furthermore, each leg loop is constructed from a single, continuous piece of webbing, eliminating stitching in critical areas to maximize durability and enhance overall mobility.

Arc’teryx has also introduced an innovative, customizable sizing system for the Lithos SL. Instead of traditional fixed ratios found in gender-specific harnesses, climbers can independently select one of six waist sizes and pair it with a specific leg loop profile (A for smaller/regular, B for larger/longer) to achieve a tailored fit.

The result is an impressive balance of support, durability, and comfort packed into a remarkably lightweight design.



Features

• Ultralight & Packable: Highly compressible minimalist design.
• Warp Strength Technology (WST 2.0): Evenly disperses body weight across the entire width of the harness.
• Continuous Leg Loops: Constructed from a single-piece nylon and UHMWPE fibre blend to eliminate high-wear stitching.
• Minimalist Hardware: Features two snap-fit moulded gear loops and a low-profile belay loop.
• Weather Resistant: Treated with a durable water-repellent finish.

Materials
Body: Burly™ Double Weave (220 gsm) – 56% Nylon, 34% Polyester, 10% Elastane
Contrast: 690d Cordura® 6,6 plain weave (242 gsm) – 100% Nylon
Manufacturing: Fabric and dyeing origin: Taiwan, China; Manufactured in China.

Specs
Price: $190 CAN / $150 US
Weight: 275g / 9.7 oz
Sizes: 1-A through 6-B (Waist sizes 1–6 paired with Leg Profiles A or B)
Colours: Black / Mantis

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Arc’teryx Alpha Jacket
While the Alpha Jacket is an established icon, it remains the definitive standard for lightweight, alpine-ready performance. Formerly known as the Alpha AR, it was renamed simply the Alpha Jacket in 2024. Over the past two decades, the Alpha designation has expanded into a comprehensive collection of climbing and alpinism gear, but the flagship jacket continues to set the benchmark. It is purposefully engineered for fast, technical ascents that demand uncompromised waterproof and breathable protection in the most durable format possible.

Updated for this spring, the Alpha Jacket now utilizes GORE-TEX PRO ePE paired with a 50D Hadron face fabric for superior abrasion resistance. Free from intentionally added PFAS, this innovative membrane provides exceptional weather protection in an incredibly lightweight form factor. The proprietary Hadron face fabric is constructed by weaving a fine-gauge liquid crystal polymer (LCP) ripstop grid into a durable nylon base, delivering twice the durability of other fabrics in its weight class.

Safety and storage have also been upgraded. A low-profile RECCO® reflector is now seamlessly integrated into the hood brim to assist rescue teams in an emergency. Inside, a new internal dump pocket allows you to quickly stash a toque or gloves, while a zippered security pocket keeps valuables safe.

Featuring harness-compatible chest pockets and climber-specific articulation, the Alpha is a minimalist shell that packs down to almost nothing. Despite its lightweight nature, it makes no compromises—retaining essential alpine features like an adjustable StormHood™, Velcro® cuff closures, and glove-friendly Cohaesive™ hem adjustments to seal out the elements.

For climbers seeking a bomber shell that offers maximum environmental protection without unnecessary bulk, the Alpha Jacket delivers. Paired with the new Lithos SL Harness, it creates an unparalleled, gram-counting alpine kit.



Features

• Premium Weatherproofing: Fully waterproof, windproof, and highly breathable.
• GORE-TEX PRO ePE: Next-generation membrane that is entirely free from intentionally added PFAS.
• Hadron™ Face Fabric: Proprietary liquid crystal polymer ripstop grid for class-leading abrasion resistance.
• Climbing-Specific Utility: Two high, harness-compatible chest pockets, one internal dump pocket, and one internal zippered security pocket.
• Alpine Adjustments: Helmet-compatible StormHood™, adjustable Velcro® cuffs, and Cohaesive™ hem adjusters optimized for use with gloves or mittens.
• Safety Integration: Hidden RECCO® reflector in the hood brim.

Materials
Body: 20D Hadron™ 3L GORE-TEX PRO (78 gsm, FC0 DWR) – 94% Nylon, 6% Polyarylate with ePE & PU membrane, 100% Nylon backing
Contrast: 50D Hadron™ 3L GORE-TEX PRO ePE (99 gsm, FC0 DWR) – 94% Nylon, 6% Polyarylate with ePE and PU membrane, 100% Nylon backing

Specs
Price: $850 CAN / $700 US
Weight: 358g / 12.6 oz
Sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL
Colours: Graphite/Black, Euphoria / Arctic Silk