When adventure calls, the gear you choose becomes your trusted companion in the great outdoors. Among the best brands of outdoor apparel and equipment, two names often spark the interest of enthusiasts: Haglöfs and Arc’teryx.
Renowned for their relentless pursuit of quality and a deep-rooted commitment to environmental stewardship, these brands have gained distinctive reputations in the world of outdoor gear.
Yet, for all their similarities, Haglöfs and Arc’teryx bring unique offerings to the market.
In this article, we’ll compare these two industry leaders in detail, examining their origins, innovation in materials, approach to manufacturing, and prices.
In the end, you’ll have a better understanding of these companies and a clearer idea of which brand to choose.
Let’s begin!
Contents:
1. Haglöfs
A Short History of the Brand
Haglöfs official website
What began as a small backpack company founded in Sweden in the early 20th century has grown into a global leader in outdoor gear known for rugged dependability and eco-conscious design.
Haglöfs traces its origins to 1914 when Swedish entrepreneur Wiktor Haglöf started crafting durable packs for traveling in his country’s demanding landscapes. Determined to create gear that withstood any conditions, Haglöf focused on sturdy construction and practical features.
As the 20th century progressed, the company expanded its catalog while maintaining meticulous craftsmanship. Haglöf’s products soon gained a reputation for high performance, quality, and reliability that endures today.
Now international in scope, the organization continues innovating while promoting environmental stewardship and outdoor recreation. Whether braving Arctic cold or tropical heat, Haglöf gear enables adventures in nature’s majestic settings. The company’s commitment to the outdoors inspires exploration on foot or skis.
Don’t miss:
8 Swedish Clothing and Jacket Brands for Your Outdoor Adventures
Haglöfs vs Patagonia (Outdoor Gear Comparison)
Materials and Manufacturing
This outdoor brand has set ambitious sustainability targets, aiming to halve carbon emissions by 2030 through innovative initiatives. The company is dedicated to collectively minimizing environmental impact.
Garments frequently feature eco-friendly materials like organic cotton, hemp, and lyocell chosen for their low footprint qualities. Plastic reduction efforts and gentler dyeing processes increase the commitment to responsible resource stewardship.
A standardized assessment framework, the Higg Index, evaluates the sustainability of products. Strict sourcing policies require leather and down suppliers to prioritize animal welfare and environmental protection, with RDS-certified down for ethical practices.
The design philosophy seamlessly integrates advanced textiles and technologies, providing protection and comfort. Examples include fabrics made from recycled polyamide and polyester, Gore-Tex membranes, as well as synthetic insulation options engineered to maximize performance like MIMIC insulation.
International manufacturing presence in Asian and European countries facilitates production. Combined with unrelenting quality controls, this global scale has increased the brand’s popularity, especially in the Scandinavian territory.
Read also: 7 Swedish Backpack Brands that You Have To See
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Suggested Products
Haglöfs Vassi GTX Pro Men’s Jacket
Image from haglofs.com
Check it out at Haglofs.com
The Vassi GTX Pro Men’s Jacket represents an excellent choice for off-piste enthusiasts. Constructed with the latest 40D GORE-TEX Pro, it delivers exceptional breathability and unparalleled protection from the elements.
The jacket incorporates advanced features including slanted front ventilation compatible with backpacks, strategically positioned pockets, and a safety-enhancing RECCO® reflector.
Designed to accommodate helmets, the jacket also features water-resistant zippers and a snow skirt, ensuring optimal dryness and comfort in deep powder. Additional comfort is provided by a soft brushed lining in the chin and neck area, while adjustable waist and cuffs effectively keep the cold at bay.
The jacket stands as a meticulously crafted piece of gear, offering durability, comfort, and safety tailored for serious skiers.
Don’t miss: 10 Best European Outdoor Brands: Our Favorites
Haglöfs L.I.M 35 Hiking Backpack
Image from haglofs.com
Check it out at Haglofs.com
Weighing in at 920 grams, the 35-liter Haglöfs L.I.M 35 Backpack showcases an exceptional design tailored for hikers. The Airback suspension system prioritizes back comfort and breathability, while its versatile compartments and compatibility with hydration systems position it as an ideal selection for extended outdoor expeditions.
Read also: 8 European Backpack Brands for Traveling, Hiking, and Outdoor Activities
Prices
Haglöfs offers its products at a price that ranges from moderate to premium, with jackets priced between $100 to $800 for their highest quality and most technical designs. The selection of bags and backpacks is available in the range of $60 to $300.
Is Haglöfs worth it?
Upon reviewing Haglöfs’ products, it’s clear that the brand prioritizes technological innovation and sustainable initiatives, positioning it as a great choice if you’re looking for high-quality outdoor gear. So, yes, it’s worth it if you ask us!
Learn more: Why is Haglöfs so Expensive? (from TrailsAndFreedom.com)
Don’t miss: 8 Best High-End Outdoor Clothing Brands for Your Adventures
2. Arc’teryx
A Short History of the Brand
Arc’teryx official website
Arc’teryx is a globally recognized producer of outdoor apparel and equipment. Founded in Canada during 1989 by entrepreneur Dave Lane under the name Rock Solid, the company initially specialized in technical climbing gear.
In 1991, Lane partnered with Blair Murdoch and Tim Duholke, officially establishing the Arc’teryx brand name. A reference to the Archaeopteryx fossil, the name symbolizes evolution within the outdoor industry.
Noteworthy early innovations included the iconic Bora backpack and Vapor harness. After securing Gore-Tex licensing, the product range expanded to include cutting-edge weatherproof clothing. Gore-Tex remains integral to some of their most advanced designs.
While originally focusing on rock climbing, Arc’teryx has since developed apparel catering to hikers, alpinists, and snowsport athletes. Their solutions for winter conditions are some of the best in the market.
Don’t miss: 8 Quality Brands like Arc’teryx: Our Top Picks
Materials and Manufacturing
Arc’teryx is recognized for utilizing sustainably and ethically sourced high-quality materials. Their inputs undergo rigorous bluesign® certification and Life Cycle Assessment protocols to determine environmental impacts.
The brand selectively employs organic and synthetic materials based on design needs, resulting in products renowned for excellence. Down insulation adheres to the Responsible Down Standard, ensuring the humane treatment of waterfowl.
Coreloft represents a commonly used synthetic insulation option, while Gore-Tex and the company’s own AC2 membrane feature prominently in outdoor apparel and packs respectively.
Ethical manufacturing and sourcing have supported Arc’teryx’s growth. While some production remains domestic to Canada, global operations are primarily located in Asia and other international hubs known for technical craftsmanship.
Read also: Helly Hansen vs Arc’teryx Jackets: Which Brand is Better?
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Suggested Products
Arc’teryx Men’s Alpha Parka
Image from arcteryx.com
Check it out at Arcteryx.com
The Arc’teryx Men’s Alpha Parka is a premium down-insulated jacket designed specifically for cold-weather mountaineering and climbing.
Featuring RDS-certified 850-fill goose down and mapped synthetic insulation, it provides outstanding warmth to protect against frigid belaying conditions. The synthetic panels add breathability where moisture is likely to accumulate.
A cutting-edge 2L GORE-TEX INFINIUM fabric combines breathable waterproofness with a proprietary ultra-lightweight and durable Hadron face material. Hadron was engineered by Arc’teryx to redefine alpine durability through a liquid crystal polymer ripstop grid, offering abrasion resistance on par with fabrics twice the weight.
The jacket also protects against harsh winds. A StormHood protects the head without hindering vision critical to climbing. An articulated gender-specific fit ensures comfortable mobility over winter climbing layers.
Read also: How To Wash Arc’teryx Jackets and Outdoor Gear: A Practical Guide
Arc’teryx Men’s Bora 65 Backpack
Image from arcteryx.com
Check it out at Arcteryx.com
The Bora 65 Men’s Backpack demonstrates excellence in design for weekend or extended trips. Its comfortable carry enables exploration and difficult ventures.
Key features include the RotoGlide hipbelt that moves naturally with the body for balanced stability and a locking function for added support. GridLock harness customization ensures a precise fit.
High-tenacity Cordura® pack cloth construction delivers durability for backcountry use. Both top and side access optimize the spacious main compartment, supplemented by multiple external pockets.
Ideal for outdoor enthusiasts requiring a comfortable and versatile pack, the Bora 65 supports active lifestyles through reliable performance on extended trips beyond the beaten path.
Prices
While Arc’teryx products are often viewed as a premium investment in the outdoor community, the brand delivers performance in line with its prices.
Their jackets commonly fall in the $150 to $1,000 price range, designed to meet a variety of needs and budgets. Their backpacks provide versatile carrying solutions ranging from $50 to $350.
Is Arc’teryx worth it?
While the prices of Arc’teryx gear may exceed some budgets, the brand offers great value through high-performing products that stand the test of time. For dedicated mountain enthusiasts and expert winter athletes, Arc’teryx equipment is a good investment.
Learn more: Why is Arc’teryx so Expensive? Are Their Jackets Worth the Price?
3. Which Brand is Better?
Now let’s see our final considerations to help you make the right decision:
Target Market:
- Haglöfs caters to a wide range of outdoor enthusiasts, from casual hikers to serious mountaineers. Their gear is suitable for most activities.
- Arc’teryx focuses more on technical activities like mountaineering, rock climbing, skiing, and snowboarding. Their gear is designed more for serious and expert levels of these sports.
Quality:
- Both brands are known for high-quality, durable construction. Haglöfs uses premium, eco-friendly materials.
- Arc’teryx is considered the gold standard for technical functionality and performance. Their fabrics and designs push innovation.
- Some advanced materials they use include Gore-Tex membranes, Haglöfs MIMIC synthetic insulation, Arc’teryx Coreloft synthetic insulation, etc.
Prices:
- Haglöfs offers moderate to premium pricing, with jackets from $100 to $800 and packs from $60 to $300.
- Arc’teryx is more expensive, with jackets from $150 to $1,000 and packs from $50 to $350.
Sustainability:
- Haglöfs is a leader in eco-friendly initiatives like reducing plastics and adopting greener practices.
- Arc’teryx also uses sustainable, certified materials and aims to minimize environmental impact.
In the end, for most outdoor activities, Haglöfs provides you with excellent gear at reasonable prices. Arc’teryx is what we’d choose for experts and professionals due to its more technical designs and premium performance, though at a higher price tag.
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