When the temperatures drop and winter sets in, it’s time to start thinking about investing in quality outdoor gear.
With so many brands to choose from, it can be overwhelming to decide which one to go for. That’s a problem we often have when in a clothing store trying to pick one of the myriad of available brands.
And that’s why here on this website we’ve put in the effort to compare some of the top brands out there.
Today we’ll do the same as we’ll be focusing on Moncler and Arc’teryx. Both brands have a reputation for producing high-quality outdoor clothing and gear, especially down-insulated jackets.
But which one is better? Let’s take a closer look and find out.
Contents:
Moncler and Arc’teryx Brands and Products: Popularity Charts
Here are three charts showing the popularity of Moncler and Arc’teryx brands and main products based on the number of monthly online searches (April 2023 data):
1. Moncler
History of the Brand
Moncler is an Italian luxury brand that was founded in 1952 in Monestier-de-Clermont, Grenoble, France, by René Ramillon. Initially, the brand produced sleeping bags and tents but later moved on to designing and manufacturing quilted jackets for winter wear.
Moncler official website
These jackets were originally created for workers who worked outside in the cold during winter months.
Over the years, Moncler has established itself as a high-end fashion brand, known for producing some of the best quality outdoor clothing and gear.
The brand was purchased in 2003 by Remo Ruffini, an Italian entrepreneur, and its headquarters are now based in Milan, Italy.
Moncler jackets come with a price tag that rivals and outdoes that of Arc’teryx, making it one of the most expensive jacket brands on the market.
Don’t miss: 6 Brands like Moncler but Cheaper (+ Jacket Suggestions)
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Materials and Manufacture
Moncler products are manufactured with high-quality materials and are known for their luxurious designs. The brand utilizes a variety of fabrics, including Japanese nylon, which is of the highest quality, is very durable, and provides weather protection.
Moncler also uses down insulation, which is considered to be the best insulation available, providing excellent warmth even in the coldest temperatures.
The down used in Moncler products is sourced from white geese and is ethically sourced. The brand’s jackets are designed to protect against the elements and fit comfortably, going through a meticulous manufacturing process to ensure that the final product is of the highest standard.
Moncler uses fur trim on many of its jackets, which Arc’teryx usually does not. Overall, Moncler products are made with precision and care, using only the best materials to create high-end, luxurious winter wear.
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Where are Moncler jackets and other products made?
The manufacturing process for Moncler products is spread across a number of countries, including Romania, Bulgaria, Hungary, Georgia, and Armenia.
Read also: Moncler vs Canada Goose: Which Brand is Better?
Featured Designs
Now let’s take look at two jackets by Moncler to have a better idea of its products:
Women’s Pontaix Short Down Jacket
Image: moncler.com
Check it out at moncler.com
The Women’s Pontaix Down Jacket is a black short jacket available in various sizes. It’s part of Moncler’s outerwear collection for women and features a quilted design. The jacket is filled with down insulation, which provides warmth and comfort in cold weather conditions. It uses recycled nylon lining.
Pontaix also features a two-way front zipper and zippered pockets for added convenience. It is a high-quality, stylish, and durable product.
Men’s Maya Short Down Jacket
Image: moncler.com
Check it out at moncler.com
The Maya Down Jacket is a Moncler icon, a jacket designed for men available in various sizes and colors. Part of the brand’s outerwear collection, it features a quilted design with a detachable hood.
The jacket comes with down insulation for warmth, a two-way front zipper, and zippered pockets. A durable and fashionable product for men who require high-quality outerwear.
Learn more: Moncler Fake vs Real Jacket: How To Spot It?
Prices
Moncler is known for producing some of the most expensive jackets on the market, with prices that rival and outdo those of Arc’teryx. The brand has established itself as a luxury brand, designing and manufacturing some of the best high-end fashion pieces when it comes to outdoor winter wear.
Moncler jackets come with a price tag that can cost anything from $1000 to $2000, depending on the style of the jacket or coat.
Are Moncler jackets really worth the price?
While the prices may seem unreasonable to some, the brand’s quality and performance are considered to be some of the best on the market, making the price tag more than justified for those who have the budget and love the brand.
Must read: Why is Moncler so Expensive? Are Their Jackets Worth the Price?
2. Arc’teryx
History of the Brand
Arc’teryx is a popular brand of outdoor clothing and equipment that was established by Dave Lane in Canada in 1989. Originally named Rock Solid, the brand specialized in making climbing gear.
In 1991, Dave Lane partnered with Blair Murdoch and Tim Duholke, and the official Arc’teryx name was set, which refers to the Archaeopteryx, the oldest known bird, a symbol of evolution and innovation.
Image: Arc’teryx logo on a jacket
Over the years, Arc’teryx has designed and developed numerous products that have become iconic pieces among loyal customers, including the Bora backpack and the Vapor harness, both of which were made with thermolamination technology and were different from similar products.
While initially focusing on climbing gear, Arc’teryx expanded its product range to include outdoor clothing after obtaining the license to use Gore-Tex fabrics, which the company still uses in some of its highest-performing pieces.
Arc’teryx primarily caters to hikers and climbers, but also makes some of the best snowsport clothing, providing options for a large variety of outdoor enthusiasts.
Read also: 8 Quality Brands like Arc’teryx: Our Top Picks
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Materials and Manufacture
Arc’teryx is known for using high-quality materials that are sustainably and responsibly sourced. The materials used are bluesign® certified and undergo rigorous assessment through the Life Cycle Assessment protocols to establish the impact of the stages of product life.
The brand uses both synthetic and organic materials depending on the design, and they ensure that all finished products are of the highest quality. The insulation used in jackets abides by the Responsible Down Standard, which is set in place to ensure that waterfowl are treated humanely.
Learn more: Exploring Arc’teryx Sustainability: Are They Doing Enough?
The brand primarily relies on Coreloft, which is often part of insulation blends, for synthetic insulation. As for membranes and fabric technologies, Arc’teryx primarily uses Gore-Tex, especially for its clothes, but it also uses its own developed technology, the AC2, mainly for backpacks.
The ethics of manufacturing, sourcing, and employee fair treatment are all important points where the company focuses and that have made it so popular over the years.
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Where are Arc’teryx jackets and other products made?
Arc’teryx products are produced in multiple regions. While some of the products are manufactured in Canada, the majority of them are made in China and other Asian countries.
Read next: Arc’teryx vs Helly Hansen Jackets: Which Brand is Better?
Featured Designs
By Arc’teryx, we have picked:
Women’s Atom Hoody
Image: arcteryx.com
Check it out at arcteryx.com
The Women’s Atom Hoody is a light and versatile synthetically insulated hoody that works as a mid-layer or standalone depending on the weather. It is a part of the Atom Series, uses Coreloft Compact insulation, and is available in various colors and sizes.
It’s designed to perform flawlessly every time and is a good option for outdoor enthusiasts who require durable and versatile gear for their activities, be it hiking, climbing, or backpacking.
Men’s Cerium Hoody
Image: arcteryx.com
Check it out at arcteryx.com
The Men’s Cerium Hoody is a light and warm down hoody designed for alpine activities. It is available in various colors and sizes and has been designed to perform as an alpine mid-layer or versatile standalone, so it’s suitable for a range of outdoor activities.
It’s made of recycled nylon and responsibly sourced 850 fill-power down. It’s a great choice for trekking, skiing, alpine climbing, or for city wear.
Learn more: How To Wash Arc’teryx Jackets and Outdoor Gear: A Practical Guide
Prices
The prices of Arc’teryx fall somewhere between $200-$300 on average, which is not the most expensive compared to other brands. However, some of their jackets can go for more than $600. But the high performance of these jackets justifies their price.
Are Arc’teryx jackets really worth it?
While Arc’teryx prices can be a barrier for some customers, its products are worth the investment as they perform flawlessly every time and last for years. In our opinion, Arc’teryx products are a worthwhile purchase if you’re serious about mountain activities or sports.
Must read: Why is Arc’teryx so Expensive? Are Their Jackets Worth the Price?
3. Which Brand is Better?
Both Moncler and Arc’teryx are well-known and respected brands in the outdoor gear industry, and both have their own unique strengths and styles. It obviously comes down to personal preference and what you’re looking for in terms of design, quality, and functionality.
But you already knew this, right? You came here for an opinion, after all! Let’s see:
Moncler produces mainly in Europe, while Arc’teryx is made in Asia. This can be a deciding factor for many.
Arc’teryx has more of a sports feeling with its jackets that are mainly made for mountain activities. And while Moncler also offers high performance, it also comes with a fashion and luxury element attached to its price tag.
And speaking of prices, Arc’teryx is expensive, but Moncler is prohibitive for most people. So, this is also another very important deciding point.
In the end, we’d choose Arc’teryx for mountain activities and (relatively) save some money in the process. We’d keep Moncler as a fashionable jacket investment for special occasions.
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That’s all for today’s comparison! Have you tried any of these brands’ jackets? What do you think about them? Let us know in the comments below.
Read next: Moncler vs Mackage: Which Brand is Better?
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