Arc'teryx secures loyal consumer following across China thanks to high-quality outdoor clothing and community outreach events

As of 2024, China continued to be Canada's second-largest trading partner, as well as its second-largest export market and source of imports. The two nations share common interests in addressing global challenges such as climate change, reforming the multilateral trading system and collaborating on Arctic affairs, fostering stronger diplomatic ties and cooperation.

The eighth China International Import Expo, held in November 2025, welcomed nearly 200 Canadian enterprises, marking the eighth consecutive year of Canadian participation. This highlights the strong trade relations and mutual interests between the nations.

READ MORE: Sportswear enjoys sprinting sales in China

Canadian brands such as Lululemon, Arc'teryx and Canada Goose have achieved significant success in the Chinese market in recent years, bridging commerce and culture while strengthening bilateral ties.

From the mountains

Arc'teryx, a global design company specializing in technical high-performance outerwear and equipment, is headquartered in North Vancouver, British Columbia. Founded in 1989 by two climbers, Dave Lane and Jeremy Guard, Arc'teryx was created in a basement to produce gear suited to their demanding surroundings.

Over the years, its innovative designs and commitment to durability have won it a dedicated global following, particularly among outdoor enthusiasts.

Named after Archaeopteryx lithographica, an evolutionary link between dinosaurs and birds, Arc'teryx has evolved from a small startup to a global leader in outdoor athletic wear. Led by CEO Stuart Haselden since 2021, Arc'teryx has expanded its product lines and transformed its operations.

An avid adventurer himself, Haselden has spearheaded efforts to revamp product development, invest in innovation and enhance the company's appeal to a broader audience.

Its parent company, Amer Sports, reported a 30 percent year-on-year revenue growth for the third quarter of 2025, reaching $1.76 billion, according to a news release on the company's website. The technical apparel division, including Arc'teryx, fueled this momentum with a 31 percent year-on-year revenue increase, reaching $683 million. Third-quarter revenue across the Chinese mainland, Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan increased by 47 percent year-over-year, surpassing $460 million.

Speaking about the brand's success, Haselden said in an interview with Modern Weekly magazine that its commitment to continuous innovation in functional apparel and gear helps the brand break boundaries, earn the loyalty of athletes and customers, and stand out in an increasingly competitive market.

Innovation is at the core of Arc'teryx's philosophy, a principle embodied by its motto: "Evolve is our mindset." According to the company, evolution in action is a willingness to experiment and fail, to iterate and move forward. It is also a mantra for its team, creating a culture that encourages curiosity and aspirations.

Arc'teryx's flagship products, such as the Alpha SV jacket, exemplify this ethos. This weather-resistant jacket uses micro seams and laminated components to reduce weight while increasing durability and breathability. It was tested extensively in the mountains of British Columbia, where the rigorous climate provides the ultimate proving ground.

Inspired by the natural world, Arc'teryx anchors its operations in the rugged environment of the Coast Mountains. From the company's headquarters in North Vancouver, one can be in the backcountry within an hour. This proximity allows designers to test products in real-world scenarios, ensuring they deliver the performance and functionality demanded by serious outdoor enthusiasts.

"Our designers are mountain athletes solving problems for other mountain athletes," said Arc'teryx. "The only way to build the right gear for this environment was to build the company in this environment."

Cultural integration

China remains Arc'teryx's largest and most successful market in many respects. "The Chinese team has played a crucial role in innovating new retail models, acting as a catalyst for Arc'teryx's global innovation and transformation," said Haselden. In fact, Arc'teryx has opened its first Arc'Lounge at The Peninsula Beijing hotel. It encompasses retail, a renewal workshop and a social lounge, reconnecting urban dwellers with nature.

Beyond retail, Arc'teryx also seeks to connect with local consumers through cultural initiatives. Since 2021, the company has released a limited-edition Zodiac series before Chinese New Year, becoming a brand tradition eagerly anticipated by consumers.

For the Year of the Horse in 2026, Arc'teryx released a horse-inspired Rush series of ski jackets and pants, designed with both functionality and artistry in mind. The intricate red and yellow patterns of a galloping horse, incorporated into cutting-edge materials, invoke speed, grace and perseverance.

In 2024, the brand revealed a limited-edition collection for the Year of the Dragon, showcasing a dragon scale pattern that embodies the strength of this legendary creature. For 2025, Arc'teryx continued the tradition with a special release of its iconic Alpha SV jacket to mark the Year of the Snake. This edition featured a unique artistic design reflecting the snake's qualities of wisdom, creativity and boldness.

These collections, a nod to traditional Chinese culture, demonstrate the brand's ability to marry technical excellence with cultural storytelling while strengthening its connection with local consumers.

Global communication

Outdoor climbing in China was once a pursuit for a daring few. Recently, it has gained more attention as a niche sport, with sport climbing making its Olympic debut at the 2020 Tokyo Games. Climbing embodies the spirit of pushing personal limits, fostering mental and technical growth. Its unique philosophy and characteristics have fueled its popularity in China.

In October 2023, Arc'teryx held its Climb Academy for the first time in Yangshuo in the Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region, one of China's most iconic climbing destinations. The event attracted leading voices from China's climbing community and participants from around the world.

Over three days, industry experts, athletes and regional leaders exchanged knowledge while honing their climbing and outdoor skills in the stunning karst mountain landscape.

Workshops ranged from beginner to advanced techniques, such as deep-water soloing, multi-pitch climbing, rescue skills and injury management. Athletes, including He Chuan, Zhou Peng and Will Gadd, provided mentorship and shared their experiences in overcoming challenges in extreme environments.

Chinese climber and Arc'teryx athlete He, together with his team, achieved the first-ever Chinese ascent of the Trango Tower in Pakistan in August 2023. He said: "The Arc'teryx Climb Academy offers Chinese climbing enthusiasts a comprehensive and professional learning pathway, injecting energy into the climbing community in China."

The academy also fostered collaboration and community building, with attendees participating in the development of new climbing routes, contributing to Yangshuo's growing reputation as an international climbing hub.

"The Arc'teryx Climb Academy is a professional and profound event that provides climbers with greater opportunities for reflection and exploration," said He Lingxuan, president of the Yangshuo Climbing Association.

In 2024, Arc'teryx expanded its Climb Academy initiative. Among the new additions were specialized courses on advanced climbing, route development and female-focused climbing psychology. The international instructor lineup included top athletes such as Sarah Hueniken, an alpine guide certified by the Association of Canadian Mountain Guides.

ALSO READ: Fresh start in China-Canada bilateral relations hailed

Arc'teryx also published a report on the development of outdoor climbing in China in 2024, charting four decades of climbing culture in the country. The report provided a comprehensive analysis of the characteristics and challenges of climbing in China, from skill development to infrastructure and community engagement. Highlighting "people, places and systems", it offered a detailed road map for the development of Chinese climbing.

Through its efforts, Arc'teryx not only cultivates climbing talent and enriches local ecosystems but also connects Chinese enthusiasts with the global climbing community. By introducing international best practices and fostering cross-cultural exchange, the brand plays an important role in the development of China's outdoor sports industry.

As China's passion for outdoor adventure continues to grow, the future for international cooperation in this sphere shines bright. Whether climbing a mountain or bridging cultures, Arc'teryx and its Canadian counterparts demonstrate that the journey is as important as the destination.