Arc’teryx is all about reaching new heights. Their outerwear is designed to take you to the highest points on the globe. They sponsor some of the toughest athletes on the planet. And their emblem is famously a bird – albeit a dead one. Ascending high above the rest is in Arc’teryx’s DNA – the brand’s apparel pushes boundaries, and its athletes do the same.
But for Arc’teryx to continue reaching new heights in the future, they have to start from the ground up.
The brand has become renowned for hosting initiatives around the world, encouraging young athletes to get outdoors through skiing lessons, repair workshops and trail running events. Arc’teryx knows that tomorrow’s outdoor enthusiasts don’t emerge overnight. They need the right conditions to grow. That’s why the brand is committed to sowing the seeds early – and recently, those seeds were planted in the heart of the Lake District.
For the last six years, Arc’teryx has hosted their Academy, and this year, Great Langdale Valley in the Lake District was destined to be the hallowed turf. Or, given the nature of the event, perhaps hallowed rock is more fitting.
With the Lake District being sort of, almost on our doorstep, we were determined to get out to this one. But as so often happens, life and work managed to get in the way.
Fortunately, we’ve been allowed to live the event vicariously through SEVENSTORE, who attended the academy in partnership with DSTRS – who, as per their Instagram bio, are a group of ‘outdoorheads.‘ Which, as far as we can tell, just means they’re a group of mates who really, really like being outside.
With that said, there’s liking being outside. And then there’s liking being 100 feet in the air, suspended only by a rope. DSTRS weren’t just getting their heads into the outdoors for this one – they were getting them near enough in the clouds. But judging by the imagery (which is fantastic, by the way), there wasn’t a single droplet of sweat on any of their brows. It seems these lot really do love being outdoors, even if it means spending the day hanging from a harness.
And just as the boys from DSTRS were suitably protected from the drop below them, they were also protected from whatever the weather had in store, too. Members were kitted out in a variety of Arc’teryx garb, from Squamish Hoodies and Atom Jackets to graphic tees and Beta SLs – including one particularly fetching deep-purple number that caught our eye.
But, uncharacteristically for the Lake District, the weather seemed to have stayed largely dry throughout. No doubt making for ideal climbing conditions and even better vibes – which apparently lasted long after the climbing shoes made way for pints, DJs and questionable dance moves. It’s the other side of the Arc’teryx Climbing Academy that we’re still seeing pop up on our Instagram feeds – and, frankly, it’s still making us jealous.
All in all, it seems like a good time was had by everyone. SEVENSTORE, DSTRS and the hundreds of other people in attendance no doubt seemed to enjoy themselves. But as we mentioned at the start of this, the Arc’teryx academy isn’t simply about hedonism on rock. It’s about sowing the seeds for the next generation. Getting people involved in activities they’ve never tried before, and might never try if they weren’t given a little nudge.
So if you’ve got any interest in hanging 100ft off a rock wall, screen printing, gear repairs, dancing or drinking, maybe you should think about heading along to the next Arc’teryx Academy. And even if none of that sounds particularly appealing, you should probably give it a go anyway.
Because that’s sort of the whole point of events like these. Step outside your comfort zone, meet new people and try something different. And if DSTRS and SEVENSTORE’s editorial is anything to go by, you might even look pretty cool while doing it.
See some of our favourite Arc’teryx garb from the edit below, otherwise find out more about the Arc’teryx Academy at SEVENSTORE
