Refreshed outdoor attire at the Arc'teryx ReBird Service Center: a simple process to extend the life of my valued outdoor equipment
In a bid to promote sustainability and prolong the lifespan of its products, outdoor apparel brand Arc'teryx has launched the ReBird service center in its new store in Manchester, England. This marks the brand's first UK store outside of London.
The ReBird service center offers a range of services, including professional cleaning, reproofing, and repairs for all Arc'teryx items, regardless of where they were purchased. The center stands out for its accessibility and efficiency compared to some other repair services.
Arc'teryx believes in the importance of circularity, and this focus begins in development. Sven Radtke, general manager of Arc'teryx Europe, explained that the brand's design teams consider how they can create the same functionality and freedom of movement, and make it easier to repair. Arc'teryx uses sustainable production methods like dope dying and PFAS-free Gore-Tex membrane.
One common misconception among customers is that washing waterproof jackets can damage the durable water repellent (DWR) coating. However, Aaron Rodriguez, a product guide, demonstrated the process of testing a waterproof jacket's functionality at the ReBird center. According to Rodriguez, the pores in the Gore-Tex membrane that allow sweat to escape get clogged over time if the jacket isn't washed.
To maintain the performance of their waterproof jackets, Arc'teryx recommends washing them with a technical cleaner, tumbling or gently heating to reactivate the DWR, and reproofing with a spray- or wash-in DWR treatment when needed. The demonstration involved using a machine to force water into the fabric of an Arc'teryx Zeta LT jacket, which showed that the jacket was still waterproof.
Major repairs that require stitching may incur a small fee, but the ReBird Service Center offers free repairs for minor issues like patches, zipper repairs, and buckle replacements. Customers can also choose patches of different colors to commemorate their adventures, but replacements for aesthetic reasons are not offered.
Other outdoor brands like Osprey, Rab, Mountain Hardwear, and Danner also offer repair services. Arc'teryx, however, provides a unique offering with its Product Care Education service at the ReBird centers, aimed at helping extend the life of gear. The ReBird service center is now available in 25 stores across the globe.
For those who prefer professional cleaning and reproofing, the ReBird service is a simple option for preserving performance. For heavily soiled or high-value pieces, professional service may be the best choice. Arc'teryx encourages customers to keep a small bottle of technical cleaner and DWR spray on hand to spot-treat or refresh before multi-day trips.
By educating customers on how to care for their gear, Arc'teryx is empowering them to make sustainable choices and keep their equipment in top condition for longer. The brand's commitment to circularity, from design to post-purchase, is a testament to its dedication to sustainability and the outdoors.
- Arc'teryx, in addition to offering a ReBird service center for repairs and maintenance of their items, also provides Product Care Education, helping customers understand how to maintain the performance and lifespan of their waterproof jackets and other outdoor gear.
- Aside from Arc'teryx, other outdoor brands like Osprey, Rab, Mountain Hardwear, and Danner also offer repair services, but Arc'teryx stands out with its focus on circularity, from design to post-purchase, which includes educational services aimed at empowering customers to make sustainable choices and prolong the life of their gear.
