Why the Arc'teryx Squamish Hoody Is Loved in the Mountains and the City

For nearly a quarter-century since its debut, the Arc'teryx Squamish Hoody has been a trusted windshell for climbers all over the world.

It's time to take a fresh look at what makes this masterpiece so special. We spoke with Miyuki Arai from the marketing department and learned how the jacket continues to evolve in every aspect, from its materials and construction to its design.

The Origins of Arc'teryx and the Birth of the "Squamish Hoody"

"Arc'teryx's predecessor was a company called Rock Solid, which primarily made harnesses. In 1991, the company was renamed Arc'teryx and began producing backpacks and other gear alongside its harnesses. Then, around the year 2000, the Squamish Hoody made its debut."

In a nutshell, the Squamish Hoody's key features are its high wind resistance, light weight, and a highly portable, packable design. It's the perfect piece of gear with all the essential functions you need for the outdoors, where being prepared for sudden weather changes is crucial.

"For example, a windshell like this is essential for mountain climbing. Even if it's calm at the base, the wind can suddenly pick up when you reach a ridgeline. Wind can sap your body heat in a short amount of time. Having just one shell like this can prevent you from losing energy."

The model gets its name from Squamish, a town in British Columbia, Canada, that's rich in natural beauty. Located about an hour's drive north of Vancouver, it's known for its unique geography where the coastline and mountains are exceptionally close.

In other words, it's a place where you can enjoy both ocean and mountain activities. You can go canoeing, fishing, climbing, hiking, and mountain biking. And of course, in the winter, you can enjoy a full range of snow sports, including skiing.

Bearing the name of this outdoor paradise, the Squamish Hoody has rightfully earned its long-standing reputation as the go-to windshell for enjoying the great outdoors.

Tyono™ 30 Nylon: An Exclusive Fabric Balancing Lightness and Strength

What's particularly noteworthy about this season's Squamish Hoody is its fabric. It's made with Tyono™ 30 nylon, a cutting-edge, highly wind-resistant material. The fabric features a ripstop weave, which means you have to worry less about major tears from scraping against rocks or snagging on branches.

"It's an exclusive material we co-developed with Toray. It's lightweight but surprisingly strong. I heard from our development team that they worked hard to strike the perfect 'balance between thinness and strength.' In addition to being highly wind-resistant, another key feature is its DWR (durable water repellent) finish, which helps it shed rain."

The thinner the fabric, the lighter the jacket. It weighs only about 140g (for a men's medium). This light weight is one of the reasons the Squamish Hoody is so easy to carry around. On top of that, it also boasts excellent stretch and breathability.

With the addition of this newly developed Tyono™ 30 nylon, the Squamish Hoody has reached the next level as a windshell.

And as mentioned earlier, its packable design is another feature that makes it convenient to carry. The entire jacket stuffs into its own chest pocket, becoming a compact package. You can easily tuck it into the lid or side pocket of your backpack. So, are there any special tricks to packing it into the chest pocket?

"You don't need to be too fussy about it; just stuff it into the pocket and you'll be fine. Here's a little pro-tip, though: instead of packing it down, you can also just give it a light fold and keep it in your bag. This is especially useful on the trail when the wind picks up and you want to pull it out and throw it on quickly."

Meticulous Patterning for Unrestricted Movement

There are other reasons for the Squamish Hoody's long-lasting popularity, such as its incredible freedom of movement. The secret lies in its patterning. The jacket is designed with a pattern that follows the body's natural movements, ensuring it won't hold you back while you're on the move.

"We also paid close attention to the design around the neck and hood. To block wind as effectively as possible, it features a high collar, and the outer fabric in this area is double-layered.

The hood is also shaped to contour to your face and head. Even when you turn your head in any direction, the hood moves with you. Plus, the design ensures the brim won't block your field of view, even when you tighten the drawcord."

The drawcord is thin, and other components like the stoppers and zipper pulls are intentionally small. This contributes to the jacket's overall light weight and makes it incredibly packable.

The Squamish Hoody is a meticulously engineered wind shell, with every aspect—from the material, construction, and pattern down to the smallest details—thoughtfully considered.

The Ultimate All-Rounder: A Wind Shell for Both Mountain and City

The Squamish Hoody is an essential companion you'll want to bring on every outdoor adventure. Beyond that, it's also an incredibly reliable ally for everyday life.

"I carry it with me all the time. I can quickly throw it on when it feels chilly on a train or plane. Everyone has their own go-to uses for it, but I've even heard of people who frequently wear it for dog walks."

Whether you're riding your bike, doing some yard work, or heading to a nearby park with family, it's easy to see how a wind shell that offers great mobility and protection from sudden wind and rain can be a game-changer in your daily routine.

The Arc'teryx Squamish Hoody seamlessly fits into people's lives, whether in the great outdoors or in the city. This blend of high performance and sophisticated design is precisely why it remains a beloved favorite for both mountain and urban environments. We encourage you to slip one on and experience its level of refinement firsthand.