Arc'teryx going Aerobic in '09

Arc’teryx, that Vancouver soft-goods maker of all things alpine and cool, is going aerobic with its spring 2009 collection. Specifically, starting next year, the company will launch several apparel and outerwear collections made for trail runners, cyclists and multisport athletes.

The pieces are lightweight and made to breathe and wick moisture as you toil on the go. The Endorphin apparel line, one of several collections, includes featherweight shell jackets like the 5-ounce Celeris Jacket, two performance vests and the Velox Zip Neck, a 4.4-ounce “endurance running shirt” that features a deep front zipper for venting. Prices start at $75 in this collection.

The Cito line includes “close-fitting pieces thoughtfully designed for the athlete that demands performance fabrics, total mobility and maximum comfort during punishing exercise routines.” That’s the company line, anyway. A tight, a tank top and a sports bra are made of stretchy, wicking material. They weigh 3 to 5 ounces apiece and start at $59

The Escala Collection offers fitted apparel with “dynamic, soft, moisture wicking fabric.” This includes the Escala Capri, a plush pant made for yoga, climbing, pilates, etc. The Escala Strap Tank has a built-in shelf-bra, four straps across the back and a wide asymmetrical waistband. And the Escala Short is a trim-fitting athletic short with breathable mesh panels to maximize venting and moisture wicking. Prices start at $69.

Finally, the Visio & Escala Skorts “inject a healthy dose of femininity into classic technical athletic shorts.” Again, that’s the Arc’teryx verbiage, not mine. But these stylish bottoms are practical running-wear that have a thigh-tight running bottom hidden under a wraparound skirt made from moisture-wicking textiles and with a long overlapping side slit for unrestricted strides. Designed for running around the neighborhood or down the trail 26.2 miles in a mountain marathon. Pricing to start at $69.

All Arc’teryx aerobicwear will be available starting in spring 2009. Monitor www.arcteryx.com for details.