Arc'teryx makes all-weather capes for homeless

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Arc’teryx is known for its high-end outdoor apparel, but staying warm and dry shouldn't be a luxury. The company turns its end-of-roll and discontinued Gore-Tex fabrics into outdoor necessities: all-weather capes for the homeless and disadvantaged.

Full article at http://www.trailspace.com/articles/2011/12/27/arcteryx-birds-nest-capes.html

Great story.  Would I be alone in wishing that they made these commercially?  I know The Packa is similar to this; never tried one but people who have them love them.

Cool idea. 

This is about the only way I could ever afford something from this company. 

If you can't buy one commercially you might be able to buy one from a homeless person.  Or maybe trade?

Eh.  I don't mind paying out the nose for quality, especially when upper management fosters an environment where social justice is also a consideration.  Patagonia also comes to mind. 

A waterproof poncho?  Sounds like they're missing out on a backpacker's dream! 

On another note, it is pretty cool that Arc'teryx is doing something like this.  When everyone is mass purchasing brand X at the lowest price produced in the slum of the week, there are companies that produce in less volume but remain focused in the local market.  I realize that Arc'teryx does have manufacturing offshore, but it's really great to read about this going on in community.  It's a case of putting a face on a corporation, which is not easy these days.

As a social conservative, I love this stuff! It is what I have always argued we as individuals/private sector are supposed to do. The more of this that is done, the less government  has to collect to do it their inefficient, beaurocratic  way.

Makes me feel better about the megabucks I shell out for Arc'Teryx.  Quality has a price and so does North American production.  Keep it on the continent!

I wish Arc'teryx would sell the capes, insulated or not, for bicyclists.

The purchases would further subsidize the capes for homeless.

I would purchase one.

Now if we could only create urban park-green spaces for homeless tent cities.  I've got a few tents to donate . . . . .

Occupy everywhere seems to be doing pretty well with the Urban Parks.

A grand idea. Well done to the crew at Arc'teryx.

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