Arc’teryx continues its Walk Gently initiative with Salish Winter, a six-piece Fall/Winter 2026 collection that honours the enduring traditions, craftsmanship and deep connection to the land of Salish communities. Developed in collaboration with Indigenous artist Cole Sparrow-Crawford of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) Nation, the collection brings ancestral design practices into contemporary technical apparel, celebrating Indigenous knowledge and the relationship between people and the natural world.
Inspired by traditional Salish winter practices, the gender-neutral collection reinterprets heritage garments through Arc’teryx’s technical expertise. Deerskin cloaks inspire GORE-TEX shells, while the region’s renowned Cowichan sweater-making traditions inform insulated outerwear. A custom camouflage print draws inspiration from the forests of Salish territory, reflecting the intimate understanding of the local landscape that has sustained communities for generations.
Weaving, hide tanning and traditional winter harvesting techniques are central to the collection’s design language. Details honour the historical use of natural materials, including deer hide, as well as the functional garments and tools developed to navigate challenging winter conditions. Through modern silhouettes, technical fabrics and ancestral patterns, Salish Winter celebrates the ingenuity of Salish craftsmanship while acknowledging the cultural knowledge behind these enduring practices.
Launched in 2024, Walk Gently is an ongoing platform dedicated to amplifying Indigenous artists and designers by sharing their work and stories through their own perspectives. The initiative reflects Arc’teryx’s origins on the unceded territories of the Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh peoples in and around Vancouver, British Columbia. Through collaborations, grants and partnerships, the platform also supports Indigenous communities and organizations that nurture connections to the land and mountains, encouraging a more reciprocal and culturally grounded approach to the outdoors.
The Walk Gently: Salish Winter collection is the fourth release under the initiative and will be available at Arc’teryx stores and select retail locations worldwide. Funds and products from each collection are directed back into the communities involved, reinforcing the initiative’s commitment to supporting Indigenous voices and strengthening relationships between people, culture and the land.
Dekoi Jacket, $1,300
The Dekoi Jacket takes its name from a variation of “decoy,” referencing its deer-fur-inspired GORE-TEX print. Its high-visibility orange pattern, cut and sewn into the fabric, combines Salish motifs with the visibility required for land-based harvesting during winter. The jacket is crafted from 70-denier GORE-TEX PRO ePE recycled-nylon plain weave fabric and is made without intentionally added PFAS.
Mutton Insulated Jacket, $640
Named after Mutton, a Salish Woolly Dog whose fur was traditionally spun into yarn for weaving, this insulated jacket features a shawl collar that honours the cultural significance of Salish textiles. Its stitching details reinterpret traditional patterns used by Salish sweater makers, combining cultural heritage with modern synthetic insulation for warmth and comfort on trails and hikes.
Adze Pant, $380
The Adze Pant honours the traditional tools and winter harvesting techniques that continue to sustain Salish communities. Subtle details along the legs reflect Salish design aesthetics, including a distinctive triangular shape inspired by the adze, a traditional carving tool that represents the functional objects found throughout Salish territory. Designed for cold and wet conditions, these insulated softshell pants provide thermal protection in damp weather, while articulated construction and adjustable hems ensure comfort and freedom of movement.
Real Cedar LS T-Shirt, $230
Cedar, known as the Tree of Life in Salish culture, inspires this long-sleeve T-shirt. Its bark-inspired print blends seamlessly into the forests of Salish territory, reflecting the deep connection between the community and the natural world. A bright orange Walk Gently logo on the back adds a contemporary high-visibility element, bringing together practical functionality and cultural significance.
Selisya Toque, $90
Named after Musqueam weaver Selisya Charlie, this knitted toque draws inspiration from traditional Salish sweater designs and the hand-knitted gear crafted by Salish communities. Designed for winter, it combines cultural heritage with practical warmth and comfort for cold-weather conditions.
Konseal Trek Shoe, $360
Built for long approaches and rugged terrain, the Konseal Trek Shoe pays tribute to traditional Salish winter travel. Its subtle print draws inspiration from cedar trees and their natural camouflage, honouring how the patterns and materials of the environment have long helped people move discreetly through their traditional territories.
