LEAF stands for Law Enforcement and Armed Forces. It's Arc'teryx's tactical division, based in the same North Vancouver facility that builds their climbing and skiing gear. The division applies the same design philosophy, same materials sourcing, and same construction standards to military and law enforcement equipment. The 2013 catalog puts it plainly: "Arc'teryx LEAF designs are efficient, hard wearing, purposeful and lean. There are no compromises."
The earliest confirmed standalone LEAF product catalog dates to Fall/Winter 2010, though LEAF products appeared in Arc'teryx's mainline catalogs before then. The 2013 LEAF catalog described the division as building on "twenty years of innovations," referring to Arc'teryx's founding in 1991. By 2017, LEAF catalogs were being published in Japanese for the Japanese defense market. By 2022, the line had grown into a 52-page catalog covering everything from flame-resistant combat uniforms to Gore-Tex hardshells with military DSP2 certification.
In January 2023, Arc'teryx restricted LEAF sales to verified military, government, and law enforcement (MIL-GOV-LE) buyers only. That restriction lasted roughly two years. In January 2025, Arc'teryx announced the LEAF and PRO lines would merge into a single Arc'teryx PRO platform, with three design targets: guides, rescue professionals, and special operations forces. Access gradually expanded throughout 2025 to outdoor instructors, ski patrol, and first responders. By December 2025, Arc'teryx split the line into two tiers. The Essentials Collection opened to the general public through authorized PRO dealers, such as Tactical Distributors and US Elite Gear. The Mission Collection, covering specialized tactical gear produced in limited quantities, remains restricted to accredited professionals.
What Is the Arc'teryx LEAF Product System?
LEAF uses the same category system as mainline Arc'teryx, adapted for tactical applications. Every piece fits into a role within a head-to-toe system designed to work together across temperature ranges and mission profiles. The 2019 catalog organized products into eight categories: base layer, midlayer, insulated, softshell, hardshell, combat uniform, packs, and accessories.
Colors tell you the intended environment. Black and Wolf (dark grey) target law enforcement and urban operations. Crocodile and Ranger Green are suited to temperate woodland environments. MultiCam covers arid, transitional, and multi-terrain operations. Coyote appears on select hard goods. The 2012 mainline catalog introduced Wolf as an urban alternative to black, calling it "the least visible colour" in concrete, glass, and asphalt environments.
How Did the Arc'teryx LEAF Line Evolve?
The evolution tracks through official catalogs published between 2010 and 2022. Archivoraptor maintains LEAF catalogs from 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2015, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2021, and 2022. The Utah State University Merrill-Cazier Library also holds an Arc'teryx catalog and ephemera collection (1994-2020) in its Special Collections division. Each catalog represents a snapshot of the line at that moment, and together they show LEAF growing from a small tactical adaptation of consumer products into a comprehensive military equipment system.
2010: First Standalone Catalog
The Fall/Winter 2010 catalog established the LEAF identity through its own branding, separate from the mainline Arc'teryx. Core products included the Alpha Jacket (#3161) in MI270 Gore-Tex 3L at 625g, the Atom AF insulated jacket with Coreloft 100g/m2 insulation (#9136), and the Fusion Jacket and Pant hybrid system combining hardshell and softshell panels. The Sphinx and Gryphon Halfshell hybrids, Fusion Pant, and complete layering system were already established. Only two colors existed: Black and Crocodile. All hardshells were manufactured in Canada.
2011: Utility Category Launch
The Spring/Summer 2011 catalog introduced the Utility category, a new line of no-melt cotton/Cordura blend combat uniforms designed for hot environments under armor. The Halfshell jacket featured hybrid fabric construction with lightweight nylon/cotton jersey in the torso and tear-resistant cotton/ripstop nylon in high-wear areas. Roll-up sleeves converted to short mode without removing armor. Mil-spec nylon webbing reinforced the knees, and integrated gaiters sealed with shockcord closures.
The 2011 catalog also carried LEAF-specific accessories including the Rho LTW Beanie (#4680, 52g, Mountain Merino Wool/Spandex), Classic Beanie (#4307, 85g, 100% Mountain Merino Wool in Black and Crocodile), B.A.C. Cap (#9998, 120g), Bucket Liner (#4306, 33g, 100% Polyester), and Rho LTW Neck Gaiter (#4523, 55g). LEAF Suspenders (#10478, 60g) with nickel-plated clips attached to webbing loops on Sphinx, Gryphon, and Talos pants.
2012: Gore-Tex MultiCam and Urban Wolf
This was a landmark year. Arc'teryx LEAF debuted the first commercially available Gore-Tex fabric in MultiCam print through the "Hide/Dry" series. The Alpha Jacket MultiCam (#10738, 672g) used MN40r-X Gore-Tex 3L in the MultiCam variant versus MN70p-X Gore-Tex 3L for the solid colors. The Alpha Pant MultiCam (#10741, 500g) and the new Alpha Parka (#10740/10739, 681g) completed the hardshell system. Gryphon Halfshell and Pant also received Gore-Tex MultiCam treatment.
The same year, Urban Wolf introduced the Drac Jacket/Pant, Bravo Jacket, and Naga Hoody. The 2012 catalog described Wolf as "less traditional and therefore a less recognizable uniform of authority," positioning it for covert law enforcement and military special forces use.
2013: "Arc'teryx LEAF Has Arrived."
The 2013 catalog opened with that declaration. Khard 30 and 45 assault packs launched with C2 composite construction suspension systems and full U-zip clamshell openings designed for medics, breachers, and comms specialists. Khyber 50 and 80 patrol packs followed for long-range reconnaissance.
New products included the Talos LT combat shirt with no-lift underarm gussets, the Mattock Drysock LT (Gore-Tex waterproof sock system that reduced footwear needs to one pair), and the E220 Rigger's Harness with dual EN 12277/EN 358 certification. MultiCam expanded from a few pieces into a standard offering across categories.
2015: Alpha Gen 2 and Assault Combat Uniforms
The Alpha Jacket received a Gen 2 overhaul. Solid colors (#13317, 595g) used MN70p-X Gore-Tex 3L, while MultiCam (#13318, 560g) used MN40r-X Gore-Tex 3L. Reduced tape and stitching dropped weight and increased breathability. The Assault Shirt and Pant system replaced the earlier Sphinx/Gryphon/Talos naming with a cleaner AR (All-Round), FR (Flame-Resistant), and LT (Lightweight) designation structure.
The Assault Shirt AR (#15186, 545g) and Assault Pant AR (#15187, 760g) used no-melt/no-drip 50% cotton/50% nylon Cordura in Crocodile, Wolf, Ranger Green, and MultiCam. The Recce Shirt AR (#15188, 365g) provided a lighter field shirt option. The Atom LT Jacket (#14282, 410g) with Coreloft 60g/m2 and Polartec Power Stretch Hardface side panels, Atom SV Hoody (#14071, 570g) with Coreloft 100g/m2, and Atom LT Pant (#10864, 355g) rounded out the insulation tier.
2017: Japanese Market Expansion
LEAF catalogs appeared in Japanese for the first time, confirming distribution to the Japanese defense market. The Naga Hoody Gen 2 (#15487, 395g) in Polartec Power Stretch with Hardface technology and the Naga Hoody Full Zip (#16507, 370g) in Polartec 6.8oz Power Stretch Hardface were featured alongside the full combat uniform and hardshell lineup in four colorways: Crocodile, Wolf, Ranger Green, and Black.
2018: Climashield Transition and FR Expansion
The Atom LT Jacket Gen2 (#21498, 400g) introduced Climashield 2oz Combat Fibrefill insulation with Pontetorto 7.5oz Hardface Fleece, replacing the older Coreloft/Polartec Power Stretch combination in some LEAF insulation pieces. The Naga Pullover AR (#18361, 330g) debuted as a quarter-zip midlayer with Polartec 230gsm Power Stretch Hardface and Climashield 92gsm Combat Fibrefill, designed to function as an insulated under-body-armor combat shirt.
The flame-resistant line expanded significantly. The Assault Shirt FR MultiCam (#14609, 595g) used TenCate Defender M 6.8oz FR Twill, FR Jersey, and FR Mesh. The Assault Pant FR MultiCam (#14610, 785g) matched it. The Assault Coverall AR (#14611, 1290g) and Assault Coverall FR (#15184, 1355g) provided full-body protection for direct-action tasks. These one-piece designs featured PPE-compatible construction, centerline zip closure, underarm mesh vents, and removable soft elbow and knee pads.
2019: Naga Material Update and Patrol System
The Naga Pullover AR received a new MPN (#25588) with Pontetorto 7.5oz Hardface Fleece replacing the Polartec Power Stretch used in the 2018 version, while keeping the same 330g weight and Climashield 92gsm insulation fill. The Cold WX SV Jacket (1,000g) launched as the heaviest insulated piece in LEAF history, combining Gore Windstopper 2L with Climashield 3.0oz Prism insulation.
The Patrol Jacket AR (#17660, 550g) and Patrol Pant AR (#17662, 645g) introduced a dedicated law enforcement uniform system in EVEREST 275gsm four-way stretch double weave with DWR. These Value Added Service (VAS) capable pieces allowed aftermarket embellishments, including Velcro loop patches, agency identification, heat transfer, and embroidery.
2021: Gen2 Combat Refresh
Major Gen2 updates hit across combat uniforms. The Assault Shirt AR Gen2 (#23556, 435g) dropped 110g from the previous generation by switching to NYCO Ripstop Cordura 6.4oz with CYBERKNIT J214 4.2oz NMND Jersey Knit. The Assault Pant AR Gen2 (#23558, 717g) followed suit. Manufacturing for many items shifted to El Salvador. MSRPs ranged from €150 to €1,549 across the 49-product catalog.
The Naga line received a full refresh: Naga Hoody Gen3 (#25410, 455g) in Polartec 8.5oz Power Stretch Knit with Pontetorto 7.5oz Hardface Fleece, Naga Hoody Full Zip Gen2 (#25411, 440g) in Pontetorto Hardface, and Naga Pullover AR Gen2 (#27776, 350g). The Assault Balaclava FR Gen2 (#27771/27772, 50-60g) completed the combat uniform system. All Alpha products upgraded from Gore TOF DSP1 to DSP2 military certification.
2022: Gen2.1 and the Largest Catalog
The Alpha Jacket Men's MultiCam Gen2.1 (#29368, 575g) launched with a more durable face fabric while maintaining the same Gore-Tex BD450 3L 40d Nylon Ripstop and L&F 3L 30d Nylon construction. MultiCam Berry Compliant variants appeared for US military contract compliance. The 52-page catalog represented the largest LEAF product offering ever published. This was the final full catalog before the January 2023 restriction to MIL-GOV-LE buyers.
2025: LEAF Becomes Arc'teryx PRO
In January 2025, Arc'teryx officially merged LEAF into the new Arc'teryx PRO platform. Kyle Goertzen, Director of PRO, stated that "LEAF has been a trusted name for elite tactical professionals for over 20 years" and that bringing it under the PRO umbrella would preserve its heritage while expanding production capability. The PRO platform now serves three design targets: mountain guides, rescue professionals, and special operations forces.
Access expanded throughout the year. By December 5, 2025, Arc'teryx split the former LEAF lineup into two tiers. The PRO Essentials Collection became available to the general public through authorized dealers. The PRO Mission Collection, which covers specialized tactical products produced in limited quantities, remains restricted to accredited professionals. Arc'teryx also announced new colorways, next-generation designs, and expanded women's fits for select models in the future.
What Are the Arc'teryx LEAF Hardshell Options?
The hardshell lineup centers on the Alpha family. The naming follows mainline Arc'teryx conventions: no suffix indicates the standard durable version, and LT indicates the lightweight version.
The Alpha Jacket Gen2 (#18863, 575g) uses Gore-Tex BD450 3L 40d nylon ripstop on the body with Gore-Tex L&F 3L 30d nylon on the hood. The Alpha LT Gen2 (#18864, 420g) uses the lighter Gore-Tex L&F 3L 30d nylon throughout for packability. Both carry Gore TOF DSP2 military certification and are manufactured in Canada. Available in Black, Crocodile, Ranger Green, Wolf, and MultiCam.
LEAF hardshells differ from consumer versions in several ways. StowHood design fits over or under helmets. Sleeve pockets sit on the bicep for access under body armor. Vertically routed hem drawcords avoid interference with duty belts. 4"x4.5" Velcro patches on upper arms accommodate IFF (Identification Friend or Foe) markers with V-Lite retention rings. Internal waterproof TuffLabels replace the external branding of consumer models.
What Are the Arc'teryx LEAF Insulation Options?
LEAF insulation splits into two weight classes. The LT (Light) tier uses Climashield Combat Fibrefill with Pontetorto Hardface Fleece side panels. The SV (Severe) tier uses Climashield Prism insulation with Gore Windstopper shell fabric.
The Atom LT Gen2 (#21498, 400g) layers under a hardshell or works standalone for special reconnaissance. Climashield 2oz fibrefill provides warmth that doesn't collapse under pack straps, and the Pontetorto 7.5oz Hardface Fleece side panels regulate temperature during exertion. Earlier Atom LT versions (#14282, 410g) used Coreloft 60g/m2 with Polartec Power Stretch Hardface sides.
The Cold WX SV Jacket (1,000g) is the heaviest insulated piece in the LEAF line. Climashield 3.0oz Prism fill with 2.7oz Thermatek liner provides extreme cold protection. The removable insulated hood cinches with a single-pull adjuster. At that weight, this is built for static positions in extreme cold, not high-output movement.
The Cold WX Neck Gaiter extends the system with a 95% merino wool, 5% elastane construction, weighing 55g for head and neck insulation.
What Are the Arc'teryx LEAF Combat Uniform Options?
LEAF combat uniforms evolved from the 2011 Utility category through the Sphinx/Gryphon Halfshell hybrids into the Assault system by 2015. The current lineup uses four weight designations: AR (All Round) in NYCO Ripstop Cordura, FR (Flame Resistant) in TenCate Defender textiles, LT (Lightweight) in GORE Katana no-melt/no-drip, and SV (Severe) in Tweave Durastretch softshell.
The Assault Shirt AR Gen2 (#23556, 435g) is 110g lighter than the original and uses CYBERKNIT J214 4.2oz jersey knit in the torso with NYCO Ripstop Cordura on the arms and shoulders. The Assault Pant AR Gen2 (#23558, 717g) comes with removable EV50 10mm foam knee pads and is compatible with the separately sold Combat Knee Cap (#24873, 225g) in DINGZING TPU.
The Assault Coverall AR (#14611, 1290g) and FR variant (#15184, 1355g) are one-piece combat solutions with PPE-compatible construction, centerline zip, underarm mesh vents, and removable soft pads at elbows and knees. The LEAF Assault Balaclava FR Gen 2 (#27771/27772, 50-60g) in TenCate Defender M 5.5oz FR mesh completes the system.
What Are the Arc'teryx LEAF Fleece and Midlayer Options?
The Naga family handles midlayer duties across the LEAF system. The Naga Hoody Gen3 (#25410, 455g) combines Polartec 8.5oz Power Stretch Knit with Pontetorto 7.5oz Hardface Fleece as a thermal midlayer for special reconnaissance. The Naga Hoody Full Zip Gen2 (#25411, 440g) uses Pontetorto Hardface throughout for a clean full-zip design that layers over base layers without snagging.
The Naga Pullover AR Gen2 (#27776, 350g) is unique in the lineup. It combines Pontetorto Hardface Fleece with Climashield 92gsm Combat Fibrefill insulation and a Caroltex two-way stretch nylon outer, functioning as both a fleece midlayer and an insulated under-body-armor combat shirt. Available in Black, Crocodile, Wolf, and Ranger Green at €249.
What Are the Arc'teryx LEAF Pack Options?
LEAF packs use the same C2 composite construction and suspension technology as consumer Arc'teryx packs, but configured for tactical loadouts. The Khard series (30L at 1,400g, 45L at 2,000g) features full U-zip clamshell openings that expose interior composite panels lined with Velcro loops and daisy chains. The interior is configured for modular pouch/radio setups.
The Khyber series (50L, 80L) serves long-range patrol and reconnaissance, with padded hip belts and sternum straps for sustained load-carrying. Materials are 500D nylon Cordura 6,6 balanced weave with silicon, 8mm composite C2 framesheet, and 22mm extruded anodized aluminum stays. See the complete Arc'teryx backpack guide for all tactical and consumer pack models.
What Are the Arc'teryx LEAF Harness Options?
Two harness systems serve the LEAF line. The E220 Rigger's Harness (#11783, 245g) doubles as a rigger's belt and emergency climbing harness. The belt uses Tweave Durastretch 6.5oz with Warp Strength Technology to distribute load across the hips. A Vapor Mesh sling folds into two leg loops and attaches via carabiner to form a full harness. Dual certified: EN 358 for the belt configuration, EN 12277 for the full harness. Available in Black, Coyote, and MultiCam.
The AR-395a (#15996, 395g) is a traditional climbing harness with adjustable leg loops, four reversible polyurethane gear loops, a rear haul loop, and four ice clipper slots. It uses Warp Strength Technology and Burly Double Weave construction, with 7075-T6 aluminum anodized buckles. Made in Canada.
Where Can You Buy Arc'teryx LEAF Products Now?
As of December 2025, civilians can purchase most Arc'teryx LEAF gear for the first time since 2023. The line now lives under the Arc'teryx PRO brand with two access tiers.
The PRO Essentials Collection covers functional, versatile designs and is available to anyone through Arc'teryx's network of authorized PRO dealers. Retailers like Tactical Distributors and US Elite Gear stock the Essentials line without requiring credential verification. The PRO Mission Collection contains specialized tactical products made in limited quantities and still requires professional accreditation to purchase.
Pre-2023 LEAF gear also appears regularly on secondary markets, including eBay, Grailed, and specialized tactical gear forums. The same counterfeiting issues that affect mainline Arc'teryx jackets also affect LEAF products, so verify authenticity carefully when reselling.
The Arc'teryx catalog archive documents the full LEAF product history from 2010 through 2022 for research and identification purposes. The Arc'teryx innovation timeline tracks LEAF milestones alongside mainline product development.
