Arc'teryx had the absolutly best clothes for climbers. Clever solutions, great fabric +++

Therefore, they have a huge fanbase among ppl that are well known for climbing and hiking, securing them alot of free press and kind words.

But honestly, if u are going hiking and not actuall climbing steep walls, there is a LOT of cheaper solutions out there that will do exactly the same job. And, at the same time you will get bether customer support and service for your money. Other companys also have a bether close fit, since Arc'teryx is made by climbers and therefore have a lot of baggy clothes to make it easy to stretch arms/legs.

Also, since I have a chanse to promote something norwegian - the best gear you can get in winter/cold/wet conditions is sold from a norwegian company called bergans:
http://retailer.bergans.com/Clothing...D=982&pageID=1

they have some retailers around USA:
http://locator.bergans.com/#/utenlandske_forhandlere/