Born in the waves and built for the wild, Arksen is an adventure brand that practises what it preaches. From scaling 8,000-metre peaks to navigating the harshest expanses of ocean – the people behind the product live, eat, sleep and breathe it. Originally known for its expedition-grade yachts – hulking vessels built for navigating the remotest parts of the planet – the brand has since shifted course into technical apparel. The result? A concise, finely tuned outdoor clothing range that’s been developed with the same emphasis on endurance, engineering and environmental responsibility as its boats.
This is gear built by adventurers, for adventurers. But crucially, it doesn’t look like it. Arksen’s clothing may be tough enough for high-altitude expeditions, but it’s not out of place at a London coffee shop either. The design language is minimal and functional. The colours are muted and the fabrics are the kinds you’d expect to find on high-spec mountaineering gear, not your average sweatshirt. It’s a brand for those who want their wardrobe to work harder, whether that means heading into the elements or simply navigating the daily grind.
The collection isn’t vast, which is part of the appeal. Every piece has a clear function, refined over time and engineered to last. Sustainability isn’t tacked on as a marketing buzzword either. Arksen is serious about longevity, using recycled materials, ethical suppliers and performance fabrics chosen for their lifespan as much as their technical ability.
Arksen key pieces
This is gear that, as the brand puts it, is always on duty. The sort of stuff you can call on when you have a haircut in town at 2 but are getting helicoptered into the Karakoram Range at 6. At the core of the range is a modular trio of garments designed for maximum performance and maximum versatility.
Limosa
At first glance, the Limosa looks like a classic zip-through track jacket. But where a typical sports layer might fall short on longevity or performance, Arksen’s version is built to go the distance. Cut from a durable Italian-made recycled polyester, it’s lightweight but hard-wearing – the kind of thing you could throw on for a windswept hike, wear on a bike ride, or layer over a tee for a casual city look. Laser-cut side panels increase breathability during high activity, while the understated finish makes it a strong all-rounder whether you’re on foot or on deck.
Clao
There are sweatshirts, and then there’s the Arksen Clao. Engineered from Polartec Power Air – a technical fabric that traps warmth and dramatically reduces fibre shedding – it’s a quiet revolution in comfort and performance. On the outside, it wears like a classic mid-layer, but flip it over and you’ll see the grid-backed interior designed to boost thermal retention while remaining breathable. It’s a piece made for unpredictable spring weather: warm when you need it, breathable when you don’t, and built to last far longer than any high-street alternative. Ideal for layering under a shell or over a base layer on cooler mornings.
Nox
Every wardrobe needs a hoodie, but the Nox isn’t your average fleece throw-on. Like the Clao, it’s made using Polartec Power Air, which gives it a slightly structured hand-feel and a premium touch. The technical face keeps the elements out, while the grid back traps warmth without adding bulk. The fit is relaxed but not sloppy, with subtle branding and refined details that nod to its performance pedigree. In short, it’s what happens when a piece of outdoor gear gets the luxury treatment. Easy to wear every day, hard-wearing enough for real adventure.
Next up: The best American outdoor brands in 2025.
