WATERTIGHT™ ZIPPERS
INVENTING A
STREAMLINED SEAL
Creating the first WaterTight™ zipper took more than a bold attitude, it was completely contrary to the convention of the time.
![](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0048/0047/9345/t/88/assets/panel01_desktop_arcteryxobsessivezippers-1674436406837.webp?v=1674436408)
ZIPPER DESIGN WAS LARGELY UNCHANGED FOR MOST OF THE 20TH CENTURY
WATERTIGHT™ TECHNOLOGY CHANGED THE GAME
FLIPPING THE SCRIPT
The breakthrough began by flipping the zipper inside out. This so-called reverse coil design reoriented the more tightly spaced inner surface of the zipper to instead face out, providing better protection from the elements.
BIRTH OF A LEGEND
Once the zipper was flipped, the next step was to create a weather barrier that eliminated the need for flaps, tabs and snaps. By laminating the teeth and slider with a urethane coating, a zipper with a WaterTight™ seal was finally made possible.
![](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0048/0047/9345/t/88/assets/panel06_desktop_arcteryxobsessivezippers-1674436731924.webp?v=1674436733)