Born in the Arctic

Arctic Edge was established by Yann Rashid in 2013, in Longyearbyen, the world's northernmost permanently inhabited settlement.

For over 10 years Yann has lived and worked as a guide on Svalbard, as well as expedition leader on cruise ships in the Southern Ocean (Antarctica and South Georgia). The idea of Arctic Edge came to Yann in May 2013 during a very cold snowmobile trip to the East Coast of Svalbard.

"My expensive equipment simply was not keeping me protected and warm and I told myself that maybe I could do better".

But with all the well-established brands already out there, this would be a very daunting task to take on.

​​In the fall of 2013 Yann established Arctic Edge and decided that woolen garments were the way forward in keeping people warm during cold trips.

Quality, without compromise

All Arctic Edge garments are manufactured in New Zealand using a premium blend of Merino wool, Possum and Silk. The possum is a non-native, invasive animal to New Zealand and causes immense harm to the country's natural flora and fauna. The fibres sources are a by-product if the national eradication program.

"Even though I am the founder of the company, I am also the end user of Arctic Edge garments, and take them with me on all my expeditions. And as a consumer, I am concerned about quality and workmanship. I truly believe in not compromising on quality at any stage in the production of the garments. From where the wool comes from to what label is finally put onto the garment, I will never cut corners or try reducing costs that could be detrimental to Arctic Edge garments."

From North to South
​Currently Arctic Edge products are sold in the northernmost and southernmost shops in the world (Ny-Ålesund and Port Lockroy), in Longyearbyen and on board a handful of expedition cruise ships (Hurtigruten, Ponant, Viking). They have reached the north and south pole, the summit of Everest, countless expeditions and a firm favourite of Longyearbyen residents. Arctic Edge garments are even worn by the Queen of Norway.

Taking Arctic Edge in 2022 and beyond
In November 2021 the Oslo division of Arctic Edge was established to facilitate online sales and distribution to the mainland Norway market.