Once synonymous with teal- and magenta-clad ramblers, outdoorwear has undergone a transformation in the past decade. The adoption of techy hiking brands by cool kids across cities worldwide spawned a gorpcore trend – so named after the US acronym for trail mix: ‘Good Ol’ Raisins and Peanuts’ – that continued long into the 2020s.
Since then, high performance and high fashion have further collided with designers of all stripes working technical fabrics and double-taped details into collections as suited to the streets as the summits.
Now, the space has been revived by new wave designers, born-again heritage brands and high-fashion collabs, reinventing gear for running, hiking and cycling as much as parks, picnics or festivals. Here we round up 12 of our favourite pieces transporting us to the great outdoors come rain or shine.
Beams x Imock Backpack
Inspired collabs have transformed the outerwear scene as fashion brands team up with alpine experts. This all-Japanese affair pools the preppy aesthetic of cult brand Beams with Imock, founded by mountaineer Hiroyuki Hoshika, on a backpack whose bright colour ensures you’ll be seen as the sun sinks. £63, endclothing.com
Nanga Jacket
Another Japanese heavyweight in the outdoor space, Nanga started out as a small sewing company in Japan’s Shiga Prefecture and takes its name from Himalayan peak, Nanga Parbat. After word-of-mouth recommendations saw sales of its down sleeping bags soar, Nanga applied its craftsmanship to clean-lined performance pieces rooted in utilitarianism, with this jacket a worthy between-seasons layer. $145, clothbase.com
Roa Mary Jane Loafers
Hybrid footwear blending form and function is opening up new horizons for those unimpressed by traditional hiking boots. Few do this better than Italian brand Roa, named after a mountain pass in the Dolomites – with the Vibram sole and Tuscan leather uppers of these Mmary Jjane loafers as hardy as they are versatile. £260, thehipstore.co.uk
AndWander Dress
Set up by two former Issey Miyake designers in 2011, Tokyo-based AndWander has swiftly become shorthand for stylish outdoorwear, across collections defined by precise pattern cutting and technical fabrics – think ripstop cotton and high-performance cordura. This sleeveless midi, in hardy nylon, puts a technical spin on warm-weather fits. £369, farfetch.com
Marfa Stance Jacket
Modularity is emerging as a major outerwear trend as more designers offer up separate elements – including scarfs, hoods and liners – to allow for complete customisation. Designer Marfa Stance applies this to her reversible range of jackets, with the peach tones and structural shape of the parachute quilted bomber drawing our eye. £995, marfastance.com
Satisfy Running Shorts
Paris-born Satisfy Running is part of a new wave of brands revolutionising what we wear on the move (see also Tracksmith, Soar and Bandit). As well as tees ventilated by MothTech holes body-mapped onto combed cotton, its lightweight, fast-drying shorts bring colour and vibrancy to your next PB. £280, satisfyrunning.com
Ciele Cap
This Montreal brand has become a trusted companion for runners worldwide thanks to its range of five-panel caps featuring fast-drying fabric and mesh elements for ventilation. With a broad sweep of colours to pick from, you can tailor to your running wardrobe to your usual style – we like the freshness of this spearmint hue. AUS$68, urbanindustry.co.uk
District Vision Racing Sunglasses
The founders of this cult California eyewear brand spent two and a half years of R&D across New York and Japan before dropping their debut collection aimed at athletes of all stripes. A secure fit, shatterproof frame and design tailored for ventilation and anti-glare give these climbing sunglasses star appeal. £314, districtvision.com
Snow Peak Skirt
Formed in Niigata, Japan, in the 1950s, this outdoors pioneer remains family owned, three generations later. It’s a trusted go-to for smart camping gear and a full range of all-terrain apparel, while its more directional pieces – including this drawcord nylon dress – have brought in a whole new audience. £110, snowpeak.co.uk
Topo Designs Tote
Specialising in outdoor luggage, Colorado-born Topo Designs channels an Americana aesthetic with modern functionality across collections that centre around durable, sustainable materials. Made from lightweight recycled nylon and coming with an envelope pocket and cinchable collar, this is a versatile option for all weathers. €110, topodesigns.eu
Salomon x MM6 Maison Margiela Shoes
Perhaps the brand that truly kickstarted the gorpcore scene, the past five years has transformed Salomon, a once-niche ski equipment brand, into one of the world’s most recognisable footwear silhouettes. Evidence of its high-fashion crossover, Salomon has collaborated with MM6 Maison Margiela since 2022 – with this new monochromatic release a pared-back, high-performance wardrobe addition. £390, maisonmargiela.com
Pas Normal Bandana
Following in the footsteps of similar pioneers like Spain’s Rapha, Copenhagen’s Pas Normal is a serious sports outfitter that serves up elevated racewear that also works well away from the peloton. On the road this bandana protects head, neck (and hands from oily chains) – as well as a splash of colour. £22, pasnormalstudios.com
