still authentically outdoorsy ’, they all claim in slick PR releases , but how true can this really be ? Taking a different tack , several brands provide a clear distinction between their technical lines and fashion ranges - Berghaus ’ s 90sretro Dean Street collection and Helly Hansen ’ s HH-118389225 imprint being good examples . Then there are lesser-known brands , such as Passenger Clothing and Fera , which have the gorpcore ethos ( in various guises ) written into their DNA , often from inception . Some are outrageously expensive , others are very environmentallyconscious , but they ’ re all ‘ gorpcore-y ’, for want of a better phrase .
Do you desire the look ? The options are almost innumerable , but here ’ s our suggestion . On your feet , you ’ ll need a pair of chunkymidsole Hoka trainers or On trail shoes with that eye-catching outsole of ‘ clouds ’. Baggy Craghoppers cargo pants come next , paired with a retro fleece , down puffer or technical hard shell . TNF ’ s vintage Nuptse down jacket ( the world ’ s hottest product in 2020 , according to global fashion search platform Lyst ) is a safe bet , or for bolder , brighter colours Cotopaxi never misses the mark . If you ’ re after a baggier fit , a Napapijri smock – complete with cavernous , envelope-like central pocket – will do the trick , as will a Haglofs rain jacket or eco-friendly Finisterre shell . Complete the look with a Columbia beanie , Fera corduroy cap or Sandqvist rolltop backpack .
As hillwalkers , what on earth should we think about this peculiar kinship between
They don ’ t perceive function and fashion as mutuallyexclusive …
hiking clothing and city fashion ? Often the reaction is one of bemusement and ridicule . The North Face ’ s collaboration with Gucci – which included a pair of hiking boots for $ 1,490 and a backpack for $ 1,790 – was much-maligned by the outdoor community . A 2022 TikTok trend involving teenagers wearing Arc ’ teryx waterproof jackets in the shower , showing off how well the water droplets beaded , received similar mockery . But , in other scenarios , opinion is polarised .
Some hikers seem genuinely appalled by any brand that dares to go mainstream , as if the very idea goes against everything they stand for . Why ? They don ’ t want to look cool , they ’ re environmentally opposed to fast fashion , and they don ’ t like their niche culture being bastardised by ‘ outsiders ’. Fears circle about an erosion of quality too – will style be prioritised over technical performance ? How can beginner adventurers differentiate between fit-for-purpose mountain gear and fashion copycats ? And will this all inevitably end up with city hikers stranded up Ben Nevis in woefully inappropriate kit ?
Other ( less cantankerous ) hillwalkers see positives in the gorpcore movement . They believe it has the potential for good – to open up the outdoors to ethnic minorities and young people , and transform frumpy women ’ s gear into flattering styles . They don ’ t perceive function and fashion as mutually-exclusive ( a Fjallraven gilet can be both stylish and mountain-ready ), and ultimately don ’ t see a problem with enjoying your outdoor hobbies and looking good at the same time .
ABOUT JAMES James Forrest has been a member of OWPG since 2017 . He is a full-time freelance writer , as well as a record-breaking adventurer , and is best-known for his three-year mission to climb 1,001 mountains across the UK and Ireland . James is the author of Mountain Man : 446 Mountains . Six Months . One record-breaking adventure , the TGO book of the year in 2019 , and is a regular contributor to magazines including Trail , Country Walking , Active Traveller , Lakeland Walker and many more .
WHAT THE JUDGES SAID ... Well written piece , interesting topic , good info , cohesive . There ’ s just enough of a gear review in it to make it eligible .
JUDGES Carlton Reid ( founder of On Your Bike magazine and former OWPG member ) and Elizabeth Multon ( Conway , an imprint of Bloomsbury )
The Technical Feature Award is sponsored by Cicerone , a specialist publisher of walking , trekking , mountaineering and cycling guidebooks . outdoor focus / winter 2023 13