Hitting the trail this summer takes on a whole new meaning when you consider the world of gorpcore. The trend has been kicking around for a few years now, and blends the highly technical with the fashionable. These pieces are as well-suited for urban exploration and laidback lounging as they are for actually pitching a tent and going far afield.
Yes, the hiking gear your dad wore is cool again, and options abound for the summer months ahead. While gorpcore gear tends to favor technical puffer jackets, fleece jackets, cargo pants, and hiking boots, the best pieces for summer are a bit more lightweight, a bit more free.
“The rise of the gorpcore trend reflects a cultural shift where authenticity meets functionality, says Elia Redini, the U.S. Executive Manager for UYN Sports (more on the brand in a second). “As urban dwellers increasingly seek comfort and utility in their daily lives, technical hiking gear serves as a practical yet stylish solution.”
The ramping up of this trend is three-fold, Redini tells Cool Material, noting that “heightened interest in outdoor activities, the blending of fashion with purpose, and a growing awareness of sustainability are driving consumers to embrace these functional aesthetics in city and streetwear environments.”
For your own wardrobe, that means technical tank tops, hiking sandals, and breezy stretch shorts with a dash of added utility are going to be your new best friends this summer. And while high fashion brands have made their mark on the category, there are plenty of affordable ways to add the perfect mix of form and function to your wardrobe, well ahead of your next outdoor excursion.
And if that excursion happens to be a quick jaunt to track down a fresh IPA at a new brewery? No problem: gorpcore gear lets you skip the hike, but keep all the style points you can muster.
Photo via Huckberry
Proof 72-Hour Merino Short-Sleeve Henley
The fast-rising temperatures of summer lend themselves to outdoor exploration, and they also call for gear that can handle a little heat. If you prefer to pack light or want to go more minimal, why not reach for a hybrid henley in a moisture-wicking fabric? It’s athletically minded while being highly versatile.
Photo via Parajumpers
Parajumpers Merv Short-Sleeve Shirt
There’s a natural crossover between outdoor hiking gear and functional military and field silhouettes. This option looks like a military fatigue shirt, and its cotton twill build is lightweight, airy and perfect for city exploration and day hikes. To hear the brand tell it, gorpcore is taking off because “people want gear that works—that adapts to their pace, their climate, and their lifestyle—without compromising on aesthetics,” says Cristina Paulon, the brand director at Parajumpers, noting that “there’s a growing appreciation for technical materials, utility details, and performance features, not just for the trail, but for daily life.” Sounds ideal for your wardrobe this summer.
Photo via Finisterre
Finisterre Howl Tank Top
There’s something pleasingly retro about the best gorpcore gear, including this Finisterre tank top, which happens to look like something you’d unearth at a vintage store—it’s practically ripped straight from ‘90s surfing culture. Better still is the fact it’s made sustainably, with regenerative cotton you can feel great about wearing.
Photo via Aether Apparel
Aether Apparel Zermatt Hiking Shorts
All the bells and whistles you need in a pair of trail-ready shorts—like ripstop fabrication and large patch pockets for your everyday carry—are top of mind for Aether Apparel, a brand at the intersection of city-ready style and rural utility. Here, that means plenty of pockets, a relaxed fit for ease of movement, and a fresh Fern Green color that makes for easy styling.
Photo via SPC/LST
SPC/LST Solstice Shorts
The best gorpcore gear offers a 2-for-1 proposition: you can wear these selections to go off grid, or style them for more leisurely pursuits. The Solstice Shorts make it easier than ever to dash off for a quick dip, and the quick-drying stretch fabric and traditional short design turn them into daily drivers you can wear all weekend long.
Photo via Patagonia
Patagonia Baggies Shorts
These shorts are arguably the original and best when it comes to gorpcore gear. Known for being resourceful and useful on the trail, these shorts lend themselves to laid-back weekend lounging and backyard beers. The array of bright colors screams retro hiking style, and the shorter inseam allows you to show off some leg, if that’s your thing.
Photo via UYN Sports
UYN Uynner Hero Sneakers
Part traditional trail sneaker, part ultra-futuristic hybrid sock-sneaker, these otherworldly kicks feature waterproof merino wool designed to help you fjord streams—or zip around the city in fresh style alongside a pair of tapered joggers. That’s about as gorpcore as it gets.
Photo via Icebug
Icebug Jarv Hiking Sneakers
Summer was made for the cool embrace of a wooded trail, with the right shoes to match. Made for the trail and bolstered by a chunky, supportive outsole with plenty of cushioning, these kicks are made from 27 percent bio-based materials, with enough support for trail runs and post-trek city strolls in equal measure.
