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For the uninitiated, gorpcore is a term derived from “good ol’ raisins and peanuts”, a colloquial term used by hikers for the trail mix rabbit food that keeps them going. But now, it refers to the massive wave of technically-minded outdoor apparel that's gone off-track – and it's very much in the mainstream.
The big guys got involved – Loewe, Prada, Gucci among them – while TikTokers across the globe went giddy for techwear by way of oversized nylon cargos, elongated windbreakers, hiking backpacks and designer water canteens. There's Bella Hadid in waterproof trackpants, Evan Mock in cargo shorts and just about every celebrity in Hollywood in a The North Face Nuptse.
And while it would be easy to throw on a Berghaus jacket and think you've nailed the gorpcore trend, you haven't. The likes of Arc'teryx, Moncler and Salomon are easily some of the best gorpcore brands out there for guys who want to nerd out on the trend, but still look good.
Check 'em out below.
Moncler
Italy's most well-known technical label is embedded in mountaineering and peak climbing. Its most iconic products are its waterproof puffer jackets, which come both floor length and cut off at the waist, while its recently launched sneaker, the Trailgrip, comes with a rugged sole inspired by maximum traction mountain bike tires. Proper gorpy stuff!
Nike ACG
Nike ACG (All Conditions Gear) is a subsidiary of sportswear giant Nike that goes by its motto “Designed, tested, and made on Planet Earth." Everything it puts out is designed and crafted in lightweight Dri-FIT fabrications and breathable Gore-Tex, and place function above all else (although the pieces still look pretty damn good).
Arc'teryx
Arc’teryx is a Canadian-based design company that focuses on innovative outdoor apparel and equipment. It is best known for its water-resistant Gore-Tex shell jackets, knitwear and down parkas, each of which come with its signature dinosaur skeleton logo. Arc'teryx saw its brand image peak when Frank Ocean wore one of its hats to Paris Fashion Week in 2019. Then again when Jil Sander, the ultra-chic German brand, hopped on the hiking trail and collaborated with it in 2021.
Mammut
Swiss multinational mountaineering and trekking company headquartered in Seon, Switzerland, also got the nod from Frank Ocean in 2019 when he turned heads in one of the brand's bright orange puffers. But Mammut is more than just a puffer brand. Its “fast and light” hiking kicks might be destined for the trails, but they're a gorpcore grail, as are the brand's super sleek low-cut hiking shoes (sorta look a bit A-Cold-Wall*).
Salomon
Salomon has sort of transcended the gorpcore trend and is now a grail shoe brand in its own right. But its beginnings are very much rooted in outdoor sports. The equipment manufacturing company based in Annecy in the French Alps was founded in 1947 by François Salomon and swiftly became synonymous with professional skiing. Today however it has gone beyond the slopes and is best known for its zig zag laced-up trainers.
Roa
The IYKYK brand of the trails, Roa has silently made waves. Drake's a fan, as is Samuel Ross, A-Cold-wall* founder and proper sneakerhead, who collaborated with it in 2021. Roa is best known for its hybrid footwear, which merges sneakers with hiking boots, but there are also fleeces that come with the Roa triangular stamp, techy trousers and zip-ups made from BioDyneema bio-based fabric and Cordura for sustainable durability.
Merrell
Merrell is an American manufacturing company that since its inception in 1981 has focused on the manufacture of footwear products. It was founded by Clark Matis, Randy Merrell, and John Schweizer as a maker of high-performance hiking boots, but now its all about Gore-Tex trainers that are destined for both the streets and the hiking trails of Los Angeles' canyons. Merrell makes all its footwear with four core values in mind: Comfort, Durability, Design, and Versatility.
66°North
66°North, which has been carbon neutral since 2019, was founded in 1926 by Hans Kristjánsson with the purpose of making protective clothing for Icelandic fishermen and workers braving the big chill. Today it's the go-to gorpcore brand for Jake Gyllenhaal, Natalie Portman, Quentin Tarantino and Eli Roth. Its insulated jackets are cut from Gore-Tex Infium, while its trousers are made from ultra-warm Neoshell. Not just for the planes of Iceland, though.
