WORDS BY STEPHEN YU & JOSEPH FURNESS
What is Gorpcore?
Mix functional outerwear and utilitarian garments with a sprinkle of mountain chic, and you’ll get gorpcore.It’s not futuristic techwear, but it’s not nondescript normcore either – it’s something in between. Think Drake in Canada Goose outerwear, or A$AP Rocky in technical Prada pieces.
Need visual references? Check out Instagram accounts like @organiclab.zip or @114.index and you’ll begin to understand the aesthetic. As you can see, the trend fuses streetwear and sportswear with camping trip outfit components.
At one end of the spectrum it’s Prada gloves and Stone Island outerwear, and at the other end it's Salomon sneakers and Arc’teryx jackets. Discover the entire gorpcore spectrum below.
Why is it Called Gorpcore?
The word ‘gorpcore’ was coined by The Cut writer Jason Chen in a 2017 article that focused on the rising trend and its normcore origins. The term ‘gorp’ is an acronym for ‘good ol’ raisins and peanuts’ – a phrase which refers to the trail mix snack that’s often found in a hiker’s possession. Ergo, gorpcore refers to a style or a trend concerned with hiking-inspired pieces.
11 Essential Gorpcore Clothes and Accessories
Gorpcore Down Jacket
Ever since Eddie Bauer had the genius idea of stuffing a jacket with feathers (circa 1936), down jackets have become the outerwear of choice when you need something lightweight yet warm. We mean, who can resist the snug hug feel of a puffer?
Whilst many may gravitate towards Canada Goose and Moncler when picking up a new down jacket, we suggest that gorpcore fans take a look at Stone Island’s selection of feather-filled pieces. We particularly love the look of this hooded outerwear piece that comes in a foolproof dusty blue color.
Shop the style: Stone Island Hooded Padded Jacket
Gorpcore Technical Outerwear
There's an old Norwegian saying that goes, ‘There’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing’. We couldn’t agree more.
Technical outerwear is a hikercore style wardrobe staple – think multiple waterproof and windproof layers created with ripstop materials that’ll keep you prepared for inclement weather. And when purchasing technical layers, our number one tip is to size up to accommodate layers of fleece, merino wool and other warm materials.
Which technical outerwear brand should you shop? Arc’Teryx, of course. The Canadian-based label is worn by Virgil Abloh whilst snowboarding and Kanye West whilst shopping – and these are just two reasons why it should be on your radar.
Shop the style: Arc’Teryx Beta LT Shell Jacket
Gorpcore Backpack
If you’re going to embrace the Gorpcore trend, you’re going to need a backpack. Whether you need a 40 litre backpack to fit your sleeping bag and camping stove or you simply need one big enough to accommodate your laptop and charger, we’ve got one for you right here at FARFETCH.
Over the last few years, Supreme has released some of the most durable backpacks on the market. From experience, we know that these bags are comfortable to wear (thanks to the padding located on the straps and back of the backpack) and easy to look after. Our favorite? It’s got to be this logo backpack from the streetwear brands’ SS18 collection, chiefly because the vibrant blue color of the accessory would be easy to find if you misplaced it in the wilderness.
Shop the style: Supreme Logo Backpack
Gorpcore Fleece
The humble fleece may be your easiest entry point into the world of gorpcore, chances are if you’ve tried to stay on-trend in recent years then you already own one. If not, what better place to start than Patagonia (as in the brand, not the region).
Often imitated but never bettered, Patagonia pretty much invented fleece with the introduction of their manmade Synchilla fabric as an alternative to wool – a fabric that’s lightweight and remains warm when wet. While their pullover Snap-T is probably their most popular model, it’s the Retro-X that’s captured the hearts of gorpcore lovers as of late; with their boxy shape, trademark collars and chest pockets, there’s a big demand for vintage versions of the Retro-X in Toronto and Tokyo, and everywhere in between.
Shop the style: Patagonia Short Fleece Bomber Jacket
Gorpcore Vest
A good vest is an invaluable layering piece in a hikercore aficionado’s arsenal. During summer, opt for a lightweight vest with multiple storage options to prevent unsightly bulging pockets in your Patagonia Baggies shorts. As the weather changes, a padded down vest is a suitable trans-seasonal piece that’s ideal as an outer layer for those unexpectedly warm autumn days and a cozy mid-layer when the mercury drops.
Personally, we like this one from Nemen that’s suitable for any climate. The vest offers ample space for your personal belongings; plus, the sleek nylon material makes the piece look more ‘fashion insider’ than it does ‘park ranger’.
Shop the style: Nemen XLT Guard Vest
Gorpcore Base Layer
You've gone to the trouble of layering yourself with the most cutting-edge functional apparel known to man, so why stop there? Why not go full on gorpcore by donning a technical base layer. We’re talking about something flexible and moisture-wicking; something as simple as your workout tee will do.
How does a Soar Tech T 1.5 Performance Top sound? These long-sleeve, Italian-made mesh tees are soft, stretchy and super-absorbent. And the best part is that they come in some genuinely desirable colors – take this pale yellow hue, for example.
Shop the style: Soar Tech-T 1.5 Performance Top
Gorpcore Crossbody Bag
Put down your shotter bag and reach for a crossbody bag. Not only are crossbody bags super stylish but they’re also uber practical, which is why every serious hiker has at least one in their wardrobe.
If you’re looking to espouse the gorpcore aesthetic but you’re more likely to book an Uber to your chosen destination than find fun in trekking long distances, we recommend treating yourself to one of Jacquemus’ new season crossbody bags. These lavish leather accessories are a sumptuous take on functional fashions that work just as well with a Nemen vest as they do with Bottega knitwear.
Shop the style: Jacquemus Le Bambino Homme Flap Crossbody Bag
Gorpcore Technical Trousers
Technical trousers form the foundation of every good gorpcore fit – think about it, your fresh new fleece and hiking boots are going to look so much better if you eschew pairing them with your everyday jeans.
What's there to know about technical trousers? Well, some are created to facilitate movement, these pairs are usually constructed with super stretchy fabrics, whilst others are created with a slim fit to keep the wearer warm, dry and comfortable at all times. Constructed with a stretchy, water-repellent material and complete with an elasticated waistband and an attached webbed belt, these Nike ACG cargos are the best of both worlds.
Shop the style: Nike ACG Trail Trousers
Gorpcore Hiking Boots
Gorpcore is not about cosplaying as Hillary Edmund by rocking a pair of heavy Danner boots, it’s about finding fashionable pieces within the realm of hiking apparel.
If you’re stuck, opt for a pair of Hoka One One boots: they mix the comfort and agility of a sneaker with the stability and protection of a boot. Lightweight yet still packed with trail-ready functionalities – for example, a Gore-Tex inner boot and grippy Vibram outsole – these boots are just as appropriate for those aiming to look and feel fresh in the city as they are for those planning to go backpacking in and around Asia.
Shop the style: Hoka One One Kaha GTX Hiking Boots
Gorpcore Trail Sneakers
The great outdoors eats hype sneakers for breakfast. Don’t believe us? Take your most treasured Travis Scott Nike’s for a spin around your closest cliff path and let us know how you get on. Luckily, Salomon strikes the perfect balance between fashion and functionality with their S/Lab line –– each silhouette is outdoorsy enough to win the approval of serial hikers and modish enough to catch the eye of luxury fashion designers such as Boris Bidjan Saberi.
Shop the style: Salomon S/Lab XT 6 Advanced Sneakers
Gorpcore Gloves
Make cold hands a thing of the past by investing in some handy hike-ready gloves or mittens – preferably the kind that mountaineers sport at the summit of Everest.
Need some inspiration? These Prada gloves may be the accessory you need to complete your luxe trek adventure ‘fit. Created with the fashion house’s signature fabric, black nylon, and finished with the coveted triangle logo, these gloves are suitable for wearing with any winter-ready ensemble – even those looks that don’t fit in with the gorpcore trend.
Shop the style: Prada Nylon Gloves