The Gorpcore Fashion Trend Is Giving a Boost to the Outdoor-Apparel Market
The term “gorpcore” was coined in the mid-2010s to describe the type of utilitarian clothing worn by the “good old raisins and peanuts” (hence GORP) crowd—hikers, campers and the like. When celebrities like Hailey Bieber and Frank Ocean started wearing grip-sole shoes and multi-pocket pants to signal their sartorial insouciance, hiking boots and cargoes became trendy, trickling into the mainstream via viral TikTok videos and Pinterest boards. (The trend was Googled 120,000 times in the past year.) But gorpcore’s roots are in Canadian brands like Arc’teryx and Canada Goose, which have been outfitting outdoorsy types for decades. In 2022, the global functional-apparel market was valued at $319 billion and is projected to grow by seven per cent by 2031.
Here, 10 gorpcore staples that retailers can’t keep in stock.
Alder Hat
One of the newer Canadian recreation-wear brands on the scene, Toronto-based Alder specializes in ethically made apparel and accessories.
$44, alderapparel.com
Yeti Rambler
Cooler brand Yeti was started by two fishing enthusiasts, and now its insulated stainless-steel mugs are a status symbol for city commuters.
$48, yeti.ca
Smith Sunglasses
These vibrant, ’80s-inspired sunnies—complete with reflective flip-up lenses—are sought after by skiers and social-media stars alike.
$220, altitude-sports.com
Arc’teryx Jacket
Vancouver-based Arc’teryx expanded its bricks-and-mortar retail footprint in 2023 to meet customer demand for its layerable fleeces and lightweight jackets.
$200, arcteryx.com
Canada Goose Sneakers
Outerwear behemoth Canada Goose released its first sneaker this past summer: a waterproof shoe designed to go from city streets to mountain trails.
$595, canadagoose.com
Gucci Pants
Even luxury brands are going gorp. These cargo pants from Gucci feature its signature GG monogram.
$3,000, gucci.com
Birkenstock Sandals
Product placement in this year’s Barbie movie was a marketing win for Birkenstock, which is now eyeing a US$10 billion IPO.
$210, holtrenfrew.com
Uniqlo Bag
After its viral cross-body sold out this past summer, the Japanese brand re-released the design in nylon, faux leather and corduroy for fall.
$50, uniqlo.com
Friday Socks
Socks with sandals is an essential tenet of gorpcore, and this colourful pair pay a fun tribute to the Canadian Shield.
$19, fridaysocks.com
Master-Piece Carabiner Key Chain
Look like a real-deal mountaineer with this brass and leather carabiner key chain from Canadian e-tailer SSENSE.
$95, ssense.com
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