Gorpcore is the fashion trend that blends the outdoor functionality of hiking clothes with everyday style, creating a look that’s as rugged as it is cool. Originally inspired by hiking and outdoor brands like Vibram, The North Face, and Cotopaxi, Gorpcore takes technical, performance-driven clothing and repurposes it for urban environments.
What started as a niche trend among outdoor enthusiasts has now become a mainstream style, celebrated for its practicality, bold aesthetics, and eco-conscious appeal. Whether you’re heading into the mountains or just navigating city streets, this guide will show you how to embrace gorpcore’s signature blend of comfort, utility, and fashion-forward edge.
What Is Gorpcore?
Gorpcore is a fashion trend that marries outdoor adventure gear with everyday style, turning technical, functional clothing into street-ready fashion. Coined by Jason Chen of the New York magazine fashion blog, the term “gorpcore” draws inspiration from normcore—a trend known for its unpretentious, casual style—and gorp, the classic hiking snack (which may stand for “good ol’ raisins and peanuts”).
Gorpcore embraces puffy jackets, cargo pants, and trail-ready footwear from brands like Arc’teryx and Salomon, elevating the rugged practicality of outdoor apparel into a high-fashion statement. And one great thing about gorpcore fashion is that it’s actually entirely functional, perfect for strutting city sidewalks or hitting the mountains.
Hiking Clothes Hit Pop Culture
Celebrities and fashion designers have fully embraced the trend toward hiking clothes and gorpcore, propelling the trend into the fashion spotlight. A$AP Rocky, both a musician and designer, is known for mixing outdoor gear with high fashion, while the late Virgil Abloh often incorporated gorpcore elements into his Off-White collections.
Artists like Drake have also been spotted sporting technical jackets and utilitarian footwear, blurring the lines between streetwear and outdoor apparel. Models Hailey Bieber and Kendall Jenner regularly rock gorpcore looks, pairing oversized puffer jackets with sleek, urban outfits. With this level of star power behind it, gorpcore has cemented its place as a dominant force in fashion.
Is Gorpcore Here to Stay?
One has to wonder how long hiking clothes are going to be a pillar of mainstream fashion. So, is gorpcore here to stay?
Gorpcore has proven to be more than just a fleeting trend—it’s a movement that continues to shape the fashion world. With its roots in practicality and sustainability, gorpcore’s focus on functional, outdoor-inspired gear aligns with modern fashion’s shift toward comfort and eco-consciousness. Key pieces, like The North Face’s Graval shoes, are helping to keep the trend alive by blending trail-ready technology with streetwear aesthetics. These performance-driven, yet stylish shoes are emblematic of gorpcore’s lasting appeal—gear that works just as well in the mountains as it does in the city.
As fashion increasingly moves toward comfort and utility, gorpcore’s combination of durable outdoor gear and cutting-edge style has solidified its place in both high fashion and everyday wardrobes. Whether it’s through ongoing innovations in technical fabrics or collaborations between outdoor and fashion brands, gorpcore’s blend of function and style suggests it’s here to stay.
The Top 5 Gorpcor Brands You Should Know
The gorpcore movement blends outdoor performance with everyday fashion, and these five brands have mastered the art of merging rugged utility with modern style. Whether you’re hiking a trail or strutting down a city street, these labels are must-knows for any gorpcore enthusiast.
1. The North Face
A pioneer of outdoor gear, The North Face has become a cornerstone of gorpcore. Their iconic puffer jackets, technical outerwear, and shoes like the *Graval* blend performance and style, making them a favorite for both outdoor adventures and urban fashion.
2. Patagonia
Known for its commitment to sustainability and high-performance gear, Patagonia is a staple in the gorpcore world. With durable designs that endure both time and trends, their recycled materials and ethical practices ensure you’re making a fashion statement that’s eco-conscious too.
3. Arc’teryx
Arc’teryx is the brand for those who crave technical precision. Renowned for its advanced, lightweight outdoor gear, the brand’s clean lines and performance-driven designs have become a gorpcore favorite, offering jackets and accessories that look equally cool in the city as they do on the trail.
4. Salomon
Originally known for its alpine equipment, Salomon has gained cult status in the fashion world, thanks to its cutting-edge, trail-inspired footwear. Their rugged hiking sneakers, with chunky soles and bold colors, perfectly embody gorpcore’s blend of utility and street style.
5. Cotopaxi
With a focus on sustainability and vibrant, colorful designs, Cotopaxi is both functional and fashionable. Their distinctive color-blocked jackets and outdoor essentials are a playful yet practical way to incorporate gorpcore into your wardrobe, while supporting their ethical mission.
Support Small, Independent Gorpcore Brands
While big names like The North Face and Patagonia are staples of the gorpcore movement, supporting independent artists and brands is crucial for keeping the fashion landscape fresh, diverse, and sustainable. Many smaller, independent labels are pushing the boundaries of outdoor gear, blending fashion-forward design with eco-conscious practices.
Australian upcycling brand All Angels Are Aliens by Angel Contreras incorporates many gorpcore elements into its style, including patchwork fleeces and heavy winter wear.
The brand repurposes vintage and surplus materials, imbuing each garment with a distinct character and history. Bold patches, mixed textures, and vibrant graphics feature prominently, transforming classic outdoor staples like hoodies and jackets into wearable art. Contreras’ creations also reflect the grunge ethos of non-conformity, giving off an effortlessly cool, worn-in look that celebrates imperfections and individuality and blends perfectly into a gorpcore outfit.
There are many other sustainable, independent brands that create gorpcore fashion pieces. And remember that where you spend your money counts, so you should try to support small eco-conscious brands whenever possible.
Happy Hiking with Gorpcore Fashion
Gorpcore has transformed outdoor gear into a cultural phenomenon, bridging the gap between rugged utility and high fashion. With roots in hiking apparel from brands like The North Face, Patagonia, and independent designers like All Angels Are Aliens this trend is all about versatility, comfort, and style.
Whether you’re hitting the trails or navigating city streets, gorpcore allows you to embrace the best of both worlds. As more designers and celebrities adopt this practical yet bold aesthetic, it’s clear that gorpcore is here to stay. So gear up and get ready to bring the adventure into your everyday wardrobe!
Want to find some clothes to add to your next gorpcore outfit? Check out our Custom WearHouse store! Thanks for reading!
