Gorpcore. Gorpcore. Gorpcore. You’ve all seen it. Techwear meets trail mix-loving environmental enthusiasts in a fashionable way. It’s a polarizing method of dressing that emphasizes the technology behind individual garments. 

The word Gorpcore is a colloquial term for trail mix (Good Ol’ Raisins and Peanuts). Presumably, the people wearing Gorpcore indulge in their raisins and peanuts while hiking through mountain ranges, treacherous forests, and hazardous conditions. 

Critical aspects of Gorpcore remain easy to comprehend and don’t require astute knowledge behind them. Matching palettes is an important variable within Gorpcore which often includes matching dark, monochromatic colors with vibrant hues. The latter is most commonly found in creps or jackets, with brands like Arc’teryx and Salomon producing eye-catching garms that pair well with dark bottoms. 

Volume and layering are the peanut butter and jelly of Gorpcore. Essentials within the style tend to be tailored with a boxy fit, with voluminous silhouettes more than welcome. To create the necessary volume, layered pieces beneath are critical as they add the necessary size to call your fit Gorpcore.

Below is a list of six items that you want/need to know about if you’re getting into Gorpcore. The beauty of this trend is the concept of each layer is offered at varying price points. But remember, logos are a prominent aspect of Gorpcore. Without them, you’re fit may lean more toward Normcore or techwear. 

SALOMON XT-6

The Salomon XT-6 is a terrific introduction to the trend of Gorpcore. Salomon markets the shoe as a running shoe tailored to elite ultra-distance runners who compete through unheard-of conditions. 

But for us fashion lovers, the sneaker represents an uber comfortable crep with a range for days. The black or white monochromatic pairs are lethal when it comes to putting together a jacket focussed fit. However, they also release some portentous colourways which can be the star of their own show. 

THE NORTH FACE PUFFER JACKET

The North Face and their puffer jacket refuse to go quietly into the night. We’ve seen it season after season. TNF dominates the field with its iconic ripstop fabric, relaxed yet boxy fit, and bizarrely easy foldability. 

This year, the 1996 Retro Nuptse puffer is at the top of their range. It features the classic colourblocking that we’ve all grown to love, mimicking the iconic designs from 1996. It’s rated under the brand’s heaviest and warmest coats while fitting into the Gorpcore category with above-average wind resistance and water protection. 

NIKE ACG CARGO PANTS

Nike’s ACG line was ahead of its time. The sportswear brands’ outdoor department has done many creative pieces that have competed with longtime outdoor royalty like Patagonia and Columbia. Their cargo pants from a multitude of seasons are a terrific option for bottoms. They feature enough pockets to keep fit within the realm of Gorpcore without exceeding into the lovely world of tech wear. 

ARC’TERYX ALPHA SV OR BETA SL SHELL JACKET

If you were on fashion TikTok this summer, you definitely came across videos of people standing in the shower, letting water pummel their Gore-Tex jackets to the tune of Arc’teryx by YT. 

Their Alpha SV jacket is their top-of-the-line shell jacket, given more tech than a brand-new BMW straight off the lot. It’s rated for severe alpine conditions following a slew of tests. The tech on this coat is far too much to be summarized. You need to get over to an Arcy store and listen to an associate talk your ear off for ages. 

If spending two months of rent isn’t your thing, the Beta SL shell is a great option. It still has the pair of linear placed zippers found on the Alpha SV, although they’re a bit wider apart. Gore-Tex is used as well, although it doesn’t include the ridiculous amount of technology from the Alpha SV. 

NALGENE WATER BOTTLE

Nalgene has long dominated the space of outdoor hydration. Their wide-mouth bottles are created out of recycled resin. Their recycling transformers wasteland-bound plastic into high-performance, BPA-, BPS, and phthalate water bottles. Their inherent customizability is a leading factor in why they’re so popular. Fish out those Supreme stickers from your drawer and slap them on your new bottle!

C.P. COMPANY NYLON B LENS SIDEBAG

Nylon B is C.P. Company’s durable and water-resistant weave which is fine-tuned for garment dyeing. Due to this, the depth and intensity within the colours of these bags are simply unmatched. The bag itself is the perfect size for your everyday carry, including a separate compartment just for your raisins and peanuts.

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