Overview
Fashion trend embracing outdoor/hiking apparel as everyday wear - Patagonia fleeces, Arc’teryx shells, Salomon trail runners, and technical fabrics in urban settings.
Etymology
“GORP” = “Good Ol’ Raisins and Peanuts” (trail mix). Coined by The Cut writer Emily Farra (2017) to describe outdoor gear as fashion.
Key Brands
- Patagonia (fleece vests, Better Sweater)
- Arc’teryx (Veilance line, $400+ shells)
- Salomon (trail running shoes, XT-6 silhouette)
- The North Face (Nuptse puffer, Denali fleece)
- Carhartt (workwear crossover)
Cultural Drivers
- Tech bros in Patagonia vests (finance/Silicon Valley uniform)
- Fashion brands embracing utility (Prada Linea Rossa, Stone Island)
- Sustainability halo (buying quality outdoor gear vs fast fashion)
Peak Influence
2019-2022: Arc’teryx became status symbol ($500+ jackets). Salomon sneakers sold out at SSENSE. Outdoor brands couldn’t keep up with urban demand.
Pandemic Boom
2020-2021: Hiking exploded as safe outdoor activity. Gorpcore became WFH-to-trail uniform.
Criticism
Appropriation: Wealthy urbanites cosplaying as outdoorsy while never hiking. Drove up prices for actual outdoor enthusiasts.