Gorpcore & Mountaincore: The new ultimate outdoor trends explained – ISPO

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Collaborations between brands, especially synergies between streetwear and sportswear brands, are a continuing trend in the textile and fashion industry. And the focus on sustainability and the global need to (re)connect with nature continue to influence brand storytelling as well as product improvements and innovations. In the current international economic climate, which remains complicated to say the least, the outdoor industry in particular could receive a further boost thanks to two popular fashion trends that integrate performance gear into everyday life.
As the covid pandemic slowly creeps out in many parts of the world, interest in outdoor activities and the desire for (micro) adventure are on the rise. They reflect people’s desire to return to a conscious connection with themselves, others and nature. And the popularity of outdoor athletes like Adam Ondra or Denisa Dragomir and extreme athletes like Mike Horn is also a sign of the mainstream’s growing interest in the outdoor lifestyle. While in China niche sports like frisbee, skate surfing or skateboarding are being discovered by the young generation who crave outdoor activities after the covid lockdown, the market in Europe is also adjusting to the outdoor trend. For example, Columbia™ continues to work on the motto “Unlock the Outdoor for everyone”, and during the last Milan Men’s Fashion Week, Kway™ presented its outdoor-inspired clubbing collection. And that’s exactly why Gorpcore and Mountaincore are two trends to follow.
What mountaincore and gorpcore have in common is that they draw on the quality and ingenuity of the outdoor industry, from multifunctional clothing and layered looks to waterproofness and lightness to features like straps and buckles. But this is not just about merely playing with a new fashion aesthetic. It is also about embodying a fashion behaviour to create a modern camper or mountaineer look for urban life. In China, for example, after the last Winter Olympics, outdoor or mountain-related fashion, from trekking to snowboarding looks, has become so popular that specialized shops are sprouting up in Shanghai, including ABC Camping Country, for example.  Nevertheless, both trends are not just about the love of the outdoor lifestyle, but above all about social, cultural trends of urban life. Perhaps this is food for thought for the Asian market to consider collaborations between outdoor and luxury brands, à la North Face X Gucci.
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The term “gorpcore” (Gorp: acronym for “good old raisins and peanuts”, colloquial expression for trail mix that is popular as a snack during outdoor activities) was first used in May 2017 in The Cut magazine, when fleece jackets by Patagonia went viral—thanks to some rap and hip-hop stars who combined their luxury accessories with the iconic outdoor pieces. Opinions differ in the industry as to whether this is just a short-lived trend or the beginning of fashion’s new relationship with the environment. Let’s hope for a collective breakthrough, especially in terms of the associated awareness for sustainability, nature, and the environment.
From apparel to accessories, brands like Patagonia, Timberland, Teva, Van’s, Aigle, Arc’teryx, Supreme or Palace Skateboard x CP Company are leading the trends of Gorpcore. The latest ISPO Award-winning recycled and eco-conscious City Parka Bergga by Halti is also a very good example. Key pieces are ripstop rain jackets, puffer jackets, bucket hats with drawstrings, loose trousers or cargo trousers, fanny packs and outdoor-look sneakers.
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This trend was started by the hashtag #mountaincore. It was ranked as one of the 10 most important lifestyle trends of the year by Jing Daily, a Chinese business medium for luxury goods. Inspired by “14 Peaks: Nothing Is Impossible”, the documentary about the crazy adventure of Anglo-Nepalese mountaineer Nirmal Purja, and in response to recent closures and restrictions in China, not only outdoor lovers but Generation Z in particular feel a deep need for a breath of fresh air. Recently, this social trend has developed and evolved greatly. And the market is responding quickly.  In the luxury sector, for example: So you can go skiing in China in an outfit by Fendi or Prada and do your winter shopping directly at the airport or at Changbaishan Ski Resort.  But other brands involved are also reacting and have already created an entire universe: The biggest shopping malls organized “Mountain Core Lifestyle Festivals”. The Guangzhou-based camping brand Mountain fever™ held a camping event last summer.
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The most popular mountaincore brands are Snowpeak, Millet, Vaude, Lagoped, Canada Goose, Moncler, Salomon, Mountain Fever and Yama Style. The Alpspitze Air 3L Jacket from Jack Wolfskin, which won the ISPO Award 2022, is the perfect example of the mountaincore trend. The functional, ultra-light jacket, with sophisticated details, can be easily integrated into an urban look. Key pieces are also multi-pocket waistcoats, winter sports or quilted jackets and trekking-inspired accessories for smartphone or dog, like those offered by the brand Topologie EU, are also in demand.
Situated between survivalism and urban new outdoor practice, gorpcore and mountaincore trends are not only for those who have the desire for great adventure. Alongside mountains, forests and nature, they offer outdoor brands the chance to take an unexpected place in the fashion game on the street and in urban life. Is it perhaps time for outdoor and sportswear brands to go with the urban flow?

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