Gorpcore: what outdoor style is and a guide to outfits

Let's talk about gorpcore: a trend and a style that, in recent years, has gained increasing popularity among streetwear insiders and fans of high-altitude temperatures. Before diving into the must-have products for gorpcore style, as well as the materials and textures to prefer when thinking about gorp outfits, it is necessary to explore what this style is, how it connects to the outdoors, and how it is conquering urban fashion. Then, of course, we will move on to how to dress gorpcore and how to recreate outdoor outfits by talking about the best brands. From outdoor shoes to jackets, including jackets and accessories, let's discover all the details of gorpcore style.

Let's start with the origins and etymology of the term gorpcore: born from the acronym "Good Old Raisins and Peanuts," this style celebrates the perfect blend of mountain functionality and urban world references. If the boundary between a mountain trail and the center of a metropolis has thinned until disappearing, it is thanks to what is more than just a trend. The acronym GORP (Good Old Raisins and Peanuts) evokes the climbers' energy snack, but today it describes an aesthetic that celebrates extreme functionality, material durability, and unprecedented freedom of movement. Born as a niche trend, this style has elevated technical hiking clothing to a new urban standard. Technical jackets with windproof and rainproof technologies, functional details like carabiners, durable and stretchy pants that ensure maximum freedom of movement, and sneakers that combine running world performance with city shoe comfort. 

Now that we have defined the essential characteristics of the gorpcore style, it is time to move on to the list of outdoor brands to know. Let's start with the great classics, those brands that need no introduction like The North Face, Nike ACG, Gramicci, and Salomon: these are brands that have built their aesthetic on mountain trails. In addition to these names, the list of brands to know includes Japanese labels like And Wander, CMF Outdoor Garment, F/CE, Muraspo, Snow Peak, and South2 West8. Regarding the footwear world, the landscape sneakers go beyond Salomon and include models from Keen, Norda, Mizuno, Nike, and special collaborations like South2 West8 x Suicoke or Carhartt WIP x Salomon. Gorpcore brands for women? Discover the selection from Beams Boy, Gramicci, Girls of Dust, and Taion outerwear.

If you are wondering which gorpcore garments to add to your wardrobe, you are in the right place. Jackets with windproof technologies and climbing shoes are definitely the items to invest in the most. Pants are also essential: they need to be made from materials that offer protection from the elements and include a set of tools like the hook positioned at the bottom of the leg to adjust the fit over boots or the thigh zipper that allows you to transform long pants into practical outdoor bermuda shorts. If the models of Gramicci are designed to offer you maximum comfort in all seasons thanks to the diamond gusset in the crotch, numerous pockets, and the integrated nylon belt, those by CMF Outdoor Garment and Snow Peak elevate Japanese functionality to an urban trend with streetwear appeal.

When we talk about outdoor jackets, we think of models capable of ensuring comfort and technology. It is the most important garment for this type of style: make sure it has a hood and can guarantee you maximum comfort and functionality on any kind of trail. From thermal jackets with insulating technology by Mizuno to Nike ACG’s iconic orange Lunar Jacket, through Gramicci’s padded down jackets to CMF Outdoor Garment’s fleece models, Urbanstar offers a wide selection of gorpcore jackets.

A distinctive element of gorpcore style is the use of climbing footwear, such as hiking shoes, an essential element for outdoor enthusiasts in the strict sense. Choosing this type of shoe is necessary to tackle mountain trails: the sneakers Salomon, for example, are equipped with a special tight mesh that prevents debris from getting trapped between the foot and the insole. The quickLACE lacing system simplifies putting on and taking off the shoe, while the deep-sculpted chevron lugs improve traction on soft surfaces like mud or loose soil. Another gorpcore sneaker brand to know is Keen which, since 2002, has blended outdoor aesthetics with urban influences. 

The Keen Jasper Zionic, for example, are a hybrid model inspired by climbing culture, combining the versatility of the Jasper with the speed and comfort of the Zionic model. With a modern silhouette and technical details, like the laces running from the tongue to the toe, this suede sneaker offers a perfect and cushioned fit, ideal for those who live a life always on the move. Particularly high-performing models also include the "BETTLE-ev-lo" sneakers by South2 West8 x Suicoke, the perfect fusion between Japanese outdoor functionality and urban-chic performance. Made with a premium suede upper, the BETTLE-ev-lo South2 West8 sneakers are lined with the original waterproof eVent fabric. The Vibram MEGAGRIP outsole makes transitions from wet to dry surfaces smooth and effortless.

The golden rule of gorpcore is technical layering, meaning targeted layering. It’s not just a thermal necessity but a statement that blends aesthetics and functionality. Each layer must be visible and contribute to the complexity of the look:

1. Base Layer: A cotton t-shirt or a breathable technical shirt. In cases of particularly cold temperatures, you can consider adding a lightweight thermal jacket or a fleece.

2. Mid Layer: This is where warmth comes into play. Taion vests and liners are essential. Thanks to their quilted structure and extreme lightness, they can be worn over a sweatshirt or under a shell without restricting movement.

3. Outer Layer: The final "shell." It can be a bulky parka from The North Face or a technical jacket from Muraspo, a brand that carries the energy of Japanese sportswear like Mizuno garments.

For men, the central pillar of this outfit is the pants. Gramicci is the absolute reference: born for free climbing, their pants with the "gusseted crotch" allow 180-degree mobility and include the iconic integrated nylon belt that hangs on the side. For those looking for a more eccentric and original approach, South2 West8 is the ideal choice. Inspired by the traditional Japanese fishing technique Tenkara, the brand offers multi-pocket jackets and technical mesh that define a refined and functional look.

The female Gorpcore on Urbanstar is tinged with streetwear and workwear influences. Brands like Beams Boy reinterpret the men's wardrobe with cuts designed for women, creating a unique mix of outdoor and preppy style. For a more structured look, Girls of Dust garments offer the typical durability of workwear that pairs perfectly with a Taion thermal vest. Other brands to know, also looking at accessories? The And Wander x Gramicci collection.

The beauty of this style lies in its aesthetic manifesto: every garment is made to last, to protect, and to make life easier for the wearer. We invite you to explore our exclusive selection on Urbanstar and discover how the best outdoor brands can transform your way of experiencing the city. To stay always updated on the latest releases, keep following our section Editorial.

 Your next adventure starts in the wardrobe.