Outdoors-ready fashion that's anything but granola
Stylish — and super functional — finds that will have you looking great fireside.
When runway labels like Proenza Schouler and 3.1 Phillip Lim are churning out designer hiking boots, it's a good time to upgrade your camping gear. Even if you're not into the Gorpcore trend — which is all about incorporating super-functional camp gear into everyday wardrobes — it's nice to know that outdoors fashion has become such a stylish category in recent years.
From a lightweight, waterproof boot that's sleek and colourful to a cute tank top that is both fast-drying and odour-free, here's what to wear for your next overnight camping trip, glamping weekend, or week-long portage.
Active wares
The best outdoors and active clothing now look just like your favourite casual separates, but way easier to wear and chock-full of handy features and high-tech materials and finishes. Fits are flattering and modern, fabrics offer qualities such as wrinkle, water and wind resistance, and the designs are so stylish that you'll want to wear them in the city, too. Just remember to pack and dress in smart layers, to ward against both bugs — think mosquitos and ticks — and chillier summer evenings.
This sportif mesh pullover looks like your favourite windbreaker from the '90s, but better.
Stratosphere Pullover, $310.95, michiny.com
The Constant is Vancouver-based Aritzia's athleisure line. The cool proportions of this soft, drawstring hoodie make it a standout for the outdoors or just for lounging around.
The Constant Ola Hoodie, $98, aritzia.com
These nylon-spandex pants have a slim cut, 4-way stretch and a water repellent finish. Wear them in the woods and consider your legs better protected from bug bites and ticks.
Skyline Traveler Pants, $99, patagonia.ca
This basic top stands out because the fabric is fast-drying and promises permanent odour control.
Tech tank, $50, ryu.ca
Upgrade your standard sweatpants to these breathable, lightweight and quick-dry trousers.
Olivie Pants, $100, lolewomen.com
Layers are important when you're dealing with unpredictable weather. This wind and water-resistant jacket is so compressible that it fits into a small pocket once packed!
Farpoint Jacket, $115, mec.ca
Sweatshirt dressing and '90s nostalgia collide with this simple Roots dress, which might just be perfect for roasting marshmallows by the fire.
Sleeveless Kanga Dress, $74, roots.com
Shoe in
From strappy sandals to rugged hiking boots, the best outdoors footwear works for all terrain and offers a comfortable footbed and practical features such as water-resistance and Vibram soles. Still, unless you're a hardcore camper, you'll probably want to choose a lightweight pair that would also work for your everyday adventures.
Introduced last year by Keen, this waterproof hiking boot weighs just 12.8 ounces, meaning you'll still want to keep them on once the trek is over.
Terradora Waterproof Mid Boots, $175, keenfootwear.com
For camping, these Japanese sandals have a comfy Vibram sole made of EVA rubber. For the city, their ugly-cute aesthetic is definitely on-trend.
Kisee-VKN Sandals, $295, suicoke.ca
Leather gladiator sandals with comfy molded-rubber soles that look as natural in the woods as they do at your favourite music fest? Yes please.
Torpeda Lace II Sandals, $160, sorelfootwear.ca
Head space
These days, many of us are careful about sun exposure. A great hat not only protects your head from the elements, but keeps you feeling cooler and shielded from the sun's harmful rays both in the woods and on the water. Look for features like a durable, packable material, UPF protection and moisture-wicking finishes.
Made in Canada out of rice paper, this Tilley hat looks sleek and offers UPF 50+ protection.
Toy1 Audrey Sun Hat, $120, tilley.com
This monochromatic, heavyweight cotton canvas hat comes with leather trim and a lifetime guarantee.
Naturalist Canvas Brimmer, $49.99, thenorthface.com
$5 from each sale of this retro-chic cap by Calgary-based label Camp will be donated to Camp fYrefly, a summer camp for LGBTQ+ youth.
In It Together Cap, $40, campbrandgoods.com
Truc Nguyen is a Toronto-based writer, editor and stylist. Follow her at @trucnguyen.