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Author: NEWBORN Tony
What is Gorpcore and how did hiking apparel become fashionable
Arc'teryx jackets on city streets, membrane windbreakers in coffee shops, and Salomon sneakers instead of regular trainers. Dressing as if you've just returned from a hike in the Carpathians is no longer a quirk; it’s the main trend of the last few years.
In 2017, journalist Jason Chen coined the word "gorpcore" in an article for The Cut, derived from the acronym GORP (Good Old Raisins and Peanuts—a popular hiking snack) and the suffix -core, signifying an aesthetic. Initially, it was just irony. Chen described outdoor gear in the city as "demonstrably ugly" and genuinely mocked people wearing trekking boots in restaurants.
However, the world picked up the term and turned it into a point of pride and a distinct subculture. Gorpcore style has also become popular in Kyiv. Anton, creative director of NEWBORN K and author of the marketing Telegram channel Tony Speaks (Tony Govoryt), shares his perspective on this trend.
The effect of social media and the pandemic
The pandemic was the main catalyst for the rise of gorpcore. Stuck in lockdown, people flocked to nature, and after restrictions were lifted, they didn't want to return to their usual clothes. Thus, technical jackets, trail sneakers, and fleeces replaced mountain paths with the streets of megacities.
Over 1.7 billion views on TikTok and Instagram finally turned a niche trend into a global one. Stars like A$AP Rocky, Frank Ocean, and Travis Scott began combining technical gear with streetwear. Global runways followed suit, integrating membrane fabrics and trekking footwear into high fashion.
In 2025–2026, gorpcore remains relevant. The demand for outdoor clothing will continue to grow as comfort and functionality become the new standard for the modern wardrobe.
Gorpcore brands and why you don't need to hike to wear them
I started wearing sports and outdoor gear long before it was called gorpcore. Not because I followed trends—I just liked the style. Back in the day, finding Salomon in Ukraine was a challenge, but their durability and design were worth it. I was drawn to Carhartt WIP by the density of their materials and thoughtful designs, and to Gramicci pants by their comfortable gusseted crotch and built-in nylon belt.
A friend of mine—a restaurateur and traveler whose taste I trust more than any fashion media—helped me discover Klättermusen. It's a wonderful alternative to Arc'teryx. The Swedes have been making high-quality technical clothing since 1975—without compromise or flashy logos.
But with the style's popularity came a certain snobbery. Once at a party, an acquaintance made a remark about my Peak Performance jacket: "So, how many summits have you conquered in that?". Apparently, the right to wear such a brand had to be earned in the mountains. My greatest achievement at the time was the 20 steps of the subway underpass on Khreshchatyk.
That is the main paradox I have observed over the years. Brands that created clothing for extreme conditions eventually become part of urban culture. Even Arc'teryx is seen more often in specialty coffee shops today than on cliffs. And this is not a betrayal of ideology, but a compliment to the design.
If an item works in harsh conditions, it will be flawless in the city. Thoughtful technical clothing lives beyond seasons and doesn't need the "gorpcore" label to remain a staple.
Outdoor community vs. Instagram gorpcore
Of course, when the trend went mainstream, it triggered those who had been wearing these clothes for years. The community quickly split between those in the know and those just following the fashion. Aggressive gatekeeping emerged around Vibram soles, Gore-Tex technology, or the number of trails completed.
But there is good news—the gorpcore trend is passing. And that means the community that truly understands this clothing can finally breathe a sigh of relief.
Items are returning to those who truly appreciate them. To people who choose Salomon for their specific sole technology, understand membranes, and test shell jackets in the wild. Often, they know even more about the gear than the brands themselves.
However, I still admire and relate to those who buy Gramicci simply for its incredible comfort, or those who choose Norda for its aesthetics and durability. The reason for purchase can be anything—each of these choices has a right to exist.
Style is a personal language. It doesn't matter why you chose a specific item. What matters is that you feel natural in it.
The trend passes—functionality remains
The gorpcore trend is gradually fading. Most buyers will soon switch to something else; the next trend is already brewing somewhere on TikTok. But the essence of this style will stay with us for a long time.
High-quality technical clothing has already established itself in the city as a standard of comfort. Carhartt WIP will continue to be bought for its workwear heritage and dense fabrics, Klättermusen for its Swedish environmental philosophy, Salomon for its enduring engineering precision, and Norda with its Dyneema material and Vibram sole will easily outlast most other sneakers in your wardrobe.
The most important thing this trend leaves behind is a global shift in how we perceive our wardrobes. Now, outdoor gear in Kyiv is no longer perceived as a quirk, but as a practical and functional piece of clothing that will remain relevant five years from now.
This is the approach one should take when choosing clothes. And this is the philosophy we share at NEWBORN K. You can buy stylish technological clothing and sneakers in this aesthetic in Kyiv at our concept store at 20 Velyka Zhytomyrska St., or online at newbornk.com.
FAQ
What is gorpcore and when did it appear?
Gorpcore is a style that combines functional gear for outdoor activities with an urban everyday wardrobe. The trend was named in 2017 by journalist Jason Chen in an article for The Cut. The peak of the style's global popularity occurred between 2020 and 2024, driven by the pandemic and a general demand for comfortable and practical clothing.
Is gorpcore going out of fashion? Should I buy such clothing now?
The peak of mass hype has passed, but this style will certainly not disappear. Brands that shaped this aesthetic long before it became mainstream—such as Salomon, Klättermusen, Gramicci, Norda, and Carhartt WIP—are here to stay. Quality everyday technical clothing for the city remains a practical staple. It was relevant before the trend, and it will remain so after it.
Which brands in this style should I know?
We feature brands with long histories and philosophies: French outdoor giant Salomon (established in 1947), Swedish eco-conscious brand Klättermusen, and iconic climbing brand Gramicci. We also carry the workwear brand Carhartt WIP, reimagined for the city, and innovative Canadian sneakers Norda made from Dyneema® on Vibram soles, which can only be found here in Kyiv. This is just a brief overview of our brands—view the full assortment here.
Where can I buy quality gorpcore clothing and footwear in Kyiv?
At the NEWBORN K concept store at 20 Velyka Zhytomyrska St. We import brands directly and know everything that makes each item worth your attention. The entire assortment is also available online at newbornk.com.
