Practicality has gone stylish, and nowhere is that clearer than in Canada’s growing obsession with gorpcore. The trend, which is named after “good old raisins and peanuts”, blends outdoor utility with everyday wear. What once belonged strictly on hiking trails is now showing up on sidewalks, campuses, and even offices. Here are 10 fashion items embracing the ‘gorpcore’ trend in Canada:
Technical Shell Jackets
Lightweight, waterproof shell jackets have become essential gorpcore pieces. Once reserved for hikers, they’re now common in downtown cores, layered over everything from hoodies to dresses. Brands like Arc’teryx and Patagonia dominate Canadian wardrobes, offering bold colors and minimalist cuts that photograph as well as they perform. The appeal lies in their versatility, keeping wearers dry in sudden rain while doubling as a streetwear statement, and social media has amplified their status, making technical shells a must-have even for those who rarely hit the trails. In Canada, function-first jackets are no longer just gear, they have become fashion symbols of rugged sophistication.
Trail Running Sneakers
Trail sneakers, designed for uneven terrain, are now staples of Canadian gorpcore fashion. With chunky soles, breathable mesh, and earthy tones, they balance practicality with edge. Popular brands like Salomon and Hoka have become street-style favorites, their performance look translating seamlessly to urban outfits. Canadians love how they handle both city sidewalks and weekend hikes without missing a beat, and the oversized silhouettes pair easily with joggers or cargo pants, while limited-edition colorways keep them collectible. Trail sneakers represent the gorpcore ideal, through gear built for endurance that’s also fashionable enough to headline Instagram feeds and lifestyle magazines.
Fleece Pullovers
Warm, cozy fleece pullovers have crossed from campsite to café, becoming an unmistakable gorpcore icon. Brands like The North Face and Columbia offer retro-inspired color blocking that resonates with Canadians craving both nostalgia and practicality. The visual texture of fleece adds dimension to casual outfits, making it more than just functional layering. In Canadian winters, fleeces serve as both insulation and statement pieces, making them easy to throw on with jeans or leggings, while embodying comfort without sacrificing style. Social media often showcases them styled with beanies and hiking boots, proving fleece is no longer just outdoorsy gear, but a lifestyle essential.
Cargo Pants
Cargo pants, with their roomy pockets and rugged durability, are firmly embedded in Canada’s gorpcore wardrobe. Once practical workwear, they are now styled as fashion-forward essentials. Neutral shades, such as olive, tan, and charcoal, dominate, while slimmer cuts make them adaptable for both outdoor treks and city outings. Canadians appreciate the balance of utility and comfort, with enough storage for phones, wallets, and trail snacks, and paired with sneakers or hiking boots, cargos embody the outdoors-meets-urban edge gorpcore celebrates. They’ve gone from military surplus to mainstream, proving that practical design has serious staying power when reinvented through a modern Canadian lens.
Hiking Boots
Sturdy hiking boots are no longer limited to rocky trails, as they have been fully embraced in Canadian streetwear. Sleek leather designs and waterproof finishes now blend with jeans, skirts, or even office looks, and popular brands like Merrell, Timberland, and Danner deliver rugged appeal while remaining versatile. Canadians appreciate that these boots withstand rain, snow, and city commutes without compromising aesthetics, and their chunky silhouettes and earthy color palettes align perfectly with gorpcore’s ethos of function-driven style. Whether worn laced tight for an outdoor adventure or loosely styled for downtown flair, hiking boots show how performance gear can elevate everyday fashion.
Down Vests
Down vests have made a strong return as gorpcore layering pieces. Lightweight but warm, they’re ideal for Canada’s unpredictable weather and perfect for tossing over hoodies or knits. Monochrome shades dominate, though color pops are increasingly trendy, and Canadians love them for their balance of being cozy without being bulky. Outdoor brands like Mountain Hardwear and Patagonia, along with luxury labels adopting the look, have pushed vests into everyday wardrobes. The quilted texture adds a sporty edge, while packable designs highlight their practical roots. In Canada, the down vest embodies the gorpcore principle of performance wear reimagined as stylish, city-ready outerwear.
Beanies
Simple beanies have become gorpcore staples across Canadian cities, equally practical and stylish. They provide warmth during chilly months while complementing everything from shell jackets to cargo pants. Neutral tones, such as black, gray, and beige, remain timeless, while bold colors also make appearances for added contrast. Brands like Carhartt and Arc’teryx have elevated the accessory, making it a subtle marker of outdoors-inspired fashion, and Canadians love the ease of a folded cuff or slouchy fit, which works with nearly any outfit. Beanies reflect gorpcore’s balance of utility and style, transforming a functional piece into a cultural uniform that embodies comfort and effortless cool.
Oversized Backpacks
Technical backpacks, once reserved for trekking, now dominate urban Canadian style. With multiple compartments, durable fabrics, and minimalist design, oversized packs embody gorpcore functionality. Popular choices include Fjällräven, Patagonia, and Osprey, blending practicality with sleek aesthetics. They’re perfect for carrying laptops, gym clothes, or weekend essentials, proving versatile across various lifestyles. The silhouette has become an integral part of fashion itself, pairing well with cargo pants, sneakers, and fleeces. Canadians embrace backpacks not just for storage but as statements of active, on-the-go identity. Oversized backpacks have transitioned from the trail to transit, solidifying their status as key gorpcore essentials in Canadian wardrobes.
Technical Base Layers
Technical base layers, designed for warmth and breathability, are now doubling as fashion pieces. Once hidden beneath ski jackets, they are now appearing on their own, styled with fleeces or cargo pants. Brands like Icebreaker and Smartwool lead the trend in Canada, promoting merino wool as both functional and sleek. The slim fit and performance fabrics provide comfort while maintaining a clean aesthetic, and Canadians embrace these pieces for their adaptability, which is ideal for layering during outdoor trips but stylish enough for casual wear. Base layers prove that gorpcore isn’t just about outerwear, but about celebrating all levels of functional design as fashion.
Utility Vests
Utility vests, packed with zippers and pockets, are finishing touches in Canadian gorpcore fashion. Borrowing from fishing and hiking gear, these pieces have become trendy layering options worn over hoodies or shirts. Brands like Arc’teryx Veilance and Patagonia offer minimalist versions that pair practicality with sleek design. Canadians appreciate their versatility, whether for actual outdoor use or as a stylish urban fashion statement. The pocket-heavy look taps into the utility aesthetic that defines gorpcore style, which is rooted in preparedness. With their mix of rugged appeal and modern tailoring, utility vests have shifted from niche gear to mainstream Canadian fashion essentials.
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