In order not to freeze: 11 current out-brands
Outdoor clothing, that is things for active sports and recreation in nature, in 2018 it is easy to meet on the streets of the city, which is not surprising - its practical properties make it possible not to be distracted by the whims of nature, wherever you are. This can only be glad, because the Russian winter wind-proof jackets, waterproof accessories and non-slip shoes more than ever by the way. We have already asked the experts how the outdoor segment broke into the market, and now we are talking about eleven outdoor brands that are worth paying attention to.
Text: Anna Aristova
Montbell
Montbell appeared in Osaka in 1975 thanks to the Japanese Isamu Tatsuno, who set himself the goal to conquer Eiger and become a famous mountaineer, as well as to open his own brand of mountain equipment. Today, Montbell produces light and functional things that are comfortable to wear in the city - including warm jackets, durable windbreakers, dutik boots (so that houses do not freeze at home), waist bags and laconic sandals. And if you really go in for mountain sports, in the Montbell range you will find various equipment, such as dishes, tents and sleeping bags.
The north face
The North Face brand appeared in the USA in 1966 and received the status of a cult "street" brand in the 1990s - then it was worn by wealthy New Yorkers and rappers, and the war for the famous Nuptse jacket was waged not for life, but for death ( the formation of The North Face tells The Cut). In 2018, The North Face is still at the forefront: on the account of the brand collaboration with Supreme, Junya Watanabe, Hyke, Sacai and Vans.
Finally, the brand became stronger in the lifestyle segment after the creation of a separate Japanese line (available almost exclusively in Japan) The North Face Purple Label under the leadership of the founder of the brand nanamica Eitiro Hommy. Among the most notable recent collaborations of The North Face Purple Label are, for example, the capsule collection of checkered suitcases created with director Spike Jonz.
Patagonia
Patagonia was founded by American climber Yvon Chouinard in 1973. The brand positions itself as "activist" and considers its main mission "to find ways to overcome the environmental crisis." These are not empty words: the company transfers part of the profits to environmental funds, and also tries to reduce the amount of toxic waste in production, use more environmentally friendly materials and support eco-activists.
As for the product, in the line of Patagonia today you can find not only equipment for rock climbers, but clothing for surfers, skiers, snowboarders and fans of other sports. In the summer of 2018, the brand announced its first collaboration - with the shoe brand Danner Boots. The collaboration resulted in fishing boots, which, according to the brands, “will serve you for a lifetime”. They will go on sale in February 2019 - the pair will cost from 499 to 549 dollars.
Napapijri
Napapijri is perhaps one of the most famous brands that use outdoor aesthetics. The Italian company began its business with sales of sports bags for skiers, but later began to produce clothing, including the best-selling Skidoo, a lightweight anorak with a famous breast pocket.
Today, on the Napapijri website, you can see everything you need for a rainy winter - from assorted parks to accessories - and for those who are trying to keep up with the latest trends - for example, a whole line dedicated to hip-hop and 1990. The brand also has children's clothes, especially comfortable for long walks. We also advise you to pay attention to the collaboration with the London-based brand Martine Rose, which has gigantic silhouettes, functional details and specific materials. T-shirts and monstrous parks from their joint collection are already a pity to simply walk in the woods - however, unlike the original collection, they are less suitable for hiking.
Houdini
The Swedish brand Houdini is not only another example of a sustainable brand, but also one of the few outdoor companies led by women. Founder Lotta Jornofelice began her career with creating fleece underwear for rock climbers, and then drew attention to other functional products such as parks, down jackets and warm sweaters. In 2007, the brand released the first collection of recycled polyester items and since then has continued to contribute to the environment through upside recycling, resale of already used items, as well as renting out its products. You can read about Houdini eco-activities in detail on the official website.
Columbia
A woman also stands at the helm of one of the most famous brands of clothing for active sports and recreation in Columbia on the Russian market - 94-year-old Gert Boyle, who took responsibility for the company in her arms after the death of her father Paul Lamphrome and her husband Neil Boyle. Today, Columbia not only makes functional clothes for active types of recreation, but also strengthens its position in the lifestyle segment, in which the brand is helped by collaboration with Opening Ceremony (the latter is dedicated to archive models of outdoor brands), well-known among fans of expensive street clothes store and eponymous brand Kith, Kinetics and other fashion companies. As for the permanent line, we advise you to pay attention to the simple and warm parks, as well as bulky non-slip boots for the winter, which will fall to the way and in the city.
Fjällräven
You probably know the Swedish brand Fjällräven from backpacks of cheerful colors with a fox emblem. According to legend, the first prototype of the Kånken model with a wooden back, founder Ake Nordin, made it back in childhood, and in 1960 the first backpacks with an aluminum frame appeared, which made it easier to carry heavy things. Today, even in the basic models, a piece of foam is hidden in the back, on which you can sit during the rest.
Later, the production of the brand expanded to tents, functional clothing and other equipment for travelers. In 2018, in the Fjällräven lineup, you can see concise fleece bombers with pockets, puffy retro-caps and comfortable skirt-shorts for tracking. We recommend paying special attention to the Fjällräven Collaboration and another sign Swedish brand Acne Studios (already in the junior segment) - not only cute Kånken mini backpacks but also multi-colored windbreakers, down jackets and T-shirts entered the capsule. Prices range from 120 to 1100 euros - a cross between the price of Fjällräven and Acne Studios.
Arc'teryx
Arc'teryx is an outdoor brand from Canada and another example of successful assimilation into a lifestyle category. In 2009, the company launched the luxury line of minimalist and technological men's clothing Veilance, which immediately won the love of not only outdoor fans, but also people interested in fashion. The Veilance collection features light down jackets, basic T-shirts, and a coat of innovative Gore-Tex membrane fabric.
Salomon
The French brand Salomon was founded in 1947 by François Salomon and his family, and initially specialized in the manufacture of edging for skis and ski bindings. In the 1970s, the brand released its first shoes - since then, the shoes of the brand were re-designed by Marine Serre, TAKAHIROMIYASHITA The Soloist, the Broken Arm concept store (whose result was in great demand from those interested in fashion) and other fashion companies. Naturally, the brand is known not only for shoes - their products, from helmets to sunglasses, can be bought in a huge number of multi-brands around the world.
Snow peak
Snow Peak was founded by mountaineer Yukio Jamay in 1958, a Japanese brand for hiking and traveling lovers, being "unhappy with the equipment that existed at the time." He really managed to bring his vision to the outdoor industry: Snow Peak became popular due to not only technology, but also minimal design. Today, the brand is managed by the granddaughter of the founder Liza Jamai - in the modern line of the brand one can see not only sports equipment, but also laconic jackets, biker jackets and coats. Following the example of their colleagues, Snow Peak comes up with collaborations - for example, they release Teva sandals, Journal Standard retrofit shirts and Danner boots.
Helly hansen
The Norwegian brand Helly Hansen has been working in the outdoor industry for more than one hundred and forty years since its foundation in 1877 and no one knows a lot about sports equipment. So, in the 1940s, Helly Hansen was the first to use PVC-plastic-based Helox material to create waterproof raincoats (today, for environmental purposes, the company uses PVC-free material), which became classics, and in 1961 the company together with Fiber Pile Inc. developed another material Fiberpile - in other words, a kind of fleece. In the 1990s, like colleagues from The North Face, Helly Hansen became associated with hip-hop, and in 2018 they continue to conquer the lifestyle segment, releasing common collections with Sandro and Kinfolk magazine.
