Hiking Style Is Finally Getting Less Granola
The pandemic may have ended, but one hobby that has endured is hiking. It's no wonder: getting out into nature can reduce stress, clear the mind, and offer a plethora of physical benefits. However, the clothes suitable for this activity have long been lackluster, with a reputation for being practical and not particularly stylish. Thankfully, that's changing. Enthusiasts are proving that you can wear creative outfits in the woods that are both functional and fashionable.
One trailblazer in this movement is Sabrina Bloedorn, a Vancouver-based creator who has grown a following for her ability to combine fashion and the outdoors. Whether trekking the Alps or the lush jungles of Costa Rica, Bloedorn approaches her outfits with a sense of curiosity, fearlessness, and creativity. "To be seen as a good hiker, women felt they had to dress like everyone else and not stand out too much," she explains. "I hated that. I love standing out. I grew up watching sci-fi films, obsessing over the outfits in them, and I wanted to bring that same energy onto the trail."
The result is a unique fusion of style and practicality. Bloedorn pairs wide-leg hiking pants with dramatic jackets, the occasional skirt, and exaggerated eyewear, often sourced through Instagram. "The best place for outdoor style is Asia," she says. "They always carry the most fashion-forward technical brands."
From a head-to-toe blue ensemble by the cult favorite Japanese label Snow Peak to sleek tanks and canvas pants from Singapore-based Dirty Manners, and bright outerwear from South Korea's Kolon Sport, Bloedorn curates a unique list of labels that turn all preconceived notions of technical wear on their head. Styled in her own way, she ensures that every outfit serves a purpose.
"If I'm hiking the approach and there's a lot of shrub and tree coverage, I'll wear a lightweight technical skirt to keep my tights from snagging," she explains. "I'll throw on a bandana or hat, too, for sun protection. Then once I get to the scramble, I'll take the skirt off, pack it away, and put on sunglasses."
Bloedorn isn't alone in her desire to have fun with style on the trail. She's noticed a growing trend of hikers embracing their own unique styles. "It's been fun to see people getting confident in their own style," she says. "That's such a beautiful thing."
For those hesitant about wearing a flashy outfit on the trail, Bloedorn offers this advice: "You can be the most striking person on the mountain and the strongest one on it. Those were never opposite things."
As hiking style continues to evolve, it's clear that the days of the granola-clad hiker are long gone. With creators like Bloedorn leading the way, hiking fashion is finally getting the attention it deserves, blending functionality with a bold sense of style.
