The Great Outdoors Gets a Fashionable Makeover: Why Hiking Style is No Longer Just 'Granola'
If you take a step back and think about it, the pandemic reshaped our hobbies in ways we’re still unpacking. Sourdough starters? Mostly abandoned. But hiking? That’s one trend that not only survived but thrived. There’s something undeniably therapeutic about escaping into nature, even if just for a few hours. Yet, for the longest time, hiking gear felt stuck in a utilitarian rut—practical, yes, but stylish? Not so much. Personally, I think this disconnect has always been a missed opportunity. After all, why shouldn’t functionality and fashion coexist, especially in an activity that’s as much about self-expression as it is about physical challenge?
What makes this particularly fascinating is how the hiking world is finally catching up. Over the past few years, a new wave of enthusiasts has emerged, determined to prove that you can conquer a mountain in style. Take Sabrina Bloedorn, a Vancouver-based creator who’s redefining what it means to dress for the trail. Her approach? A fearless blend of sci-fi-inspired aesthetics and technical gear. Wide-leg hiking pants paired with dramatic jackets? Check. Exaggerated eyewear and the occasional skirt? Absolutely. Bloedorn’s style isn’t just about standing out—it’s about challenging the outdated notion that hikers must conform to a certain look.
One thing that immediately stands out is her ability to source gear from unexpected places. While brands like Arcteryx and The North Face remain staples, Bloedorn often turns to lesser-known labels, particularly from Asia. Snow Peak’s head-to-toe blue ensembles, Dirty Manners’ sleek tanks, and Kolon Sport’s vibrant outerwear—these aren’t just fashion statements; they’re functional pieces that defy traditional hiking norms. What many people don’t realize is that this shift isn’t just about aesthetics. It’s about reclaiming individuality in a space that’s long prioritized conformity, especially for women. Bloedorn’s mantra? “You can be the most striking person on the mountain and the strongest one on it. Those were never opposite things.”
From my perspective, this evolution in hiking style reflects a broader cultural shift. As outdoor activities become more mainstream, they’re also becoming more inclusive. Hiking is no longer the sole domain of the ‘granola’ crowd; it’s a space where creativity and self-expression are not just allowed but celebrated. This raises a deeper question: Why did it take so long for fashion to catch up with functionality in the first place? After all, the outdoor industry has always been innovative in terms of materials and design. Yet, for years, style seemed like an afterthought.
A detail that I find especially interesting is how social media has accelerated this change. Platforms like Instagram have become virtual runways for hikers like Bloedorn, showcasing how technical gear can be both practical and chic. This isn’t just about looking good for the ‘gram—it’s about inspiring others to embrace their unique style on the trail. As Bloedorn notes, it’s been “fun to see people getting confident in their own style.” That confidence, in my opinion, is what’s truly transforming hiking culture.
If you take a step back and think about it, this trend also speaks to a larger conversation about identity and self-expression in outdoor spaces. For too long, the outdoors has been associated with a specific aesthetic—one that often excluded those who didn’t fit the mold. But as hiking style becomes more diverse, so too does the community. What this really suggests is that the great outdoors is finally becoming a place where everyone can feel at home, regardless of how they choose to dress.
Looking ahead, I’m excited to see where this trend goes. Will we see more high-fashion collaborations with technical brands? Will hiking style continue to push boundaries, blending functionality with avant-garde designs? One thing’s for sure: the days of ‘granola’ hiking gear are numbered. As Bloedorn and others prove, the trail is a canvas—and there’s no limit to what you can create.
In the end, this isn’t just about clothes. It’s about breaking free from expectations, embracing individuality, and redefining what it means to be an outdoor enthusiast. Personally, I think that’s a movement worth celebrating—one step, one stylish outfit at a time.
