In recent years, the sneaker industry hasÌýpopularized bringing back old designs people used to love and still want to wear. The majority ofÌýcompaniesÌýin the outdoor segment have been doing this of late, too, and are now catching up to the trend.ÌýThey’ve been combing their archives for the most popular jackets, shoes, fabrics, and colors they made 10, 20, or even 50 years ago and reproducing them for a modern audience. Some companies have truly embraced the retro aesthetic.ÌýHere are six of my favorites.
Originally designed for mountaineers who needed a shorterÌýdown jacket they could wear with a harness, the has long been a throwback favorite. Hip-hop artists made it popular in , and you still find itÌýeverywhere. I use the jacket because it’s damn warm, thanks to giant baffles filled with 700-fill, responsibly sourcedÌýdown. I don’t take itÌýskiing—it’s too big to pack in a bag—but it’s perfect for bitter days around town or for spring car camping when temperaturesÌýfall at night.
Worn in Hawaii in the 1920s, and first mass-produced in the thirties, floralÌýshirts really took off after World War II as U.S.Ìýservicemen brought them back to the mainland. Since thenÌýthey’ve become aÌýpopular summer fashion statement. For some people, they’ve also become a favorite piece forÌýclimbing, riding, and hiking. I like because it’s appropriate for work and because the 100 percent cotton build has a great feel on my skin, even when I’m sweating.
The ChelseaÌýboot has nearly 200 years of history. First designed by , itÌýbecame popular in London and wasÌýfamously worn by the Beatles and the Rolling Stones. There are lots of different kinds, and Ìýis a little less dressy than what the rock and rollers liked. It’s a bootÌýI’ve wornÌýwith everything from a beat-up pair of jeans to a nice slacks out at dinner. My favorite part: the more it gets used, the better itÌýlooks.
A is one of the most iconic pieces of outdoor gear. All the bigÌýbrands, from the North Face to Patagonia, made one and have since brought them back. I’m a fan of this one from Wellen because of the simple design and muted color. Made from a dead stock fabric, which meansÌýit’s no longer produced and would otherwise end up in the landfill, this jacket has been warm enough to ski in but is also perfect for spring walks around the neighborhood.
Selvage denim is manufactured on a shuttle loom, makingÌýit denser and higher quality than other jean fabric. The styleÌýwas made famous over 100 years ago by theÌý company ofÌýNorth Carolina, and it’s had a resurgence in recent decades, partly thanks to a Japanese obsession with the material. is not only ultra durableÌýbut also insanely comfy due to its built-in stretch. I’ve biked, hiked, and worked in these pants, andÌýlike the aforementioned Chelsea boot, they look better with wear.
The materialsÌýÌýareÌýconstructed with areÌýwhat makes it a throwback.ÌýBuilt from 1,000-denier nylon, and hung with a leather handle and leather zipper pulls, the Dryden carries on the ruggedness of classic Filson products, which were headed to the Yukon in the late 1800s. The bombproof design comes at a cost but will last for decades.ÌýI’m a fan of the old-school green colorway, but IÌýalso like the modern amenities, like a padded pocket for a 15-inch laptop and drop-in sleevesÌýfor my water bottle.