The hiking trend is here to stay, and it's about time we ditched the granola-esque gear and embraced a more fashion-forward approach. While the great outdoors has long been a source of solace and stress relief, the clothing associated with it has often been lackluster and uninspiring. But a new wave of hikers is challenging this perception, and it's all thanks to individuals like Sabrina Bloedorn, who is leading the charge in merging style and practicality on the trail.
Bloedorn, a Vancouver-based creator, has cultivated a dedicated following for her unique ability to combine fashion and the outdoors. Her approach to hiking attire is one of curiosity, fearlessness, and creativity, which she believes is long overdue in the hiking community. "To be seen as a good hiker, women felt they had to dress like everyone else and not stand out too much. Honestly, 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," she explains.
Her style is characterized by wide-leg hiking pants paired with dramatic jackets, the occasional skirt, and exaggerated eyewear, all sourced through Instagram. "The best place for outdoor style is Asia, they always carry the most fashion-forward technical brands," she says. 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, Bloedorn curates a unique list of labels that turn all preconceived notions of technical wear on their head.
But Bloedorn's style isn't just about striking visuals; it's also about functionality. "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. 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," she explains.
Bloedorn's unique style has inspired others to embrace their own fashion sense on the trail. "It's been fun to see people getting confident in their own style. That's such a beautiful thing," she says. And her advice to those hesitant about wearing a flashy outfit on the trail? "You can be the most striking person on the mountain and the strongest one on it. Those were never opposite things."
The hiking trend is evolving, and it's no longer just about functionality and practicality. It's about embracing a sense of adventure, creativity, and self-expression. And with individuals like Bloedorn leading the way, the future of hiking style looks bright and fashion-forward.
