Preferring outdoor oriented clothes?

[BuntyVisitsTheMoon]

I've been a bit fed up of the poor quality of regular fashions/clothes for years now, and haven't bought very much in that time apart from PJ's and a pair of boots.

Landed in Ambleside on a trip through the north west recently and found myself becoming unreasonably excited about the shops full of outdoor stuff!
It suits me, and feels appropriate, and although some of it is on the expensive side, feels so much better designed and put together than the typical urban, fashion related offerings elsewhere.

So far I have found a few decent things in the sales - a couple of Patagonia warm tee's, some Fjallraven cargo trousers and some excellent walking shoes.

I am outdoors quite a lot in regular life as don't drive, although I don't see so much of this stuff where I live (Shrewsbury, dresses are popular here!), I am tempted to dress this way for most of the time and just give up on the usual clothes shops.
Also recently located a fabulous wool knit online at Finisterre, much more affordable and better made than offerings at Whistles or John Lewis, etc.

Anyone else like this? Possibly out of place in S&B maybe as some might call it style-less, lol.

I just got these Berghaus boots at half price on Amazon ( seems to have gone up again to full price now). Berghaus Women's Supalite II Gore-Tex Waterproof Hiking Boots | Lightweight | Durable | Comfortable | Vibram | Gore Tex, Chocolate Brown, 7.5 UK: Amazon.co.uk: Fashion. Not sure if I will get much use living as I do in Zone 3 London, but they are so gorgeous!

I buy Acai online and also like BAM clothing

Yes, I've recently found I like more and more outdoorsy brands, particularly the nautical companies like Saltrock, Lazy Jacks, Lighthouse, Seasalt, Crew Clothing and Lands End.

I bought a jumper from Passenger in my usual size and it was huge! Not a fan of the oversized look myself. I did swap it for two sizes smaller, but it's still big!

Also like Fat Face, Mountain Warehouse, Brakeburn, Cotton Traders, TOG24 and Quba - brands with that kind of vibe. Earth Wardrobe is good for T shirts.

Great thread OP! I've been the same since getting a dog and doing far more / longer walks in all weathers. Live in the Midlands but spend a lot of time in rural Ireland / Wales as have family all over.

I've found Berghaus good for waterproof jackets. DH loves North Face but we wait for the sales / go tot he outlet store. Rohan for trousers (and the troggers are so bloody comfy!). A friend who is a mountain rescue volunteer swears by Paramo overhead jackets. I wanted a longer waterproof coat to cover my bum and now have 2 from Helly Hansen (one warm / padded one not padded). Both have been great and a lot cheaper than some of the other brands (got both on Amazon for under £100 each).

I used to run (can't now due to injury) but still find my running leggings great for everyday walks. Best for me were Fabletics or Reebok.

Boots / trainers wise I like Meindl (the non leather lightweight boots are amazing) and Merrell. Though both my sisters have had Berghaus boots which have lasted years.

Definitely going to check out some of the other suggestions on here!

I bought fleeces from Decathlon several years ago and they're still absolutely perfect. No shrinking or bobbles and I think they were like £15.

Decathlon backpacks too, they're solid and some have a 10year warranty, better than brand sfor £££ more

Regatta are ok, few shorts and such.
Mountain Warehouse is my nearest and they're summer t-shirts and sales are pretty good.

I love outdoors stuff of you've a dog, it's perfect really.

Decathlon is my absolute favourite. But I don't live near one these days.

I have been very tempted with the Acai waterproof trousers/ leggings. Do you happen to have them??

@Orangebadger I have the thermal leggings. But I also have a pair of waterproof leggings that are great. In winter I wear them on top of my thermal leggings and in warmer weather with bare legs underneath. They’re great

My default clothing for going outside in is mostly 'outdoors' clothes (put like that it makes perfect sense), except in really sunny weather. We aim to walk about 8km a day and more on a weekend and live in the northwest of England.

Craghoppers for trousers, they're one of the few brands reliably available in a short length. Berghaus generally seems best for me for fleeces and walking jackets, the arms on some brands are far too long. I'm increasing wearing isoscool type tops instead of normal T-shirts because apart from being better as activewear they're so easy go wash and dry (and no ironing!). Bridgedale socks of various types.

I need wide footwear nowadays, berghaus boots and Merrell walking shoes are my normal footwear, or walking sandals in summer.

As to whether this topic belongs on S&B or not... imo there's nothing stylish or beautiful about people trying to move in uncomfortable footwear, or shivering with cold, or looking like drowned rats for want of a good wired hood.

I adore outdoor clothing! - midlayers, lightweight fleeces, walking trousers, ski thermals! I wear lightweight Goretex walking shoes perhaps 70% of the time.

Budget possibly quite a bit lower than OP, so much of mine is Craghoppers, Regatta, Peter Storm, Berghaus, Just a smattering of pricier stuff like Berghaus or Rab picked up on sale from Cotswold Outdoor, Go Outdoors or garden centres.

I rarely feel guilty buying outdoor clothes - the cost per wear is so low. Helps that I'm over 50 and just don't prioritise fashion any more. In outdoor gear I feel much more confident and prepared for anything the day may bring!

I rarely feel guilty buying outdoor clothes - the cost per wear is so low.

Indeed, especially if the previous generation of clothes become gardening clothes.

I promise, my budget is far more aligned with Peter Storm than Arcteryx, but I don't mind scouting for a more expensive item once or twice a year, depending on it's durability.

So glad this thread has so many replies, thanks everyone!

I am kind of tired of regular clothes too. Am in the rainy Lakes until January and whilst there are tons of well equipped walkers, the urban element is firmly massive wide leg denim. Absolutely soaked wide legged denim. That's some dedication, but mostly it's teen girls, so I don't think they care - and nor should they!

I have some Meindl boots from a few yrs ago that I can't wear, they were a very good sale item, excellent quality, but walking in them bothers my ankles, no matter how I fasten them. They are not heavy, but knock me off balance somewhat, so I am still searching for a solution whilst wearing my trusty docs.

Can anyone recommend a decent waterproof? The prices are all over the place, and are often extremely spendy even when they look like a piece of tissue paper. I have had decent luck with Rab but the arms are crazy long..

@BuntyVisitsTheMoon I have similar issues with hiking boots, most of them really irritate my ankles. I highly recommend La Sportiva ultra raptor 2 mid GTX. I’ve walked miles and miles in mine, absolutely no blisters, no irritation, they really are excellent boots and if you don’t mind a different colour you might be able to pick some up for a bit cheaper than RRP.

My two waterproofs on rotation are a North Face coat I’ve had for years, which still does the job, and a Helly Hansen jacket which is new, and while I like it I’m not 100% sure on it yet. I also have a really old North Ridge jacket I picked up in Go Outdoors for around £60 and that’s surprisingly waterproof!

I'm fussy around my ankles, I can't bear anything a bit too high on my Achilles tendon. Fortunately the berghaus ones I've got are a little lower on the back than some makes.

And there's also the right amount of curvature and maybe just a bit of flexibility on the sole...you really do have to try on, walk up and down their ramps (id never buy boots from a shop which didn't have a ramp and encourage you to stomp around!). And then take home and try out around the house before deciding if they need returning. During lockdown when DDs bf was with us and had to buy some boots online we made a ramp.

Love this thread. Since I retired, I rarely wear other clothes. It either gym kit or outdoor wear.
I only discovered the sheer joy of walking socks a couple of years ago. I never knew socks could be so comfortable.
I'm literally 300m from a Cotswold Outdoor now and inspired by this thread to go and see if there is anything I need for Christmas from DH 😊

I was hankering after Açai trousers for years but then tried them in CO and was so disappointed that I didn't like the fabric

I believe this style is known as gorpcore.

Wow what a glam name!😂

I love outdoor stuff but have a more Mountain Warehouse / Decathlon budget. Like sustainable cotton tops from Rapanui/Teemill as well.

Still looking for another pair of double zip off walking trousers, all seem to be leggings these days.

I was tramping around Hampstead Heath in my Berghaus boots- very comfy- and Lands' End waterproof yesterday in the pissing rain, happy as a clam!

Wiki tells me that's 'wearing functional outdoor wear in an urban, trendy style'.

Um no. I think for many of us we're just wearing functional outdoor wear because it's functional clothing to wear outside in a country that has weather.

True, I've been out of love with regular fashion for years now. It isn't just that the styles are (to me) a bit bizarre, but the cost to quality issue is appalling.
Then again, Arcteryx is silly money now. I bought a few items 5 years ago still going strong but they were no where close to that expensive!

I finally found some heavily discounted North Ridge boots at Blacks, and a nice Peter Storm fleece . I was prepared to pay more, but they felt very comfy on and I agree, the slightly lower back does help.

I also purchased some Montane trekking pants/loose leggings and a Patagonia raincoat.

That's me bruised in the pocket for a while, lol. But I so desperately needed some new things, it's been a long, long time.

Went into White Stuff, fat face and Joules a few days ago, they used to serve me well, but they're just chock full of shapeless thin dresses and lurid patterns now.
I had some of White Stuff's straight leg cords but they look tired after only a few months. Nothing on the high street seems durable anymore. Even PJ's have gone to shit, so I darn my own and keep them going. I buy the M&S everyday tees to sleep in and the necks sag like heck after a couple of washes

@BuntyVisitsTheMoon totally agree the quality is shocking now. I bought my kids their annual Xmas pjs from M&S, fleece, the fabric this year is so thin and just feels cheap compared to last year even, the quality has dive bombed.

Enjoy your new clothes. I love Patagonia but generally only buy 2nd hand nowdays.

Lands end is good for PJs, as well as decent quality cotton Ts etc.

Cost per wear on 'outdoorsy' type clothes works out well I reckon.

Yes I've definitely noticed the cost per wear thing. Some of the brands seem extortionate though, although possibly worth it for serious pursuits (I don't climb in harsh conditions, just regular hikes through mud!).

This big shop has been a rarity for me, and as self employed have not been earning as much recently so had to hurt my savings a little. But I was wearing an old, tired pair of bobbled leggings from Sweaty Betty and some sad cords on replay. I had an old North Face raincoat that has seen better days, and my pride and joy was my Seasalt Janelle (now that was money well spent!) It feels good to have some new things and some variation at last.

I may try to find a decent dress or trousers for summer, but can't see me bothering with the high street.

M&S is awful now. Love the food but the clothes are dire. I too purchased some PJ bottoms about 6 months ago and they were the thinnest, worst fit imaginable. White Company were the luxury nightwear brand for me at one time, but they are also not quite the same quality now, but more expensive!

Mountain equipment (not warehouse) seem a bit more reasonable for waterproofs and keela stuff I've had has been good, but not as mainstream so more chance of a bargain!

I went to Iceland a few years ago in the summer and it was amazing to see everyone in outdoor gear

Some one mentioned PJs - I made my own this year, such lovely quality in comparison

We went to Switzerland this summer, towns like St Moritz have all the designer shops but people were mostly wearing outdoors gear.