by Blake Herzog
Men’s fashion may have seemed far removed from the streets of downtown Prescott, the big-box stores of Prescott Valley or the feed stores of Chino Valley, but the arrival of “gorpcore” on the runways a few years ago nearly erased that gap.
The crossover of functional outdoor gear (named for the popular trail mix acronym “good old raisins and peanuts”) onto city streets turned Patagonia puffer coats and Salomon trail runners into the king of trendy outerwear for men who’ve never seen a snow-covered trail.
Prescott’s walkable downtown can look kind of urban if you squint a little, and these practical basics can form the foundation of a functional, fashionable wardrobe that will keep you both warm and cool anywhere else in town, too!
The down jacket
The rest of the world has discovered how versatile these coats are, making you look a little more buff whether you’re at work, on the slopes or on the run. This style has become so ubiquitous you can spend as little or as much as you want on a quality model.
The waterproof shell
Perfect for the chill of spring, wear these while biking on the streets or hiking in the mountains as the topmost of the many layers you’ll want to have along as central Arizona’s changeable weather continues to surprise.
The hiking boots
As mountain people we know these inside and out. You know what you need; just choose a style or styles that will keep your feet snug and protected for most of the scenarios you’ll find yourself in.
The fleece jacket
Whether it’s a pullover or zip-front, this is a must-have trail layering option that also is perfect for dinner and a movie, whether it’s out on the town or in your own backyard.
The cargo pants
These are found in fashion contexts way beyond gorpcore, and why wouldn’t they? With all the pockets you could ask for, they’re the Swiss Army knife of menswear, able to get you through any situation.
