The Modern Outdoorist (The Culture & Style of Exploration)

At a time when outdoor participation and the outdoor apparel market are both booming, The Modern Outdoorist takes a comprehensive look at outdoor style, addressing contemporary trends that resonate while placing them in context. Mapping these trends helps readers understand when, why, and how these outdoor influences became so important in today’s culture. By revealing the complete picture, this book is both a cultural record and a sourcebook of inspiration to dress and step outside.

The Modern Outdoorist features nine chapters defining outdoor fashion: the Traditionalist, the Optimist, the Naturalist, the Climber, the Seeker, the Curator, the Collector, the Maximalist, and the Utilitarian. Uncovering the aesthetics and microtrends influencing outdoor style today, this book invites readers to find their own outdoor culture.

Each section is substantive, building a picture and narrative, while exploring essential brands and core values. The rich profusion of images includes style staples to help readers create each look, as well as key brand pieces and examples of the apparel worn in both outdoor and urban contexts. Insights from culturally relevant tastemakers from around the world add further context.

These chapters are bookended by a comprehensive introduction, giving a broad history of outdoor apparel over the last century up to the present day, and a closing essay looking to the future of outdoor style. The final reference section is packed full of useful information, including a brand directory where readers can source the pieces and styles depicted in the book.