Going Old-School: 5 Outdoorsy Items that Channel the Days of Yore

Let’s kick it old school. Sometimes, the best gear is classic gear. (Especially when it incorporates some new tech.)
Check out these five items that seem summoned from days gone by.
Stormy Kromer Northwoods Trapper
($90; stormykromer.com)
This hat looks like the Voyageurs might have worn it. Lined with faux rabbit fur and stuffed with synthetic insulation, it’s super warm, especially when you drop the ear flaps. For a log-driver look, pass on the placid solid colour options and go for the red-and-black plaid.
Outdoor Research Aksel Work Gloves
($80; outdoorresearch.com)
If a different glove for every purpose makes life too complicated, then these should be your go-to. The soft cow-belly leather is dexterous enough for fiddling with bindings but tough enough for splitting wood. The wool, acrylic and polyester liner is warm enough for downhill skiing and wicks to keep hands from getting wet and cold.
Julbo Vermont Classic
($195; julbo.com)
There’s a reason mountaineers still rely on sunglasses like these retro re-issue. The side shields may not look cool, but they work best for blocking rays in the most extreme environments—like high-altitude mountaineering. Plus, who doesn’t want to channel a little badass mountaineer?
1620 Stretch NYCO Single Knee Pant
($150; 1620usa.com)
By partnering with Cordura, 1620 created a fabric that’s canvas-tough but hiking pant functional. Quick-drying and oil-, water- and stain-resistant, these pants are worthy of any outdoor adventure, but also strut with a modern work-pant style and are tough enough for hard labour.
Patagonia Better Sweater
($120; patagonia.com)
Twenty years ago, Patagonia was synonymous with fleece. They still make some of their classic styles like the quarter-zip Better Sweater, a pullover with heather pile and a single pocket. These days, though, they’re built Fair Trade, from recycled fabric and with sustainable dying.
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