The Urban Adventurer

I’ve noticed a lot more urban adventurers out there recently. Unlike the gentleman to the left, they’re not out climbing a glacier or trekking the Appalachian Trail. No, they're just going to work.

These are the guys who look like they’re in the process of summiting K2, but in reality it's more like strolling up Capitol Hill.

You’ve probably seen them too; out driving their sport edition Range Rover (spotless by the way), carrying their laptop in an expedition quality backpack and weathering the occasional spring shower in a Patagonia monsoon-proof rain shell.

I don’t want to pick a fight with anyone. I’ve said at least a dozen times that classic, preppy styles center around the idea of repurposing functional clothing for daily life. I mean, who do you think started the trend of wearing foul weather gear to the office anyway?

Most people follow this train of thought in some way. The difference here is that too often men who yearn to be manly men turn themselves in to affected parodies of their heroes. Everyone role plays a little bit; I like messenger bags, but I’m no bike messenger. Some sport military fashions yet have never so much as scraped a knee, or wear team jerseys that barely fit over their couch potato paunch.

These looks are usually a desire to connect with a cherished role model or organization. It’s a search for identity and belonging; aspirational but not overblown.

Yet when it comes to the couture mountain man look, moderation seems to go out the window. Even if you really are a transcontinental hiker, please don’t wear your Fortress Peak GTX hiking boots to the office. It’s tacky.

When worn in moderation, I think the outdoorsy look is classic, fresh and emotionally fulfilling. One feels a little more independent, perhaps a bit lone wolf about life. While I do agree with my fellow MensFlair contributor Winston Chesterfield, that strapping on a back pack while wearing a business suit is tantamount to sartorial blasphemy, the pairing of a technical jacket with selected business attire is really quite pleasing.

With casual office environments quite common, the appearance of rip stop cargo pants and hybrid "trekking" sneakers have proliferated as well. Throw on a moisture wicking pullover to combat the air conditioning's chill and you might as well be at base camp. I suppose it's better than flip flops and shorts, but why not at least try and dress a little better for for your office mates? Pairing cargo pants and and a casual oxford, pulled together with a wide leather belt, is a great alternative. Instead of a North Face Skareb 55 backpack, why not a Jack Spade waxwear file case instead?



A mountaineering coat may be rugged and functional, but its scale and overall feel should still match your other clothing. Neon orange and yellow serve a purpose in the wilderness but can be a little too much on an early morning metro ride. Try sticking to neutral, earthy colors instead.

Should the weather turn and you throw on a rain shell before heading out, the basic rules of proportion still hold true. The outer jacket should cover your suit or sport coat and not leave it hanging out the bottom.

If done well, the look says you are at home in both the outdoors and the corner office. Your clothes, particularly in this case, should not look gimmicky or forced.

And if you happen to be wearing a bespoke super 100 two-button suit and nice alligator slip-ins, just leave the mountain man coat at home.