A Door to Europe, in Brooklyn
Porta, a homeware shop in New York City, offers design-forward objects with Old World charm.
I’VE ALWAYS BEEN more of a glamper than a camper. I’m cool with being one with nature, but I like my creature comforts, including a running toilet. Still, traversing mountain trails and roasting marshmallows on the campfire have always appealed to me. Even if I’m not the first one to pitch a tent in the backcountry, I like to be mountain-ready when the leaves in upstate New York turn green. I’m not going to climb Everest any time soon, but I will jump in a friend’s Subaru with my gear on a sunny Saturday to hit the trails.
There’s plenty of glamorously gritty gear out there that surpasses crunchy camp vibes, crossing over into something more refined — clothes that can be worn both on the trails and on Manhattan’s sidewalks. Just because you’re roughing it doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice style and craftsmanship.
Shop at Canada Goose
Canada Goose Journey Vest
My world is one of many pockets — no matter where I am, I need clothes that have smart places for my AirPods, keys, cell phone, wallet, sunglasses, and the rolled-up magazines I read on the subway. You can throw the Canada Goose Journey vest on over anything, and fill its five — count ’em five! — exterior pockets with everything you need. SHOP NOW
Shop at Arc’teryx
Arc’teryx’s Gamma Light Pants
Arc’teryx’s Gamma Light pants are incredible trail-walking trousers with pockets in all the right places and a loose, easy structure that makes miles on foot feel good on the legs. That said, I mostly wear them while running around New York City. Not only do they keep me dry in the rain and humidity, they have a cool silhouette that’s halfway between a track pant and something sleeker, meaning I can get away with dressing them up with a nice button-down shirt and no one knows I’m also ready for the Appalachian Trail. SHOP NOW
Shop at Moncler
Moncler Trailgrip
The Moncler Trailgrip has that chunky, utilitarian vibe that is so in at the moment. The shoe is available in an assortment of bright colors that will make you stand out from the crowd. But it’s also a truly functional shoe, with Kevlar mesh that’s puncture-resistant, those Vibram Megagrip soles that will keep you from slipping and sliding, and midsoles made from EVA, or ethylene vinyl acetate, a lighter, rubber alternative, to keep you comfortable. SHOP NOW
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Shop at Breitling
Breitling's Emergency Watch
I like to have a nice watch on at all times, but I’m not too eager to wear my Cartier on the side of a cliff. Breitling’s Emergency watch is incredibly chic, but it’s also high-tech and safe, billed as the first timepiece with its own distress beacon that will alert rescue operations should your trip get tripped up. SHOP NOW
Shop at The North Face
The North Face's 2-meter Dome Tent
Here’s a tent that looks as good as it feels: The North Face’s 2-meter Dome Tent has been mountain-tested in Nepal and looks like some kind of wonderful 1960s geodesic bubble, with a two-layer fabrication that withstands winds and snowstorms. Most surprising of all: It can sleep eight people. SHOP NOW
Shop at Snow Peak
Snow Peak's Takibi Fire and Grill
Founded in 1958 in Japan, Snow Peak is arguably the chicest camping brand in existence, with so many well-designed outdoor products at their New York City location in SoHo that it’s hard to pick a favorite. This packable, portable, and modular Takibi Fire and Grill is an ideal item for campsite chefs who prefer ribeyes to Spam. SHOP NOW
Shop at Loewe
Loewe's Convertible Backpack
Yes, Loewe’s Convertible Backpack leans more toward a city life than it does a rugged one, but on an easy walk through the woods, it’s exactly what you need to store a water bottle, trail map, pair of fresh socks, and turkey sandwich, with super comfy padded straps that rest nicely on the shoulders. SHOP NOW
Our Contributors
Alex Frank Writer
Alex Frank is a contributing editor at Departures. Based in Manhattan, Frank previously worked at Vogue.com as deputy culture editor. His writing has appeared in the New York Times, GQ, Pitchfork, New York Magazine, Fantastic Man, and the Village Voice.
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