It seems like the next best thing is always coming from someplace just out of reach. From the many young Australian labels that aren't just dominating the trends but setting them to the newest fast-fashion retailer to come out of Asia, the most innovative upstarts are always a zip code too far for affordable shipping. Well, we've just found another category to tack on to our list. Pioneers in cool (no, seriously) outdoor/lifestyle apparel are emerging from all over Japan. This new wave of brands is blending their knowledge of sleek design with activewear, and the final product is something we'd happily sport on and off the slopes.
And while most of these brands are sold exclusively in Japan, you can, of course, find them in the deep depths of the internet. So while we're imploring Stateside brands to adopt this trendy take on lifestyle gear (and crossing our fingers outdoors hubs like REI will take initiative and start stocking up on the four brands ahead), click through to familiarize yourself with the styles that are about to change the game.
Snow Peak is already a renowned brand in the outdoors community, with flagship stores in both Portland and New York. It's managed to show off its knowledge with compact camp gear that's reflective of the modern Japanese aesthetic. And while its three-piece steel chopsticks are definitely on our Christmas list, we're coveting the apparel designs just as much. They don't mess around when it comes to designing authentically cool waterproof clothing. Like the gear, every piece of clothing is compact and super-light, allowing you to pack more without the hassle of too much weight.
Snow Peak Dry & Stretch Dress, $220, available at Snow Peak.
Just in case you thought bait and tackles couldn't possibly be a chic print.
Snow Peak Wind Resistance Jacket, $180, available at Snow Peak.
These soft-shell waterproof pants are lined comfortably on the interior, so you don't have to bulk up on layers.
Snow Peak 3L Soft Shell Pants, $225, available at Snow Peak.
Headed up by Eiichiro Homma, this utility-meets-fashion brand has merged classic silhouettes with the latest in tech fabrics. You can sport any of Nanamica's apparel pieces on the street just as easily as you can during your next camping trip. If you're able to get your hands on one of its designs, we recommend going for anything made with the brand's exclusive Gore-Tex technology. While you can't buy anything directly off the company's website, online retailers like Need Supply Co., End., and Unionmade keep some of its pieces available on rotation.
Nanamica Na-1 Jacket, available at Nanamica.
We're sensing a Nanamica x Herschel Supply Co. collab in the future.
Nanamica Cycling Backpack, available at Nanamica.
Finally, a way to look semi-cute during a rainstorm.
Nanamica Soutien Collar Coat, available at Nanamica.
The fact that this protectant cap could fit in so seamlessly with our everyday wardrobe is what makes us love it all the more.
Nanamica Wind Cap, $95, available at Bodega.
Nanamica's designer, Eiichiro Homma, also teamed up with the ubiquitous winter-wear brand The North Face to create a line of progressively functional clothing that plays off of popular streetwear styles. The collaborative effort has spawned seasonal collections for the past seven years that have been packed with cool cuts you'd want to wear both on and off the mountain. Alas, The North Face's subset brand is available only in Japan, but we're anxiously awaiting the moment they welcome some of the pieces into their American retail shops.
The North Face Purple Label Coolmax Indigo Chambray Print Anorak, available at Nanamica.
We love the Fjallraven vibes this Purple Label backpack is giving off.
The North Face Purple Label 2Way Day Pack, available at Nanamica.
A cool weatherproof skirt is exactly what our stormy winters are missing.
The North Face Purple Label W's Mountain Skirt, available at Nanamica.
The only thing better than this tote's tent print would be if it stored an actual tent inside.
The North Face Purple Label Tent Print Shoulder Bag L, available at Nanamica.
Phenix's styles may look modern, but its technical designs date to the brand's founding in 1953. Over the past 60 years, Phenix has evolved from a ski-minded brand into a powerhouse that's launched a handful of subset activewear lines internationally. It's the smaller design details that give Phenix's gear a more stylish edge over most other snowboarding-apparel brands. The fitted jackets and exclusively neutral-toned palette fit right in with the new wave of minimalism.
Phenix Moonlight Middle Jacket, available at Phenix.
Pom-poms forever.
Phenix Rose Knit Hat, available at Phenix.
We never thought we'd be capable of loving a set of snowboarding pants, but this slim-fit pair has us itching to get on the slopes in style.
Phenix Powder Snow Waist Pants, available at Phenix.
Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
Low-Key Good Stuff You Can Actually Buy At Madewell