Many new things suddenly look old again. Especially outdoors, where many brands have been resurrecting the simple designs and bold colours of the 1970s and 1980s and applied them to modern technology. Here’s 11 gifts that look old, but work like new.
Alite Willow Pack
The founder of Alite Designs, Tae Kim, led the design department at The North Face for years. So when you see the Willow Pack, it’s hard not to see the vintage North Face inspiration. This innovative day pack doesn’t feel old at all, though. With a trampoline back panel and lightweight construction, you’ll barely notice you’re wearing it. Plus, it’s just gorgeous. $97.99 [Alite Designs (ships to Australia)]
North Face Salty Dog Beanie
Speaking of the North Face, the near half century-old gear and apparel company does throwbacks from time-to-time. The Salty Dog Beanie offers that old dockworker style but features a comfy jersey lining. (Pro tip: If you like the look but not the price, you might consider just buying an official U.S. Navy wool watch cap.) $58 [Amazon]
Fjällräven Greenland No. 1 Down Jacket
Fjällräven started making the Greenland jacket decades ago, and this model adds down insulation to the timeless design. The outer fabric is the company’s wind and water resistant G-1000 fabric which can be sealed with wax. A two-tone colour schemes and leather accents on the sleeves and hood makes the Greenland No. 1 Down Jacket a versatile favourite. $612 [Amazon]
Hanwag Boots
Ever wanted to rock that Alpine hiker look? Hanwag boots are the way to do it without sacrificing performance. This Bavarian companies been making hardcore boots for almost a hundred years but now feature modern materials like Vibram Tessin outsoles. The unisex Grunten (above left) come with a full grain leather upper, while the Tashi (right) features Tibetan Yak leather. Yak! $395 [Hanwag Mens Hanwag Womens]
Poler Tohoma Glove
The only thing better than a leather glove is a goat leather glove, and the Poler Tahoma are simply great. These unisex, insulated goat leather gloves are durable enough to take on the trail but classic enough to wear around town. They also feature a waterproof membrane to keep your fingers dry. They come in black and tan. $108 [Poler]
Kelty Cargo Drum
When a lot of people think about vintage bag design, they’re probably thinking about Kelty design. The Boulder-based company’s 1970s-era Cargo Drum series is a shining example of their best work. The simple duffle bag set up with a shoulder strap makes this an affordable, utilitarian gym bag. The leather accents make it classy. $51 [Moosejaw]
Stanley Flask
If you really want to get classy on the trail, you’ve got to carry your booze in the proper vessel. Stanley, the famous purveyors of your grandpa’s favourite vacuum bottle, recently started making rugged flasks. They’re not really any different than any other flask except that they’re rugged and, well, look awesome. For a few more bucks, you can even get an Adventure Gift Pack that includes rugged shot glasses. Cheers! $31 [Amazon]
Topo Designs Camp Blanket
Topo Designs is most famous for its vintage-inspired bags — which are absolutely awesome — but the Colorado company’s accessory line is full of treats. The real standout is the wool (read: slightly scratchy) Camp Blanket which was inspired by the wool blankets that have always been a fixture in cabins and on family camping trips. The black, yellow, and red strips on the white blanket even evoke the classic look of a Hudson Bay blanket at a fraction the price. $US170 [Topo Designs]
Poler Guide Down Vest
There’s nothing that says throwback camping gear like a Western-styled down vest. My dad once gave me a vest that he bought back in the ’70s, and it’s almost identical to the unisex Poler Guide Down Vest. That’s a good thing. With 550-fill down, it will trap in heat well and the more modern microfiber fabric will keep water out. $220 [Poler]
Horse Camping Knife
Horse is best known for its handmade bicycle frames, but the Brooklyn-based shop is branching out into blades. While some of the knives are also handmade in Williamsburg, the more affordable and more versatile folding Camping Knife is made in France. The little anchor emblem on solid wood handle makes it extra handsome. But you should see Horse’s axes. $244 [Horse]
Top art by Michael Hession