When Jason Chen first coined the term "gorpcore" for the fashion magazine website the Cut in May 2017, he wasn't defining a new trend in clothing aesthetics. Instead, he labelled something that had been around for a while, only no one knew how to describe it in a general term at the time. "Hike free and easy" doesn't match the motivations of those who go out in outdoor gear; any wording that explains the origin of this clothing trend, such as what they're worn for and where they came from -- like "inspired by the outdoors" - It's all too verbose.
Gorpcore, named after a colloquial expression of trail mix etymology ("Good Ol'Raisins and Peanuts"), is a style of clothing that focuses on utility, functionality, and outdoor style.
But what exactly is gorpcore made of? There are countless foundational brands that have crossed over from sports to mainstream, but many still haven't crossed over. Hikers and campers know better than fashion week attendees some of the brands that still represent the pinnacle of the aesthetic movement. It's a garment that's neither normcore nor Techwear, but enough to be confusing. Normcore and techwear are never to be confused with gorpcore, but not the other way around.
Of these, it may seem odd that socks are considered an integral part of gorpcore, but in a sense they are more beloved than any other aesthetic sports item. In the hobbyist's natural habitat, trails, and campgrounds, socks usually stick out of the boots and occasionally wrap around the hem of the pants to keep out bugs or dust. Thick, colorful socks, almost always paired in a show-stopping fashion, are gorpcore's key pieces.