THE JOURNAL

Hit your sartorial peak with these seven mountain-ready ensembles .
There’s something primal and satisfying about climbing to the top of things, whether it’s just to shout, “I’m the king of the castle,” or because, you know, you’ve had (sigh) a lifelong yearning to seek out the ultimate physical challenges that nature has to offer. There’s also the consideration that, from up high, it’s easier to take shots of the surrounding scenery, which tend to work really well on Instagram. Could #Snowdon be the new #avocado? Only time will tell. Whatever the reason you find yourself atop some landmass this winter, MR PORTER has something for you to wear, thanks to our ever-burgeoning offering of stylish casualwear and high-performance clothing for winter sports and outdoor adventures. Find out how to look good (and, ahem, survive) at any altitude with our guide.*
*PS Please be safe as well as stylish, and consult an expert if you’re planning a serious mountain climbing trip.
Mount Tenpō, Japan

If you’re familiar with the phrase “making a mountain out of a molehill”, you’ll understand that sometimes altitude is a state of mind. A case in point is Osaka’s Mount Tenpō, which, at the less-than-awe-inspiring elevation of four-and-a-bit metres above sea level, is the smallest “mountain” in Japan, only really designated a mountain due to nostalgia. (It used to be 20 metres high. It got bulldozed.) Still, there are right and wrong ways of dressing for such imaginary climbs. If you’re looking to inject a little bit of mountaineer spirit into your wardrobe, without necessarily stepping anywhere near a real mountain, look no further than Japanese brand White Mountaineering. This cult label’s stock in trade is taking inspiration from utility and outdoor performance wear to create impeccably detailed, daringly stylish pieces. For loafing around at sea level, its iconic logo tee (which riffs on the New York Yankees logo) comes highly recommended.
What to pack
Storm King Mountain, USA

The appeal of Storm King Mountain in Cornwall, New York State, lies in the fact that it is a) not too high, and b) very close to the brilliant Storm King Art Center, a world-famous sculpture park with giant works from Messrs Henry Moore, Alexander Calder and Isamu Noguchi. So go there. At this altitude, it’s not really necessary to dress in serious performance gear, but you might want to nod in an outdoorsy direction with Filson’s woodsman-worthy plaid shirt jacket. This, paired with some sturdy Red Wing boots, will see you right, whether you’re 300 metres up surveying the landscape, or mooching around a bit further down, eating a sandwich.
What to pack
Snowdon, Wales

At a thousand-odd metres, Snowdon is one of the highest peaks in the UK, but it’s still fairly approachable for novice mountaineers. Appropriate dress for a landmass of this size (aside from proper hiking boots, which are essential) should include a variety of items to protect against the cold, as well as the wind and rain, as it can get rather chilly at the summit, with plenty of snow in the winter months. There’s no need to go crazy, though. A wind-proof, water-resistant, waxed-cotton field jacket from new brand The Workers Club, in combination with a sturdy wool sweater from S.N.S. Herning, and a Scottish cashmere hat and scarf from William Lockie, should keep you toasty long enough to get to the café at the top. (Of course there’s a café at the top – this is the kind of thing the British live for.)
What to pack
Snæfellsjökull, Iceland

What do you find in abundance in Iceland? Anyone? Yes, that’s right: ice! However, it’s not just any old ice atop Snæfellsjökull, an active volcano on the island nation’s west coast, but a rather impressive glacier, which you can hike across if you find the right tour company. For this kind of strenuous high-altitude activity, opt for a lightweight, but deceptively warm field jacket from Arc’teryx Veilance, the style-focused arm of renowned Canadian outdoor brand Arc’teryx. This, teamed with an easily unzippable wool sweater underneath, will deliver warmth and versatility in equal measure. In Iceland, both are essential, given the country’s notoriously changeable weather.
What to pack
Blackcomb Peak, Canada

Height is one of the key factors that makes for reliable powder in the winter months, as is evidenced by the popular ski destination of Blackcomb Peak in Whistler, Canada, which soars to a formidable 2,436 metres. What to wear somewhere like this? Well, skis, obviously. But in addition, we at MR PORTER would like to recommend the wares of Bogner, the official outfitter of the German Olympic ski team (and unofficial outfitter of James Bond, during the Sir Roger Moore days). The above jacket is a versatile but supremely insulating number, that comes with a removable hood and reflective trim to make sure no one slaloms into you while you’re stomping around the slopes. Make use of the integrated snow skirt and attach it to your trousers for seamless coverage (and none of that snowy waistband feel).
What to pack
Mont Blanc, France

Now we’re getting serious. If you want to reach the top of a mountain such as Mont Blanc, the highest peak in western Europe, you not only need to train in advance (tour operator Mont Blanc Guides recommends at least three days), you also need to invest in some serious, performance-focused kit. The best way to be warm enough on the top but allow yourself some versatility on the way up, is to build up layers on your torso, starting with a synthetic thermal base layer and fleece (Patagonia has some great options) and finishing with a waterproof shell such as the Beta LT GORE-TEX® Pro Jacket from Arc’teryx. With its combination of GORE-TEX® Pro Shell (for weather resistance) and Arc’teryx’s own N40p-x face fabric (which increases durability), this is a seriously tough outer layer that is nonetheless designed for ease of movement – something that, at 4,810 metres, you will be thankful for.
What to pack
Ama Dablam, Nepal

If you’ve made it to this altitude – well done. It can’t have been easy. In fact, according to NASA’s informative guide Dressing For Altitude, you’ve got just three to five minutes to enjoy it before you pass out, so let’s get this over with quickly. Generally, it’s cold this high up. At the time of writing, the temperature of the Himalayan peak of Ama Dablam, our example mountain of this size (which you shouldn’t attempt, by the way, without professional help), was at a cheery -20°C. This means you need some serious warmth-providing kit, for which few brands come more highly recommended than Canada Goose. The Toronto-based outerwear maker developed its Constable Shell Down Parka with Canada’s Northern Police, with the aim of protecting the wearer against truly extreme conditions. It will keep you warm at temperatures down to -25°C, so it’s well worth throwing this on over your existing mountain gear if you’re set on going up really high. Or if you’re staying on the ground and want to look like an off-duty Mr Andrew Garfield, Mr Jason Schwartzman or Mr Daniel Craig, all of whom are fans of this brand.