THE JOURNAL
Camping is a pastime that tends to divide opinion; you could say that there are two camps. On the one hand, there are those who enjoy the idea of it, but are daunted by the reality of leaving their creature comforts behind. On the other are the camping puritans, who argue that going back to basics is an essential part of the experience.
All of which has us asking ourselves: is there a way to please both parties? Can camping be comfortable – luxurious, even – while managing to retain its muddy, down-to-earth authenticity? We think so, and evidently so do the multitude of brands represented in our latest photoshoot.
Take Snow Peak, for instance, a Japanese camping specialist whose stainless-steel fireplace and grill, seen above, creates a centrepiece to any campsite that’s both useful and beautiful. Or Heimplanet, whose inflatable-frame tents can be erected in mere minutes, but also have the benefit of looking rather appealing, unlike those cheap quick-pitch horrors so often abandoned at the end of music festivals.
It’s important to distinguish the still-life scenes you see here from so-called glamping, that Insta-friendly trend for four-poster beds and Persian carpets in bell tents with a greater square-footage than most Manhattan apartments, designed for campers with no intention of getting their footwear soiled.
This is something we prefer to think of as camping done properly: it’s functional stuff and true to the spirit of the great outdoors, but unlike a lot of typical camping gear, it’s not short on style.
And it arrives on our shelves at a time when outdoor living looks set to explode in popularity. With coronavirus restrictions finally beginning to ease but uncertainty still lingering over the possibility of international travel, camping offers a fuss-free alternative to hopping on a plane. No masks or vaccine passports required: just you, a tent and a few little luxuries.
But it also speaks to the primal urge to get out there and reconnect with nature that we’re all experiencing after spending months cooped up indoors. This much is true, whatever camp you’re in. Are you among the masses planning an outdoor excursion this summer? If so, read on for an introduction of seven of our favourite brands for the ultimate take on outdoor living.
01.
Patagonia
Named after the spectacular mountainous region at the southern tip of South America, Patagonia is not only a giant in the world of outdoor clothing, but an influential force in environmental and social activism, too. If you prefer clothing brands with a conscience – and it would be strange not to – Patagonia is the name to know.
02.
Filson
How’s this for an origin story? Founded in Seattle during the final years of the 19th century, Filson originally provided clothing and blankets to gold prospectors passing through the city on their way to the Yukon gold rush. The brand has been channelling that same frontier spirit ever since. Its luggage and outerwear are as rugged and hard-wearing as they come.
03.
Heimplanet
Heimplanet (rough translation: “home planet”) began life a decade or so ago as a single product, The Cave, a quick-pitch tent with inflatable “poles” inspired by the structure of geodesic domes. It’s since evolved into a wider range of camping essentials, including bags, water bottles and, you’ll be glad to hear, hand pumps. They’ll come in handy for inflating that tent.
04.
Snow Peak
An institution in its native Japan, where it’s adored for its smartly designed camping furniture and cookware, Snow Peak has expanded in recent years to include a genuinely cutting-edge apparel line designed by Ms Lisa Yamai, the granddaughter of the brand’s founder. As a result, this 63-year-old camping brand is, somewhat oddly, now one of the fashion industry’s hottest properties.
05.
Pendleton
Pendleton is something of an Oregon institution. It’s a history that can be traced back to 1863, which makes it only four years younger than the state itself. It’s best known for its wool blankets, which come adorned with colourful geometric patterns inspired by those used on Native American trade blankets, but those patterns can be found on a range of mugs and water bottles, too.
06.
Purdey
Historic purveyor of some of the world’s finest shotguns – an entry-level model will set you back seven figures, assuming you can get onto the waiting list – Purdey also does a fine line in outdoor clothing, targeted, naturally, at much the same kind of customer who might consider one of its guns. Along with the expected lineup of tweed gilets and waxed-cotton jackets, expect splendidly made leather backpacks, pewter hip flasks and oak and leather camping stools.
07.
Lorenzi Milano
With a product range that includes mechanical toothpaste squeezers and mother-of-pearl caviar spoons, you’d be hard-pressed to describe Lorenzi Milano as an outdoor brand. But among its fantastical lineup of luxury homewares, you can also find travelling wine boxes and barbecue sets. They’re perfect for adding a regal touch to your next picnic – and exclusive to MR PORTER, too.