The outdoor brands to know now

The Scandinavian proverb ‘There’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothes’ has never rung truer than in the past few months. Without gyms or exercise classes, cafes or shops, our local outdoors has been the only place to enjoy a little respite from the monotony of staying at home. If you’re suitably equipped, then even a lunchtime walk in the hammering rain can feel restorative.

‘We are really investing in our outdoor assortment and ensuring customers can get the best of the best from John Lewis,’ says Sophie Eberjer, Partner & Junior Buyer in the sports and travel department. Here are the brands to take you through winter walks right now and then on to much more adventurous activities when the rules allow.

Originating from the Canadian mountains, Sophie describes Arc’teryx as being at the ‘pinnacle’ of premium outdoor product. ‘We’re incredibly excited to be stocking Arc’teryx, each garment is so beautifully and technically made and all have been carefully crafted to last for many years,’ she says. The range includes temperature-regulating jackets, goose down-filled quilted coats and clever features that are exclusive to the brand, such as Coreloft™ , an insulating fibre that offers all the warmth of a traditional jacket without the bulk. With more styles incoming for spring, it’s a brand to seriously consider for a long-term investment. ‘The quality is well worth it and many of the pieces offer that urban to mountain multi-usage,’ agrees Sophie.

A wonderfully colourful (and if we’re being honest, a tad unexpected) collaboration between The North Face and Gucci has catapulted the California-based brand into the style spotlight. One to bookmark for timeless, fuss-free design, its down-filled coats make dressing for sub-zero temperatures effortless. And its breathable shoes won’t make you cross the path in shame if you see someone you know while out walking: design-aware yet practical, look out for the contemporary Activist model – a hiking shoe that looks as cool in the city as it does up on a hillside.

Founded more than 100 years ago in Sweden, Haglöfs is a brand on the up in the UK – Sophie reveals that it achieved the biggest growth in outdoor sales for John Lewis & Partners in 2020. Specialising in walking boots and coats, the latter boast thoughtful design details including adjustable cuffs and soft chin guards. But it’s clever technology, like QuadFusion™ Mimic – a man-made fibre that emulates natural down to trap warm air to heat the body even in wet conditions – that helps set the brand apart. Some of its styles are entirely composed of recycled polyester or polyamide, and all are machine washable, making them brilliantly low-maintenance.

Designed for the seas and the slopes, Helly Hansen has been catering for the harshest of environments since it was founded in Norway more than 140 years ago. Its style-conscious design will take the edge off dressing for any seriously inclement weather and walking the dog won’t come close to properly challenging its cosy waterproof parkas. The brand’s base layers are worth looking at too: half-zip fleeces offer streamlined warmth under jackets while its moisture-wicking leggings are so cosy you’ll want to keep them on indoors.