Outdoor Voices Launches New Camp Collection for Adventure Enthusiasts

Outdoor Voices Launches New Camp Collection for Adventure Enthusiasts

Outdoor Voices, the popular athleisure wear brand known for its bright colors and activewear essentials, has just launched an exciting new Camp Collection perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. The collection features pieces designed for comfort and performance during camping, hiking, and other outdoor adventures.

Key takeaways

  • The collection includes moisture-wicking tees, UPF-rated hoodies, and weather-resistant jackets.
  • Apparel is made from recycled polyester and other eco-friendly materials.
  • Pieces feature functional designs like ventilation panels, deep pockets, and four-way stretch fabrics.
  • Items are available in inclusive sizing from XXS to XL with standard and long length options.
  • The gear is designed to transition easily from outdoor hiking and camping to casual everyday wear.

Highlights of the Camp Collection

The Camp Collection includes both apparel and accessories to outfit adventure-seekers from head to toe. Some highlights include:

  • Moisture-wicking tees and tanks made from lightweight, breathable fabrics
  • Hoodies and pullovers with UPF protection
  • Versatile shorts with large pockets perfect for the trail
  • Leggings with stretch side panels for ease of movement
  • Packable windbreakers and rain jackets
  • Wide-brimmed hats to shield from the sun
  • Quick-dry camp towels
  • Reusable water bottles and flasks

Designed for the Outdoor Adventurer

“Our new Camp Collection is designed with the outdoor adventurer in mind,” said an Outdoor Voices spokesperson. “We selected durable, technical fabrics and included smart design features to meet the needs of the camper, hiker, and outdoor explorer.”

For example, many of the pieces include ventilation panels to keep you cool, as well as fabric with UPF sun protection. The versatile shorts and leggings are designed for freedom of movement while scrambling over rocks or setting up camp. And the packable wind and rain layers make it easy to pop on extra weather protection as needed.

Ethical and Sustainable

In line with Outdoor Voices’ commitment to ethics and sustainability, the Camp Collection utilizes recycled polyester and other eco-friendly materials. “We also focused on creating versatile pieces that can pull double duty, transitioning from outdoor adventures to everyday wear,” the spokesperson added.

Inclusive Sizing

As with all their collections, Outdoor Voices has designed the Camp Collection to be as size inclusive as possible. Most pieces are available in sizes XXS-XL, in both standard and long lengths, to provide a dialed-in fit for more body types.

Get Ready and Get Outside

The Camp Collection drops on March 15th online and in select Outdoor Voices stores. Pieces retail from $20 for accessories up to $135 for weatherproof jackets. Will you be picking up some new gear to outfit your next adventure?

Deep Dive into Technical Fabric Engineering and Sustainability

While the aesthetic of the Camp Collection leans into the vibrant, approachable style Outdoor Voices is known for, the underlying engineering focuses heavily on the rigors of the backcountry. At the heart of the collection is a high-performance blend of recycled polyester and elastane, a combination specifically chosen to withstand the abrasive nature of granite scrambles and dense brush. Unlike standard cotton-based leisurewear, these synthetic fibers are hydrophobic, meaning they repel water at a molecular level. This ensures that even if a hiker is caught in a sudden mountain shower or a humid forest trek, the fabric will not become heavy or waterlogged, maintaining its shape and insulation properties.

The sustainability aspect of the collection goes beyond mere marketing; it involves a sophisticated supply chain process where post-consumer plastic bottles are diverted from landfills, cleaned, and shredded into flakes. These flakes are then melted and extruded into high-tenacity fibers. This process significantly reduces the carbon footprint compared to virgin polyester production, consuming less energy and water. For the adventure enthusiast, this means their gear is not only protecting them from the elements but also contributing to the preservation of the very environments they are exploring. The inclusion of four-way stretch technology is another critical engineering feat. By weaving the elastane in a cross-hatched pattern, the garments provide 360-degree mobility. This is particularly vital during technical movements, such as stepping up onto high ledges or squatting to pitch a tent, where restrictive clothing could lead to fabric failure or restricted blood flow.

Edge cases in fabric performance are also addressed through specialized finishes. For instance, the moisture-wicking tees are treated with an antimicrobial finish that inhibits the growth of odor-causing bacteria. This is a game-changer for multi-day camping trips where access to laundry facilities is non-existent. Instead of the garment becoming a liability after one day of heavy exertion, it remains fresh enough for repeated wear, allowing hikers to pack lighter and move faster. The fabric’s density is also calibrated to provide a physical barrier against biting insects, a common nuisance in deep-woods camping, without sacrificing the breathability required for high-output activities.

Strategic Layering for Variable Mountain Microclimates

Outdoor adventures rarely occur in static temperatures, and the Camp Collection is designed to function as a cohesive ecosystem of layers that can be added or removed as conditions shift. The foundational layer—the moisture-wicking tanks and tees—serves as the primary moisture management system. By pulling sweat away from the skin and dispersing it across the fabric’s surface for rapid evaporation, these base layers prevent the ‘chill effect’ that occurs when damp clothing sits against the body during rest periods. This is especially crucial in high-altitude environments where the temperature can drop 20 degrees the moment the sun dips behind a ridge.

The mid-layer components, such as the UPF-rated hoodies and pullovers, provide the necessary thermal regulation. These pieces utilize a lofted knit structure that traps pockets of air, creating a thermal buffer that retains body heat while allowing excess vapor to escape. The UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) rating is an essential feature for alpine environments where the atmosphere is thinner and UV radiation is significantly more intense. Unlike chemical sunscreens that can wash off with sweat or water, the UV protection in this collection is woven into the structure of the fabric, providing permanent shielding against UVA and UVB rays that can cause long-term skin damage.

For the outermost layer, the packable windbreakers and rain jackets act as the shield against convective heat loss and precipitation. These garments feature a Durable Water Repellent (DWR) coating that causes water to bead up and roll off the surface. A critical design detail in these jackets is the inclusion of articulated seams and adjustable hems. When a storm rolls in, the user can cinch the waist and hood to create a micro-seal, preventing wind from entering the garment. Conversely, when the intensity of the hike increases, the ventilation panels—often hidden under the arms or across the back yoke—can be utilized to dump heat quickly without requiring the user to remove the entire jacket. This modular approach ensures that the wearer remains in a ‘thermal neutral’ state, which is the key to endurance and comfort in the wilderness.

Optimized Storage and Ergonomic Design for the Trail

Functionality in the Camp Collection is defined by its ‘utility-first’ philosophy, particularly regarding storage solutions. The versatile shorts and leggings are equipped with deep, strategically placed pockets that are engineered to keep essentials secure yet accessible. Unlike traditional pockets that can cause items to bounce or sag against the thigh, these pockets are integrated into the compression panels of the garment. This ‘no-bounce’ design is essential for carrying smartphones, multi-tools, or energy gels during high-movement activities like trail running or steep ascents. The depth of the pockets is specifically sized to accommodate standard trail maps or a small GPS device, ensuring that navigation tools are always within reach.

Ventilation is another area where the collection excels. Beyond the standard mesh inserts, Outdoor Voices has utilized laser-cut perforation in high-heat zones such as the lower back and underarms. These micro-perforations allow for maximum airflow while maintaining the structural integrity of the fabric. This is a significant upgrade from traditional mesh, which can sometimes be prone to snagging on branches or pack straps. Furthermore, the placement of seams has been carefully considered to avoid ‘chafing zones.’ By moving seams away from the tops of the shoulders and the inner thighs, the designers have eliminated the friction points that often lead to skin irritation during long-distance treks with a heavy backpack.

The accessories in the collection, such as the wide-brimmed hats and quick-dry towels, follow this same ergonomic logic. The hats feature a moisture-wicking internal headband and an adjustable toggle to ensure they stay secure in high-wind conditions on a summit. The quick-dry towels are made from a high-density microfiber that can absorb up to four times its weight in water but dries in a fraction of the time of a standard cotton towel. This makes them ideal for spontaneous swims in alpine lakes or for drying off gear after a rainy night in the tent. Even the reusable water bottles and flasks are designed with a textured grip, making them easy to handle even when wearing gloves or when hands are cold and damp.

Durability Standards and Abrasion Resistance

One of the primary concerns for outdoor enthusiasts is the longevity of their gear when faced with the harsh realities of the trail. The Camp Collection addresses this through the use of reinforced stitching and high-denier fabrics in high-wear areas. The leggings, for example, feature reinforced panels at the knees and seat—areas that are most susceptible to wear when scrambling over rocks or sitting on rough fallen logs. This multi-panel construction ensures that the garment can withstand the friction of repetitive movement without thinning or pilling over time.

The weather-resistant jackets are constructed using a ripstop weave, a technique where stronger reinforcement yarns are interwoven at regular intervals in a crosshatch pattern. This ensures that if the jacket does sustain a small puncture or tear from a sharp branch, the rip will not spread, allowing the user to perform a simple field repair rather than having to replace the entire garment. This level of durability is a departure from standard athleisure, which is often designed for the controlled environment of a gym. The Camp Collection is built for the unpredictability of the wild, where gear failure can be more than just an inconvenience.

Furthermore, the zippers used throughout the collection are high-quality YKK hardware, known for their reliability in gritty and sandy conditions. The zipper pulls are often oversized or equipped with cord extensions, allowing for easy operation even when the user’s dexterity is compromised by cold weather or while wearing thick hiking gloves. These small but significant details speak to the brand’s commitment to creating gear that performs under pressure, ensuring that the ‘adventure enthusiast’ can focus on the journey rather than their equipment.

Visibility, Aesthetics, and Safety in the Wild

While Outdoor Voices is celebrated for its color-blocking and vibrant palettes, these choices serve a dual purpose in an outdoor context: style and safety. In the backcountry, high-visibility clothing is a critical safety asset. Bright oranges, deep blues, and vibrant greens make a hiker much easier to spot against the earthy tones of a forest or the grey expanse of a boulder field. This can be vital in emergency situations or simply for keeping track of group members during a trek through dense fog or low-light conditions at dusk.

The collection’s aesthetic also bridges the gap between the ‘technical’ look of traditional mountaineering gear and the casual ‘lifestyle’ look of modern streetwear. This versatility is a key selling point for the modern explorer who might transition from a morning hike directly to a casual meal in a mountain town. The designs avoid the overly bulky or ‘tactical’ appearance of some outdoor brands, opting instead for clean lines and a tailored fit that looks at home in any setting. This ‘double duty’ capability means consumers can buy fewer, higher-quality items that serve multiple purposes, aligning with the collection’s sustainable ethos.

Additionally, the collection incorporates reflective hits and logos. These subtle features are nearly invisible during the day but provide high visibility when struck by a headlamp or a car’s headlights. This is an essential feature for those who enjoy ‘dawn patrol’ starts or for campers who might need to walk along a road to reach a trailhead. By integrating these safety features into the design rather than treating them as an afterthought, Outdoor Voices ensures that the wearer is protected without sacrificing the brand’s signature look.

Maintenance and Longevity: Caring for Technical Apparel

To maintain the high-performance characteristics of the Camp Collection, specific care routines are recommended. Technical fabrics, particularly those with DWR coatings or antimicrobial treatments, can be degraded by standard household detergents and fabric softeners. Fabric softeners work by coating fibers in a waxy layer to make them feel soft, but this layer clogs the pores of the fabric, effectively killing its breathability and moisture-wicking capabilities. For the Camp Collection, it is advised to use a specialized technical wash or a mild, fragrance-free detergent to ensure the fibers remain clear and functional.

Washing in cold water on a gentle cycle is also crucial for preserving the elasticity of the four-way stretch fabrics. High heat in the washing machine or dryer can break down the elastane fibers, leading to ‘bagging’ at the knees or elbows and a loss of the garment’s original fit. Air drying is the preferred method for this collection, as it is the most energy-efficient and least damaging to the technical finishes. Because the materials are designed to be quick-drying, they will typically be ready to wear just a few hours after being hung up, which is a major advantage for travelers with limited gear.

For the weatherproof jackets, the DWR coating may eventually wear off due to friction and dirt. A simple test is to sprinkle water on the jacket; if it soaks in rather than beading up, the coating needs to be refreshed. This can be done by cleaning the garment and then applying a spray-on or wash-in DWR treatment, followed by a short period in a low-heat dryer to ‘reactivate’ the molecules. By following these maintenance steps, users can significantly extend the life of their gear, ensuring that their investment in the Camp Collection continues to pay off over many seasons of exploration.

Inclusivity and the ‘Doing Things’ Philosophy in Nature

The Camp Collection is a physical manifestation of the Outdoor Voices ‘Doing Things’ motto, which emphasizes movement for fun rather than just competition. This philosophy is particularly resonant in the outdoor space, which has historically been dominated by ‘hardcore’ imagery and exclusive cliques. By offering inclusive sizing from XXS to XL and providing both standard and long lengths, the collection invites a broader range of body types to feel comfortable and confident in the wilderness. The availability of different lengths is a crucial detail, as it ensures that taller individuals don’t have to deal with ‘high-water’ leggings and shorter individuals aren’t tripping over excess fabric on the trail.

This commitment to inclusivity extends to the physical design of the garments. The use of wide, high-rise waistbands on leggings and shorts provides a secure fit that doesn’t roll down or pinch, accommodating different torso lengths and shapes. The focus is on ‘frictionless’ movement, allowing the wearer to focus on the experience of being outside rather than adjusting their clothing. This approach lowers the barrier to entry for those who might feel intimidated by the technicality of traditional outdoor gear, making the joys of camping and hiking more accessible to everyone.

Ultimately, the Camp Collection is about more than just clothing; it’s about fostering a community of people who find joy in the outdoors. Whether it’s a group of friends gathering around a campfire or a solo hiker reaching a new peak, the gear is designed to be a reliable partner in those moments. By combining technical prowess with a welcoming aesthetic and a sustainable heart, Outdoor Voices has created a collection that meets the demands of the modern adventurer while staying true to the spirit of simply getting outside and ‘Doing Things.’

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of pieces are included in the collection?

The collection includes apparel like tees, tanks, hoodies, shorts, leggings, hats, as well as accessories like towels, water bottles, and flasks.

What fabrics are used?

Technical, moisture-wicking fabrics with features like ventilation panels, UPF sun protection, four-way stretch, and water resistance.

Can the pieces transition from outdoor adventures to everyday wear?

Yes! The pieces are designed to be versatile for both outdoor activities and casual everyday wear.

What is the size range?

Most pieces are available in sizes XXS-XL in both standard and long lengths.

When does the collection launch?

The Camp Collection launches on March 15th, 2022 online and in select Outdoor Voices stores.