From Beneunder to Bosideng: 5 Chinese outdoor brands every gorpcore fan should know
As interest in the outdoors continues to grow, these Chinese brands are emerging as credible alternatives to Arc'teryx, Salomon and Hoka.
As outdoor activities gain popularity, Chinese brands are emerging as viable alternatives to well-established outdoor brands like Arc teryx, Salomon, and Hoka. In Singapore, it's not uncommon to find people wearing technical shell jackets during warm weather, a trend that has spread across Southeast Asia. Trail-running shoes are now commonly seen as daily sneakers, and utility vests and hiking backpacks have moved beyond their mountain trail origins.
This outdoor fashion movement, with its mountaincore twist, has become a defining style in recent years. While major global brands like Arc teryx, Salomon, and Hoka played a role in introducing the trend to the masses, Chinese brands have been steadily building their own loyal followers. Many of these Chinese outdoor brands gained traction during the COVID-19 pandemic, as people turned to local camping and mountain hikes instead of international travel.
These brands offer a wide range of products that balance technical performance with stylish everyday wear. From high-performance trail-running shoes and expedition-ready outerwear to sun-protective clothing, Chinese brands are gaining popularity among Asia's outdoor enthusiasts. Among the notable Chinese outdoor brands are Beneunder, Bosideng, Capelin-Crew, KAILAS Global, and Nothomme.
Beneunder, which started in 2013, began by creating UV-blocking umbrellas, earning the nickname "the Hermes of umbrellas." Today, the brand offers sun-protective apparel and accessories, including UPF 50+ jackets and hats, face masks, and arm sleeves. Capelin-Crew, inspired by Tibet's mountain culture, blends technical performance with bold colors.
The brand's products include temperature-regulating base layers, UPF 40+ cooling jackets, and water-repellent cargo trousers. KAILAS Global, founded in 2003, specializes in climbing, mountaineering, and trail running equipment. The brand supplies the Chinese National Climbing Team and is known for its Fuga trail-running shoe, which has earned the nickname "King of Steep Slopes."
Nothomme, established in 2015, merges vintage outdoor aesthetics with modern technical fabrics. The brand offers hiking, skiing, cycling, and camping apparel, with products like ultralight packable jackets, UPF 100+ cooling trousers, and hand tie-dyed Coolmax® T-shirts. Nothomme's sub-brand, Nothomme Blue, focuses on urban outdoor apparel, blending retro styling with technical fabrics and functional details for various outdoor activities.
These five Chinese outdoor brands are worth exploring for anyone looking to incorporate the outdoorsy aesthetic into their daily lives or embark on new adventure pursuits.
Written by urgent.news from Channel News Asia's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
