For David Gensler outdoor style sits at the intersection of nature, fashion, design, technology, and modern outdoor culture. In this VANISH conversation, Gensler reflects on Gorpcore, retro SUVs, technical apparel, wilderness minimalism, and the future-facing aesthetics shaping the outdoor world today.

For more on the VANISH perspective, explore our latest outdoor culture stories, our interviews, and our ongoing coverage of outdoor style.

David Gensler on Outdoor Style: Nature, Future, and Automotive Design

VANISH Team: Continuing our conversation about outdoor culture, let’s talk about outdoor style right now. What has your attention lately?

David Gensler: What I find interesting is how fashion is beginning to influence aesthetics far outside of clothing — especially in automotive design. Today, there are so many new vehicles targeting outdoor enthusiasts. We’re seeing a return to retro outdoor aesthetics and classic forms. For example, the Airstream remains a timeless expression of American outdoor design.

The new Toyota Land Cruiser has wonderful retro styling with clean, classic lines. Meanwhile, the Ineos Grenadier is a beautiful homage to traditional British expedition vehicles. Then there are newer vehicles pushing outdoor aesthetics into fresh territory, like the Kia Telluride — boxy, modern, and still clearly designed for a life that extends beyond paved roads.

Architecturally, I love the cabins by Vipp and their interior work. I’m drawn to minimalism placed deep in wilderness. In that sense, places like Fogo Island have always inspired me — hyper-modern minimalist design set against the stark landscape of the far north, almost at the edge of the known world.

Ultimately, that balance between Nature and Future is what attracts me most.

Outdoor Style, Technical Apparel, and Personal Uniforms

VANISH Team: What about your personal style? Is it always “outdoor,” or do you move between different worlds aesthetically?

David Gensler: I definitely have many styles. Most of the time, I blend things together unless the occasion calls for something specific. I’ve always gone with whatever feels best and functions best for me personally.

More than anything, I prefer extremely high-quality garments and objects regardless of the brand attached to them. I’m naturally drawn toward smaller, more obscure brands. As a result, I usually avoid whatever dominates the status quo.

For coats and jackets, I always come back to Griffin. Jeff Griffin’s Sleeping Bag coat is iconic — easily one of the warmest coats I own.

When I’m fishing, which is often, I mix in oversized jackets and anoraks from Snow Peak. I love their giant cuts and proportions. I also rotate between South2 West8, DAIWA PIER39, and norbit. Recently, I’ve also been incorporating Skwala for waders and technical fishing gear.

Packs, Footwear, and Travel Gear

For packs, I’ll always keep a few Mystery Ranch 3-Day Assault packs ready to go. In addition, I recently added a Hyperlite Dyneema daypack into rotation. I’m also a huge fan of Racing Atelier — Leander has elevated pack design into something closer to art.

When it comes to pants, I’m almost exclusively wearing Nike ACG. The quality and fit are both great. Shoes are a different story because I absolutely love footwear and probably own far too many pairs at this point. Some favorites are still Nike ACG and Nike ISPA. You simply can’t beat Nike’s commitment to R&D.

I also love Flower Mountain and the rock-inspired footwear from Satisfy.

For luggage, I’ll always love my Rimowa cases. However, I’m not loyal to brands simply for loyalty’s sake. I support strong design wherever I find it. That’s what drew me toward the travel cases from Db Journey — beautiful design and nearly indestructible.

Depending on the trip, the luggage changes. Rimowa works for cities like Tokyo, London, or Paris. Db Journey makes more sense for rougher adventures and more rugged travel.

Gorpcore, Outdoor Cosplay, and Authentic Style

VANISH Team: You recently said that Gorpcore was basically “outdoor cosplay.” Did any hardcore Gorpcore loyalists throw trail mix at you for that?

David Gensler: Not yet — but I hope they do, and I hope it’s delicious and organic. Laughs.

Jokes aside, I absolutely meant it. Too much of anything eventually drifts into inauthenticity. Of course, it’s one thing to want people to know you love the outdoors. However, it’s another thing entirely to look like you’re about to summit Everest in August while sitting inside a Starbucks in Brooklyn trying to impress hikers.

Authentic style is about balance, comfort, and individuality. When fashion becomes too extreme, it eventually becomes costume.

David Gensler Outdoor Style Trends for 2027 and Beyond

VANISH Team: What outdoor style trends do you see emerging in 2027 and beyond?

David Gensler: Beyond 2027, I honestly have no idea. However, in the immediate future, outdoor aesthetics are only going to spread deeper into more industries and categories.

We’ll see more luxury and high-design brands engaging with outdoor culture — not just in fashion, but also in automotive design, motorcycles, hotels, watches, and technology hardware.

Personally, I hope we move toward more maximalism again. I want more experimentation, more boldness, and more Gucci x The North Face energy. At the same time, I’d like to see less monotone minimalism.

At VANISH, we’re already working on something for 2027, and I promise it won’t be boring.

To me, the ideal balance is maximalism in fashion and minimalism in hardware. That contrast is beautiful. For instance, I’ll always carry a Leica M rangefinder with me, alongside Teenage Engineering field gear for sound design whenever I disappear into the wild.

That balance between analog soul and future technology is the aesthetic I care about most.

The post Nature, Future, and the Death of Gorpcore: a Conversation with David Gensler appeared first on VANISH TODAY.

David Gensler Japan outdoor culture is the focus of Part 2 of this Vanish conversation. In this final section, he reflects on Japan’s defining influence on outdoor culture, the role of nuance in design, and the larger long-term vision for Vanish beyond media.

Read Part 1 of David Gensler on global outdoor culture for the first half of the conversation on nature, authenticity, China, Korea, and the brands shaping the future.

Japan Outdoor Culture and Design Nuance

Vanish: Why do you think so much of outdoor culture is from Japan?

David Gensler: Good question. Not easy to answer.

Firstly, their culture tends to recognize and honor nuance better than most. This hardwired ethos carries well into fashion and design, but it’s much harder to define. Since I am not Japanese, obviously, my theory is merely romantic observation and speculation.

Maybe it’s “DE,” or the way they approach design culturally, that translates so beautifully into commercial products that all seem to be deeply rooted in a culture that quietly beckons us.

Japanese Brands in David Gensler Japan Outdoor Culture

From Rei and Yohji, to Jun Takahashi, to Issey, to Junya Watanabe, to F/CE, Comfy Outdoor Garment, Nanga, Nanamica, Natal Design, Goldwin, Visvim, Kapital, Hiroshi Fujiwara, Neighborhood, WTAPS, BAPE…

History doesn’t lie about tomorrow. The proof is in the culture.

Japan is a time portal to the future.

The Larger Vanish Vision

Vanish: While we, Vanish, are focused on media at the moment, is it too early to discuss your plan for the larger vision for the brand?

David Gensler: Well, no. However, the reason media comes first is that innovation, especially culturally, is about dialogue and context.

First, we, the creators and authors, must write and better communicate and collaborate. I don’t mean just product-drop collaboration. Instead, I mean sharing bigger ideas and best practices.

The health of the individual is meaningless and unsustainable if the culture is sick.

Don’t get me wrong: competition is key to innovation, but collaboration is essential to progress.

Future of Vanish Beyond Media

Our next step will be physical experiences and products in collaboration with some of our favorite brands and designers.

After that, our next phase will be technology, which I’m leading: development of something new which will better cultivate a stronger global outdoor culture and enhance people’s relationship with nature.

This concludes our two-part conversation with David Gensler on global outdoor culture, authenticity, design, Japan’s influence, and the future of Vanish — a vision rooted in nature, but looking firmly toward what comes next.

Explore more stories from Vanish on outdoor culture, design, nature, and future-facing fashion.

The post David Gensler on Outdoor Culture: Japan & Future of Vanish appeared first on VANISH TODAY.

David Gensler global outdoor culture is the focus of this two-part Vanish conversation. In Part 1, David speaks about nature, authenticity, China, Korea, and the brands reshaping outdoor fashion and design.

David Gensler Global Outdoor Culture: The Outdoor Moment

Vanish: Let’s touch on a potentially dangerous topic for us. Vanish is a brand focused on outdoor culture. Right now, “outdoor” is hotter than ever. Why? And more importantly, how long does this hot “outdoor” trend last?

David Gensler: I don’t think it’s a dangerous topic at all — only because our content and our audience are the epitome of authenticity.

For us, Vanish and this culture come from a pure relationship between nature, design, innovation, and the future.

In that sense, I think it’s a trend like any other trend for those who need trends due to a lack of authentic creativity. Eventually, I’m sure “they” will move on to whatever cultural fad helps them sell some useless commodity.

Nature Beyond the Trend

However, beyond the trend of outdoor, we do see a real movement. The spark may have come from social media, but it has ignited something inside us as humans: a biological and even spiritual need for nature.

Meanwhile, technology has rapidly exploded into a tsunami of new tools — some helpful, most mere distractions. As the world becomes more virtual, nature becomes more essential.

Ultimately, we are not robots or androids. We need nature to recharge, heal, and grow.

So maybe the collective return to nature isn’t a trend. Instead, maybe it’s a subconscious biological imperative to return home to nature.

For Vanish and those we cover and collaborate with, nature, the outdoors, and the future are in our DNA. Therefore, it’s not a temporary passing energy — it’s what gives us life.

David Gensler on Authenticity in Global Outdoor Culture

Vanish: What makes a creator or brand authentic?

David Gensler: Authenticity is messy, imperfect, often chaotic, and many times it fails by conventional standards.

At first, common ears can’t hear the authentic voice until it reaches scale — at which point it most certainly began chasing the next vision or dream.

In many cases, “authentic” is typically smaller than mass success and measures success in different terms.

Still, these authentic visions are the sun that seed and grow the future, so we have dedicated Vanish to forming close relationships with these authentic creators.

Brands Shaping David Gensler Global Outdoor Culture

Vanish: What are some examples of authentic voices that inspire you the most?

David Gensler: Fortunate for me, and Vanish, there are many. My friends Jeff and Karina Griffin are top of my list — great people and a beautiful brand. Griffin and Loveland are the best examples of love manifested into fashion inside our culture. They do it their way, and their way is real.

Additionally, the young brand Seeing Red, also from England, is on my list — a small company with a big vision and amazing aesthetic.

Creators, Friends, and Future-Facing Brands

Also, my friends Remington and Heather from A.B.C. — Advisory Board Crystals relocated to Japan last year. They are a force both in and beyond fashion. You’re going to see some game-changing design from them this year.

Another friend that humbles me with his talent and grace is Hiroshi Nozawa. His long life’s work has helped define Japan’s dominance in global outdoor culture, but his current work on his brands Norbit and Wfeld excites me most.

Beyond that, I also love the path of China’s Panda Prank. Their perfectly executed first-generation reworked shoes were on a different level of craft. Their Nike trail low is my personal favorite shoe. I own them. Their new completely original designs are game changers.

Right now, there are many others from China — no one can avoid the energy and insane visions coming out of China at the moment. In fact, they are simply redefining the global aesthetic.

China, Korea, and the Future of Outdoor Design

Vanish: Redefining the global aesthetic is a big statement that will surely upset many traditional, well-established brands, especially in the States and Europe?

David Gensler: Too bad!

Tradition regarding aesthetics is an anchor keeping you from creating the future. Likewise, tradition in a space defined by performance and innovation is a hamster wheel going nowhere. The Chinese seem to be focused acutely on the future.

Chinese Brands and the New Global Aesthetic

For instance, William Shen’s brand Raxxy is nearly impossible to describe unless you experience the brand, the garments, in person: the manifested collision of mathematics and poetry.

Similarly, the futuristic vision of Hamcus feels like the trailer to the next Ridley Scott blockbuster film.

In addition, Uppervoid has a focused vision, brilliant product, and genius leadership. In the next two years, I predict they will be a global powerhouse brand challenging the big brands.

Lastly, on my China list is Dingyun Zhang. His graduated collection had more radical impact on fashion culture than anyone in recent history. After that, he carried that energy to his work with Kanye West and the Yeezy brand, and now his own label and new collaborations. America simply isn’t producing this level of future right now.

As a result, American imperialism, ironically, doesn’t inspire capitalist innovation. America needs a creative reset.

Korea and David Gensler on Global Outdoor Culture

Vanish: We just visited Korea on our world tour. Do you see the same energy there?

David Gensler: To a degree, yes. For example, Post Archive Faction is such a beautifully executed vision.

Another example is my dear friend Max Han, who runs an innovative factory that produces some of the world’s most advanced garments. His personal vision is powerful, and more importantly, he understands how to recognize talent and turn creative visions into future realities.

In Part 2, David Gensler turns toward Japan’s defining influence on global outdoor culture. From there, he speaks to the larger Vanish vision beyond media — into physical experiences, product, technology, and a deeper relationship with nature.

The post Vanish Founder David Gensler: On Global Outdoor Culture, Part 1 appeared first on VANISH TODAY.

Do you remember the first time you went fishing? Did you catch anything?

David Gensler: I grew up in Baltimore, Maryland, and my family would vacation in St. Petersburg, Florida during the summers. My mother bought me a rod and a tackle box, and I’d head out with a bucket of live shrimp to fish the piers while everyone else relaxed on the beach.

I caught a ton of snapper and plenty of toadfish. I was given total freedom—I’d fish all day, completely on my own.

Moving from Baltimore to rural Pennsylvania must have been a big moment for your connection with nature. Did you immediately start fishing?

David Gensler: When we moved to Pennsylvania, I was in heaven. Suddenly there was grass, trees, and a creek right outside our house.

I started fishing it immediately. It only had minnows, so I’d catch my own bait and head to nearby lakes and rivers. It was a perfect childhood—independent, outdoors, and fully immersed in nature. My mother always encouraged that independence.

So your mom played a big role in cultivating your love of fishing?

David Gensler: Yes. My father was always busy working and wasn’t into fishing or nature. My mom was the one who supported it.

When I was 11 or 12, she drove me to Virginia for the Bassmaster Classic so I could meet my heroes—Jimmy Houston and Roland Martin. We weren’t wealthy, but she still managed to save enough to buy me my first bass boat when I was 13.

As an adult, did fishing always stay part of your life?

David Gensler: Not always. As I got older, I got caught up in school, travel, and work, and I lost touch with angling for a while.

That changed in grad school at Wharton. I started fishing again regularly—any chance I had. I’d fish the river next to the Philadelphia Museum of Art, or around Boathouse Row. Sometimes I’d wade in, fall in, and head back to class still smelling like the river. My classmates weren’t impressed.

As a father, how important has teaching your daughter to fish been?

David Gensler: Fishing with my daughter Zoe is one of the greatest joys of my life.

She lives in the city, but she has a wild heart. She’s been fishing with me since before she could even hold a rod. I hope it stays part of her life—and maybe one day she’ll pass it on and teach others the craft.

How do you connect fishing with your work building Vanish?

David Gensler: Vanish turns 14 this year.

I started it after finishing the global repositioning of Leica and selling my “futurecraft” design work to Adidas. I was exhausted and needed something real—nature, not another vacation.

Fishing became part of the work. Time outdoors turned into research, inspiration, and content. It didn’t feel like work anymore—I was back in heaven.

Tell us more about your relationship with fishing.

David Gensler: In 2019, I moved to Pennsylvania for a while to slow down, fish more, and spend time with my mom after my father passed.

When COVID hit, I ended up fishing 240 days in a row. Friends came out from the city to join me—I used to joke it was my “self-prescribed COVID cure.”

Whenever people asked why I loved fishing so much, I’d say: “It’s a fish thing—you either get it or you don’t.”

That idea eventually became a lifestyle brand—and it resonated, especially in France and Japan.

David Gensler Angling Brand Favorites:

• Patagonia (waders)
• Norbit (field jackets)
• Daiwa Pier39 (hats)
• Abu Garcia (freshwater reels)
• Van Staal (saltwater reels)
• Shimano & Daiwa (rods)

I avoid traditional wading boots—I prefer sneakers, usually Nike ACG or Merrell.

For eyewear: Oakley UV.
For saltwater rods: Odin.
And I mostly wear my own brand, Landscape.

What other outdoor activities do you love?

David Gensler: Travel—especially long road trips and overlanding.

Also outdoor photography, snowboarding, kayaking, and gardening. Fishing is the core, but it connects to everything else.

David Gensler angling dream destinations:

• Grayling in Mongolia
• Dorado in Central America
• Patagonian trout
• Trout in the Dolomites
• Japan—from Hokkaido to Okinawa

But one of my all-time favorites is still New York City.

Fishing Jamaica Bay in the spring for striped bass, heading out of Sheepshead Bay for fluke or porgies, or even fishing the Rockaways—you’d be surprised how incredible the fishing is there.

What’s the difference between fishing and angling?

David Gensler: Fishing is the act—sometimes simple, sometimes frustrating.

Angling is the craft.

It’s about understanding water, weather, biology, and behavior. It’s tying knots, reading currents, choosing the right lure—sometimes even trusting instinct or something close to magic.

Fishing catches fish.
Angling is a way of thinking.

And if you’ve stood in a river long enough, listening to the water moving around your legs—you know there’s poetry in it.

The post David Gensler on Angling: Childhood, Craft, and the Poetry of Fishing appeared first on VANISH TODAY.

Email info@vanish.today to order any issue. Magazines are also found in select bookstores and boutiques globally.

VANISH EXISTS AT THE COLLISION POINT BETWEEN OUTDOOR AND URBAN CULTURES. FROM MOUNTAINTOPS TO FASHION WEEKS, ALPINE PASSES TO CONCRETE GRIDS, WE EXPLORE HOW THESE WORLDS INTERSECT, OVERLAP, AND RESHAPE ONE ANOTHER.

Our goal is to expand the known boundaries of “outdoor”— introducing radical ideas, visionary people, and pioneering brands that
are forging new territory where culture, nature, and the future converge. Along the way, Vanish serves as a set of cairns, guiding you forward through unfamiliar ground— markers pointing toward what’s next, and reminding you that the path is rarely a straight line.

The post VANISH Outdoor Magazine Available Now in Print at Select Booksellers and Retailers Globally appeared first on VANISH TODAY.

From launching the magazine internationally to building long-term cultural impact, Gensler reflects on what it takes to create a brand that lasts.

Why Launch Vanish Outdoor Magazine Now

Q: Over the last year we’ve seen the debut of Vanish Outdoor Magazine. Why now?

The goal is the same as day one—to inspire people to engage with nature.

Right now, we’re focused on showcasing cutting-edge, avant-garde creators who are pushing the boundaries of design and culture. It’s an honor to work with these people and share their vision.

Fashion is a big part of that because it’s such a personal and intimate form of design—but we’re also expanding beyond that. Overlanding, hospitality, food, art—anything that connects back to culture and the outdoors.

Building a Global Outdoor Culture Platform

Q: Vanish has been very active globally. How important is that physical presence?

It’s everything. The world is too digital.

You can see photos of Paris or Tokyo online all day, but it will never compare to actually being there. Vanish is a brand built on real-world experience—feet on the ground.

We launched in Florence at Pitti Uomo, then moved through Paris Fashion Week and six other European cities—Berlin, Copenhagen, Antwerp, Rome, Milan, and London. From there, we went to New York, then Japan, China, and Korea.

If you want to be a global brand, you have to physically be global.

I’m also lucky to have an incredible team. None of this happens without them.

A Brand Built for the Long Term

We’re focused on creating timeless issues—not chasing trends or hype, but highlighting the work of people who are genuinely pushing culture forward.

Vanish is a slow-built brand. We care about reality over hype. Digital platforms help us connect with people, but the goal is always deeper—real experiences, real engagement with nature.

What’s Next for Vanish Outdoor Magazine

Q: What’s next for Vanish?

We have new issues coming out and some big surprises planned.

We’re working on high-level collaborations across Asia and Europe, and expanding into new markets with strong partners.

At this point in my career, I’ve learned to say less and deliver more.

Stay tuned.

Sources of Inspiration

Q: What inspires you the most today?

First, my daughter, Zoe. She’s incredibly creative, and it’s inspiring to watch her grow into her own person.

My mother, Sharon, is about to turn 80, and her strength and grace have always been a huge influence on me.

Beyond that—love. It can give you energy one moment and break you the next, but it’s essential to everything I do.

Creatively, I’m constantly inspired by the brands and people we feature. I feel lucky to be part of this culture, and I’m always thinking about how I can contribute something meaningful back to it.

Who Vanish Is For

Q: Who is Vanish Outdoor Magazine for?

We want to speak to everyone, but naturally we attract a very visual and creative audience—people who care about aesthetics and what’s next.

Our audience is curious. They value quality, craftsmanship, and time in nature. They travel, they explore, and they’re interested in culture beyond trends.

It’s not about chasing fashion—it’s about understanding design and utility at a deeper level.

Brands and Culture on the Radar

Q: What brands are inspiring you right now?

There are so many that it’s hard to narrow it down.

I’m always inspired by Jeff and Karina Griffin and what they’ve built, as well as Hiroshi Nozawa and Norbit. There’s an incredible amount of innovation coming out of China right now—brands like Uppervoid, Raxxy, Hamcus, and others are really pushing things forward.

Japan continues to set the tone globally. Brands like Comfy Outdoor Garment, Nanga, White Mountaineering, Mountain Research, Kapital, and Visvim—there’s just an incredible energy coming out of Tokyo.

I’m also inspired by retailers that create real experiences. That’s something New York is missing right now—retail that authentically represents this culture and pushes it forward.

Dream Collaborations

Q: Are there brands you’d love to work with?

Definitely Nike ACG. The level of innovation and cultural impact is undeniable.

I’m also really interested in Ineos—their vehicle platform has huge potential to expand into a broader overland ecosystem.

And Leica. I’d love to revisit what I started there years ago and take it even further.

Outdoor Culture in New York City

Q: What does outdoor culture look like in NYC?

It’s more real than people think.

Sure, there’s a lot of people dressing like they’re heading to Everest just to grab coffee—but there’s also a real outdoor community here.

There’s surfing, kayaking, boating, and an incredible fishing scene. Spring bass fishing in Jamaica Bay or along the Hudson and East River is next level. Even Central Park has its own ecosystem.

It’s all there—you just have to look for it.

Career Highlights

Q: Looking back, what are some of your proudest career moments?

Rebuilding Leica was a big one. It meant a lot to people, and we were able to bring it back in a meaningful way.

Working on projects with Hennessy, Roc-A-Fella, and early collaborations in music and fashion also shaped my perspective.

Helping bring Mystery Ranch into new cultural spaces, building the Borderlands project, and creating FishThing during COVID—those are all moments that stand out.

But honestly, the most meaningful moments are the ones where you see the impact on people and culture over time.

This concludes our three-part David Gensler interview exploring the origins, philosophy, and future of Vanish Outdoor Magazine.

→ Read Part 1
→ Read Part 2

The post David Gensler Interview (Part 3): What’s Next for Vanish Outdoor Magazine appeared first on VANISH TODAY.

From fishing obsessions to the role of technology, Gensler shares a candid perspective on what it means to build an authentic brand today.

Q: Vanish Outdoor Magazine has a very different aesthetic from most outdoor publications. Was that intentional?

I’m not sure. I mean, you always set out to be different and unique, but I don’t think it was overly planned.

A lot of it comes from Brooklyn, my travels, and just my personal taste. I wanted to create something that felt relatable to the people and peers I care about—and, honestly, something that might offend a few people from the traditional outdoor industry, which I always found a bit predictable and boring.

Q: How did COVID impact Vanish and your personal direction?

COVID was a pivotal moment. I left New York City and moved to Pennsylvania to be near my mom and away from the city.

I fished over 200 days in a row during that time, and it completely changed my perspective. I realized I would never fully trap myself in the city again.

I was hooked—literally—and that’s when I started executing a long-term plan for how Vanish would grow and become a global brand.

Q: What are your biggest outdoor passions?

Fishing is first and last. I’m obsessed. I also love overlanding, road trips, anything in the mountains, and even gardening. It’s all connected.

Q: You split your time between business and design. Which matters more?

My time is split between management and creative, but design is the most important.

Design is the connective point with the audience. At the end of the day, people don’t connect with “business”—they connect with design, art, and culture.

That said, business, strategy, and management are critical. They’re what allow you to scale your ideas and reach more people. But what people actually love—that emotional connection—comes from design.

Q: Outdoor culture is growing rapidly. Where do you see it going next?

I don’t think outdoor culture is going anywhere. Nature doesn’t fade, and humanity’s need for nature doesn’t fade either.

If anything, I think we’ll see more brands and businesses focusing on the outdoors as a reaction to how digital our lives have become.

The more digital the world gets, the more essential nature becomes.

What I do think will change is the shift toward authenticity. There will always be brands trying to ride trends, but the ones that truly engage with the outdoors in a real way will last.

Authenticity always wins in the end.

Q: Vanish—and you personally—seem to have a complicated relationship with technology. Is that fair?

Yeah, absolutely. I don’t hate technology—I hate how addictive it can be and how much it can pull people away from reality.

I think we need to educate ourselves—and especially younger generations—about the importance of time away from devices. Deep time in nature.

It’s about balance. That balance is hard to achieve, especially when modern work depends on technology, but it’s something we have to actively pursue.

Nature connects us back to something fundamental—to the origins of humanity itself.

Q: You mentioned authenticity. How do you define it?

Authenticity is messy. It’s imperfect. It’s obsessive.

For me, it means focusing on your own vision and not being overly influenced by what others are doing.

At the same time, you need to be aware of the world around you—you have to understand the landscape—but still remain detached enough to do your own thing.

That tension is where authenticity lives.

Continue the David Gensler Interview:

Part 1 of the Interview.

This is Part 2 of our interview with David Gensler, founder of Vanish Outdoor Magazine.

In Part 3, Gensler discusses the global expansion of Vanish, the launch of the magazine, and what’s next for the brand.

→ Continue to Part 3 of the David Gensler interview

The post David Gensler Interview (Part 2): Design, Authenticity, and the Future of Outdoor Culture appeared first on VANISH TODAY.

He identified a gap, kept the product count to six, and let the work do the talking.

It wasn’t his first time running that play.

As a kid in rural Oregon, Barton had learned to screen-print T-shirts, built a distribution network out of his classmates, and kept the operation going until school administrators shut it down. The instinct to find an underserved customer and fill that space with something precise would follow him into every business he attempted afterward.

ASRV launched with a basement design session, a handful of slim-fit joggers in muted colorways, and the kind of technical details that sometimes required an explanation. Those first pieces sold out in minutes.

Within the first year, the brand approached $1 million in revenue and had accumulated close to half a million social media followers without a single brick-and-mortar store or traditional advertising spend.

A decade on, the numbers are harder to dismiss. ASRV now counts over 2.8 million fans and followers across platforms, with 1.4 million on Instagram alone — a figure that outpaces competitors like Vuori, Outdoor Voices, and Alo Men despite ASRV operating at a fraction of their capitalization. The brand crossed into 80-plus Equinox locations in 2023 and moved into Nordstrom the same year, expanding from five doors to ten within two months. Barton earned a spot on Forbes 30 Under 30 in 2020. The TikTok account hit 400,000 followers in under a year.

ASRV’s positioning on the competitive landscape — premium price point, technical sportswear aesthetic rather than lifestyle activewear — is the result of Barton’s foundational conviction that the brand serves a specific person rather than a broad demographic. He calls that customer the “Urban-Active” …a man between 18 and 35, living in a metropolitan area, physically training three to four times a week, and motivated less by performance metrics than by a broader aspiration toward growth. The gym is a practice ground for something larger and the clothes reflect that.

Importantly, the materials story backs up the philosophy.

ASRV manufactures exclusively in South Korea, working with specialized mills to develop proprietary textiles that include Tetra-Lite, a fabric that stretches six times in every direction with a built-in water-resistant treatment, along with Polygiene antibacterial technology, Silver Lite’s anti-odor properties, and Kevlar fiber integration that Barton has described as making garments twenty times more durable than conventional alternatives. The Kevlar partnership with DuPont made ASRV one of the first consumer apparel brands to bring the material out of military and industrial applications and into everyday training wear.

Barton trademarked the term “urban training” in 2018, which was either ahead of its time or a description of what his customer was already doing. Either way, the brand’s silhouettes — joggers with reinforced knee panels, chest packs designed for range of motion, outerwear that moves between weight room and street without adjustment — feel like a direct translation of that idea into garments. The aesthetic borrows from streetwear without defaulting to it. It’s technical without being sterile.

Men’s fashion-forward fitness gear has been one of the more interesting market stories of the past decade, as a generation that grew up wearing Jordan retros to school started expecting the same aesthetic consideration from their training clothes. Lululemon built a billion-dollar business serving that instinct on the women’s side. ASRV saw the same gap on the men’s side and moved into it with a level of fabric and design specificity that most competitors weren’t bothering with. Joggers with reinforced knee panels. Chest packs engineered not to restrict shoulder rotation. Outerwear that goes from the weight room to the street without looking like it came from either. The details are the point.

Barton has talked about the brand’s deeper ambition in terms that articulate something the product alone can’t fully convey: the idea that training is not a means to an end but a model for how to live. The gear is built around that premise. Ten years in, the market seems to be listening.

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Mint Mocha Whey Protein is a limited-edition seasonal winter flavor that pairs performance nutrition with meaningful climate advocacy. In collaboration with Protect Our Winters (POW), the nonprofit uniting the outdoor community to protect winter environments, Gnarly will contribute $5 from every Mint Mocha bag sold to support POW’s climate mission.

“At Gnarly, we’ve always believed that fueling big goals and protecting the places we chase them in are part of the same mission. Mint Mocha was born from that mindset,” said Shannon O’Grady, CEO at Gnarly Nutrition. “It’s a flavor we’re genuinely stoked about, and partnering with Protect Our Winters means every scoop helps defend the winters we depend on. That’s the kind of impact we want to stand behind.”

Mint Mocha Whey Protein features:

• 25 grams of protein per serving, sourced from grass-fed cows
• Digestive enzymes and probiotics to support healthy lactose digestion and optimize protein absorption
• Uncaffeinated formula for anytime use
• Mix 1/3 cup into 10-12 oz of water, or blend seamlessly into smoothies

Protect Our Winters unites athletes, industry leaders, and outdoor enthusiasts to safeguard the places and seasons that make winter sports possible, including helping pass climate-forward legislation. The partnership reflects Gnarly and POW’s shared belief that environmental protection and climate action are essential to the future of outdoor recreation. Through this collaboration, athletes and consumers can support both high-quality nutrition and meaningful environmental advocacy with each purchase.

Mint Mocha Whey Protein is available in a 20-serving bag for $62.95 and can be purchased online at GoGnarly.com

About Gnarly Nutrition: Gnarly exists to create the highest-quality sports nutrition products for all levels of performance, to help push through failure, amplify grit and celebrate messy triumphs. For the long training runs, summit days, new PRs and every day in between, Gnarly’s unequivocal commitment is to science-backed nutrition, delivered using transparent, natural, straightforward ingredient standards and rigorous product testing. With a pledge to educate others about the benefits of functional nutrition, devotion to sharing a love for the outdoors by increasing diversity in outdoor pursuits and strengthening environmental protections and sustainability efforts, Gnarly grows by pushing what’s possible. For more information, visit gognarly.com.

About Protect Our Winters (POW): Protect Our Winters is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that helps passionate outdoor people protect the places and experiences they love from climate change. Founded in 2007 by professional snowboarder Jeremy Jones, POW is a community of athletes, scientists, creatives, and business leaders advancing non-partisan policies that protect our world today and for future generations. For more information, visit protectourwinters.org.

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Streetwear has been a major influence on outdoor gear for longer than most people realize. From Nike’s ACG line in the 1990s to Supreme’s ongoing partnerships with technical brands, the boundaries between urban style and mountain performance have been blurring for decades. There are a lot of consumers out there hungry for something that feels like it was made for them—gear that works on the trail but doesn’t look out of place in the city.

So when Altra announced their first-ever collaboration on the Lone Peak with Tokyo-based design house and wander, it felt both inevitable and noteworthy. Sure, shoe brands have been doing collaborations for years—HOKA has partnered with everyone from Outdoor Voices to various fashion labels—but this is different. This is Altra, a brand built on biomechanics and function over form, putting graphics on their most sacred silhouette for the first time.

The Altra x and wander Lone Peak 9+ launches globally on August 19, retailing for $185 in two colorways. It’s the first time a graphic has been applied to the Lone Peak, setting a new precedent for the brand’s creative evolution.

The Brands Behind the Partnership

I’ve been testing Altra shoes for almost 15 years, since meeting Golden Harper at a small gathering before the Summer Outdoor Retailer Show in 2010 I think it was. The first cushioned Zero Drop foot-shaped running shoes began as a way to fix customers injuries at his running store in the Wasatch Mountains, Harper explained to the crowd. What started as backroom experiments with a toaster oven and scissors would become Altra’s signature technology, a veritable revolution in that moment.

Altra and the Lone Peak — named after one of the brand’s original home peaks in the Wasatch Range — officially launched in the North American market 2011 to much critical acclaim. By September 2013, Altra Footwear was at 300 percent annual growth rate and opening in dozens of new markets. The Lone Peak became their bestselling model, earning a devoted following among trail runners and thru-hikers who appreciated its zero-drop platform and anatomical toe box.

and wander brings a different perspective to the partnership. Founded in 2011 by Keita Ikeuchi and Mihoko Mori, who previously designed for Issey Miyake Men, the brand emerged from a practical problem: frustrated with the struggles for camping trips with friends, Ikeuchi decided to take it upon himself to provide the solution. “We wanted to kindle a desire for nature and the mountains with our collection while also applying the experience we had from working with a Parisian fashion brand, and thus establish a bridge between fashion and outdoor wear,” explains Ikeuchi.

What’s Different About This Collaboration

The collaboration features original graphic overlays created by and wander, layered atop Altra’s time-tested silhouette and augmented with Vibram® Megagrip for sure-footed traction. The Vibram upgrade is significant—Megagrip has proven superior traction on wet rock and loose terrain compared to Altra’s standard MaxTrac rubber. This isn’t just a cosmetic update.

“Working with and wander continues to inspire new ways of thinking about performance design without compromising the standards that characterize Altra,” says Jennifer McLaren, Brand President at Altra. “This shoe reflects our shared belief in the value of versatility. It’s made for people who see movement as a form of self-expression.”

“We love the challenge of reinterpreting proven outdoor tools through a design lens that speaks to both performance and style,” reflects Keita Ikeuchi. The result speaks to consumers who move fluidly between performance, fashion, and the outdoors.

Market Context

This collaboration arrives as the outdoor footwear market is rapidly evolving. The global hiking and trail footwear market size is estimated to grow by USD 8.43 billion from 2025-2029, according to Technavio. The market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 10% during the forecast period.

Much of this growth is driven by urban-trail hybrids. City-to-trail is no longer a niche, but a permanent fixture in the order. The trail running scene is growing. Models that work both on the trail and in the city are in demand. Department of Commerce data shows over 12 million urban Americans bought hybrid wear products merging fashion and function in Q1 2024.

Integration of High-Fashion Collaborations: Luxury fashion houses are now co-branding with performance gear manufacturers. Brands such as Gucci, Moncler, and Arcteryx have reported multi-season collaborations with record pre-booking levels. The and wander partnership positions Altra in this growing segment.

Since 2018, Altra has been owned by VF Corporation, an American global apparel and footwear company with other brands like North Face, Vans, JanSport, and Timberland, suggesting they understand both lifestyle and performance markets. Is this collaboration a one-off or does it represent VF’s vision for Altra’s future—a brand that maintains technical credibility while expanding into lifestyle segments?

Who Is This For?

At $185, the collaboration commands a premium over the standard Lone Peak 9’s $140 price point. That positions it as a specialty product rather than a volume seller. The pricing suggests Altra is targeting consumers willing to pay for design cachet alongside technical performance.

The unisex colorways—red and black—are safe choices that should appeal to both traditional trail runners and style-conscious urban consumers. The graphics are subtle enough not to alienate function-first buyers while distinctive enough to attract fashion-forward customers.

and wander’s philosophy aligns well with this demographic. They weren’t the type to climb 6,000m peaks every weekend. They were interested in casual outdoor outings. A morning hike, a one-day camping trip, all the things you can do over a weekend and still make it back to Tokyo.

The Technical Story

Beyond aesthetics, the Vibram Megagrip outsole represents a genuine performance upgrade. While the standard Lone Peak uses Altra’s MaxTrac rubber, Megagrip has proven superior across multiple brands and conditions. For trail runners who prioritize traction on technical terrain, this could justify the premium pricing.

The collaboration maintains Altra’s core technologies: FootShape™ Fit allows toes to splay unrestricted, and the Zero Drop platform maintains an even stack height from heel to forefoot. These features have made the Lone Peak a favorite among runners seeking natural movement patterns.

Industry Implications

This collaboration signals broader trends in outdoor footwear. Multifunctionality is indeed becoming the new standard: the boundaries between categories such as running, hiking, urban and travel are becoming blurred. Brands that successfully bridge performance and lifestyle markets are positioned for growth.

One of the most promising opportunities lies in the expansion of trail running shoes into urban and lifestyle use cases, merging performance gear with casual fashion. The modern consumer seeks footwear that transitions seamlessly from trail to town.

For Altra, the collaboration represents both opportunity and risk. Success could open new markets and demographics. Failure could dilute the brand’s technical reputation among core trail runners.

Looking Forward

The Altra x and wander Lone Peak 9+ won’t revolutionize trail running, but it doesn’t need to. It’s a well-executed collaboration that brings together complementary brand strengths. Altra contributes proven biomechanical design and trail credibility. and wander adds aesthetic sophistication and urban appeal.

The real test will be market reception. Will traditional Lone Peak users embrace the graphics and premium pricing? Will urban consumers appreciate the technical features? The collaboration’s success could influence Altra’s future direction under VF ownership.

For now, it represents something new in the trail running world: a technically sound shoe that’s equally comfortable on Gen Z Instagram as it is on singletrack. Whether it’s the future of outdoor footwear or just an experiment remains to be seen.

The collaboration launches globally on August 19, 2025, available through Altra e-commerce platforms in the US and Europe, the Altra brand store in Japan, and wander’s online store, and wander retail stores in Japan, and through a curated selection of retail partners worldwide. At $185, it’s positioned as a premium offering for consumers who value both performance and design.

In a market increasingly hungry for products that work across contexts, the Altra x and wander Lone Peak 9+ arrives at the right moment.

Author Aaron Bible has been writing for outdoor publications for more than two decades, covering footwear, cycling, skiing, gear, adventure travel and mountain life. Follow him on Instagram at @DefinitelyWild.

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