The Mountaineering Collection: An Exclusive Capsule
Introducing The Mountaineering Collection. Created with a little inspiration from the rugged beauty of the alpine landscape, old photographs of mountaineers, and the spirit of mid century expedition crews. Bringing a little of that base camp atmosphere to Savile Row.
To put the collection through its paces, we trekked out to Banff National Park, in Alberta, Canada’s oldest national park, deep into the Rocky Mountains, their snow covered peaks towering up through bright blue late Autumn skies. We’re here Yuki Matsuda, a good friend of Drake’s, and who, like us, understands the romance and glory of the old mountaineering wardrobe.
Down-filled parkas, substantial woollen knits, hard-working shirts and sturdy trousers: all clothes designed with a clear purpose, made to be worn well and kept for years. It is this practical spirit that sits at the heart of this collection.
At its heart is a collaboration with Kluane Mountaineering. Canadian outerwear makers based in Edmonton, Alberta, who have been making down-filled clothing by hand for more than fifty years, drawing on their roots in the Canadian Rockies and an understanding of what proper cold-weather kit requires.
But really these are uncomplicated clothes, practical and adaptable. They might have a few familiar sporting and workwear references, but they’ll look good whether there is a mountain in sight or not.
The Kluane Outer Parka is the kind of jacket that makes you reconsider the whole business of going outside. Made in Alberta, Canada, in collaboration with Kluane Mountaineering, it’s designed for the coldest weather. Filled with Canadian white goose down, it has a generous shape, a little extra length in the body and a large hood to keep the worst of the weather at bay.The details are reassuringly practical, from the storm-flap two-way zip closure and down-filled hand-warming pockets to adjustable drawstrings at the hood, waist and hem. Enough warmth to make a case for adding a few extra miles to your hike.
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The collection moves between the different layers of an outdoor wardrobe, with each bringing its own character. Knitwear is a natural starting point: alongside the substantial Cowichan-inspired cardigan, there is a heavyweight sawtooth mock neck in virgin wool. A red Casentino half-zip offers a more substantial alternative to the familiar fleece, its distinctive Tuscan cloth bringing texture and warmth.
Shirting takes in both workwear and sporting references. Cotton and checked work shirts, made in Somerset, while rugby shirts in block and placement stripes bring a little colour and the easy familiarity of old sportswear. Ringer T-shirts and a long-sleeved hiking mock neck continue that thread, drawing on the athletic clothing of the 1970s.
Elsewhere there are two takes on the hiking trouser: an olive cotton cargo with reinforced pockets, and a beige hiking pant with an integrated belt. Both take their cues from the practical trousers you might see on the mountain, but with enough to them to not look out of place sauntering around town.
The smaller details complete the wardrobe. A printed cotton bandana and a moleskin baseball cap bring a little souvenir-shop spirit, while ribbed hiking socks in cashmere and silk add a softer note. Enough warmth and substance for the colder months and plenty of reasons to wear them well beyond the trail.
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Our Navy Wool Quarter-Zip Overshirt is made from an Italian blend of wool and cashmere, it has a relaxed fit, a short zip at the neck and a pair of buttoned chest pockets. The sleeves are lined, while cotton twill facings at the collar stand, cuffs and hem give the inside a neat finish. A useful alternative to a jumper, with enough room to wear over a shirt and enough substance to stand on its own. It brings to mind vintage mountaineering photographs, well-worn kit bags and long afternoons in a mountain lodge, with the weather doing its worst outside.
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