Say Goodbye Khaki & Hello Kaleidoscope With New Colourful Outdoor Clothing

Saying goodbye to gear that makes you resemble a shrub sounds easy, but as our Victorian Gear Editor Jess knows, it’s hard to pry the matte black and muted greens from outdoor lovers’ fingers. Here’s some colourful clothing to break up the beige.

Muted tones have had a good run in outdoor gear. From the fifty shades of olive to the ubiquitous blacks, beiges and muddy browns, we’ve been blending in with our surroundings for years.

But the tide is turning.

More and more gear is landing that’s ditching subtlety in favour of bright colour blocks, bold prints, and main-character energy fleeces that are less about quietly blending in than yelling in technicolour. And frankly, I’m into it.

From raincoats inspired by fairy bread to fleece bucket hats (yes, really) that appear to be Olympic themed, here’s the latest outdoor clothing breathing some serious colour into our kit.

And if you’re seething about the idea that anyone would want to dress in anything other than olive, I suggest you leave now and seek comfort in the single shade of green offered by Alton Goods Apparel.

Zorali x FNPW Collab Camp Fleece

RRP: $160.00

This limited edition Cosy Camp Fleece from Zorali, made in collaboration with the Foundation for National Parks & Wildlife, blends good outdoor clothing design with a good cause. 

The ocean-inspired print is subtle but striking, and a portion of proceeds supports conservation projects around Australia. 

It’s a wearable reminder that you can look good, feel snug, and help a tree (or twelve) all at once. Want to go camping, look good, and wear your values at the same time? This is for you.

Amble Fairy Bread Crumbs Refuge Waterproof Jacket

RRP: $249.99 – $269.00

Amble, known for their dedication to inclusivity and weather-proofing, has released what may be the most joyful raincoat in existence. Inspired by the nostalgic joy of fairy bread, this limited edition pastel print will brighten any adventure under a moody sky.

Sure, you might feel six years old while wearing it, but last I checked six year olds are pretty joyous. Bonus points are awarded to this one for sustainability creds, excellent sizing options, wind-proofing and the 15K waterproof rating.

While this coat looks playful and silly, there’s serious tech in the PFC-free durable water repellant coating. Torrential rain isn’t about to be your friend (it’s not a magical jacket!) but you’ll stay dry if you get caught in it for an extended period.

Just as importantly, the Amble Fairy Bread Crumbs Refuge Waterproof Jacket comes in both mid-thigh and hip-length options so you can get the exact fit you want.

Patagonia Synchilla Snap-T Fleece

RRP: $199.95

Patagonia’s iconic Synchilla fleece is a staple in many of our kits – I’ve walked alongside people wearing it at summit views, while napping cosily at camp, and traipsing along snowy trails. With double-sided fleece that wicks moisture away, dries quickly, and keeps you warm, it’s a good value jacket.

The new natural tones are giving a relaxed Sunday vibe, just as good for a hipster brunch as a mountain ascent.

Cotopaxi Yermo Jacket

RRP: 279.99

Cotopaxi has never been shy about producing clothing that allows us to dress like a packet of Skittles, so I was particularly surprised to see the new Yermo Jackets are surprisingly dialled back. In a stunning departure from the usual colour patchwork designs, this jacket comes in a mossy green with bright blue zippers, or black with purple zip pulls.

It’s still colourful but in an understated way – perfect for those looking to mix up their otherwise muted outdoor kit with something with a little more pep!

Outdoor Research Beanie

RRP: $49.95

When it comes to MVP clothing items, you can’t do much better than a fleece-lined moisture-wicking hat. This colourful, lightweight Outdoor Research Bluet Beanie meets that brief perfectly. It’s simple, practical, and with so many colours, it should simultaneously make you easy to spot and stay matchy-matchy with whatever else you’re wearing. 

This is slim and sleek and because it’s covered in flora people will know you’re outdoorsy

But if you’re not about that fitted life, you’ve still got options. This 90s inspired fuzzy Hurricane Fleece Bucket Hat from Prana is waiting. It’s uber warm, it’s definitely colourful, and it’s pretty perfect for cool nights around camp. For an entirely different vibe, try the Ski Tuke Beanie from The North Face. This is more 80s ski lodge vibes, and even comes with a pom-pom!

Is Beige Dead? Probably Not. But It’s Shaking

While I’m no stranger to decking myself out in muted tones and rocking a black puffer from trail to pub, this ongoing wave of chaotic colour in outdoor clothing excites me.

Aside from the fact that dressing in vivid yellow or a neon pink makes it easier to spot you in an emergency situation, having more choice in performance items allows you to showcase your personality too (unless your spirit animal is the khaki zip-off, in which case, carry on).

Colourful pieces like the ones above used to be limited to single collaborations or one daring brand (Cotopaxi I’m looking at you!). Happily they’re both now more commonplace and markedly more affordable than many of the semi-ludicrous outdoor fash-un collabs we’ve seen previously (remember when The North Face & Gucci released a collection?).

Beige isn’t dead (yet!), but the colourful pieces are here to stay, and I’m all for it.

Want More Colourful Outdoor Clothing In Your Wardrobe?

• Men’s Rab T-shirt in red earth
• Women’s Rab t-shirt in mulberry
• Wild Earth Tie Die Race Shirt
• Cotopaxi Do Good Hats