Chatting With Ali George Hinkins
One of my favorite Instagram accounts for everything outdoors.
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This newsletter is really special to me, because not only do we get to try out an interview format letter, but we are getting to chat about some clothes with Ali George Hinkins—a writer focusing on the outdoors and someone who runs one of my favorite accounts on Instagram!!
If you’re a fan of clothes for the outdoors, then there’s a pretty good chance you’ve probably read some of Ali’s work without even realizing it. His vast portfolio features work for publications such as eye_C Mag, and Sabukaru Online—I highly suggest diving into some of his work, which can be found here!
A lot of accounts focus on curating a specific vibe when it comes to displaying outdoor clothing, but sometimes I need more than just some nice printed scans. Ali’s account has its own vibe, which mixes posts specific items with great writeups that either focus on the history, technicality of the piece, or both. I found myself learning a lot of things about specific items and discovering new brands from his page, and that got me really excited to learn more.
Luckily, Ali was down to chat about what clothes he’s been excited about recently:
SNL: Let’s start off with this piece! I feel like a lot of people love this one, including myself. I’m a huge fan of the pockets.
Ali: Yeah, this is a good benchmark to start with as it's quite indicative of my personal taste and the kind of design I'm interested in. Also, it's from a great era of design - circa 2001 - when the boundaries of innovation were consistently being pushed by young and up and coming designers looking to leave their mark.
S: I feel like getting your hands on this is really difficult—especially with the recent hype that Instagram put on this piece.
A: To be honest, I don't think they are impossible to find - I could name a handful of sellers/people that have them! Some of them have multiples haha. Very jealous. I'd like to own one at some point but now isn't the right time!
S: The question really is, if are you wearing this with the pockets hidden or open 👀
A: Oh, that's a no brainer, I'd wear it with the pockets exposed - it's more obnoxious haha.
S: Ok, so I recently sent out a newsletter on boots that I have been enjoying, and ROA ended up making my list. I’m excited to see that you’re also on the ROA train. Do you own these?
A: I think when you talk boots especially in this space then ROA is bound to crop up. I do own these, yeah, I was sent them by the team at Slam Jam just under a year ago. I'll be honest, I don't wear them too much - maybe a couple of times a month - because I'm lazy and would rather just slip something on quickly than lace up a pair of boots haha. They're surprisingly comfortable and the materials and build of them is top-tier.
S: That’s actually really interesting you say that because I’m the exact same way. I don’t have time to be lacing up my boots, especially when I’m bundled up and ready to go. This is why I’m opting into the Chelsea styled boot—slip and go.
A: Yeah man, I love a chelsea boot too - not that I own any anymore but it's a classic style and so easy to just slip on!
S: Of course the Danner Mountain Light Boot are a classic. What are your thoughts on those?
A: Just a classic really, they are so timeless you can't really go wrong but they hurt like mad trying to break them in.
S: So this is probably my favorite piece you shared with me. I can already see having a hard time deciding which side I’d want to wear haha.
A: Two tops for the price of one, right? What's better than that! haha. They are pretty hard to come across now as they didn't make a whole lot of them, but I think the design is really interesting. The 'print'/graphic overlay is very similar to the sweat maps featured on Nike Gyakusou longsleeves.
S: True! It does look very familiar. What’s the material on this? It almost looks knitted.
A: It's just cotton but for some reason I thought it was wool.
S: Damn, kinda sad that it isn’t wool to be honest
S: I want to talk about these because I want to know your opinion on the recent hype behind Salomon. Are you into it or not?
A: It's been there for a couple of years if I'm honest but I guess now they are everywhere. Thing is, I don't see why you'd be bugged by it? Salomon Sportstyle is specifically designed as a crossover between technical trail footwear but for an urban setting. So it's not like a typical case of appropriating them and purists getting bugged by it. People are wearing Salomon in both of its destined environments.
S: I enjoy the crossover, and Salomon as a brand is great because you’re getting something that’s worth the quality.
A: Yes, absolutely! You know you're getting a quality product for the price! They combine technical design with aesthetics so well.
S: My personal issue is that the hype really blew up and now it seems like overnight every single person got their own pair. When I see that, I’m like, are they getting these because of the technical purpose or is it because they know it’s going to get those extra likes on the feed. I’m just a hater hahaha.
A: I mean, if you like the product then that's great but if you're buying them for the sake of clout or popularity it's just not the one haha.
S: Exactly!! And I think the purchases are more about hype and not the actual product. It’s the, Arc’teryx + Salomon + Balaclava combo, and they don’t even go outside… just in the shower to make a meme. 🙄
A: Full Arc'teryx with nowhere to go.
S: Since we are on the topic of Arc’teryx, let’s talk about this piece. I really like the zipper here. The jacket itself reminds me of the System_A line that was launched recently.
A: Yeah, the design of this is from golden era Arc'teryx, back when they were a bit more experimental with colours. Not sure I would wear this in the shower though..\
S: Haha, tt’s so interesting to me how old Arc'teryx is but yet the hype just became recent in the last 2 years. What are your thoughts on it?
A: I guess it’s the same as Salomon really, technical brand that has been repurposed for urban use by a new type of consumer.
S: You gathered up some of your personal items above. Very outdoor heavy! What are your thoughts on the Wanderlust gear?
A: Ah, yeah I really like what the team is doing at Wanderlust! A lot of the fabrics they use are sustainably sourced without a compromise on functionality or aesthetics.
S: The Samsoe & Samsoe piece is also great. Usually we see goretex used on items with hoods but it’s nice to see a coach jacket get some love.
A: Yeah I like the Samsoe & Samsoe piece, its got Polartec insulation too so it's super warm if you layer a hoodie or something underneath.
S: One last question from me, any items you’ve had your eye on recently that you’re looking to acquire in the near future?
A: Yeah I’m trying to track down a pair of Nike Pegasus Turbo 36’s as I sold my last pair as they were too small. Besides that, not a lot!