Roark Mainline Guidebook Holiday 22

ROARK’S JOURNEY

Essential Gear

Photography Oscar Hetherington Anthony Dodds Serena Lutton Words Harrison Roach Lily Day

Exploring New Zealand’s South Island will be one of the best trips of your life. We’d bet our last Steinlager on it.

It’s been pretty much impossible figuring out where to start weaving these stories for human consumption. From coaxing life out of our bunk Defender, unwittingly testing the boundaries of our zero degree sleeping bags to scoring some of the best barrels of our lives, the tales seem endless.

Where we should start is the land itself and the inspiration it provided as the backdrop to this guidebook you hold in your hands. For those of you unfamiliar with Roark, we tell authentic tales of adventure through our products. Whether it be a woven, perforated shirt to keep us cool in Jamaica, to a weatherproof burly jacket to keep us from freezing to death in the Andes. If we can’t rely on our gear for our travels, we shouldn’t tell the story.

New Zealand served as the perfect testing ground, and means to tell our story anew. We hope that as you flip through the pages before you, you’ll be inspired to scratch that itch of adventure that we all share on some level, and know that the journey awaits near or far.

Oh, and we’re launching our first Women’s collection. Roark is proud to give her a loud voice in adventurism along with functional gear that doesn’t compromise style.

FAIR TRADE

For every Fair Trade Certified™ product sold, Roark pays an additional Premium directly back to the workers who made our clothes.

GIVE BACK INITIATIVES SUSTAINABILE MATERIALS

Roark’s “Safe Camp Foundation” is our internal give-back platform focused on leaving the communities we visit better off than when we arrived.

Throughout the Roark product line lies an assortment of sustainable materials such as Repreve® Recycled Fibers, organic cotton and hemp to reach our goals of becoming a more sustainable company.

Infamous for its rugged and barren landscape, “The Land Of The Long White Cloud” can pack a punch. During a seven day stint chasing swell through parts unknown, we encountered a storm that sent even the burliest of us scurrying into our tents. We counted over 100,000 lightning strikes, maybe more. We’d show you pictures for proof, but there was no way we were going to send Dodds, our trusty documentarian out to test his luck....

We were beaten with every weather pattern and every pulse of swell, yet every time we settled into a new zone, the clouds cleared and the conditions turned on. Whether it was Nate itching for some barrels, or Jeff in need of a dry crag to climb, the isle provided. It was if the open roads were calling us, enticing us to stay longer with each turn. We had to force most of the crew onto their flights home, because, ya know, some of us have to work sometimes. Yet the Land of the Long White Cloud remains. Perfect waves are going unridden, walls unclimbed, and trails unexplored. Get on it.

THE LAND OF THE LONG WHITE CLOUD

Aotearoa is the Māori name for New Zealand. Although there are many ways to interpret its meaning, the most common belief is that it means ‘Long White Cloud’. Guided by Kupe the great navigator, the seafaring Māori witnessed drawn out strands of clouds that led them to this island of mist. This is where they settled and became stewards of the land all the way through the present day, protecting and nurturing the land.

MANAWA

Roark’s Most Trusted Flannel

THE “NORDSMAN” FLANNEL

The Nordsman

has traveled with Roark since our genesis. From the early foray into the wilds of Iceland, to our most recent romp through New Zealand. Warm, durable and comfortable, we now offer The Nordsman in three different weights and blends.

STORY

Has

Twist

The path of life’s journey is unpredictable, constantly weaving, twisting and turning and always when you don’t expect it. But those stories are the ones we remember the most, the ones that shape us and build character. Our Broken Twill styles were named after our favorite highways, the roads of our childhoods that shaped who we are.

Our Broken Twill Denim was built for those winding roads of life’s adventures. They’re constructed with a zig-zagging, irregular weave that helps them retain durability and character without the common twisting that can ruin the fit and look of your denim.

128”

STRAIGHT FIT

Added room thru the straight 15” opening.

133”

STANDARD SLIM FIT

Leg tapers thru to the slim 14” opening.

Every Day Stretch

A new and evolved version of our classic chino, The Porter 3.0 stands as an everyday staple in a straight leg fit. Using the same Embarq Dura-Stretch™ fabric as our bestselling Layover Pant, our improved chinos offer comfort and mobility in a consistent, lasting fit.

/ EVERGREEN / KHAKI

MILITARY

The Right Place At The Right Time

Written By Harrison Roach – Photography By Anthony Dodds

In my experience, the flow of trips are determined by the crew that’s traveling together. If you’re lucky, the team can be accentuated by the people you run into along the way. And if you’re really lucky, it’s those people that become a part of the journey and end up being the glue of a successful mission. For us, that glue was Blair.

We arrived on the West Coast not knowing what to expect but were soon welcomed by Blair and his significant other, Elly, at their airplane hangar. Blair is a bush pilot who has lived in isolation for the majority of his life. The landscape is scattered with giant snow capped mountains and freezing cold rivers that snake their way down to the coastline where a small number of people call home. There’s tons of surf for the right type of person who is willing to take chances and doesn’t mind 8-10°C water temperatures.

Blair carries excitement through every word he speaks and an undeniable focus on listening whenever spoken to. The couple radiated positivity and a deep lust for life that felt contagious. It is obvious that they pursue what makes them feel alive and connected with nature all while respecting the area’s historical culture and tradition.

After Blair and Elly’s warm welcome, our crew instantly knew we were in the right place, at the right time, with the right people - a feeling you hope to have when embarking on a long trip in unfamiliar territory…

I don’t particularly enjoy flying, especially in planes the size of a Prius, but Blair’s unspoken confidence made me feel safe. He kept the mood light, even when he gave us the safety briefing if shit hit the fan and we went down... He was smiling and laughing while talking about life and death situations. The second he started the engine and we made our way down the dirt track, this feeling of calmness came over me. I was not worried about the flight, and instead I just enjoyed the hum of the engine, the sights outside my window, and the company of two friends in a small cockpit heading off to do what we love most; surf. The plane itself was so small and light it felt like we just floated down the coast like a bird. Almost in a trance like state, we came in for a smooth landing and felt as if we never took off in the first place.

The “Chopper” Collection

WEARABLE WARMTH

There’s no better feeling than the security a warm campfire provides, especially when the weather turns below freezing like it did to our boys in New Zealand. One of the jackets they swore by on the trip was the Chopper and it’s sleeveless cousin the Chopper Vest. Utilizing premium recycled Primaloft Black insulation and a lightweight nylon outer shell, these packable pieces ensured that they stayed warm long after the fire burned out.

PRIMALOFT

BLACK

Built For Adventure

THE “LAYOVER 2.0” PANT $95

Tested by land, sea and air over 55K+ miles, The Layover 2.0 Pant is one of our best selling pieces for a reason. Built to be a comfortable and convenient travel pant, we’ve added subtle details in order to make life easier in transit. A full waistband drawcord ensures you won’t need a belt and not panic during those TSA lines. We’ve also added a laserperforated back panel for breathability and oversized, zippered pockets to keep your travel docs secure.

The “Layover” Insulated

ROARK STANDARD SLIM FIT

NEW

FULL WAISTBAND DRAWSTRING

CELLPHONE STASH POCKET

LASER PERFORATED BACK PANEL

ROARK STANDARD SLIM FIT

NEW

FULL WAISTBAND DRAWSTRING

CELLPHONE STASH POCKET

LASER PERFORATED BACK PANEL

SOFT

Tailored

The “Hebrides”

YEAR ROUND FUNCTION

Drawing inspiration from traditional work wear styling, The Hebrides is a modern take on the classic overcoat. This season, we’ve taken The Hebrides a step further so that it can be worn year round - crafting it in three different versions fit for any condition. From dawn patrols to downpours, The Hebrides is weather-ready.

HEBRIDES

HEBRIDES

The Womens Voice In Adventurism

NO LONGER BE IGNORED

The Roark woman is the ultimate juxtaposition. Just as much a lover of the mountains as she is the waves. Timeless and modern. Tough and feminine. She is unapologetic and never found riding shotgun to anyone.

We are striving to build a community. To create more diverse and equitable experiences for women in the outdoors and build clothes that are functional without comprising style.

IDLE BUTTON UP SHIRT LIGHT BLUE $75

Emily Erickson

Meet Brinkley Davies

By Lily Day

I ADMIRE WOMEN WHO ARE FEARLESS IN THE PURSUIT OF ANYTHING THAT SETS THEIR SOUL ON FIRE, WOMEN WHO OVERCOME IMPOSSIBLE HURDLES TOWARDS A GOAL, WHETHER IT BE PHYSICALLY OR MENTALLY, WOMEN WHO NEVER LOSE SIGHT OF THEIR TRUE PASSIONS AND ALL THAT COMES WITH THAT.”

Shaped by the waters off the pristine coastline of Southern Australia, Brinkley grew into a water-woman at the age of just 4 years old, when she learned to surf. And boy, did surfing and the ocean become her world not long after that. “I became obsessed and curious about the wildlife I was seeing in the ocean, their personalities, their families — there was nothing like the joy that this brought to me in combination with surfing.” By the age of just 21, she had already earned her degree in Marine Biology, competed as a professional surfer and given it up, modeled for some of the most prominent brands in the surf industry, received her full scuba certification and commercial skippers ticket (which for those of you who are not familiar, is a certification to serve as a right-hand on a commercial marine vessel), and traveled the world volunteering and working with wildlife. To accomplish so much at such a young age, she faced her fears head-on, and never looked back. So, she forged on, pushing, and testing her own limits and the boundaries of wildlife activism, helping to re-write the script on what all waterwomen—all over the world—are truly capable of in the wild. Propelled forward with wildlife warriors like Jane Goodall

and Valerie Taylor as her inspiration, Brinkley has always had her compass pointing her due North — forward towards her goal of leaving behind a world better off than she found it, with prospering wildlife once more. This relentless spirit combined with the harrowing loss of her beloved dog Balu to baits in South Australia led her to found her non-profit, Balu Blue Foundation, an organization dedicated to the preservation of all wildlife and their habitats. In just 2 short years, Balu Blue Foundation was registered as a charity in Australia. Fast forward 5 years, Brinkley has been able to not only grow a community of people who are passionate about protecting the planet but also build projects where day-to-day people can change their lives to help animals. Balu Blue also partnered with Mission Blue, founded by Sylvia Earle, in 2019 and 2020 to achieve the Great Southern Reef status as a “Hope Spot.” Driving awareness for the protection of this incredible marine ecosystem, with a passion to protect it from anthropogenic pressures such as oil and gas exploration.

BRINKLEY DAVIES

Marine Biologist.

Professional Freediver. Charity Founder.

CASCADE RAIN SHELL JACKET

Our adventures rarely spare us from inclement weather, in fact, more often than not, we tend to seek it out. The Cascade Jacket is our new 2-layer rain shell complete with DWR coating and 5K waterproof protection, fully designed to provide shelter from any squall or perfect storm on the horizon.

Parker Coffin, Revivalist

Hard Rock embodies everything we love about running — Unabashed chaos, unhinged expression, and the freedom to move at your own damn pace. And so, it’s with rapturous excitement that we present to you this collaboration between Roark Run Amok and the speed metal God’s themselves, Motörhead.

The “Axeman”

ROARK’S ICONIC JACKET

Providing warmth from trail to bar, The Axeman

both frigid days and fair-weather

From waxed canvas to wool, The Axeman has now been constructed in our most complete offering yet. Iconic details like fireman

and

out a space in every man’s

for over a decade.

ROARK’S ARTIST IN

Home Is Where

THE RANGE IS

The On The Range Button Up is our answer to the call of the wild. A trusty, embroidered Western shirt that only Roark could pull off. From the watering hole to the ranch, this thing has you covered.

RANGE

ON

BLACK $125

The “Bless Up”

PERFORATED PERFORMANCE

A few years back we found ourselves drenched in the hot, humid climate of Jamaica. What became of that sweltering summer trip was our favorite shirt: The Bless Up. A micro perforated, moisturewicking button up that is anything but average. It’s technical, but doesn’t look the part.

ROARK RUN AMOK:

EUPHORIA IN AOTEAROA

the North, the tides turn and the days darken. In the Southern Hemisphere of the pale blue dot, the sun gives way to re-emergent opportunity. Opportunity to discover and rediscover the hills, valleys, and summits of New Zealand. Absent of oxygen

full of vigor, your body will inevitably tap into its reserves of dopamine as you Run Amok in the land of the long white cloud.

The “Campover” Cargo Pants

The functional cargo pant will never be understated, but more often than not you’re forced to sacrifice fashion over function. The Campover Pant aims to solve this age old issue with modern styling and fabrication, making a solid case towards a wearable cargo.

With a built in webbed belt, low profile pockets and a cotton ripstop stretch fabric, The Campover Pant is made to suit any environment.

Tough

In an effort to build better, more sustainable denim, we’ve created Hemp Worx. Blending organic and sustainable hemp with biodegradable Tencel fibers and recycled polyester, we’re proud to offer a more durable denim program that’s easier on the planet.

Adaptable To

THE “ACCOMPLICE” MODULAR SERIES

The Manawa Tapu

ARTIST IN RESIDENCE

Tristan (Manawa Tapu) is of Te Rawara descent from The Far North region of New Zealand. His tattoo style blends his knowledge of both traditional Māori art and woodcarving that’s been passed down for hundreds of years. Roark is proud to present a collection designed entirely alongside Manawa Tapu, implementing his artwork throughout each and every piece.

Proceeds from every sale will be donated to KidsCan, a NZ based charity that helps give kids affected by poverty the essentials for a brighter future.

MANAWA TAPU LANDFALL FLEECE

last we spoke, our story led us to the state of Oaxaca, where our team discovered more than they bargained for in a land of mysticism and wonder. This Winter season proved much different as our explorations lead us to a place known by many names: Aotearoa, The Land of the Long White Cloud, or more commonly, New Zealand. By way of land, air, and sea, our cast of characters encountered a free-spirited land with endless opportunities. Their journeys are woven into the fabric of this latest Guidebook, an artifact of adventure told through photos and stories fit for Winter travel. We hope it leaves you inspired to follow your own Long White Cloud and seek out those open roads. They’re out there. We’ll see you again soon when we travel to our next destination known as The Mystic Motu. Until then, friends!