Roark Review: Adventure-Ready Menswear with Style and Substance

When embarking on your next outdoor excursion, you‘ll want to be outfitted in clothing that‘s not only stylish, but rugged and practical enough to keep up with your adventurous lifestyle. That‘s where Roark comes in. This Canadian brand designs menswear that seamlessly blends fashion and function, so you‘ll look and feel your best whether you‘re hiking a mountain trail or grabbing brews at the local pub.

In this comprehensive Roark review, we‘ll dive deep into everything this innovative company has to offer, from their fascinating origin story to their extensive (and impressive) product line. We‘ll also see what real customers have to say and help you decide if Roark is the right choice for your wardrobe and wallet. Let‘s get started!

Behind the Brand: The Roark Story

Roark was founded in 2010 by longtime friends Ryan Hitzel and Ryan Sirianni. As an artist and creative director for major skate and surf brands like Volcom, Hitzel was growing increasingly disillusioned with the direction of the outdoor apparel industry. Soulless and uncreative, modern "adventure" clothing lacked the authenticity and storytelling of classic menswear.

Hitzel and Sirianni saw an opportunity to revive rugged, heritage-inspired style with a contemporary twist. As Hitzel tells Empire magazine, Roark‘s mission is to craft the perfect essentials for the modern journeyman who wants to transition from a "Himalayan motorcycle expedition into a bar in Sydney" while always looking on point.

Debuting with just two collections per year, Roark takes traditional wardrobe staples and infuses them with technical performance, unique details, and a hefty dose of personality. The brand describes their aesthetic as "purpose-built product without compromising style."

Along with prioritizing both fashion and utility, Roark is also deeply committed to sustainability. The company has set an ambitious goal of sourcing at least 50% of their materials from fair trade and eco-friendly suppliers by 2023. Currently, about 35% of Roark‘s fabrics and components meet these ethical and environmental standards.

Some key facts about Roark:

• Specializes in elevated outdoor menswear designed by and for adventurers
• Offers a huge range of apparel and accessories, from boardshorts to beanies
• Signature style combines timeless classics and bold, eye-catching prints
• Provides free shipping on all orders over $100
• Focused on minimizing ecological impact through responsible sourcing

Now that you know a bit more about how Roark came to be and what the brand represents, let‘s check out some of their most popular gear.

Roark Apparel & Gear: Rugged, Refined & Ready for Anything

Despite launching with a fairly small selection, Roark has quickly expanded their offerings to outfit guys for all aspects of an active, on-the-go lifestyle. Whether you‘re looking for a pair of trunks to hit the waves or a jacket to keep you cozy around the campfire, Roark has you covered – literally!

The brand divides their products into a few main categories:

• Outerwear – light jackets, fleeces, flannels, vests and more
• Tops – tees, tanks, button-downs, sweaters and sweatshirts
• Bottoms – pants, shorts, boardshorts and swim trunks
• Accessories – hats, bags, belts, wallets and other essentials

One thing that sets Roark apart is their use of high-quality, hard-wearing textiles. You‘ll find plenty of organic cotton, hemp, recycled polyester and other Earth-friendly materials. The brand also emphasizes functional features like water resistance, quick-dry technology and UPF sun protection.

For many fans, Roark‘s fun, tongue-in-cheek graphics are a big part of the appeal. Quirky slogans, retro logos and intricate original artwork elevate basic silhouettes into wearable statement pieces. That said, minimalists can also find plenty of understated solids for maximum versatility.

Let‘s take a closer look at some of Roark‘s top sellers:

Chiller Sunset Boardshorts Black

Hit the beach without harming the planet in these eco-friendly boardshorts made from hemp and recycled polyester. Lightweight, quick-drying and super comfortable, they feature convenient pockets and a playful watercolor pattern.

Fear The Sea 6 Panel Snapback Hat Brown

Shield your noggin from UV rays in style with this cool cap, inspired by Roark‘s seaside HQ weathering a winter storm. Made from breathable cotton canvas with a winking leather logo patch, it‘s adjustable for a perfect fit.

Layover 2.0 Pants

Frequent fliers need pants that keep up, and these travel-savvy slacks don‘t disappoint. With two zippered thigh pockets for your passport and phone, double drawstring waist and secret mesh ventilation, they‘re as functional as they are fashionable.

Axeman Jacket

When the temperature drops, reach for this timeless coat that combines old-school workwear vibes with modern upgrades. The burly cotton/nylon shell blocks wind and rain, while the cozy sherpa lining keeps you toasty. Metal clasps and a bold geometric print kick up the cool factor.

Roark releases thoughtfully edited collections rather than churning out new items every week. This allows them to focus on impeccable craftsmanship, slow fashion and enduring design. Unlike cheap throwaways, Roark garments are built to last through countless adventures – and look damn good doing it.

What Adventurers Are Saying About Roark

Of course, the true test of any apparel is how it performs and holds up in real life. While Roark showcases glowing testimonials on their website, we wanted to dig deeper to see what actual customers are saying on independent forums and review sites.

With over 122K Instagram followers and 14K fans on Facebook, Roark has earned a loyal cult following among fashionable thrillseekers. The brand boasts a solid 4-star rating on Yelp, based on a dozen reviews. Shoppers consistently praise the meticulous design, premium quality and lasting durability.

As one enthusiastic explorer explains, "Lotsa different styles to choose from. Definitely feel like you get your money‘s worth on the clothes." Another intrepid backpacker raves that Roark shorts are "probably the best pair…I‘ve ever owned." Many call out helpful details like perfectly-placed pockets and reinforced stitching.

Reddit users also give Roark a thumbs-up, especially the iconic Axeman Jacket: "I liked the style…Quality and warmth seemed pretty good." The only caveat is that the cut tends to be a bit boxier than some prefer – so if you like a leaner silhouette, you may want to size down.

While the vast majority of feedback is overwhelmingly positive, no brand is perfect. A handful of critics complain about slow shipping and unresponsive customer service. And there‘s no denying that Roark‘s price point is higher than the average mall brand – but most agree it‘s well worth it for the uncompromising quality.

Gearing Up: Everything You Need to Know About Buying Roark

Now that you‘ve gotten the scoop on Roark‘s background, products and reputation, you‘re probably eager to get your hands on some of their epic gear for yourself. Here are the key things to know before you start shopping:

Where to Buy

The best place to explore the full Roark range is on their official website, which offers the widest selection of styles and sizes. You can also find Roark at dozens of surf shops, skate shops and independent menswear boutiques across Canada and the US. Use the store locator on their site to track down a retailer near you.

Pricing

There‘s no denying that Roark‘s premium materials and construction come at a cost. Tees start around $45 CAD, hats average $50, pants are typically $100+ and jackets can top $300. However, considering the heavy-duty fabrics and exacting attention to detail, most fans agree Roark is an excellent value and worth every penny.

Sizing

Roark sizing is pretty comparable to other menswear brands, though some items are intentionally oversized for a casual, slouchy fit. If you‘re unsure or between sizes, the brand recommends sizing up in tops and down in bottoms. Detailed size charts are available on the site to help you find your ideal fit.

Shipping

For us Canucks, great news: Roark offers free shipping on all orders over $100 CAD! Smaller orders are subject to a flat $12 shipping fee. The brand relies on Canada Post for deliveries, with options for standard ground service or expedited Xpresspost. Processing times are relatively quick, with most orders shipped out within 1-2 business days.

Returns

If you‘re not totally stoked with your Roark gear, no worries – the brand has a generous 30-day return policy for unworn items in original condition. Reach out to their customer care team for assistance with processing your return and refund.

Customer Service

Need help with an order or have questions about a product? Roark‘s adventure experts are available by phone, email or live chat Monday-Friday from 8am-4pm PST. While a few shoppers have complained about slow response times, most report friendly and helpful interactions with the support squad.

How Does Roark Compare to Other Outdoorsy Outfitters?

These days, adventurous guys have more options than ever when it comes to stylish, high-performance clothing. Some of Roark‘s closest competitors include:

• Parks Project – Known for their vintage-inspired graphics and support of the National Parks, Parks Project has a similar vibe to Roark but tends to be a bit more affordable and casual. Their fabrics are also slightly less technical/heavy-duty.

• Filson – With roots dating back to the 1890s Klondike Gold Rush, Filson is the OG heritage outfitter. Their gear is ultra rugged and time-tested, but significantly pricier and more traditional in style compared to Roark‘s modern cuts.

• Howler Brothers – Founded by a pair of fishing buddies, Howler Bros shares Roark‘s passion for nature-inspired, multipurpose clothing that transitions from the backcountry to the bar. However, their surfy, laid-back aesthetic is distinct from Roark‘s edgier, moto-influenced look.

The Final Verdict: Is Roark Worth It?

For fashionable fellas who demand the most from their wardrobe, Roark is the real deal. This innovative brand doesn‘t cut corners, delivering legit quality and performance that justify the premium price tags. From the sustainable materials to the clever features to the infinitely wearable style, it‘s clear that an immense amount of thought goes into every piece.

Roark is an especially great choice for guys who want to invest in versatile, adventure-ready staples they can wear for years to come. These are timeless garments you‘ll reach for again and again, whether you‘re hopping on a motorcycle, catching a wave or just meeting a date for coffee.

Our overall rating: 4.5/5 stars

While a handful of reviewers have issues with Roark‘s fit or customer service, the vast majority of feedback is glowingly positive. If you‘re willing to spend a bit more for uncompromising quality and inimitable style, Roark‘s rugged menswear is built for the long haul.

So pack your bag, grab your bike and get out there – with Roark in your closet, you‘re geared up for anything.