This is one interview that didn’t take too long on the clothing front. Obi Kaufmann is the real deal. As he joked with us, “ I have hashtag “Life on The Trail” man! This is it! It’s not a hobby!” When we asked about dress shoes he just replied, “Nope”. We love this guy.
For the past seven years Obi has been the ‘Chief Storyteller, Media Director, Wilderness Donations Manager and Field Lab Van Driver’ over at one of our favorite fragrance brands, Juniper Ridge. The company was founded 15 years ago by Hall Newbegin at a farmers market in Berkley and his cabin sprays, incense, colognes and soaps have been a hot ticket in the men’s world the past couple of seasons. You can read more about the company in a profile we did back in March.
We have met both Hall and Obi and their style is pure. Nothing forced, nothing trendy (well flannel may be trending but not in the mountains where they hike), just confident clothing.
We had a warm spirited conversation with Obi about his personal style and here is what he had to say.
Jeans: I only have three pairs: Indigo Fera, Eat Dust and Levis. I never wash them, walking in the mountains airs them out enough!
Shirts: Indigo Fera makes most of my shirts as well as Outlier, a tailored tech company out of New York.
Coat: I wear as a shell Freeman out of Seattle. They are 110% made in Seattle. They know rain! I buy all my rain gear from them.
Base Layer: Icebreaker Merino Wool is what I wear when temperatures start to drop.
Shoes: I only have one pair of shoes and that is a pair of Danner Hiking Boots. Made in America (or somewhere respectable) is very important to me. It is all about connecting to the maker.
Sunglasses: Super sunglasses I bought them at Pilgrim Surf Supply in Williamsburg. I am friends with the Pilgrim guys and love their store.
Accessories: I wear a man scarf that was sold to me by the owner of Mohawk General Store in Los Angeles. He has really overhauled men’s fashion in LA in a big way.
Bathing Suit: I have a pair of shorts from Outlier that are called the ‘Threeway Short’ for hiking, biking and swimming. They are super comfortable and quick drying.
When Hiking: As far as backpacks go, I have an Osprey and a Hyperlight out of Portland Maine.
Photo courtesy of www.matrickphoto.com
