MENS & WOMENS
J A PA N , H O L I D AY ‘ 2 3
ESSENTIAL GEAR FOR MODERN TRAVEL
Essential Gear For Modern Travel H O L I DAY 2 0 2 3
We’ve all been there… Those hidden hideaways — sometimes, just a particular sequence of moments — where we feel most at peace. But is it possible to bring that feeling with you? Indeed, finding that enigmatic place is more than just a destination. It’s a journey of discovery; a commitment to curiosity and the unknown. Half the time when you’ve arrived, you won’t even realize it until well after you’ve departed.
Sometimes that place is halfway across the world, other times, it’s just around the corner. Perhaps it’s passing out cold beers down a backstreet in Havana. Maybe it’s earning some points in the lineup for giving the set-wave of the day to a local kid on some far-off atoll. We find our place in different ways, but the discovery of what makes that place “happy” is our guiding light.
S U S TA I N A B L E M AT E R I A L S
FA I R T R A D E C E RT I F I E D
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.
For every Fair Trade Certified™ product sold, Roark pays an additional premium directly back to the workers who made our clothes.
Ryu Atobe & Drew Smith, Revivalists Japan
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F R E E S H I P P I N G O N A L L P U R C H A S E S O V E R $ 7 5 / F R E E 3 0 - D AY R E T U R N S & E X C H A N G E S
Photography Dylan Gordon, Drew Smith, Serena Lutton and Mirae Campbell
Words Corey Brindley, Nate Zoller, Travis Weller and Beau Flemister
If you’re new to Roark, our Guidebook is a gateway to sharing stories from the road, with a focus on the gear that gets you there. If you’re already a part of the expedition: Welcome back. Our clothing, both for men and women, is built to be functional and tasteful, travel-tested by our intrepid ambassadors for wherever life takes you, ultimately merging durability, style and versatility — while striving for sustainability and
fair-trade practices. This Winter you’ll find Roark in Hokkaido, Japan, as well as on a small volcanic island named Rishiri. We chased waves in a K-Van, bike-packed from onsens to ramen houses, ran trails into the clouds and splitboarded from mountaintop to sea. And yes, we found quite a few of our happy places en route, which we hope you’ll recognize in the following pages – log out, tune in, get lost.
G I V E B A C K I N I T I AT I V E S Roark’s “Safe Camp Foundation” is our internal give-back platform focused on leaving the communities we visit better off than when we arrived.
ADVENTURE READY GOODS - CLOTHING, LUGGAGE AND TRINKETS FROM ROARK’S DISCOVERIES
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Far Out East J A PA N , H O L I D AY ‘ 2 3
HOKKAIDO GARAGE JACKET CLUB HOKKAIDO BLACK $169 HWY 128 12.5OZ STRAIGHT FIT KAIHARA DENIM JEANS DENIM $159
Jamie Thomas, Revivalist
CHOPPER II JACKET BLACK $199 CAMPOVER PANTS COCONUT SHELL $95 CAMPFIRE BEANIE MOCHA $36 MOUNT HIGH FLEECE BLACK $135 LAYOVER JUMPSUIT SLATE BLUE $169 4
Our journey begins in the North, the origin of Japan’s soul with its deep, long-lasting respect for nature and heritage. The Fall season is here, with its vivid transformation, paving the way into the deep, powdery Winter months, inspiring the collection of textiles, rich in indigo and dark sumi, that clash and dance with our seasonal gear requirements. The harmony between architecture and nature, clothing and ritual, respect and curiosity beckons our open minded passage through the Far Out East – leaving our crew of Men and Women with a sense of wonderment and a longing to return.
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Artifacts Of Adventure Our capsule of wovens inspired by Japan, draws from traditional Eastern textiles. Edo-period Shashiko stitching patterns, native Japanese Cherry Tree’s as well as a mashup of traditional American bandana and Japanese headbands are only a few of the stories behind the “Far Out East” Capsule. 01 JOURNEY SS WOVEN STONE IN BLOOM FLORAL $79
02 JOURNEY SS WOVEN DARK NAVY SASHIKO $85
03 GONZO SS WOVEN HACHIMAKI BLACK $79 5
The “Nordsman” Flannel A LW AY S I N S E A S O N .
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The Nordsman has been a mainstay in our closets since Roark’s beginning. Warmth, durability and aesthetic are the key ingredients that make these flannels our year round go-to. No matter the season, we’ve built The Nordsman to provide the perfect blend of look and performance.
O U R P R O D U C T S A R E I N S P I R E D B Y T H E C U LT U R E A N D C L I M AT E O F R O A R K ’ S A D V E N T U R E S
Harrison Roach, Revivalist Chile
NORDSMAN FLANNEL DARK BRONZE / CHARCOAL PLAID / WAGARA COFFEE $99 NORDSMAN CORDUROY FLANNEL DUSTY GREEN / GREY $89
S H O P T H E E N T I R E C O L L E C T I O N AT R O A R K . C O M
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Classic Inspiration. Modern Style. MEET THE “HEBRIDES” JACKET
HEBRIDES JACKET DARK BRONZE / CHARCOAL / DARK MILITARY / BLACK $139
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Drawing inspiration from traditional workwear design cues, The Hebrides is our modern take on a year-round staple. We initially built this jacket as a travel-worthy piece for our stint through Scotland, but this season we’ve taken it a step further, crafting it in three different versions fit for any condition. Discover why we always save room in our bags for at least one of these no matter where we’re headed.
HEBRIDES WEATHERPROOF JACKET DUSTY GREEN $139
HEBRIDES UNLINED JACKET BLACK / BLUE GREY HAMA WASH $119
DOG EAR HAT DARK KHAKI $55 HEBRIDES JACKET DEEP BLUE $139
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Fear Of The Unknown A SURFER’S JOURNEY TO A REMOTE VOLCANIC ISLAND IN THE SEA OF JAPAN Words By Nate Zoller
Photos By Mirae Campbell
They say fear of the unknown is the greatest fear of all. And after my
experience on the ridge of a volcano on a tiny island in Japan, I get it.” 10
I’m looking down, focusing on my feet, sliding one in front of the other, when a gust of wind grabs my body. My balance is thrown left immediately. I catch myself from falling over, sticking my poles in the ground, and take a deep inhale through my nose as I look up. The landscape is surreal. Spires of geothermal volcanic rock in the form of a 5,500-foot mountain, coming straight out of the ocean and towards the sky. The locals call this place the floating mountain. A week ago I was at home in California, looking at a bleak Springtime run of wind and cold water, when I got a call from Roark CEO Ryan Hitzel. Turns out the Women’s team had been planning a trip to this island to splitboard. But when the guide mentioned waves, well, that’s when I got the call. I had never heard of Rishiri Island before Ryan called me, and after a quick Google search my mind was blown. The photos looked straight out of a Wes Anderson film. The island, an almost perfect circle, with a massive volcano in the middle. You can drive around the island in well under an hour. Swells come out of the Sea of Japan from intense wind events. From North, South, East, West, whatever the weather decides on that day. In the few days we were on the island we got a Southwest swell, and Northwest swell, wind from every direction, and on the final day, bluebird sunshine (with wind). I’m looking around, a little more than halfway up mount Rishiri, when it hits me. I’m a stone’s throw from Russia, attempting to “summit” a mountain on the ocean, with 3 days experience on the split tour setup. Don’t get me wrong, I grew up snowboarding and in the mountains every winter, but I feel completely out of my element as the soft snow turns into multiple icy pitches above. My friend, Argentinian pro mountain shredder Manu Dominguez, is a patient teacher and talks me through the last few pitches before the false summit….
R E A D A B O U T T H E R E S T O F N AT E ’ S J O U R N E Y O N O U R B L O G
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AMBERLEY KAIHARA SHIRT JACKET INDIGO $159 WELL WORN TANK BONE $39 HWY 395 KAIHARA DENIM JEANS INDIGO $159 12
ALPINE LONG SLEEVE FLANNEL VINTAGE WHITE $85 WELL WORN TANK BONE $39 CAMPOVER PANTS BLACK $95
ALPINE LONG SLEEVE FLANNEL BLACK-MILITARY$85 HWY 395 DENIM JEANS MILITARY $85
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It’s Ok To Play Dirty. LAYOVER JUMPSUIT SLATE BLUE $169 PASSENGER 27L 2.0 BAG TOFFEE $99
Coveralls have been worn through the decades by folks that aren’t afraid to get their hands a little dirty in the shop. The Layover Jumpsuit is our one and done answer to taking that tinkering spirit outdoors and on the trails. Cut in a double weave stretch canvas fabric that’s durable while offering excellent range of motion, the Layover has functional details that have you covered. Features include zipper secured pockets at the front, an easy entry zip front with snap reinforcements and a drop-in cell-phone back pocket.
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SHARE YOUR ADVENTURE @ROARK #ROARKINTHEWILD
The “Axeman”
OUR WARMEST WOMENS JACKET The unique clasps and workwear design of the Axeman Jacket, now crafted with 100% Scottish Wool, is our warmest Axeman yet. Whatever the challenge, whether it the frigid air of Iceland or the high elevation moto ride you’ve been prepping for, the Axeman has got your back. VINTAGE BLACK $179
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Just Play The Classics O N T H E R A N G E W I T H M AT T C O S TA
We recently spent a few days up the central coast of California with musician Matt Costa, searching for ideal barns and saloons to record some music. Turns out, a few years back he’d written a song about one of our ambassadors, Drew Smith, so we decided to field test our limited On The Range Shirt for it. It’s a custom embroidered western shirt that’s available in two colors this year. Now hear us out, Costa’s new track is an epic ode to living an inspired life of adventure, and it may or may not be because of this On The Range Shirt. Go ahead, try one on, we’ll let you decide. ON THE RANGE WOVEN BLACK / BROWN $125
SCAN THE QR CODE TO WAT C H T H E L I V E R E C O R D I N G O F M AT T C O S TA’ S N E W T R A C K O N O U R T R I P.
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The “Deckhand” Jacket SOFT FLANNEL LINING
For the days when the cleanup duties are overbearing for seafaring legs. A good listener and an even better companion, the Deckhand Jacket will always be there to treat you like a captain. Seaside, dockside, mountain side… you’re the boss now. DECKHAND JACKET DARK KHAKI $179
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This Shirt Has Holes In It. THE “BLESS UP”
Sure, you could have an active shirt without holes in it, but does that sound comfortable? The Bless Up features a special micro-perforated construction, making it the most breathable shirt in your closet. Beyond that, its Tactel nylon fibers make it extremely durable, with a 2-way stretch that allows it to move as much as you do. Not to mention its quick dry and moisture wicking capabilities. It’s a technical button up that doesn’t shy P E Ron F OPREAT R FEP ODERRAT FO ER D AT Eor D 2-W AY 2 - W AY AY QUICKQUICK QUICK away from a good time, be it the trail with a2T-TCWRcocktail. C O N S TCROUNCSTCTIO O RN N USCTTRI O UN CTIO SN T R E TSCTHR E S HE T C H D R Y D R Y D R Y
PERFP O ERRAT FO ER D AT E D C O N SCTORN USCTTRI O UN CTION
2 - W AY 2 - W AY S T R ES TT CR HE T C H
Q U I CDK QUURI C AK BDLUER ADBUL R EA B L E D R Y NDYRLYO NN Y L ON NY L O N
TA C T ETA L ®C T TA E L C® T E L ® FA B R I CFA B R FA IC BRIC
R U B B ERRU B BREU RB B E R B U T T OBNUST TBOUNTST O N S
D U R ADBUL R EA B L E R U B BREU RB B E R TA C T TA E L C® T E L ® UP BREATHABLE STRETCH SHIRT N Y L ON NY L OBLESS N FA B R FA IC BRIC B U T TBOUNTS TONS
BLACK WAVE $89
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S H O P T H E E N T I R E C O L L E C T I O N AT R O A R K . C O M
Y O U R FAV O R I T E B L E S S U P R E I M A G I N E D T O RUN THE TRAILS BLESS UP TRAIL BREATHABLE STRETCH SHIRT DARK NAVY / PINE $89
Hakim Tafari And Travis Weller, Revivalists Japan
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Harrison Roach, Revivalist Japan
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T H E S E A R C H F O R R O A R K N E V E R C E A S E S A N D N E I T H E R D O T H E S T O R I E S A L O N G T H E WAY
SHARE YOUR ADVENTURE @ROARK #ROARKINTHEWILD
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Ryu Atobe, Revivalist Japan RAMBLER FLEECE GREY KIKAGAKU $125 TURKS BEANIES 2-PACK PURPLE HAZE / DUSTY GOLD $89
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WELL WORN TANK BONE $39 CAMPOVER PANTS BLACK $95 PASSENGER 27L 2.0 BAG TOFFEE $99 OPEN ROADS HOKKAIDO BOXY CROP PREMIUM TEE VINTAGE BLACK $39 HWY 395 DENIM JEANS MILITARY $85 ACCOMPLICE MULE 25L BAG BLACK $109
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Karaoke Lover’s LIMITED EDITION KARAOKE SHIRT KARAOKE BLACK $149
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Hidden in plain view from the buttoned up streets of Tokyo, in the back alleys and basements of whiskey dens, lies a dedicated crew of gangsters whose only crime of passion is their love for karaoke. Weilding beaten up microphones and switchblade combs, their empire is one dedicated to rockabilly and perfect pitch. Gaining acceptance into the Karaoke Lovers was no small feat for our team, but once we were there, we wore this shirt like the badge of honor it was.
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GRAPHICS INSPIRED BY LIFE ON THE ROAD
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04 KANAME TEE KANAME BLACK $55
08 ROARK EXPEDITIONS BLACK $37
05 CRANE DARK INDIGO $55
09 OPEN ROADS LS CREW TAN $49
06 SKULL GARDEN OFF WHITE $55
10 FOREVER ROAMING DARK INDIGO $42
07 RISHIRI POST STAMP DUSTY BLUE $37
11 KARAOKE LOVERS LS CREW KARAOKE BLACK $49 25
A Club That Travels. ROARK’S EXPEDITION UNION
We’ve created a place for like-minded travelers, adventurers, dirtbags and wanderers to gather. Just like any union, ours provides benefits to our members including perks like free shipping, early access, exclusive product and invite only events. Sign up, earn points and be a part of a community of inspiring folks. This is our Expedition Union, we hope you join us.
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TURKS BEANIES 2-PACK DUSTY GOLD / PURPLE HAZE $24 CHOPPER JACKET BLACK $179 LANDFALL FLEECE BLACK IKIGAI $125
O U R P R O D U C T S A R E I N S P I R E D B Y T H E C U LT U R E A N D C L I M AT E O F R O A R K ’ S A D V E N T U R E S
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ROARK WELCOMES YOU TO RUN AMOK Rethinking technical features and implementing graphic expression Is part of our unending pursuit of creating a new path In the active category.
Mathis Tees
THE CROSSROADS OF PERFORMANCE AND STYLE Unsacrificing performance. Using DriFit Technology, the Mathis Tee’s are quick drying, highly functional tops ready to move with you while maintaining the stylings of your favorite graphic tee.
MOISTURE WICKING
QUICK DRY
SUPERIOR COMFORT
DRIRELEASE FABRIC
MATHIS TIE DYE GINGER $65 / GREY $59
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PREMIUM QUALITY
MATHIS CORE PINE / BLACK $49
Baja Shorts
THE “WORKHORSE” OF RUN SHORTS A running short for the masses! Created for getting down and dirty, the Baja short takes our favorite aspects of the pinnacle Alta run short, and minimizes the design; resulting in a piece dialed for everyday use.
LIGHTWEIGHT 4-WAY STRETCH
MOISTURE WICKING BRIEF LINER
GEL POCKET
QUICK DRY
BAJA 7” PINE / BLACK $66
BAJA 5” BLACK $66
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Give And Accept The Flowers Words By Travis Weller
Photos By Drew Smith
Japan’s Daisetsuzan Traverse is a roughly 70km trail that spans
Daisetsuzan National Park located in central Hokkaido Island.
The average time to complete the grueling traverse is 5-8 days of all-day hiking, connecting a baker’s dozen of dizzying peaks along the way. The weather is famously unpredictable with many accounts of folks taking shelter for days waiting out unrelenting storms to pass during the midJuly through September hiking season. Our crew: Drew Smith, Hakim Tafari, Nash Mader, and myself. Our plan: run/fast pack the traverse in two days, in early June, with an overnight in a backcountry shelter roughly halfway through. Ambitious, yes. Impossible, no. Besides, the inspiration for this journey was a more contemporary form of misogi, the practice of transformation by attempting a challenge that forces you to confront fears, doubts, and weaknesses head-on. Our plan began to unravel after our long drive from Sapporo to Daisetsuzan National Park. When we arrived at the traverse’s northern terminus, Nash was barely able to stand up due to a sudden back spasm that left him bed bound for nearly 24 hours. Returning to the southern terminus in the dark to find a camp spot and begin the adventure after a few hours of sleep was out of the question. Plan A aborted. We regrouped at a local hostel and decided to get an early start going northto-south versus the more common south-to-north route. Daylight comes early on Hokkaido with first light peeking through at 3 a.m. Drew, Hakim, and I began the long, steep trek towards Asahi-dake, Hokkaido’s tallest peak, after a quick round of warm drinks and final gear prep. We hit deep snow within 10 minutes from the trailhead and it was soon obvious we’d be traveling atop snow start to finish.
READ ABOUT THE REST OF TRAVIS’S JOURNEY ON OUR BLOG
Serrano Shorts 5”
AN ACTIVE SHORT FOR THE OPEN MINDED Say what’s up to unparalleled comfort. Designed for an active lifestyle, the Serrano is our go to short for literally everything. From walking to our favorite local coffee shop, to jogging the boardwalk, it has a little something for everyone. With an 5” inseam, constructed from a lightweight Repreve® recycled polyester 4-way stretch with a DWR water resistant finish. It is unlined for ultimate versatility and ready for everything you can throw at it.
RECYCLED 4-WAY STRETCH
SLASH FRONT POCKETS
SIDE HIP ZIP POCKET
REAR ZIP POCKET
PERFORATED REAR YOKE
EXTERNAL DRAWSTRING
DARK NAVY / BLACK $69
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TALL BEANIE DUSTY GREEN $36
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AXEMAN JACKET DARK MILITARY KIKAGAKU $200
Travel Well. Travel Often. T H E “ L AY O V E R ” PA N T
DARK BLUE / DARK KHAKI / MILITARY / BLACK / BROWN $95
L A S E R P E R F O R AT E D BA AS C EKRPA L P ENREFLO R A T E D B A C K PA N E L
FULL WAISTBAND D R LALW W S TARI SI N FU TG BAND
RA LD A SW E RS TPREI N RG F O R AT E D B A C K PA N E L
OVERSIZED TRAVEL Z IVPE R PS OICZKEEDT TS R A V E L O
FULL WAISTBAND DRAWSTRING
ZIP POCKETS
C E L L P H O N E S TA S H PO C E LCLKPEHTO N E S T A S H POCKET
OVERSIZED TRAVEL ZIP POCKETS
R O A R K S TA N D A R D S TT A N D A R D RL OIAMR KF I S SLIM FIT
C E L L P H O N E S TA S H POCKET
EMBARQ DM U RB A E A -RSQT R E T C H ™ DURA-STRETCH™
More often than not, the hardest part of an adventure is just getting it started. Traffic riddled terminals. Navigating foreign bus routes. Watching your cab drive away with your passport still in the back seat. Trust us, we’ve seen it all. That’s why we built The Layover 2.0 - our best selling, travel pant - designed with artful details to put your mind at ease and kickstart your journey in comfort.
L A S E R P E R F O R AT E D B A C K PA N E L L A S E R P E R F O R AT E D B A C K PA N E L
FULL WAISTBAND DRAWSTRING FULL WAISTBAND DRAWSTRING
OVERSIZED TRAVEL
ZV I PE RPSOI ZCEKDE TTRSA V E L O Z I PS EPRO CP KE ER TF S LA O R AT E D B A C K PA N E L
FULL WAISTBAND C E C LLL ONIN SATSAHS H D EE RLA WPPSHH TOR NEGS T P PO OCCKKEETT
OVERSIZED TRAVEL Z R IOPA P RO K CSKTEATNSD A R D S MRFKI TS T A N D A R D R LOI A
SLIM FIT
C E L L P H O N E S TA S H PM OC E BK A ERTQ DURA-STRETCH™
R O A R K S TA N D A R D SLIM FIT
EMBARQ DURA-STRETCH™
R O A R K S TA N D A R D SLIM FIT
EMBARQ DURA-STRETCH™
EMBARQ DURA-STRETCH™
S H O P T H E E N T I R E C O L L E C T I O N AT R O A R K . C O M
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Our Everyday, Stretch Denim THE BROKEN TWILL COLLECTION
We’ve built your favorite pair of jeans in three fits to suit your style. Constructed from a durable 11oz broken twill denim with a bit of stretch for comfort, our classic 5-pocket is the last jean you’ll ever need. 34
HWY 128 EVERYDAY STRAIGHT
HWY 190 MODERN WIDE
MILITARY / DESERT KHAKI / BROWN / BLACK $85
HWY 133 CLASSIC SLIM
TURKS 3-PACK BEANIE BURGUNDY / DARK NAVY / COYOTE BROWN $36 NORDSMAN FLANNEL CHARCOAL PLAID $99 HWY 128 STRAIGHT FIT BROKEN TWILL JEANS MILITARY $85
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OR N
THE
ELL
W
W
Organic The Well Worn collection remains a tough, travel-tested premium staple in our line with a custom garment dye to enhance the vintage aesthetic, yielding the softest t-shirt we offer. More sustainable than ever, the Well Worn has recently evolved into a 100% organic cotton construction.
100% ORGANIC C OT TO N
91% LESS W AT E R U S E D
46% LESS C02 EMISSION
FREE OF TOXINS & PESTICIDES
M A I N TA I N S SOIL FERTILITY
WELL WORN MIDWEIGHT ORGANIC LONG SLEEVE TEE DARK GREY / DARK MILITARY $49
WELL WORN LIGHTWEIGHT ORGANIC TEE BLACK / OFF WHITE / BLUE GREY HAMA WASH $38
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AMBERLEY MOCHA $109 WELL WORN THERMAL STONE $99 CHARTER PANT MOCHA $89
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CAMPOVER STRAPBACK HAT BLACK $38 BARRA SCRAMBLER HOODIE DUSTY GREEN BARRA STRIPE / DARK NAVY SOSHO $119
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Don’t Trip Out. This Is A Really Good Bag. Sure, we’d love to take our big excursion bags with us everywhere we go, but sometimes, the road calls for a more toned down daypack. This is our trusty sidekick, our co-pilot, our daily driver: The Passenger 27L. An easy carry-on for short stints, and just enough details to make sure you’re organized when everything else is hectic. The roll-top entry gives you endless options for packability too, so you’re not limited on what to bring with you. PASSENGER 27L 2.0 BLACK / BLACK-MILITARY / BLUE / LIGHT ARMY $99
WAFFLE BEANIE RUST $36
TURKS 3-PACK BEANIE GREY / MILITARY / BLACK $36
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10 BUNSEN, IRVINE, CA 92618
PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID ROARK
Curiosity, is a hell of a drug. It perpetually beckons, and without fail leads us
waves on a rumor’s whim. Open mindedness is discomfort’s worst nightmare.
the unknown is the hardest one. With the Holiday season on the horizon, we
and scratch curiosity’s itch, you will find it quite addictive. Enjoy Roark’s
on a journey - be it for better, or worse. For most, just taking the first step into challenge you to embrace your curiosity. Book a ticket to a place you’ve never heard of, take the left fork towards the cliff ’s edge or drive 16 hours chasing
Without risk, we rob ourselves of the chance to grow. So take a chance,
guidebook, we look forward to meeting again somewhere off the well-worn path again come Spring 2024.
F R E E S H I P P I N G A L L P U R C H A S E S O V E R $ 7 5 I F R E E 3 0 - D AY R E T U R N S & E X C H A N G E S
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S H O P T H E E N T I R E C O L L E C T I O N AT R O A R K . C O M
B O U L D E R , C O I P A R K C I T Y, U T I P A L I S A D E S , C A I V E N I C E , C A I I R V I N E , C A
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