I adore going on trail treks, and I live in Los Angeles. It is where I go to catch up with friends, work exercise, or simply relax while taking in the distant waves or the city skyline. On the dusty brown and green hillside, however, a matching neon pink leggings set will seem quite offensive, so forget about dressing in Pilates or HIIT class attire. Additionally, we will require larger pockets for our exercise attire.
Lululemon Hike seeks to close the gap between its best-selling yoga pants and the, let’s face it, awkward-looking clothing associated with traditional hiking. Lululemon had been kicking the concept of a hiking-specific collection for years, but when the pandemic encouraged more people to go the hiking trails, the business accelerated the collection, according to VP of design Ben Stubbington. The line’s woodsy palette (sage, dusky lavender, and sand are the predominant tones), silhouettes, and textile innovations (drawstrings, lots of pockets, and quick-drying materials) are all products of Stubbington’s outdoor experience. Stubbington lives in Venice, California, and frequently hikes the trails himself. Everything looks nice, but how does it feel to wear?
For a morning hike, I wore the Convertible HR Hiking Jogger with a Hike to Swim Bra on top. I immediately saw this line was unique when I pulled the lightweight cinch hem hiking tee down over my head and layered it over it. To prevent the top from obtrusively flapping out and snagging on a branch, the hem features a neon yellow bungee cord cinch. You may tighten it to make it cropped or a little longer. Additionally, the fabric is sweat-wicking and gossamer-weight, so it provided me with the desired level of covering from a hiking tee without the bulk of cotton. (In order to lessen odor retention, zinc is also applied to the shirt.)
I was a touch sweaty after a quick hike in the strong summer weather, but my hike-swim bra, which doubles as a swimming suit and a hiking top, drained away the moisture to keep me from getting too wet. The Hiking Jogger, an incredibly light pair of pants that kept me from feeling hot even when the temperature rose to around 100 degrees, was the highlight of the show for me. It is made of parachute cloth and has loose design and side pockets, just like a nice pair of cargo pants. Just reach down and unzip each leg just above the knee when you want to feel the breeze, and presto! You’ll be wearing adorable,not-at-all-uncool-looking cargo shorts. And the cute neon yellow waist tie looks both fashion-y and technical. I also appreciate how the cut of the shorts is baggy enough to be ultra-comfy but not so wide as to appear too bulky.
All things considered, the line’s unique look and technical innovation delighted me. I’ve liked Lululemon’s merchandise in the past, but occasionally I’ve noticed that they sacrifice style for functionality. The 33-piece Lululemon Hike collection combines style and functionality to create a number of fantastic items that are well worth the money. See below for our top eight picks.
1. Cargo Shr Hiking Tight
It’s got the storage of a cargo pant with the figure-flattering cut of the Lululemon leggings you know and love.
2. Multi-pocket Cargo Hr Hiking Skirt
Water-repellent four-way stitch fabric with plenty of storage pockets and a built-in super-soft Luxtreme built-in liner mean you’re reliably covered up.
3. Grid Fleece Hiking Overshirt
With a temperature-regulating fabric that’s less bulky and more wearable than any fleece you’ve previously experienced, this shacket is the hero piece you need for trail-traversing and café-sitting, from summer through fall.
4. Hike-to Swim Bra and Shorts
Imagine an exercise top goes to camp, and you’ve got this workout-to-waterfall bra. (We see you, high neck, and we salute you.) The matching Hike to Swim Short has a six-inch inseam and a cool center zipper that elevates it from just another set of biker shorts. And both pieces are fast-dry, to wick moisture away from your skin pronto.
5. Convertible Hiking Hr Jogger
Lightweight abrasion-resistant parachute material and a wide waistband make these comfy, the pockets make them utilitarian (without adding bulk to your fit) and the way the legs zip off above the knees to become shorts make these so versatile. Seriously, the side contrast pockets make these cute enough to wear in a proper Instagram-ready outfit. Sure, they are pricey, but since they are actually two looks in one, we think these are an investment you’ll benefit from for years to come.
6. Patch Logo Crossbody Bag
This lightweight, zipped version of the trail crossbody bag is perfect for carrying your phone, keys, sunscreen, and a snack on the canyon trails near Los Angeles. (We’re also referring to this as a fantastic present for attendees of music festivals.)
7. Lightweight Cinch Hem Hiking Tee
Made of grid mesh that isn’t see-through but is naturally breathable, this top has an adjustable drawstring waist and comes in five versatile hues. When I wore this top hiking, I appreciated that once I wanted to shed it to soak up the sun in my sport bra, it rolls up to a tiny lightweight ball that’s easily stashed.
Drop-in Pocket Hr Hiking Short
A zippered pocket keeps your possessions from falling out everywhere when you really stretch for that big climb upward. Or when you sleepily roll over sideways on your picnic blanket, your choice.
