Hands-on With Lululemon Hike, the Athleisure Giant's New Outdoor Line

Lululemon started in the late '90s as a yoga brand, but in the decades since it expanded into nearly every other active pursuit, effectively creating the concept of athleisure in the process. Love it or hate it, it's a ubiquitous brand in the greater "lifestyle" landscape these days. Now, Lululemon has set its sights on the trail with the newly launched Lululemon Hike collection. And honestly, it looks pretty dang good.

As its name suggests, Lululemon Hike is geared primarily towards hiking, offering a sizable line of premium apparel and accessories for men and women (apparel prices range from $68 up to $198). But the new apparel has broader outdoorsy implications—and a healthy dose of lo-fi Gorpcore inspiration reminiscent of recent Nike ACG launches—ensuring it's product isn't limited to just the one activity.

Putting the line's versatility to the test, we had the chance to test an early sample of the Multi-Pocket Cargo High-Rise Hiking Shorts prior to launch, and can attest that hiking isn't the only arena in which they may shine.

In a single day we took the shorts biking around town, climbing at the local gym, and to a park hang after—and the shorts transitioned seamlessly from one activity to the next without missing a beat. The shorts are long enough to move freely in but still have that fitted look and feel that Lulu is known for.

Plus, the abrasion-resistant fabric used to make the shorts and is perfectly capable of holding up against rock scrambles or textured climbing gym walls. We know its name says Hike, but in our opinion, Lululemon is now making some excellent climbing clothing.

The rest of Lululemon's hiking collection includes convertible pants, hiking skirts, a crossbody water bottle holder, and more, showing that the brand has come a long way since its basic yoga legging days. Techwear meets granola chic with the new line's earthy color palette that also includes pops of neon green and lilac. Look to the Convertible Ripstop Hiking Jacket to see how Lulu has adopted classic outdoor apparel features like moisture-wicking and breathable fabrics and ripstop pockets, and to the Drop-In Pocket High-Rise Hiking Short 4" for the implementation of classic exterior webbing and loops to hold a variety of gear.

Other pieces in the collection demonstrate the importance Lululemon is placing on versatility outdoors. For example, the innovative hike-to-swim bra functions as both a sports bra and a swimsuit for when you're out on the trails but need a quick dip. Zip-offs are back in full force too, appearing in classic hiker's pants as well as the sleeves of a jacket that also features an integrated shoulder bag.

To go with the clothing, Lululemon Hike also includes a water bottle, socks and backpacks for an all around functional and unified fit when you hit the trails.

You can shop the entire Lululemon Hike collection here.

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