Launched in early July, the famed legging and yoga-wear brand lululemon unveiled its first purpose-built outdoor adventure line of apparel.
“Detours Welcome” — you will find this mantra on almost every piece of lululemon’s Hike Collection. The brand intends this mantra to bring a sense of adventure to the front of your mind. It certainly doesn’t add to the pieces in any substantive way, but it’s a small touch that nods to a larger departure for the famed Canadian athleisure company.
lululemon’s Move From Yoga to Hiking
Lululemon, known best for its cult-following leggings, found that its guests were wearing its products for more than just the yoga studio. Lululemon products were being worn for hiking, camping, climbing, and beyond. However, those existing products weren’t necessarily designed to hold up to the elements of the outdoors.
So, lululemon Hike was born. I’m known to wear lululemon leggings on the trail. They are soft, buttery, and all-around cozy, but my pair now has more holes in them than I’d like to admit.
Lululemon designed the collection to go from the trail to city streets and not look out of place. Think day hikes, camping, and backpacking trips.
The collection includes a 33-piece men’s and women’s collection, ranging from $28 to $198, of adaptable gear — convertible, packable, and water-resistant. You will find products that zip off, stash, and are dual-purpose (hello, Hike to Swim).
lululemon Hike Collection: Top Picks
Grid Fleece Hiking Overshirt
The Grid Fleece Hiking Overshirt is the star of the show, in my opinion. I love that this is an oversized shirt with a feminine cut. Are there pockets? Yes, there are five: two oversized chest pockets, two side hand pockets (with a hidden phone feature), and an arm sleeve pocket.
The overshirt is water-repellent with a grid-textured fabric that dries fast. The overshirt has snap buttons down the front. This Overshirt has become a go-to for me over the past couple of months. It’s ideal for layering when the sun goes down or when there’s a chill in the air. I wore it often around the campfire, keeping the mosquitos at bay.
Check Price at lululemonConvertible High-Rise Hiking Jogger
Zip-off pants are an iconic outdoor look. But these lululemons aren’t your typical zip-offs. The Convertible High-Rise Hiking Jogger is, dare I say, chic. The fabric is abrasion-resistant and water-repellent.
When the legs are zipped off, the shorts fit super well — and look even better. They don’t feel bulky like some zip-offs feel and actually appear as standalone shorts rather than zip-off shorts. I find myself wearing them without the legs often!
My one major complaint is that the pants are very high-waisted. After hiking in them for a full day, I’m ready to get out of them. So, for multiday adventures where you only carry one pair of pants, these might not be a top choice.
Check Price at lululemonHike to Swim Bra and Hike to Swim Short 6″
Wearing the Hike to Swim Bra and Swim Short will make your mid-hike dip that much more enjoyable. They are both made of quick-drying fabric so you don’t have to worry about any chafing on your hike back. I love the high neck on the swim bra adding additional comfort and support.
The SwimShort has a silicone gripper print on the inside of the hem, which keeps your shorts in place. The items are soft, stretchy, and overall incredibly comfortable. While I love the Bra, the sizing seems to be off. My normal top and bra size from lululemon is a 2, but I jumped up to an 8 in this top.
Check Price at lululemonMulti-Pocket Cargo High-Rise Skirt
I love a skirt that is made for activity. The Multi-Pocket Cargo High Rise Skirt has a four-way stretch, allowing you to move freely. The Luxtreme built-in liner is sweat-wicking with a smooth feel that rests nicely against the skin.
The oversized cargo pockets are great for stashing your phone and trail snacks. Similar to the high-rise hiking jogger, I just wish this skirt wasn’t so high-waisted.
Check Price at lululemonLightweight Cinched Hem Hiking T-Shirt
I wear this hiking T-shirt everywhere! The Lightweight Cinched Hem Hiking T-Shirt is made up of grid-textured mesh fabric that is sweat-wicking and quick-drying. The cinchable drawstring cord at the hem lets you control airflow — and also, I just like the look of the shirt cinched up. Most importantly, the T-shirt is treated with zinc to inhibit the growth of odor-causing bacteria on the fabric.
As you do on a camping trip, I went for several days without showering and washing this T-shirt. Yes, while I was a bit smelly, this shirt had my back. I still confidently went into a brewery and ordered a beer at the end of the trip.
Check Price at lululemonFront Clip Backpack 21L
The Front Clip Backpack has become my most used piece of gear. I use it to and from the gym and the office, as a personal item on flights, and as my front seat travel bag on road trips. The pack is water-repellent and comes with a wide opening and cinch closure. You’ll find several internal pockets, including a spot for a 16-inch laptop.
I have noticed that over time, the front adjustable straps tend to slip and so I have to readjust them every time I put it on. This isn’t a big deal by any means, just a bit annoying. My favorite feature is the carabiner clip and external front loops that allow you to customize the storage load.
Check Price at lululemonTake a Detour
Here are a couple of things to keep in mind. Lululemon sizing is tricky. I’m 5′ 3″, 120 pounds, with a 34-inch bust, and I can range from 0 to 8 in tops and 0 to 4 in bottoms.
You’ll want to be sure you try the pieces on and make sure they fit well before you head out on an adventure. And, as much as I love high-waisted pants, lululemon’s tend to be a bit too much for me.
All in all, I think lululemon did a good job staying on-brand and creating an approachable hiking collection. You can find me the rest of the summer and fall wearing these hiking looks. Now, go get out and enjoy nature. And just remember to, every once in a while, take a detour.
