If hiking were an Olympic sport, I’d be its Simone Biles. Just kidding. But in all seriousness, I hike about 10,000 hours per year, which is enough to be considered an expert if you ask some — well, experts. Currently, I’m traveling around Graubunden, Switzerland’s breathtaking canton boasting more than 900 mountain summits. But my hiking wardrobe for the last week hasn’t been lederhosen (those are found on hikers in the German and Austrian Alps). Instead, I’ve been sporting head-to-toe gear from Lululemon — specifically from the brand’s lesser-known Lululemon Hike collection.

As a former Lululemon employee, I still follow the brand closely and was thrilled in 2022 when it added hiking clothes to its repertoire. It features a well-curated collection that caters to hikers who want technical fabrics, comfortable fits, and features that marry function with fashion. So, if you’re one of my 59.6 million fellow hikers, and you’re wondering what to wear on your next adventure, start scrolling. Below, you’ll find 15 trail-ready — and travel-friendly — Lululemon essentials that I either already own or currently have in my cart. Pro tip: Shop as fast as Noah Lyles (the Simone Biles of sprinting) because these top-rated pieces tend to go faster than parking spots at the trailhead. 

Women’s Energy Bra

Behind every happy female hiker is a great breathable bra like Lululemon’s Energy Bra. A medium-impact “all-sport” bra with removable cups, it’s designed for movement, but it goes above and beyond in the comfort department, too. It’s even been dubbed “perfect for hiking” by one shopper, who has been wearing Energy Bras for years and begged Lululemon to never discontinue it in their review. 

Women’s Lightweight Cargo Mid-rise Hiking Pants

While Fjallraven’s Keb Trousers are my go-to hiking pants, if I wanted something more lightweight, I’d opt for this water-repellant mid-rise pair. In addition to durability, these drawstring pants get points for their packability, too. When you’re not wearing them, simply stuff them in the hidden zipper pocket. They’ve earned rave reviews from shoppers, one of whom shared, “I bought them on a whim because they’re so cute and I love the cargo look,” adding that they wore them in the wilderness for six days in a row. They even wore them bouldering and found they held up well. 

Women’s Ventilated Packable Trail Running Jacket

I also love how this jacket packs down into its zippered sleeve pocket. But wait: it gets better. You can then wear it as a pouch around your arm for hands-free hiking. That’s right, even though this water-repellent jacket is designed for trail running, it’s ideal for trail walking, too. Features-wise, it has zippered hand pockets and strategically placed perforations for maximum ventilation in high-sweat areas. 

Women’s Cargo High-rise Hiking Skirt

“Skirt for the score” is the title of one rave shopper review that reads, “I was hesitant, but the length and fit are great. It’s flattering and comfortable.” While I’ve never hiked in a skirt, I’m willing to invest in this unique water-repellant piece because of all the extras that come with it. Think: drawstring waist, cargo pockets, zippered stash pocket, and built-in liner made with the brand’s signature Luxtreme fabric. The last thing I want to be known for on my local trails is accidentally flashing someone. 

Women’s Lightweight High-rise Hiking Short 4-inch

If you prefer to hike in shorts, consider this lightweight pair made of an abrasion-resistant fabric, which means it shouldn’t tear if you find yourself bushwhacking through a maze of thorns. Like my favorite Lululemon Speed Up Shorts, these have a zippered back pocket where I can keep my keys. But unlike my Speed Ups, they also come with front pockets. For hikes under 3 miles I don’t often bring a backpack, so I appreciate the extra storage. 

Women’s Cargo Super-high-rise Hiking Short 8-inch

If you want a higher waistband, tighter fit, and longer inseam, this pair of shorts was made with you in mind. They’re also abrasion-resistant and don’t skimp on storage. In addition to the zippered pocket, its two side pockets are extra deep. Even if you haven’t seen them in the wild or on the streets yet, just know these shorts are so popular they’re nearly sold out. “These were great for a Utah hike through The Narrows,” wrote one shopper, who called them “very comfortable” and appreciated how fast they dried. Another shopper deemed them “Lululemon’s best-kept secret.” 

Women’s Swiftly Tech Cropped Short-sleeve Shirt 2.0

A new addition to my summer 2024 hiking wardrobe, this cute crop top works great with high-rise bottoms. I actually like it better than my full-length Swiftly Tech Tee from the brand because it makes my waist look narrower and my legs look longer. Performance-wise, its mesh fabric is ultra moisture-wicking, and I love that it holds its shape despite the four-way stretch. Of course, like everything in the Swiftly Tech lineup, it features Lululemon’s Silverescent technology, which makes it nearly impossible for odor-causing bacteria to thrive let alone survive.

Women’s Convertible High-rise Hiking Pants

Versatility is key when hiking because the weather can be temperamental at high altitudes. That’s why I can’t recommend these convertible hiking pants enough. I usually start my hikes wearing them as pants, zip off the legs mid-hike when I heat up, and zip them back on at the summit where it’s usually windy. Like most pieces in the Lululemon Hike collection, they’re made with windproof and water-repellent fabric, and they also have cargo pockets as well as a zippered pocket. “They were awesome,” wrote one satisfied shopper, who wore them for 47 miles on Canada’s West Coast Trail. 

Women’s Fast and Free High-rise Tights With Pockets 25-inch

If you prefer to hike in tights or leggings, try this pair made with Lululemon’s sleek and soft Nulux fabric. Lighter than the best-selling Wunder Train Tights Taylor Swift and I have been photographed in (her by the paps, me by my Pops), they wick away sweat as fast as it forms making them ideal for hot and humid hikes. In terms of storage, count on two deep side pockets and an unheard-of three — yes, that’s not a typo —  waistband pockets. 

Women’s Fleece + Ripstop Hiking Pullover

Invented in the 1980s, fleece is a relatively new invention beloved by hikers around the world. Normally, I get my fleece from Patagonia (I’m obsessed with its new Synchilla Jumpsuit), but I’m just as happy with this hiking pullover. Points of differentiation include a hidden phone sleeve in the kangaroo pocket, the waist shock cord, which helps keep drafts at bay, and the contrasting ripstop. “I’m a high-waisted girly so a cropped fleece is what [my] closet needed,” wrote one shopper, who called it “the perfect hiking companion.” 

Women’s Swiftly Tech Racerback Tank Top 2.0 Hip-length

I often use trekking poles when I hike, so I get an upper body workout in at the same time. Because the strap rests between the shoulder blades, racerback tops provide a maximum range of motion. I’ve owned this tank in several colors over the years. Because of its Silverescent fabric technology, it’s a must for backpacking trips where I won’t have access to laundry. I also love the lightweight mesh that doesn’t stick to me even when I sweat. “It breathes like I’m not even wearing a shirt,” agreed one shopper, who wore theirs on an 80-degree Fahrenheit hike. 

Everywhere Belt Bag 1L

While it’s not technically part of Lululemon’s hiking collection, this ubiquitous accessory that one Travel + Leisure editor calls “the ultimate travel hack” has served me well, whether I’m on a technical trail that requires bouldering or a flat loop with a wooden boardwalk. Even when I bring a backpack, I wear it around my waist because it allows easy access to my phone, lip balm, and other essentials I want within reach. I also love that it’s water-repellent. I recently hiked to some ice caves. Despite getting dripped on by dozens of stalactites, all my precious cargo stayed bone dry. 

Men’s Classic-fit Hiking Cargo Shorts 9-inch

Lululemon also has a robust selection of men’s hiking apparel, including these classic-fit cargo shorts that I recently purchased a pair for my boyfriend. Unlike the regular athletic shorts he used to hike in, these are made for the elements. The fabric is water-resistant, abrasion-resistant, and windproof. The storage — hand pockets with hidden phone sleeves, a back zippered pocket, and cargo pockets — is also more suited for outdoor pursuits. “I was the envy of Death Valley,” wrote one shopper, who wore them hiking and found them to have an “awesome look” and be “quite functional.” 

Men’s Ventilated Hiking Short-sleeve Shirt

Look up “game-changer” in the dictionary, and you’ll see a photo of this hiking shirt. The difference is in the details. Think: mesh underarm gussets that allow for maximum ventilation and mobility, intentionally placed seams that make chafing a thing of the past, and an ultra-sweat-wicking that stretches in every direction (yet also retains its shape). The mesh chest pocket is a nice touch, too. 

Men’s Water-repellent Hiking Shorts 8-inch

If impressive water resistance isn’t enough, invest in these packable water-repellent hiking shorts that one shopper said “should be marketed as a bathing suit.” They also feature four-way stretch, cargo pockets, a hidden zippered back pocket, and loops for carabiners and other hiking accessories. Plus, the adjustable draw cord at the waist can be worn inside or out. “I generally don’t wear shorts, but these are the exception,” wrote another shopper, who appreciates how easy they are to clean.

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