Urban Hiker

If you live to fight another day under a twinkling skyline, relish community parks, and stair walk on the regular, the Urban Hiker is for you.

Not everyone is fortunate enough to live at the footsteps of an epic mountain. Some of us have jobs in skyscrapers, enjoy the bustle of a metropolis, and go on midnight bar runs that end with crepes and bacon-wrapped hot dogs.

The city life does not exclude you from the outdoor world. It literally doesn’t in many cities, as there are diverse parks, hiking trails, and natural beauty to be had, but it’s also about the mentality you have and the world you live in. The walk to the metro, transfer downtown, and jog up the hill to the office is your version of a hike. Your bike ride to the gallery opening after work, ending in the aforementioned hot dog wrapped in bacon, is your version of a 20-mile trek and a freeze-dried dinner.

Our Recommended Gear and Outdoor Guides for the Urban Hiker turn the city experience into an outdoor one. The gear required to navigate everything the city can throw at you — not bears, buses; not poison oak, tourists — is just as important and versatile as what you need in the backcountry. You also probably get out into said wilderness often, whenever your job allows and you can get away, and we’re here to keep that spirit alive during the long concrete-treading months.

Explore Recommended Gear and Outdoor Guides for Urban Hiker below!

Urban Hiker Gear Reviews

Gear Test: noxgear Tracer 2

Outdoor Gear Type: Safety
Recommended For: Urban Hiker

Taking the Noxgear Tracer 2 for a spin, we set out to see if this LED vest truly delivers on visibility, comfort, and durability.

Read the Gear Review

Gear Test: noxgear LightHound LED Dog Harness

Outdoor Gear Type: Pets
Recommended For: Day Hiker, Urban Hiker

With the Noxgear LightHound LED Dog Harness, we’re diving into the action to see how this dog harness performs.

Read the Gear Review

Gear Test: H20 Audio TRI 2 PRO Headphones

Outdoor Gear Type: Wearable Tech
Recommended For: Day Hiker, Urban Hiker

We’ve put the H20 Audio TRI 2 PRO Headphones through their paces, testing them rigorously during runs and cycling sessions.

Read the Gear Review

Gear Test: PAKA Apparel Mountain Crew

We’re out in the elements with the PAKA Apparel Mountain Crew, testing its performance every step of the way.

Read the Gear Review

Gear Test: ICEMULE R-Jaunt 20L Cooler

Outdoor Gear Type: Coolers
Recommended For: Car Camper, Day Hiker, Urban Hiker

We’re out there in the wilds with the ICEMULE R-Jaunt 20L Cooler, putting this cooler bag to the test.

Read the Gear Review

Gear Test: The North Face 1996 Retro Nuptse Down Jacket

Outdoor Gear Type: Down Jackets

We’re out there in the backcountry with The North Face 1996 Retro Nuptse Down Jacket, putting this down jacket to the test.

Read the Gear Review

Gear Test: Norrona Femund Econyl70 20L Pack

Outdoor Gear Type: Backpacks
Recommended For: Bikepacker, Day Hiker, Urban Hiker

We’ve taken the Norrona Femund Econyl70 20L Pack out into the hills to put this backpack through its paces.

Read the Gear Review

Gear Test: REI Co-op Women’s Sahara Convertible Pants

We’re pushing limits with the REI Co-op Women’s Sahara Convertible Pants, putting these versatile trail essentials through their paces.

Read the Gear Review

Gear Test: REI Co-op Trailmade Amphib Shorts

Outdoor Gear Type: Shorts
Recommended For: Day Hiker, Urban Hiker

We’ve been out in the wild with the REI Co-op Trailmade Amphib Shorts, putting their performance to the test.

Read the Gear Review

Gear Test: REI Co-op Merino Wool Hiking Quarter Socks

Outdoor Gear Type: Socks

We’re out in the wilderness with the REI Co-op Merino Wool Hiking Quarter Socks, putting these lightweight hiking socks to the test.

Read the Gear Review