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: PAKA Apparel Mountain Crew

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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Gear Test: Paka Women’s Alpaca Bralette and Underwear

Exploring the great outdoors, we’re testing the Paka Women’s Alpaca Bralette and Underwear to see how this active underwear performs.

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Gear Test: Stio Women’s Exploit Hooded Jacket

Outdoor Gear Type: Jacket

We’ve taken the Stio Women’s Exploit Hooded Jacket out on the trails for some rigorous mountain biking, really putting this rugged outerwear through its paces.

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Gear Test: Stio Women’s CFS Hooded Anorak

Deep in the forest, we put the Stio Women’s CFS Hooded Anorak to the ultimate test, demonstrating its exceptional performance.

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Urban Hiker Outdoor Guides

The 10 Best Backpacking Chairs of 2024

The best backpacking chairs will make camp way more comfortable. Lean back, get comfy, and prepare to find the right backpacking chair for you!

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The Best Hiking Boots of 2024

We highlight the best hiking boots after researching and testing. Find the perfect lightweight, midweight, or heavyweight hiking boot for you!

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The Best Hiking Sandals of 2024

We highlight the best hiking sandals of 2024 after researching and testing. Open toe, closed toe, or finger-style? Find the perfect hiking sandal for you!

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The Best Hiking Shorts of 2024

Hiking shorts are the underrated all-stars of gear. The best hiking shorts kick sweat and chafe to the curb, and keep you trekking mile after mile.

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The Best 9 Rain Ponchos of 2024

Rain ponchos are the preferred rain protection of many outdoorsy folks. Why? Cause they’re versatile. Here are the best Rain Ponchos of 2024.

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The Best Down Jackets of 2024

The best down jackets will keep you cozy in the wilderness, on the couch, or at the bar. We have tested many, and list the best down jackets for you, here.

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The Best Fleece Jackets of 2024

The best fleece jackets are cozy, breathable, versatile, full of zippers and have unique features. We list the best here, and what makes them shine.

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Backpackers Guide to Fleece Jackets in 2024

This Guide to Fleece Jackets answers mysterious questions: What is fleece fabric? Is fleece warm? Is fleece breathable? And what’s recycled fleece? Read now.

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The 10 Best Puffy Jackets on Amazon

Explore the best puffy jackets on Amazon for unbeatable warmth and style on your outdoor adventures this fall and winter.

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The Best Coolers, Backpack Coolers, and Cooler Bags of 2023

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

When camping, the best coolers need to keep snacks and drinks cold for days. Backpack coolers are great for day hikes, but need to be comfy.

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