The 7 Coolest Items to Pack Before Taking a Hike in 2026 Leave a comment
Forget fashion week; the real runway I’m taking note of in 2026 is arising on green pastures, volcanic trails, chalky cliffs and rocky hillsides. The coolest people I know are out there touching grass, and they’re doing it in serious style. Digital detoxing is on the rise, as is the desire to ascend to new elevations, from the snowy caps of Switzerland to the wild-flower walks of the Welsh Hills, the Inca Trail of Peru to the rugged paths of the Pennine Way.
But don’t think the Gorpcore look has to be boring or basic. The granola girls of today are proving it to be anything but, adopting striking colours, head-turning patterns and graphics as well as retro-coded accessories to turn out looks that are both distinguishable from afar and full-on fashion-coded.
So if the great outdoors is calling your name, consider this your lowdown on the practical but chic pieces you need to pack ahead of your intrepid trip. Think trendy windbreakers, nostalgic eyewear, fuzzy fleeces and high-contrast footwear. I’ve hand-selected the best pieces available to shop now, which are guaranteed to kit you out in style. And remember: Leave No Trace. Happy hiking!
The 7 Coolest Trends to Note Before Taking a Hike in 2026
1. Windbreaker Jackets
Style Notes: This practical jacket trend was not only seen taking over Paris Fashion Week (hello, Saint Laurent!) but, as we move into spring, it’s being favoured by stylish people everywhere, from the Dolomites to the Brecon Beacons. Packable, light, weatherproof and available in a range of fun hues, the windbreaker (or shell jacket) is the outdoorsy type’s outerwear piece du jour for the warmer months. It’s easy to layer underneath other clothes and won’t weigh you down.
Shop the Trend:
Free People
Cloud Cover Systems Liner Jacket
This purple liner jacket will add a pop of colour to your hiking ‘fits.
H&M
2-Layer Ski Jacket With Stormmove
Okay, this is a ski jacket, but it comes equipped with all the features you need for a successful hike this spring. The chocolate tone is also delectable.
THE NORTH FACE
Devils Thumb Hooded Two-Tone Recycled-Gore-Tex Jacket
The OG brand for tackling the great outdoors. It doesn’t get better than this jacket right here, particularly with the Gore-Tex technology.
Berghaus
Pendower Wind Jacket
Bring springlike butter-yellow to your outdoor pursuits, courtesy of Berghaus.
This pretty-in-pink jacket is what the cool girls will be wearing outside this season—guaranteed.
2. ’90s Sunglasses
Style Notes: I’ve noted a rise in big, bug-like sunglasses in the fashion sphere, but on the hiking trails and mountain peaks, the most discerning dressers are choosing a more streamlined eyewear shape. These sunglasses, which will undoubtedly protect you from the sun’s rays, snow glare or golden hour, are more fitted to the face, rounded, durable and comfortable enough for all-day wear. A little bit ’90s but all the cooler for it, note these wraparound frames for your outdoor pursuits in 2026.
Shop the Trend:
Oakley
Eyejacket Redux Rectangle Sunglasses
Oakley’s Eyejacket sunnies are a ’90s favourite, and still a best-seller to this day.
Izipizi
Horizon Sand Polarized
The Horizon sunglasses from Izipizi will help you reach your ascent in style this spring.
These super-affordable Uniqlo sunnies fit snug to the face for all-around sun protection. Ideal!
Prada
Linea Rossa Active Sunglasses
Prada’s Linea Rossa line is at the cutting edge of fashion and activewear. These frames come celeb- and sportsperson-approved.
Maui Jim
Ho’okipa Ultra R Sunglases
These Maui Jim sunglasses look runway and hike-ready.
3. High-Tech Trousers
Style Notes: The only way to protect against mud, dirt, dust and maybe even snow on your spring trek is to invest in a pair of technical trousers. Relaxed in silhouette, easy to pull on, decked out with handy pockets and waterproof against all that Mother Nature may throw at you, hiking trousers in black, khaki or a neutral shade will pair with any other colours.
Shop the Trend:
FP Movement
Morning Meadow Hike Pants
Adjustable in every way, these clever hiking trousers can turn into shorts in seconds with just a few swipes of a zip. So many pockets, too!
THE NORTH FACE
Nse Cotton-Blend Ripstop Wide-Leg Pants
Ripstop trousers are a hiker’s best friend. The North Face won’t let you down.
Peak Performance
Trailblazer HIPE 2.5L Shell Pants
Peak Performance is the Swedish outdoor brand to know now. These cool, wide-leg shell trousers will keep you warm and protected from the elements.
Alo Yoga
Mid-Rise Scout Cargo Pant
Team these cargo pants with a baggy tee and approach shoes for a casual hike this spring.
A worthy investment if you want to get super serious about your hiking ‘fits this year, as they’re both water-resistant and soft to the touch.
4. Approach Shoes
Style Notes: Part hiking boot, part sneaker, the approach shoe is the footwear style I’ve not only seen taking over the paved streets of East London, but also gentle paths and low-impact hikes all over Europe and beyond. These low-profile shoes come equipped with a grippy sole, slim laces and in an array of fresh colours that will make you want to wear them whether you’re touching grass or not.
Shop the Trend:
Free People have these in tonnes of cool colours.
SALOMON
XT-4 OG Protective Rubber-Trimmed Ripstop Sneakers
The rusty-red hue is too cool to pass up.
These Arc’teryx approach shoes are the real deal, and the minty colourway is too cute.
On
Cloudrock Low Waterproof Sneakers
On’s Cloudrock shoes are built for mixed-terrain hikes, and are weather-proof to boot.
Moncler
Trailgrip Lite3 Nubuck & Suede Trainers
Light, protective and comfortable, these Moncler trail trainers are a hiker’s dream.
ASICS X Kiko Kostadinov Studio
UB12-S Rubber-Trimmed Mesh Sneakers
Bring LFW to the dizzy heights of the hilltop with these citrus beauties from the ASICS x Kiko Kostadinov collab.
5. Fuzzy Fleeces
Style Notes: Possessing a roster of great mid-layers is the ultimate solution to stay warm and cosy in chillier climes, and the zip-up fleece is the way to do it in 2026. Funnel-neck styles with a full zip and in head-turning colours and patterns—or even soft, minimal shades, if that’s more you—will team expertly with technical trousers, thermal base layers and approach shoes for the spring hiking season this year.
Shop the Trend:
FP Movement
Hit the Slopes Fleece Jacket
Red hot and super toasty. Free People’s Hit the Slopes fleece always sells out, and comes in a roster of kaleidoscopic hues.
Alo Yoga
Sherpa Edge Bomber
If it’s good enough for Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, it’s good enough for us. This Alo Sherpa Edge Bomber is high-tech and high-fashion, all rolled into one.
VARLEY
Lowell Doublesoft-Trimmed Fleece Jacket
Hailing from London, Varley is the athleisure brand to invest in for weekend ensembles that double as hiking looks.
Very
Fleece Button Through Jacket
I can’t stop thinking about icy-blue pieces. This cool-tone jacket will keep you cosy on your travels.
Not only is this a brilliant price, but it’ll pair with any look and is chic, sleek and soft on the skin.
6. Graphic Beanies
Style Notes: I’ve been keeping a tally every time I see his hat style online, and the most elevated of hikers are pairing them with ’90s-style sunnies for a real nostalgic flair. Graphic beanies woven with intarsia patterns, weird and wonderful motifs and unusual colour pairings give hiking outfits a slightly edgy spin.
Shop the Trend:
Free People
Gambit Argyle Beanie
Too cute! I love the mix of red and grey in this argyle beauty.
Arc’teryx
Bird Word Toque
This beanie is synonymous with fashion-focused Londoners and the climbers of the Dolomites in equal measure. The powder-pink hue is too good to pass up.
& Other Stories
Wool Blend Beanie
This wool-blend beanie will keep your head toasty and hair in check for your next jaunt into the wilderness.
Oakley
Light Green Beanie
Bring the neon vibes to your next hike with this ’90s-feel Oakley beanie.
The mix of chocolate brown, ecru and powder pink is everything I’ve been looking for in a beanie.
7. Practical Backpacks
Style Notes: When scaling mountains, rocky landscapes and snowy caps, the last thing you need is a hand-held bag getting in your way. A practical backpack is the Gorpcore girl’s non-negotiable item, and the more pockets, tech details and practical features, the better. It needs to account for your water bottle, snacks, camera and other hiking accoutrements, so pick one that’s already lightweight with padded shoulders and supportive straps to keep you stable and well-balanced for your outdoor spring activities.
Shop the Trend:
ON
Speed Pack Shell-Trimmed Ripstop Backpack
Made from lightweight yet durable ripstop with shell trims, this one is packed with plenty of functional compartments for your hike come rain, snow or shine.
Next
Orange Colourblock Next Active Sports 30L Hiking Bag With Waterproof Cover
With multiple features, pockets and straps, this colourful backpack is ideal for all your day-trip needs.
Salomon
Trailblazer 20 Hiking Bag
Light, streamlined and designed to hug the body, this backpack is perfect for low-lift hikes, walks and jaunts into the wild.
Free People
Free Fall Backpack
I love the fun mix of citrus tones! This will add a zesty flair to otherwise plain hiking outfits.
Antler
Discovery Backpack in Meadow Purple
Royal purple is a colour to watch out for in 2026. Good job Antler is already on the case with this rich-reading backpack.
