Originally launched as a digital hub in 2017, Wai Tsui’s Hiking Patrol has evolved into the leading example of outdoor and technical gear excellence. Established in Oslo, Norway, Hiking Patrol’s gear has become synonymous with the ideal balance of style and substance. A specialty in eco-friendly and durable wear has popularized this Scandinavian brand, allowing particular highlights such as their moisture-wicking shirts and weather-resistant outerwear to shine. For Hiking Patrol, collections are rooted in “creating pieces that stand the test of time - both in terms of style and quality,” Tsui explains to HBX.
Collaborations with DIEMME and KEEN also spotlight Hiking Patrol’s precise craftsmanship and practical design. Embracing sustainability and consideration for post-hike urban environments, Hiking Patrol’s impressive growth is one to keep your eye on.
Ahead of its arrival at HBX, we sat down with the founder to discuss Hiking Patrol’s origins, harmony between country and urban landscape, and future endeavors. Read on to discover more.
Can you share the story behind Hiking Patrol and what inspired you to start this community as well as a brand?
My name is Wai, and I am the founder of Hiking Patrol. Initially, it started as an online platform dedicated to documenting the outdoor lifestyle. Over time, it evolved into a creative outlet, handling global campaigns and collaborations before launching our own brand. While I provided the platform, the community was built by the people. The inspiration for starting Hiking Patrol was to create a space where people passionate about the outdoors could connect and collaborate. Launching our brand was a natural progression, driven by a deep understanding of our audience’s needs.
Can you tell us your background? How has your upbringing influenced your love for hiking and the outdoors?
My upbringing played a significant role in shaping my love for nature and the outdoors. Growing up in Scandinavia, I was always encouraged to spend time outside, exploring nature and appreciating the beauty of the environment around me. Whether it was school trips, mountain excursions with friends, or simply spending weekends in local parks, these experiences instilled in me a deep appreciation for the natural world. This connection to nature has stayed with me throughout my life and is a big part of why I founded Hiking Patrol. It’s not just about the activity itself but the sense of peace and connection I feel when I’m outside.
How does this collection reflect your values and vision for Hiking Patrol?
This collection reflects the core values and vision of Hiking Patrol by embodying the principles of functionality, durability, and timeless design. It aligns with our belief that clothing should seamlessly blend performance with aesthetics, allowing individuals to navigate both outdoor and urban environments without compromise.
By focusing on versatile, well-crafted garments that embrace the ‘Quiet Outdoors’ ethos, this collection captures the essence of what Hiking Patrol stands for: a harmonious balance between the natural world and the demands of contemporary life.
What are your personal favorite pieces in this collection? What are the standout features of this new collection? How do they enhance the overall hiking experience?
My personal favorite pieces in this collection include the zip light down jacket, the 3L shell jacket, and the fleece. The zip light down jacket stands out because of its versatility, it can be worn in two ways, transforming into a short-sleeve option, making it perfect for varying weather conditions. The 3L shell jacket is another favorite due to its technical design, which offers superior protection against the elements, while still being lightweight and breathable. The fleece is also a standout for its comfort and warmth, making it an ideal layering piece.
What were some challenges when developing this collection? And how do you and your team overcome it?
Developing this collection came with its share of challenges, particularly in balancing the need for high functionality with the aesthetic vision we wanted to achieve. One of the primary challenges was sourcing materials that met our standards for durability and performance while also being sustainable and aligning with our commitment to environmental responsibility. It took considerable time and effort to find the right fabrics and manufacturing partners that could deliver on both fronts.
Another challenge was ensuring that the designs remained true to the ‘Quiet Outdoors’ ethos creating clothing that is versatile enough for both urban and outdoor environments without being overly branded or trend-driven. We wanted each piece to be timeless, which required careful consideration of design elements and construction methods to ensure they would stand the test of time.
How do you wish this collection would impact the way people experience the outdoors?
I hope this collection inspires people to embrace the outdoors with a sense of confidence, comfort, and style. By offering well-crafted, versatile, and functional clothing, I want to make it easier for individuals to transition seamlessly between city environments and natural landscapes.
The idea is to remove any barriers that might prevent someone from enjoying the outdoors, whether it’s concerns about the weather, comfort, or even the need to look presentable in different settings.
I also hope this collection encourages people to see the outdoors as an integral part of their daily lives, not just a weekend activity or a special occasion. Ultimately, I want people to feel that exploring nature is accessible to everyone and that the right apparel can enhance their experience, making it more enjoyable, whether they are going to the mountains or walking through a city park.
Hiking Patrol recently collaborated with DIEMME. Can you share the idea and vision behind this? What do you hope to achieve through this partnership?
Answer: The collaboration between Hiking Patrol and DIEMME was born out of a mutual admiration for quality craftsmanship and a shared passion for outdoor functionality. DIEMME is known for its commitment to creating durable, high-quality footwear, which aligns perfectly with our ethos at Hiking Patrol of blending performance with aesthetics. Our vision for this collaboration was to merge DIEMME's expertise in footwear with Hiking Patrol’s ‘Quiet Outdoors’ design philosophy. The result is a product that represents the best of both worlds: DIEMME's tradition of Italian craftsmanship combined with Hiking Patrol’s modern, minimalist approach to lifestyle outdoor apparel.
What can we expect from Hiking Patrol in the future? Are there any upcoming projects or collections we should be looking forward to?
In the future, you can expect Hiking Patrol to continue pushing the boundaries of outdoor lifestyle apparel. We’re committed to innovating and creating products that seamlessly blend functionality with timeless design, and that will remain a core focus as we move forward. We’re exploring new categories, including expanding our offerings in footwear and accessories, and we’re also working on some unique collaborations with brands that share our values and vision. Each of these collaborations will bring something new to the table, whether it’s innovative materials, cutting-edge designs, or products that offer even greater versatility for our community.
Lastly, can you share a memorable hiking experience that you’ve had that relates to the ethos of Hiking Patrol?
One of the most memorable hiking experiences I’ve had, which truly reflects the values of Hiking Patrol, happened in the remote mountains of Norway. It was a multi-day trek through some of the most stunning and rugged terrain I’ve ever seen. The weather was unpredictable, one moment it was calm and sunny, and the next, it would start raining with strong winds. This hike captured the core values of Hiking Patrol: being prepared, staying resilient, and having a deep appreciation for nature. I had to rely on my gear, which needed to be both functional and dependable. I remember feeling grateful for every piece of clothing and equipment that had been carefully selected for its durability and versatility- exactly the qualities we focus on in our collections.
Explore more Hiking Patrol available on HBX now.