Columbia Sportswear is expanding its focus beyond traditional outdoor settings with a new strategy aimed at urban adventurers. On May 17, the company launched its Hike Society initiative in Berlin, transforming the city into a dynamic hiking landscape. The event, organized in collaboration with Highsnobiety and local collective Tourist, guided participants through a route that blended Berlin’s urban architecture with its natural spaces, culminating at Teufelsberg, a historic hill now reclaimed by nature.
This initiative is part of Columbia’s broader effort to redefine hiking for a younger, more diverse audience. The Hike Society aims to make outdoor activities more accessible and inclusive, emphasizing community and cultural engagement over traditional performance metrics. The Berlin event featured curated stops at cultural hotspots and green spaces, offering participants moments to connect with nature and local art scenes.
Complementing this urban hiking approach, Columbia has introduced products designed for versatility in both city and natural environments. For instance, the Columbia Modern Hiker Trainers offer comfort and protection suitable for varied terrains, while the Weekend Adventure Long Shell provides lightweight, waterproof coverage ideal for unpredictable weather conditions.
By integrating urban exploration with outdoor adventure, Columbia’s modern adventurer strategy seeks to broaden the appeal of hiking, encouraging more people to engage with their environments in new and meaningful ways.
