Formed in Oslo in 2019 by Wai Tsui, Hiking Patrol aimed to create a digital space to connect lifestyle and outdoor exploration. Since then it has evolved into a multi-disciplinary creative outlet, creating global campaigns and collaborating with footwear brands from KEEN to Diemme. This year Hiking Patrol is taking a new step, releasing its eponymous apparel label. The collection echoes the natural rhythm of life – changing seasons and perpetual cycles. It is fluid and diverse, functional clothing at the intersection of city life and the outdoors.

Firstly, how is Oslo as a city to live in and to experience its outdoor surroundings?

Oslo is a unique place to live, especially for those who value a balance between city life and nature. One of the things I love most is how easy it is to switch from the urban environment to outdoor experiences. For example, I can see the forest from my backyard, and it’s not uncommon to have deer wander in during summer mornings and the winter times. There is also a nearby forest where I go running, peaceful and convenient. Even though I travel often for work, coming home to Oslo is always refreshing. The city has a calm, quiet atmosphere that contrasts well with the more hectic environments like London or Japan. Being outdoors is a big part of my daily routine, whether it’s taking my kid to kindergarten, working out, or running. Being close to nature helps keep everything balanced, especially when work gets stressful. Oslo’s outdoor surroundings provide the perfect balance.

What were your first moments exploring the outdoors and how did this inform the start of Hiking Patrol as a digital community?

When I started Hiking Patrol in 2019, I never anticipated the brand would evolve the way it has. What began as a community focused on hiking and the outdoors quickly grew as I connected with more people who shared my values. As the community expanded, I moved into global collaborations in the footwear space, and creating my own products naturally became the next step. It wasn’t part of the original plan, but seeing the demand for well-designed, functional outdoor gear with a lifestyle focus made it clear I was heading in the right direction. Developing these products has allowed me to strengthen the brand’s identity and create something that truly reflects what Hiking Patrol stands for.

While I provided the platform, it was the people who joined the community that truly shaped it. Launching our own brand was a natural progression, driven by our deep understanding of what our audience needs.

A big part of being Scandinavian is experiencing all four seasons, and being outdoors is a natural part of our lifestyle. This connection to nature, no matter the season, has always been important to me, not just for adventure but also for mental clarity and balance. Hiking Patrol reflects both my personal passions and the broader Scandinavian way of embracing the outdoors in all its forms.

As Hiking Patrol evolved into an agency and collaborated with brands like KEEN and Diemme, what has been its point of view from design to a creative sense?

As Hiking Patrol evolved into an agency and collaborated with brands like KEEN and Diemme, the point of view has always been rooted in authenticity, functionality, and a connection to the outdoors and nature. From a design perspective, it’s about creating pieces that merge utility with style, something that feels natural both in the city and in nature. The focus has been on well-crafted, minimalist designs that emphasize quality and versatility, ensuring that everything we produce or collaborate on serves a purpose.

From a creative standpoint, I’ve always wanted to highlight the lifestyle aspect of outdoor exploration, showing that it’s not just about the gear, but about how we live, move, and interact with our environment. The collaborations with KEEN, Diemme, and others have allowed us to infuse that vision into products, while remaining grounded in the practicality needed for the outdoors. It’s all about creating synergy between form and function, and making sure that the design tells a story of exploration, and a connection to nature.

You have spoke before about the intersection between outdoor and city life, how did this premise influence Hiking Patrol’s first collection?

The intersection between outdoor and city life has been a core influence on Hiking Patrol’s first collection. I wanted to create pieces that could seamlessly transition between these two environments, clothing that works just as well in the outdoors as it does in a city setting. This premise shaped the collection to be versatile, functional, and minimalist, focusing on practicality without sacrificing style.

In designing the first collection, we paid close attention to functionality, using durable materials and simple, clean designs that reflect the needs of both the city and the outdoor. Whether it’s a jacket that can handle the elements while also being sleek enough for a city commute, or technical fabrics that offer comfort and durability in both settings, every piece was made with this balance in mind. The goal was to create a collection that reflects the duality of modern life.

The cyclic nature of life resonates with Hiking Patrol’s ethos, from the changing seasons to the perpetual cycle of birth, growth and, ultimately, death. There is a natural rhythm to life as it ebbs and flows, which is accounted for in functional clothing that prepares the individual for changing conditions and seasons. Built to a higher standard, the garments are designed to stand the test of time and transcend fleeting trends. Timeless silhouettes constructed using durable fabrics and construction methods are married with a distinct lack of logos and overt branding to provide a statement of identity independent of visible branding.

Do you have a favourite piece in the collection?

Some of my favorite pieces from this collection are the zip light down jacket, the 3L shell jacket, and the fleece. The zip light down jacket is great because it’s versatile, it can turn into a short-sleeve jacket, which is perfect for unpredictable weather. The 3L shell jacket is another favorite for its protection against rain and wind, while still being lightweight and breathable. And the fleece is just really comfortable and warm, making it a perfect layering piece for colder days.

How do you see Hiking Patrol evolving in the coming seasons?

The future of Hiking Patrol is really exciting. We have several projects and collaborations lined up that will push the boundaries of design and functionality. My main job will be to build a strong foundation for the brand, ensuring we work with people and brands who believe in us and are interested in creating a synergy together for a long-term view. That’s my primary focus. At the same time, we are expanding into new categories beyond just apparel and shoes. We are also exploring home lifestyle products, like incense, as part of the brand’s offerings. We have an ongoing project in that area together with the Japanese fragrance brand APFR. While we continue to grow globally and reach more like-minded people, the goal will always be to keep blending style and performance in everything we do, while staying true to the community we built together with our followers. 

Hiking Patrol AW24 is online now and is available now in Leeds & Manchester.