Windbreakers, hiking boots, outdoor tents... At some point, these professional outdoor gear terms have entered our lives. Now that the Qingming holiday has begun, many friends are heading outdoors for some leisure time to feel the passion and vitality of nature. But do you know how to choose these outdoor gears?
Who would want to waste such beautiful spring days? With the warming weather and the approach of the Qingming holiday, many citizens are preparing for outings and spring walks. As flowers bloom in spring, more and more people are choosing to travel, hike, go trekking, or camp on weekends or holidays. Consequently, outdoor gear required for these activities is becoming increasingly visible.
In malls, outdoor gear featuring spring styles has been placed in prominent positions. Products such as windbreakers, hiking shoes, trekking poles, hiking boots, and outdoor tents have all been labeled as “bestsellers.” Although prices are relatively high, promotional campaigns by retailers plus citizens’ enthusiasm for travel have led to a sharp surge in outdoor gear sales.
To meet consumers’ aesthetic needs, retailers are paying more attention to the design and appearance of outdoor products, using increasingly diverse colors and more modern designs. Based on the requirement for portability, retailers are also striving to make outdoor products lighter and more compact, reducing weight while maximizing storage capacity in minimal space. Roof boxes and roof baskets suitable for various vehicle types allow those who enjoy road trips to carry large equipment. What used to require professional guidance—like setting up tents or using cooking gear—is no longer a challenge thanks to pop-up tents, auto-ignition gas stoves, and portable barbecue tables. There is also an increasing range of family-friendly outdoor gear on the market, such as spacious tents for three or more people, large-capacity coolers, multi-person cookware sets, and even child-specific outdoor gear, including kids' tents and clothing, shoes, and hats designed for their safety and health.
With the improvement in economic conditions, the previously high prices of outdoor sports gear have become more affordable for the general public. Overall, outdoor gear is trending toward stylish designs, lightweight construction, functional accessibility, and more affordable pricing.
The More Outdoor, The More Exciting
Outdoor sports have become a new lifestyle in China. With the gradual maturation of domestic outdoor activities, extreme sports, and leisure pursuits, the general public's awareness and participation in outdoor sports are also growing.
In Switzerland, every private car’s trunk contains two sets of hiking gear, making outdoor activity a part of daily life. In Taiyuan, white-collar workers wear windbreakers into office buildings. Outdoor gear symbolizes a fashionable way of life.
With the popularity of outdoor sports, professional outdoor gear is also gaining widespread attention. Super cameras, windbreakers, hiking pants, fleece clothing, quick-dry apparel, backpacks, trekking poles, tents, sleeping bags, flashlights, etc., are essential gear for hikers. Good outdoor gear not only represents a new fashion trend but also brings a refreshing, healthy, and free way of enjoying sports. In the past, outdoor sports demanded high skill levels and expensive gear, making them accessible only to professionals. But today, as consumption levels and quality of life have significantly improved, outdoor activities are becoming a part of everyday life.
Outdoor activities can generally be divided into three types: purely recreational ones, mainly group outings for families or friends, where the gear requirements are simple—just a set of hiking clothes, hiking shoes, and a tent, usually at a low cost. The second type is more professional, where participants regularly challenge themselves through difficult hikes and climbs, often being very selective about their gear with high-spec requirements. The third is somewhere in between, where people usually join outdoor groups and occasionally hike with others on weekends, needing gear that’s somewhat more specialized.
How to Buy Outdoor Gear
Clothing and gear for outdoor activities are quite particular. Wearing the wrong clothes may lead to catching a chill, and choosing the wrong shoes could result in twisted ankles—hardly worth the risk. A recent media micro-survey on outdoor gear shopping found that nearly 40% of respondents did not know what specific gear they needed for spring outings; 42.9% preferred walking as their mode of travel; 50% enjoyed exploring nature; and 57.2% prioritized the practicality of their travel gear.
When buying outdoor gear, quality matters more than interest. For regular gear, brand may not be crucial, but for key items, it’s best to stick with trusted brands. If you do opt for non-branded products, carefully check if all specifications meet relevant standards. So, how should you choose outdoor gear, and what makes certain items more practical? Here’s expert advice:
Outdoor Shoes: Shoes are essential for any long journey. A good pair of outdoor shoes not only provides solid support and protection but also reduces foot fatigue during outdoor hikes. Shoes shouldn’t be too tight, especially around the toes, otherwise you might end up with bruised toenails after a day of hiking. But they shouldn’t be too loose either, or your feet will slide around and you could cramp when tired. When buying outdoor shoes, choose a size larger than your usual, and make sure to try them on with thick socks. Wear them around the house for a few days before your trip to break them in.
Backpacks: A good backpack not only makes you look energetic and confident but, more importantly, allows you to carry lots of items, freeing your hands and helping maintain balance for a safer and more comfortable journey. A smaller volume doesn’t necessarily mean lighter weight. When choosing, ensure the structure is sturdy, the support system is complete, and there are enough attachment points in case you need extra space. Since camping gear is involved, backpack capacity should be sufficiently large—generally a minimum of 50 liters for men and 40 liters for women.
Trekking Poles: A trekking pole can reduce physical exertion by up to one-third. Choosing the right trekking pole is also a matter of expertise. They come in three types: standard aluminum, aviation-grade 7075 aluminum, and carbon fiber. When collapsed, they are typically 65 cm long and extend to around 135 cm. Handles may be T-shaped or straight, allowing users to choose based on preference.
Other Gear: Windbreakers: Suitable for autumn, winter, and spring, they offer comfort and wind resistance and are often detachable—you can remove a layer when it's warm or add one when it's cold. Gloves: Also essential in autumn, winter, and spring; choose according to your needs. Bandanas and hydration bladders: Hydration bladders can hold 3–5 liters of water and are stored in your backpack. A drinking tube allows you to sip directly without needing to carry a bottle.
Given the wide variety and high price of outdoor gear, experts advise the public to learn about the products and shop rationally. Believing that “expensive means better” or “cheaper is fine” are both misconceptions. Additionally, it’s best to buy outdoor gear from authorized retailers or specialty stores. This ensures transparent pricing and better guarantees on quality and service.
This Year’s Trend: “Light Style”
Functionality remains the ultimate strength of outdoor gear. In 2013, major outdoor brands continued traditional features like waterproofing, breathability, moisture-wicking, and quick drying for spring and summer apparel, while adding new functionalities. The latest spring/summer outdoor collections feature fabrics with higher elasticity to meet user needs. The brand Explorer continues to apply its nature-inspired biomimicry technology from 2013’s spring/summer lines, drawing on the superior evolutionary traits of animals in form, structure, characteristics, and function to enhance product design.
Some outdoor self-driving and camping gear brands have introduced “ultra-lightweight” features for their 2013 spring/summer collections through advanced materials and smarter, more ergonomic designs. Traditional breathable, lightweight windshirts have been upgraded this year by combining ultra-light technology with waterproof and breathable features, achieving both rain and wind protection along with a light, airy feel. Looking at the product trends across major outdoor brands in 2013, it’s clear that significant efforts have been made in functionality—achieving excellent results in fabric, technology, weight, and comfort. As a result, more everyday consumers are choosing outdoor products for their spring and summer wardrobes.
Exercise is for a better life, so besides continuously innovating with high-tech protective features, this year’s sportswear brands are also showcasing vibrant color palettes. Fresh yellow-green-orange hues that reflect spring/summer vibes, along with the ever-popular red-blue-yellow schemes in outdoor collections, are widely seen this season. Fluorescent colors are also heavily featured. Beyond complementing your cheerful mood and fashion needs during spring outings, these colors also serve as a safety element, making you more visible and easily spotted in the wild.
When heading out for springtime wilderness adventures, “lightweight” gear is key to freeing both body and mind. Innovations in material and structure offer protection without added weight. The reason the “lightweight” concept is so popular this year is that beyond sports shoes, even windbreakers and quick-dry shirts are embracing the idea of lightweight protection. Ultra-light hiking gear, fully taped waterproof designs, four-way stretch fabrics (which improve mobility by 20% for greater comfort), and breathable comfort are matched with functional features like hidden rope clips and conveniently stowable hand-warmer pockets to ensure practicality on the trail.
Hiking and trekking are standard parts of outdoor spring adventures. To prevent knee injuries common among runners and hikers due to prolonged activity, urban dwellers are paying more attention to foot and knee protection, with shock absorption technology becoming a focal point.
During the transitional period from cold to warm weather, spring outdoor gear must adapt to changeable climates while offering user-friendly designs. Fabric that efficiently wicks sweat, offers breathability suited to body temperature needs, and provides waterproofing and wind resistance are equally important. Many outdoor brands have developed proprietary patented fabrics in this area, so when shopping, look for a windbreaker that can handle all-day weather changes to ensure you stay comfortable and mobile no matter what the conditions.