From Hiking to Live Music: Columbia Sportswear's Hike Party Redefines Outdoor Lifestyle among Chinese Youth

ZHANGJIAKOU, China, Sept. 15, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Columbia Sportswear brought together more than 3,000 outdoor enthusiasts in Chongli, Zhangjiakou, China for the 2025 Hike Party, an immersive two-day outdoor festival that blended hiking, trail running, orienteering, and live music.

Launched in 2024, the Hike Party has quickly become Columbia's signature brand experience event in China, designed to bring the "GO INTO NATURE, UNLOCK YOUR NATURE" philosophy to life. This year's upgraded 2.0 edition of the Hike Party introduced a first-ever team orienteering challenge, inviting participants to navigate trails using maps and compasses in groups of three or four. Courses included trail running, hiking, and a new family track, with interactive checkpoints adding playful twists to the outdoor adventure.

Columbia brand ambassadors Mr. Qiming Jiang and Ms. Jingyi Zhang joined participants on the course, testing their skills in the team challenge and later taking part in the festival's evening music and marketplace activities. Across the weekend, more than 2,000 participants from across China formed teams, shared the outdoor journey, and celebrated the spirit of teamwork.

Music also played a central role. Famous Chinese bands including Dada, Berlin Psycho Nurses, The Hormones, KAWA and Neon Garden performed under the mountain skies, transforming the alpine setting into a vibrant open-air stage. A creative marketplace offered food, crafts, and games, extending the festival atmosphere beyond the trails.

"The Hike Party was incredible! Exploring the trails, completing challenges with my team, and enjoying live music in the mountains made it a truly unique outdoor experience," said Jun Liu, a participant from Beijing.

As part of the event, Columbia also highlighted the legacy of its Interchange System—the original 3-in-1 jacket concept introduced in the 1980s. From the classic Bugaboo Parka to today's expanded collection, Columbia's 3-in-1 system remains a cornerstone of the brand's innovation, designed to help outdoor lovers adapt to changing conditions.

Now in its second year, the Hike Party continues to expand the boundaries of outdoor experience and inspire younger audiences. Columbia will continue building on this momentum with events and activations that celebrate exploration, teamwork, and the joy of the outdoors.

SOURCE Columbia Sportswear