A Hiking Date is Actually the Best Date

Candlelight and cool music. Two bar stools positioned suggestively close together. Sustained eye contact and an oh-so-casual brush of the arm.

The elements of a great early-in-the-game date are easy for me to conjure because I’ve been on so many of them.

What I’ve learned over the years is that while those initial sparky get-togethers are pure magic, the dates that come later—once you’re in a proper relationship—can be even better.

You already know each other, so there’s no need for an overpriced drink or three to calm your nerves. You don’t even have to wait until the sun goes down.

Enter: the hiking date!

While you can go for a hike at any point in courtship, obviously, the planning and adventure-ing of a hiking date is ideal for an official couple.

Sure, you could simply roast a chicken at home and scroll the new releases on Netflix—but don’t you want to know how you show up for each other when the mosquitoes are biting, the trails signs are confusing, and one person drank all their water before the first mile marker?

Before he met me, my gym rat British boyfriend had never been on a hike. In fact, he had never really been above sea level. So I took him to Idaho for a week of outdoor adventures, and on our first hike together, I was a little shocked by how much he struggled at first.

Don’t tell him, but it was actually quite endearing.

I had to slow down, and appreciate that he was brand-new to this kind of cardio workout. In his sweat-wicking top, dusty hiking boots, and backwards hat, he looked the part of a picture-perfect hiker. But he was looking to me for assurance, guidance, and a little confidence boost.

Which I could do! After all, we were on a hiking date to have fun, not race to the top.

Eventually my boyfriend adjusted to the altitude, we took our time enjoying the views together, and—as a team—had one of the most fun bonding experiences of our relationship so far.

You know by now that here at #SGHQ, we’re all about helping guys like you look and feel your best, and demonstrate positive, modern masculinity in every situation life throws at you. In these heady days of peak summer, a hiking date with someone you really like offers you the opportunity to practice all of the above.

We’ve partnered with our pals at lululemon to help you get a great outdoorsy fit together, curate an amazing hang with your best gal, and behave appropriately out there in the wilds of nature.

So, grab the bug spray, leave the Bluetooth speaker behind (more on that below), and let’s get out there.

The 7 Rules for a Fun & Sexy Hiking Date

1. Set the vibes pre-hike

Repeat after me: the hiking date starts before you reach the trailhead.

That’s because the key to any great date is creating a good vibe from end to end. The car ride is a perfect time to ignite the romantic sparks. Aim for good conversation, get a great playlist going, and flirt, flirt, flirt!

Also? Have some snacks on hand to get everyone’s energy up. Seriously, this is not swimming. Do not get out there on an empty stomach!

2. Sweat-wicking layers are your friend.

This is a general SG philosophy, of course. We absolutely stan a man in stylish layers.

And when it comes to getting out in the woods or in open terrain, a guy’s gotta be prepared! Sudden storms, a brewery stop on the way home… The City-to-Hike Waterproof Jacket from lululemon (with plenty of pockets, of course) is the move.

3. No Bluetooth speaker on the trail.

Really.

Not only because you should be taking in the sweet harmonies provided by Mother Nature, but it’s also guaranteed to annoy every other person in your proximity.

Don’t do it!

4. All God’s creatures want to see your thighs.

Let those quads see the sun, and let your date take in what I like to call a thighful.

The #SGapproved Pace Breaker lined shorts are comfy, secure, and just the right length—a double take-inducing 5″—for hiking.

Also, the “Pool Party” colorway really reads summer spent outdoors to me without veering into camp counselor vibes, y’know what I mean?

5 … And your arms, too.

You? With a farmer’s tan? I don’t see it!

Opt for a breathable, sweat-wicking sleeveless shirt to let the guns do their thing and make your girl swoon a bit as you point out beautiful vistas and hoist a stylish backpack over your shoulder.

6. The picnic must slap.

A turkey sandwich with salt and vinegar chips is the platonic ideal of a picnic lunch to me.

Along with water (obviously), I like to share a can of rosé with my beloved as we take in the views.

Whatever the mid-hike dream meal looks like for you, wrap it in tin foil, add a salty treat, and prepare for high-altitude bliss.

7. Take turns taking the lead.

This is good advice in life and out in nature, no?

Switching up who is literally blazing the trail is a sweet way to give you both the opportunity to take and give direction, match speeds, lend a hand over a big log, find a shady glen to steal a kiss.

Shop hiking date outfit essentials for guys

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Look—you’ve got the whole rest of the year for drinks and dinner dates. Summer is a time to be sexy, have fun, go be up a mountain and out of breath with someone you’re attracted to. Yep, I said it! Be safe out there guys.

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Presented in partnership with lululemon. All selections made by the SG editorial team. Thanks for supporting the brands that support Style Girlfriend!