In the world of premium hiking offerings, we’ve found three firms that are doing things differently:

Unhappy with the fashion and athletic quotient of women’s outdoor apparel on the market, Friends Tina Thompson and Madison Hilson co-founded SENIQ in June 2024. Their Trail System allows the consumer to choose a baselayer, second layer and bottom layer – from tanks to shorts and pants and jackets – to create comprehensive looks that are also functional in the elements.

Designer Livio Melo was born in the countryside in the Dominican Republic. Years after moving to New York City as a child, he realized he missed spending so much time outside and took up hiking – and crafting his own gear. Together with wife Jennifer, who grew up in Sweden, the duo creates purpose-built, ultralight bags and packs.

In 2008, Lems’ creator, Andrew Rademacher decided to dissect his favorite running shoes, cutting out the extra, unnecessary material. He wanted a shoe that felt like wearing nothing at all. Lems shoes have a zero-to-4mm drop, putting the heel closer to the ground for a more upright body posture.

All starting their companies with outside-of-industry perspectives, each is embarking on disrupting the world of hiking. It’s their unique perspectives and stories that resonate with consumers.

SENIQ

Columbus, OH-based SENIQ fuses trend-forward designs with highly technical functionality. “All styles are built with a women-first mindset, designed to move with curves, highlighting our femininity rather than hiding it,” noted Hilson. Colorways for the trail are inspired by the runway. The firm’s best-selling pant and short are crafted from its Trailmix fabric, which is a cooling, lightweight nylon twill with four-way stretch, water repellency, abrasion resistance and wicking – with a UPF 50+ rating.

The brand launched its first ski collection in October 2024 which combines what Thompson describes as “a fresh color theory, feminine silhouettes, and world class innovation to empower women to get outdoors for mental reset.”

Key Style: The Dirtpop Jacket is a nylon twill featuring a DWR finish, abrasion resistancy, lightweight breathability, and UPF 50+ sun protection. Convertible sleeves are removable as your elevation changes on trail. “This piece especially encompasses our street-to-trail vision with many of our customers wearing it on and off the trail, including to office or brunch,” Hilson commented.

Lems Shoes

“Lems differs from other brands on the market because over everything, we put the foot first,” according to Audrey Niebes, marketing director for Lems. The brand builds footwear around the anatomy of the foot, with an aim to make it feel like you’re wearing nothing at all. “We focus on a few key things when designing shoes: a wide toe box for toes to spread, a minimal or zero heel drop - so heel and toes are level, mimicking a natural ‘barefoot’ position, flexibility - allowing the foot to flex naturally, and using lightweight materials,” explained the exec.

In the majority of its styles, Boulder, CO-based Lems utilizes an IBR (injection blown rubber) outsole for flexibility, comfort and a lightweight feeling. For more technical styles, a full rubber outsole is utilized and most recently, the team has developed a “grip” outsole that is non-slip and non-marking. The brand will launch its first true snow boot this fall, along with a sandal for 2025.

Key Style: One of Niebe’s personal favorites is the Boulder Summit, which is a newer take on the OG Boulder Boot, but with a more technical outsole. “I’ve spent my fair share of time in big, clunky hiking boots that I can’t wait to take off at the end of the day, but these are so incredibly comfortable and have become one of my staples,” she said.

allmansright

allmansright is inspired by the Swedish tradition of allemansrätt, the right of everyone to freely roam and explore the outdoors — wherever nature takes them. “allmansright gear is very lightweight, but feature rich – it’s made to a high standard with features that are intuitive and often anticipate your needs,” noted Melo, of the Bronx-based brand.

allmansright utilizes both UltraGrid and dyneema composite fabrics in its gear. Stuff sacks feature tabs allowing them to be opened with one hand. Food/dry bags have a reflective strip, making them easy to spot in dark settings. All elastics are replaceable on its packs. “Our goal is to create one of everything you carry on the trail with a unique and functional take,” the exec communicated.

Key Style: The UltraGrid Liten has generous side and front pockets. A series of clever bungee systems keep things tight. “At the front bottom of the pack we have a system that allows you to secure a foam pad or tent sack while providing loops for an axe and trekking poles,” said Melo. Strategic color-blocking ensures that the pack looks great in a showroom and on the trail. Heavy fabrics are employed strategically (the small of your back) to eliminate weak points.