Explore the latest outdoor fitness trends. Get active outside with new workouts and activities for fresh air and fun.

Outdoor Fitness Trends to Try This Year

Hey there, fitness enthusiasts! Are you tired of the same old gym routine? Do you crave fresh air, natural scenery, and a little adventure with your workouts? Well, you're in luck because outdoor fitness is booming, and there are more exciting trends than ever to get you moving outside. From high-tech gear to ancient practices, getting active outdoors offers a fantastic way to boost your physical and mental well-being. Let's dive into some of the coolest outdoor fitness trends you absolutely have to try this year, complete with product recommendations, usage scenarios, comparisons, and pricing.

Embracing Nature with Trail Running and Hiking Adventures

Trail running and hiking aren't new, but their popularity has exploded as people seek to escape urban environments and connect with nature. These activities offer incredible cardiovascular benefits, strengthen your lower body, and improve balance, all while providing stunning views and a sense of accomplishment. It's not just about covering distance; it's about experiencing the environment.

Trail Running Gear Essentials and Top Picks

For trail running, having the right gear is crucial for comfort and safety. You'll need shoes with good grip, moisture-wicking apparel, and hydration solutions.

• Trail Running Shoes: Unlike road running shoes, trail shoes offer enhanced traction, protection from rocks, and more stability on uneven terrain.
• Hoka Speedgoat 5: These are fantastic for long distances and technical trails. They offer superb cushioning and a grippy outsole.
• Usage Scenario: Ideal for ultra-marathons, long-distance trail runs, and rocky, root-filled paths.
• Comparison: More cushioned than Salomon Speedcross, less aggressive lugs than La Sportiva Bushido.
• Price: Around $160.
• Salomon Speedcross 6: Known for their aggressive lugs, providing excellent grip in muddy or soft conditions.
• Usage Scenario: Perfect for wet, muddy trails, obstacle course races, and steep ascents/descents.
• Comparison: Less cushioning than Hoka Speedgoat, but superior grip in extreme conditions.
• Price: Approximately $140.
• Brooks Cascadia 17: A great all-rounder, offering a balance of cushioning, protection, and grip for varied terrain.
• Usage Scenario: Versatile for everyday trail runs, mixed terrain, and beginners.
• Comparison: More balanced than specialized shoes like Hoka or Salomon, good for general use.
• Price: Around $130.
• Hydration Packs/Vests: Essential for carrying water, snacks, and other small items.
• Nathan VaporAir 2.0 7L Hydration Vest: Lightweight and comfortable, with multiple pockets for essentials.
• Usage Scenario: Medium to long trail runs where you need to carry water and nutrition.
• Comparison: More storage than a simple handheld bottle, less bulky than a full backpack.
• Price: Around $120.
• CamelBak Chase Bike Vest: While designed for biking, its compact size and hydration capacity make it great for shorter trail runs.
• Usage Scenario: Shorter trail runs or fast-paced hikes where minimal gear is needed.
• Comparison: Smaller capacity than the Nathan VaporAir, but very streamlined.
• Price: Approximately $85.

Hiking Essentials for Exploring the Great Outdoors

Hiking requires slightly different considerations, especially for longer treks or more challenging terrain.

• Hiking Boots/Shoes: Depending on the terrain, you might opt for lightweight hiking shoes or sturdy boots.
• Merrell Moab 3 Mid Waterproof: A classic for a reason, offering comfort, support, and waterproofing.
• Usage Scenario: Day hikes, light backpacking, and wet conditions.
• Comparison: More flexible than heavy-duty backpacking boots, more supportive than trail running shoes.
• Price: Around $145.
• Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid GTX: A more athletic option, providing excellent grip and stability for faster-paced hiking.
• Usage Scenario: Fast hiking, technical trails, and scrambling.
• Comparison: Lighter and more agile than the Merrell Moab, but still offers good protection.
• Price: Approximately $165.
• Backpacks: For carrying layers, food, water, and emergency supplies.
• Osprey Talon 22 (Men's) / Tempest 20 (Women's): Excellent day packs with comfortable suspension and smart organization.
• Usage Scenario: Day hikes, short overnight trips, and general outdoor adventures.
• Comparison: More features and comfort than basic school backpacks, but not designed for multi-day backpacking.
• Price: Around $140.
• Trekking Poles: Reduce strain on your knees, improve balance, and provide extra propulsion.
• Black Diamond Trail Ergo Cork Trekking Poles: Durable, comfortable cork grips, and easy adjustability.
• Usage Scenario: Steep ascents/descents, long hikes, and uneven terrain.
• Comparison: More robust than basic aluminum poles, lighter than some heavy-duty expedition poles.
• Price: Approximately $140.

Water Sports for a Full Body Outdoor Workout

When the weather heats up, or if you just love being near the water, water sports offer a fantastic way to get fit outdoors. They engage different muscle groups, improve core strength, and provide a refreshing escape. Think paddleboarding, kayaking, and even open-water swimming.

Stand Up Paddleboarding SUP for Core Strength and Balance

SUP has exploded in popularity because it's accessible, offers a great full-body workout, and allows you to explore waterways from a unique perspective. It's excellent for core strength, balance, and endurance.

• Inflatable SUP Boards: These are incredibly convenient for storage and transport.
• Thurso Surf Waterwalker 132: A stable, versatile all-around board suitable for beginners and experienced paddlers. Comes with a complete package.
• Usage Scenario: Lakes, calm rivers, light ocean chop, yoga on the water.
• Comparison: More stable than narrower race boards, more portable than rigid boards.
• Price: Around $700-$800 (often includes paddle, pump, and bag).
• Red Paddle Co Ride 10'6": A premium inflatable SUP known for its stiffness, durability, and excellent glide.
• Usage Scenario: All-around paddling, touring, and even small waves.
• Comparison: Higher quality construction and performance than many budget inflatables, but at a higher price point.
• Price: Approximately $1,300-$1,500.
• Paddles: Adjustable paddles are great for sharing or finding your perfect length.
• Aqua-Bound Malta Carbon Paddle: Lightweight and efficient, reducing fatigue on longer paddles.
• Usage Scenario: All types of SUP paddling, especially for those seeking performance.
• Comparison: Lighter and stiffer than aluminum or fiberglass paddles, improving stroke efficiency.
• Price: Around $200-$300.

Kayaking for Upper Body and Core Engagement

Kayaking offers a fantastic upper body and core workout, allowing you to explore coastlines, rivers, and lakes. It can be a serene solo activity or a fun group adventure.

• Recreational Kayaks: Stable and easy to maneuver, perfect for beginners.
• Perception Swifty Deluxe 9.5: A popular choice for its stability, comfort, and affordability.
• Usage Scenario: Calm lakes, slow-moving rivers, and sheltered bays.
• Comparison: More stable than touring kayaks, less maneuverable than whitewater kayaks.
• Price: Around $450-$550.
• Wilderness Systems Pungo 120: Offers a great balance of speed, stability, and comfort for longer paddles.
• Usage Scenario: Longer day trips, exploring larger bodies of water, and fishing.
• Comparison: Faster and tracks better than the Swifty, with more storage.
• Price: Approximately $1,000-$1,200.
• Inflatable Kayaks: Like SUPs, these offer portability and easy storage.
• Intex Explorer K2 Kayak: A very affordable option for casual paddling, often comes as a complete set.
• Usage Scenario: Occasional use on calm water, great for families or beginners on a budget.
• Comparison: Less durable and performs less well than rigid kayaks, but unbeatable for portability and price.
• Price: Around $100-$150.

Outdoor Group Fitness and Adventure Sports for Community and Thrills

Sometimes, working out with others or pushing your limits with an adrenaline rush is what you need. Outdoor group fitness classes and adventure sports are gaining traction, offering unique ways to stay active and build community.

Outdoor Bootcamps and HIIT for High Intensity Training

Many gyms and personal trainers are taking their high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and bootcamp classes outdoors. Parks, beaches, and open fields become your gym, utilizing natural obstacles and bodyweight exercises. This trend offers a dynamic workout, often with a strong sense of camaraderie.

• No specific product recommendations here, as these are typically class-based.
• Usage Scenario: For those who thrive in a group setting, enjoy varied workouts, and want to push their limits.
• Comparison: More varied and engaging than indoor gym classes, with the added benefit of fresh air.
• Price: Varies widely by location and instructor, typically $15-$30 per class or monthly membership.

Rock Climbing and Bouldering for Strength and Problem Solving

Outdoor rock climbing and bouldering are fantastic for building upper body strength, core stability, and problem-solving skills. It's a full-body workout that also challenges your mind and builds confidence.

• Climbing Shoes: Essential for grip and precision on the rock.
• La Sportiva Tarantulace: A popular beginner-friendly shoe, comfortable and durable.
• Usage Scenario: Outdoor bouldering, sport climbing, and multi-pitch routes for beginners.
• Comparison: More comfortable and less aggressive than advanced climbing shoes, great for longer sessions.
• Price: Around $90-$100.
• Scarpa Instinct VS: A more aggressive, high-performance shoe for experienced climbers.
• Usage Scenario: Overhanging routes, technical bouldering, and precise footwork.
• Comparison: Stiffer and more downturned than beginner shoes, offering superior edging and heel hooking.
• Price: Approximately $180-$200.
• Harness (for roped climbing): Essential safety equipment.
• Petzl Corax: A versatile, comfortable, and adjustable harness suitable for various climbing styles.
• Usage Scenario: Sport climbing, trad climbing, and gym climbing.
• Comparison: More padded and comfortable than minimalist harnesses, but not as lightweight for alpine climbing.
• Price: Around $70-$80.
• Crash Pad (for bouldering): Provides a safe landing zone.
• Metolius Session Crash Pad: A good balance of size, durability, and cushioning.
• Usage Scenario: Outdoor bouldering, protecting falls from moderate heights.
• Comparison: More portable than larger pads, but offers less coverage.
• Price: Approximately $180-$200.

Mindful Movement Outdoors for Holistic Well-being

Beyond high-intensity workouts, many are turning to outdoor spaces for more mindful forms of exercise. These trends focus on connecting with nature, reducing stress, and improving flexibility and mental clarity.

Outdoor Yoga and Pilates for Flexibility and Calm

Taking your yoga or Pilates practice outdoors adds an extra layer of sensory experience. The sounds of nature, fresh air, and natural light can deepen your practice and enhance relaxation. Many studios offer outdoor classes in parks or on beaches.

• Yoga Mats for Outdoor Use: You'll want something durable and easy to clean.
• Manduka PROlite Yoga Mat: Known for its durability, density, and grip, even on uneven surfaces.
• Usage Scenario: Outdoor yoga classes, practicing in parks, or on slightly rougher ground.
• Comparison: More robust than standard studio mats, but heavier than travel mats.
• Price: Around $90-$100.
• Gaiam Premium Reversible Yoga Mat: A more affordable option that still offers good cushioning and grip.
• Usage Scenario: Casual outdoor practice, beginners.
• Comparison: Lighter and less expensive than Manduka, but may not last as long with heavy outdoor use.
• Price: Approximately $30-$40.
• Yoga Towels: Great for absorbing sweat and providing extra grip, especially in humid conditions.
• Yogitoes Skidless Yoga Towel: Features silicone nubs to prevent slipping.
• Usage Scenario: Hot yoga outdoors, sweaty practices, or adding a clean layer over a shared mat.
• Comparison: Superior grip to regular towels, but requires washing after each use.
• Price: Around $60-$70.

Forest Bathing Shinrin Yoku for Stress Reduction

Originating in Japan, Shinrin-yoku, or 'forest bathing,' isn't about exercise in the traditional sense, but rather about mindfully immersing yourself in the atmosphere of the forest. It's a powerful practice for stress reduction, mood improvement, and boosting your immune system. While it doesn't require specific gear, comfortable walking shoes and appropriate clothing are key.

• Comfortable Walking Shoes:
• Allbirds Tree Dashers: Known for their comfort, breathability, and sustainable materials.
• Usage Scenario: Gentle walks in nature, urban strolls, and everyday wear.
• Comparison: More casual and less supportive than dedicated hiking shoes, but extremely comfortable for light activity.
• Price: Around $135.
• Lightweight Jacket: For changing weather conditions.
• Patagonia Houdini Jacket: Ultra-lightweight, wind-resistant, and packable.
• Usage Scenario: Protection from light wind and drizzle during walks or as an emergency layer.
• Comparison: More breathable than a full rain jacket, but less waterproof.
• Price: Approximately $100-$110.

Urban Outdoor Fitness for City Dwellers

You don't need to escape to the wilderness to enjoy outdoor fitness. Cities offer plenty of opportunities to get active, and new trends are making urban outdoor workouts more accessible and engaging.

Parkour and Urban Calisthenics for Strength and Agility

Parkour and urban calisthenics transform city landscapes into a giant playground. These activities focus on bodyweight strength, agility, balance, and overcoming obstacles. They're incredibly challenging and rewarding, building functional strength and mental resilience.

• Minimalist Shoes: For better ground feel and grip.
• Vibram FiveFingers KSO EVO: Offers excellent grip and a barefoot feel, ideal for precise movements.
• Usage Scenario: Parkour, calisthenics, and general functional training where ground feedback is important.
• Comparison: Provides more dexterity than traditional shoes, but offers minimal cushioning.
• Price: Around $100-$120.
• Merrell Vapor Glove 6: A more traditional-looking minimalist shoe with good grip and flexibility.
• Usage Scenario: Similar to FiveFingers, but with a more conventional aesthetic.
• Comparison: Less extreme barefoot feel than FiveFingers, but still very flexible and lightweight.
• Price: Approximately $90-$100.
• Resistance Bands: For warm-ups, cool-downs, and adding resistance to bodyweight exercises.
• Rogue Fitness Monster Bands: Durable and versatile, available in various resistance levels.
• Usage Scenario: Assisted pull-ups, resistance push-ups, stretching, and mobility work.
• Comparison: Higher quality and more durable than many generic resistance bands.
• Price: $10-$50 per band, depending on resistance.

Outdoor Cycling and E-Biking for Exploration and Commuting

Cycling remains a perennial favorite, but the rise of e-bikes has opened up outdoor cycling to a wider audience. Whether you're hitting mountain bike trails, cruising city streets, or commuting, cycling offers a fantastic cardio workout and a way to explore your surroundings.

• Mountain Bikes: For off-road adventures.
• Specialized Fuse Comp 29: A capable hardtail mountain bike, great for trail riding and building skills.
• Usage Scenario: Singletrack trails, cross-country riding, and general off-road fun.
• Comparison: More affordable and lower maintenance than full-suspension bikes, but less forgiving on rough terrain.
• Price: Around $1,800-$2,200.
• E-Bikes: For assisted pedaling, making hills easier and commutes faster.
• Rad Power Bikes RadCity 5 Plus: A popular commuter e-bike with good range and practical features.
• Usage Scenario: Commuting, running errands, and recreational rides where you want assistance.
• Comparison: More powerful and feature-rich than entry-level e-bikes, but not as lightweight or high-performance as premium models.
• Price: Approximately $1,800-$2,000.
• Trek Verve+ 2 Lowstep: A comfortable and reliable e-bike for casual rides and light commuting.
• Usage Scenario: Leisurely rides, paved paths, and light hills.
• Comparison: More integrated design and smoother ride than some budget e-bikes.
• Price: Around $2,500-$2,800.
• Helmets: Non-negotiable for safety.
• Giro Caden MIPS Helmet: Stylish, comfortable, and features MIPS technology for enhanced safety.
• Usage Scenario: Urban commuting, casual rides, and road cycling.
• Comparison: Offers better protection than basic helmets, with good ventilation.
• Price: Around $80-$100.

Outdoor Fitness Technology and Gadgets for Enhanced Performance

Technology continues to enhance our outdoor fitness experiences, from tracking performance to ensuring safety. These gadgets can motivate you, help you navigate, and even keep you connected.

GPS Smartwatches for Tracking and Navigation

GPS smartwatches are indispensable for outdoor athletes, offering detailed tracking of distance, pace, elevation, heart rate, and even navigation features.

• Garmin Fenix 7 Series: A top-tier multisport GPS watch with robust features, long battery life, and advanced metrics.
• Usage Scenario: Trail running, hiking, cycling, swimming, and any outdoor adventure where detailed data and navigation are crucial.
• Comparison: More rugged and feature-rich than Apple Watch or Fitbit, with superior battery life for multi-day activities.
• Price: Starting around $700, can go up to $1,000+ for sapphire solar models.
• Coros Pace 3: An excellent value option, offering accurate GPS, good battery life, and essential running/multisport features.
• Usage Scenario: Running, cycling, and general fitness tracking for those who want performance without the premium price tag.
• Comparison: More focused on core running/multisport features than the Fenix, but still very capable.
• Price: Approximately $230.

Portable Power Banks for Keeping Devices Charged

When you're out in nature, keeping your phone or GPS watch charged is vital, especially for safety and navigation.

• Anker PowerCore III Sense 10K: A compact and reliable power bank with enough capacity for multiple phone charges.
• Usage Scenario: Day hikes, camping trips, and any outdoor activity where you need to recharge small electronics.
• Comparison: More portable than larger power stations, but less capacity.
• Price: Around $30-$40.

Action Cameras for Capturing Your Adventures

Documenting your outdoor fitness journey is part of the fun, and action cameras are built to withstand the elements and capture dynamic footage.

• GoPro HERO12 Black: The latest iteration offers incredible image stabilization, high-resolution video, and robust waterproofing.
• Usage Scenario: Mountain biking, surfing, kayaking, hiking, and any activity where you want POV footage.
• Comparison: Industry leader in action cameras, with a vast ecosystem of mounts and accessories.
• Price: Approximately $400-$450.
• DJI Osmo Action 4: A strong competitor to GoPro, known for its excellent low-light performance and magnetic quick-release mounting system.
• Usage Scenario: Similar to GoPro, particularly good for vlogging and low-light conditions.
• Comparison: Offers a different mounting system and often praised for color science and low-light capabilities.
• Price: Around $399.

So there you have it! A comprehensive look at some of the most exciting outdoor fitness trends to try this year. Whether you're a seasoned adventurer or just looking to add some fresh air to your routine, there's an outdoor activity and the perfect gear waiting for you. Get out there, explore, and enjoy the incredible benefits of exercising in nature!