When Wai Tsui's Hiking Patrol first appeared in our Instagram feeds back in 2019, the menswear landscape looked very different. Salomon sneakers in the pub still felt like a relatively bold move rather than the default setting, and "gorpcore" was still just a tongue-in-cheek term tossed around by fashion journos.
The function-meets-fashion aesthetic that now feels so familiar was still in its infancy, but by showcasing outdoor gear from a tightly curated, design-led perspective, Hiking Patrol became one of the first in a small wave of digital moodboards that helped shape what followed.
Today, Hiking Patrol exists not only as an online platform, but a full-scale clothing brand too. We spoke to Wai about his influences, favourite designs, and creating garments for those who care as much about function as form.
What do you feel is Hiking Patrol’s USP?
Hiking Patrol exists at the meeting point between the outdoors and everyday life. The brand bridges functionality with lifestyle culture, creating products made for exploration yet guided by a sense of calm and purpose. Each piece reflects a studied balance – technical when required, understated when preferred – translating the language of the outdoors into something versatile and attuned to modern living. Grounded in accessibility, Hiking Patrol is committed to well-crafted, functional design that remains within reach, without ever compromising integrity or intent. Our work reflects how people move through the world today. Connected to nature, shaped by the city, and constantly in search of quiet within motion.
What does good design mean to you
Good design serves a clear function while remaining timeless. It’s rooted in honesty, in how materials are chosen, how forms are resolved, and how purpose is expressed. True design reveals itself through clarity rather than complexity; it feels intuitive, never forced. For us, it’s about finding equilibrium between utility and emotion, creating something that not only performs but also resonates on a personal level. Good design should feel calm and deliberate, something that quietly earns its place in your everyday life.
Biggest influence outside of fashion?
Architecture and the natural environment. Both teach restraint, proportion, and purpose – lessons that extend into how we approach design as a whole. Architecture informs our understanding of structure and balance, while furniture design inspires how we think about form, comfort, and longevity. Nature, on the other hand, reminds us of adaptability, endurance, and calm – qualities that exist in every line and silhouette we create. Together, they shape a language of design defined by honesty, simplicity, and quiet strength.
What object do you consider to be perfect?
The Swiss Army Knife. It embodies utility and versatility without compromise, a simple, durable tool that serves multiple functions. That idea of intelligent practicality is central to how we think about product design.
How does an idea become a Hiking Patrol product?
Every idea begins with a need or an observation drawn from real use, how people move through different environments and how function adapts to lifestyle. From there, our design team refines the concept through material innovation, proportion, and detail, ensuring that every decision serves both purpose and emotion. The process is intuitive yet disciplined, guided by a deep respect for functionality and form. Over time, an idea evolves into something tangible, a functional expression of our values and a continuation of our philosophy: tools for exploration.
Which current piece feels closest to Hiking Patrol's DNA?
Our Purple Down Jacket from the first release of Autumn/Winter 2024 feels closest to what Hiking Patrol stands for. It marked the transition from a platform to a brand, embodying our balance of functionality and quiet design. The curved and hidden zips reflect our attention to form and subtle detail design choices that serve both purpose and character. More than a technical piece, it symbolises how we see modern outdoor wear: versatile, calm, and built to endure beyond seasons.
Imagine Hiking Patrol 10 years from now
I see Hiking Patrol as a global platform, a brand that continues to evolve around the idea of exploration in its broadest sense. Beyond products, it will exist through experiences, spaces, and community, forming a connected ecosystem that reflects our way of seeing the world. The vision is to establish physical stores across key cities, environments that unite every category under one roof and allow people to step into the full universe of Hiking Patrol. As we grow, design integrity will remain our compass, guiding an ongoing dialogue between nature, culture, and utility. The journey forward is about expansion through intention, evolving without ever losing the calm, functional spirit that defines us.
Favourite non-Hiking Patrol piece?
I’ve collected Veilance jackets since 2013, and my favourite is the Field IS Jacket. It’s a masterclass in proportion and technical refinement, functional without feeling overdesigned. I’ve worn it for years, and it continues to perform while aging beautifully. What I appreciate most is its restraint, every detail serves a purpose. It reflects the same principles we value at Hiking Patrol, clarity, longevity, and quiet confidence in design.
One design trend you can’t stand?
The ongoing wave of collaborations made purely for visibility or sales. When partnerships lose intention, they dilute the authenticity of design. For me, collaboration should come from a shared language and a genuine exchange of ideas, not commercial timing. Purpose always outlasts hype.
Next up: OPUMO talks to Bergur Guðna of 66°North.
