Gear Up For A Summer Spent Outdoors with The Hike Life x Zalando

To celebrate the launch of Zalando's summer sportswear and outdoor clothing campaign, Irish Tatler spoke with Roz Purcell to find out more about what movement means for her and The Hike Life x Zalando edit.

Pre-pandemic, the pace of life had a way of keeping our heads down and our heart rates high, but over the last two years, many of us have found a new appreciation for being in nature.

According to research by the Central Statistics Office (CSO) examining how the health emergency recast peoples’ relationship with the great outdoors, more than half of the respondents reported spending more time out of the house than they used to, even if it was just going for a short walk. The study also found that one in three people took up new outdoor activities such as sea-swimming, cycling and hiking, the majority feeling healthier and happier as a result.

Good timing then, that online shopping destination Zalando has released its latest collection of sportswear and outdoor clothing for summer. Roz Purcell, three time bestselling cookery author, entrepreneur, and founder of The Hike Life has curated an edit that has inspiration for every outdoor adventure that comes your way this summer.

What inspired you to start The Hike Life?

"The Hike Life community started completely organically. On my own social pages, I shared a lot about my hiking adventures. When I would share an image out hiking, people would say “ I wish I had someone to hike with” or “I would love to hike but I’m afraid to get lost”. I got comments like these so often I decided to just put out an open invitation to my next hike so people could follow me on the trail and that’s how the events and community really began."

Why is hiking important to you?

"I grew up on a mountain so that was my garden and safe space. I guess the older I’ve grown I can now look back and realise hiking was always something I naturally went off to do when I felt sad or stressed because I knew I would come back from the hike a little more at ease and would have been able to process whatever I was feeling or thinking about. Hiking has helped me in becoming comfortable alone and finding calmness when I feel overwhelmed. It obviously has other great benefits like fitness, getting incredible views and exploration, but those come second to how it makes me feel."

What was the motivation behind creating a

hiking edit with Zalando?

"With so many leading sports brands and styles in one place, Zalando has quickly become a favourite for outdoor enthusiasts like me. I love that they have an online hub dedicated to sports, with inspirational and educational content that opens up the world of hiking to all – whether you're new to the hills or conquering mountain tops every week. With a positive approach that highlights the emotional, mental, social and physical rewards of movement, it felt like a natural fit for The Hike Life to contribute a curated edit featuring reputable hiking brands and functional (but fun) styles for everyone."

Gear aside, what are your other hiking essentials?

"I love photography so I would have to say my drone, canon camera and iPhone. I also swear by wearing SPF100 hiking even in Ireland and of course, my homemade energy bars. "