Modern life is increasingly online鈥攂ut that doesn鈥檛 mean you have to be. One of the best ways to honor your interests and community while getting out in the world is by supporting local shops that do the same.
Activewear brands in particular tend to draw a committed audience. After all, when your clothes, shoes, and gear support your active pursuits, you tend to develop a strong connection to the companies that make them. Brands are leveraging that strength of connection鈥攁nd the collective spirit it inspires鈥攊n the best way, creating physical spaces for enthusiasts to meet up, learn, and do more of what they love.
Those who usually get their miles in solo can benefit from a bit of camaraderie and friendly competition. Independent running brand has locations in Boston, New York, and London, all of which serve as meeting places for regular runs, with weekly speed sessions taking off at local tracks. Brooklyn-based run brand takes a similar approach, with runs that begin at the buzzy brand鈥檚 Greenpoint store each Saturday.
Cyclists, meanwhile, pedal in packs from Clubhouses. The cycling company has hubs all around the world (we鈥檙e talking more than 20 cities), each hosting rides, races, and events. Between biking excursions, there鈥檚 coffee and food from the cafe, or, you know, the actual shopping.
Hybrid brand (RMU) has made community-building its business model. RMU鈥檚 locations in Whistler, Breckenridge, and Truckee feature a combination of ski and mountain biking gear鈥攎aking getting on the mountain possible in more ways than one鈥攁long with food and drink. Live music, game nights, group rides, and more provide various opportunities to connect.
For women and femme-identifying people in the ski space, Colorado鈥檚 is worthy of note. Founded by Olympian Kiley McKinnon, the ski and outdoor-wear brand boasts its own (Halfdays Chalet) for quick connections. When you鈥檙e ready to take your new friendships offline, gatherings, ski meetups, fitness classes, and more await. And finally, ladies who hike should be talking about , a Brooklyn-based outdoor clothing brand with a Hike Club attached. Take it outside with women-led day hikes and events in NYC, Texas, Colorado, California, and Oregon.
Who knew that your favorite outdoor brands were also peddling new friends?
This piece first appeared in the summer 2025 print issue of 国产吃瓜黑料 Magazine. Subscribe now for early access to our most captivating storytelling, stunning photography, and deeply reported features on the biggest issues facing the outdoor world.