Unlikely Hikers and Merrell Collaboration
SLING BAGS, LUMBAR PACKS AND HIKING BOOTS DESIGNED FOR HIKERS FROM historically underrepresented identities
September 6th, 2023
Resting after a walk on the territory of xučyun (Huichin), the original landscape of the Chochenyo-speaking Ohlone people, in Berkeley, CA, wearing the Merrell-Unlikely Hikers Collab Crest Lumbar Bag.
One of the most exciting aspects of being a plus-size outdoors-person is watching outdoor gear and clothing brands work with organizations that seek to uplift those with intersecting marginalized identities.
These collaborations signify a shift, or an acknowledgement of our presence and value. Seeing ourselves outdoors and knowing that brands see us in turn, feels validating.
This is on full display with Merrell’s collaboration with Unlikely Hikers, a community founded by Jenny Bruso that exists both online and in person to uplift and share the stories of those who love nature but are not viewed or displayed as “outdoorsy”-folks who are neurodivergent, fat and plus sized, BIPOC, and other historically underrepresented identities.
I remember finding Unlikely Hiker’s instagram in 2016 or 2017, when I was searching for images of other hikers and outdoors people who reflected my own experiences. I vividly remember scrolling through the images of people thriving outdoors, people I had never seen in outdoor brands advertisements, stores, or in the magazines highlighting athletes and stories of those deemed outdoorsy enough to be seen. Mere representation is not enough to undo oppression, but in those images I found my first hope that I wasn’t the only one fearlessly taking up space outdoors.
In Unlikely Hikers’ collection with Merrell, their values are fully on display with a line of size-inclusive t-shirts, two packs (a sling and a lumbar), a cap, and four versions of the new Moab 3’s in both men and women’s sizes.
The items come in a bright colorway of mint, oranges, and shades of purple that look like something between a desert sunset and the bright pop of wildflowers found on spring hikes.
I tested the boots, the lumbar bag, and the sling, and have found all of the items useful both on and off the trail. The logo, bearing the words, “My body took me here,” is emblazoned on all of the items, and wearing it proudly feels like a declaration to others, and a reminder to myself.
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CREST 1.5L LUMBAR PACK X UNLIKELY HIKERS
The Crest 1.5L Lumbar Pack from Merrell’s new collection was an outdoor item that I didn’t know I needed, and will now take with me on countless short hikes and walks on local trails. I have approximately a 42” waist and a 52” hip, and the lumbar pack fits comfortably, with room to spare, around my waist.
CREST 1.5L LUMBAR PACK X UNLIKELY HIKERS
Lumbar packs, or fanny packs as I’ve known them, are an item I have never been able to buy in store, as they mostly max out in length and don’t fit. I haven’t attempted to purchase one in years, and was excited at the comfortable and wide waistband that doesn’t cut or dig into me and my clothes as I walk. I also wear the lumbar pack as a sling bag across my wide shoulders and broad chest, and it fits comfortably and even looks stylish.
Close up on the features of the Unlikely Hikers Lumbar Pack.
Since it’s a lumbar pack, I would not use this as the primary bag on a hike where I need to carry a first aid kit, food, and other essential safety items. It is perfect for what it is though, with two pockets large enough to hold an iPhone 14 Pro, my wallet, chapstick, and keys. On a shorter day hike when carrying my Gregory Packs Arrio 22, I can also imagine wearing the lumbar pack, using it to easily access items that are small so I don’t have to reach around every time I want to take a picture.
The Merrell Lumbar pack has quickly turned into a daily accessory of mine, thrown across my shoulder on every dog walk, trip to the grocery store, and picnic in the park.
CREST 8L SLING X UNLIKELY HIKERS
The timing of testing the Crest 8L Sling bag was perfect for me. With the Crest Sling, there was no problem with the fit. I was pleasantly surprised to see that the straps had several inches to spare across the shoulder clip/sling. Much like the Crest Lumbar Pack, the Crest Sling sported wide shoulders and the same coated nylon ripstop and 420D polyester outer fabric that make the bag feel tough against potential abrasions against rocks and snags from tree limbs while I hike.
CREST 8L SLING X UNLIKELY HIKERS
The author hiking with the Unlikely Hikers sling bag.
The Crest Sling was the bag I needed at the right time. My Kavu bag, which I had been faithfully carrying as a daily bag and on shorter hikes and walks, finally ripped after years of use. I had been looking for the same Kavu in stores but only could find the smaller slings, which were not size inclusive and did not fit around my size 22 shoulders, back, and chest.
In fact, almost none of the slings in REI fit me comfortably, and most sit uncomfortably high on my chest. In contrast, the Crest Sling had no problem with fit. I was pleasantly surprised to see that the straps had several inches to spare and has wide shoulders.
The Merrell-Unlikely Hikers sling bag can fit a surprising amount. The author has fit a 24 oz collapsible bottle, notebook, snacks, pens, and even a Macbook Air.
The color palette on the Crest is the same as the sling as well; the mint green (called “Mist Green” on Merrell’s site) body against the bright orange stitching contrasts with the gray zippers in an attractive way that doesn’t seem like it would work but somehow looks cute while remaining functional.
The Crest bag is ambidextrous, meaning that the straps can be changed for right or left-handed use. There is also a strap that starts at the bottom corner of the bag, wrapping underneath the arms to meet and clip into the strap that wraps across the chest. This was a new feature for me, as I’ve not seen slings with an additional strap. After walking with it for two hours during a recent trip to the park, I recognized that the strap is intentional, providing extra compression and support to hold the bag closer to the body.
The Merrell Unlikely Hikers collab Sling bag is designed to fit comfortably over wide shoulders.
On that trip, I had stuffed the bag to its limits, carrying a 24 oz collapsible bottle, a small notebook, and lots of snacks and pens. I didn’t feel any weight at all with the extra strap, and found that without it was almost just as comfortable. On other trips, I have also carried a small Macbook Air, but that takes some maneuvering and the bag is not intended to carry big loads as it’s only 8L.
The bag and shoulders on the Crest Sling are also padded and foam-lined, allowing for a breathable cushion which I will be using as I hike and walk through the summer months.
I highly recommend the Crest Sling for shorter hikes and walks, and it’s an excellent daily use bag that is small and low profile while remaining large enough to carry the essentials.
In partnership with Unlikely Hikers, it’s also likely the most size-inclusive sling bag available in stores, making it easier for those who have been left out of the simple joy of buying a hiking bag in a store.
MERRELL MOAB 3 UNLIKELY HIKER EDITION
I have loved the Moab 1’s for years, and the Moab 3 boots have proven to be an excellent update. The Unlikely Hikers edition, which I tested, is an attractive colorway that also signifies Merrell’s partnership with Jenny Bruso and Unlikely Hiker’s mission–to amplify the message that all bodies and all people belong outside and deserve to feel safe and seen. For beginners and seasoned hikers alike, the Moab 3s provide a comfortable and secure walking experience with little to no break in time.
MERRELL MOAB 3 UNLIKELY HIKER EDITION
MEN'S
WOMEN'S
The Merrell Moab 3 Unlikely Hikers edition comes with the words "My body took me here" and is available as mid-height hiking boots or low-top hiking shoes.
I have tested the Moab 3 Unlikely Hiker’s edition on hard-packed, late season snow, mud, and on dry trails. They’ve crossed streams, been dunked in small ponds, and have slogged the rough slush.
The author hiking in the snow in early summer in the Merrell Moab 3.
I first wore them in early June in the Mammoth Mountain area of the Eastern Sierras, only several months after the largest snowfall on record. I also took them hiking in Grand Teton National Park. The cushioning is excellent on these boots, providing a stable and secure ride when navigating flat walking trails as well as rocky inclines.
The Merrell Moab 3 has no break-in time in our experience, which means you can get started hiking sooner.
For those who have worn Moab 2s over the years, the differences in fit are almost imperceptible, but I did find them to feel generally more roomy than my first Moabs. This extra room did not leave me feeling like my foot was loose or unsupported though, and should work well for most hikers.
I review the Unlikely Hikers model in my full in-depth review of the Merrell Moab 3.
WHY YOU SHOULD TRUST US / ABOUT THE AUTHOR
I am a hiker who believes that all bodies and identities deserve to find themselves outside. I have worked and lived in outdoor education and program spaces, leading backpacking and camping trips for young people who have logged hundreds of miles over the years. The Sea to Summit Trail, sections of the Pacific Crest Trail, the Lost Coast Trail, and others have all been navigated by myself and my old Moabs. I also have previous ankle and toe injuries, making my feet sensitive to boots and shoes that offer low arch and ankle support. With these injuries and my experience, I am intentional about the footwear I choose to wear and recommend.
You can read all my Treeline Review articles on my author page.
