ABOUT THE HIKR COLLECTIVE FAQs

WHAT IS THE HIKR COLLECTIVE?

The HIKR Collective is the community that surrounds, supports and helps shape HIKR.

It includes everyone who follows the journey, wears HIKR, sends us a message, joins a discussion, votes on an idea, suggests a name, shares an adventure or helps us see something from a different direction.

Through the Collective, we invite you behind the scenes of the brand. We might ask you to help choose between potential names, vote on a colour or graphic, influence how a range develops or tell us which idea you would most like to see brought to life.

Some HIKR ranges have been named with the help of the Collective. Other conversations have led to new product ideas and directions that we had not originally considered.

You do not need to be a designer or outdoor expert. Sometimes a single word, thought or piece of feedback is enough to change where an idea goes next.

HIKR may have started with us, but it should never be shaped by us alone.

TL;DR - It's nothing more than a friendly community of like-minded folk who are happy to chat, give feedback, explore and enjoy taking part in the HIKR Collective Challenge

DO I NEED TO SIGN UP TO BE PART OF THE COLLECTIVE?

No. You do not join the HIKR Collective. You are already part of it.

If you have followed us, bought something, sent us a message, answered a poll, suggested an idea, tagged us in an adventure or supported HIKR in any way, you are already in.

There is no membership fee, application form or minimum level of involvement. You can take part as much or as little as you like.

Some individual activities may ask for your email address, Instagram handle or entry details so that we can verify an entry, share your contribution or contact a winner. This does not change how being part of the Collective works.

TL;DR - There is nothing to sign up for. If you are here, you are already in.

HOW DOES THE COLLECTIVE HELP SHAPE HIKR?

We regularly invite the Collective into the creative process.

That could mean helping us:

  • Name a new range
  • Vote between a shortlist of ideas
  • Suggest alternative names or phrases
  • Choose between colours, graphics or print placements
  • Give feedback on early product concepts
  • Decide which ideas should be developed next
  • Suggest something completely new
  • Test selected products and provide real-world feedback

Not every HIKR decision will be put to a public vote. We will involve the Collective where your input can make a genuine difference, rather than creating a poll simply for the sake of engagement.

The aim is not to design every product by committee. It is to build a better and more interesting brand by listening to the people who will actually wear it.

TL;DR - The Collective can help influence names, products, graphics, colours and future HIKR ideas.

WHERE DO COLLECTIVE DISCUSSIONS & VOTES TAKE PLACE?

Most Collective discussions currently take place through the @wearehikr Instagram Account - either as posts or stories.

Instagram allow us to share early ideas, run quick polls, ask open questions and receive suggestions directly from the community. It is often where potential range names, new product directions and unexpected ideas begin to develop.

Larger votes, announcements and projects may also be shared through the HIKR website or by email.

You do not have to respond to every discussion. Join the conversations that interest you and leave the others for someone else in the Collective.

Fancy taking part, drop us a follow @wearehikr.

TL;DR — Most discussions and votes happen through the @wearehikr Instagram Stories.

DO I NEED ANY EXPERIENCE TO CONTRIBUTE?

Not at all.

You do not need to be a designer, athlete, photographer, experienced hiker or outdoor expert. The Collective is made up of people with different experiences, interests and ways of exploring.

Sometimes the most useful contribution is a simple reaction. You might notice the perfect name, explain why one option feels stronger or spot something that we have completely overlooked.

Adventure means different things to different people, and the HIKR Collective should reflect that.

TL;DR - No experience is needed. A simple thought or suggestion could change the direction of an idea.

NAMES, IDEAS & HIKR LEGENDS FAQs

CAN I SUGGEST A NAME FOR A HIKR RANGE?

Absolutely.

Naming product ranges is one of the main ways the Collective can help shape HIKR. We may share an early product or range concept and ask the community to help us find the right name.

Sometimes we will provide a shortlist and ask you to vote. Other times, we may open the discussion completely and invite original suggestions.

A strong name can help define the feeling, story and direction of an entire range. It can influence everything from the finished graphics to the way the collection is presented.

You can submit a name when we ask for ideas through Instagram Stories, or send us a suggestion directly through our contact form.

We cannot promise that every name will be used, but every genuine suggestion will be considered.

TL;DR — Yes. Look out for naming discussions on Instagram or send your suggestion directly to us.

CAN I SEND HIKR A COMPLETELY NEW IDEA?

Yes. Some of the best ideas begin with something we had not considered.

You are welcome to suggest a product, phrase, range name, graphic direction, community project, challenge idea or anything else you believe would suit HIKR.

The Collective will often help us develop ideas that are already in progress, but we are equally open to unexpected inspiration from the community.

Your suggestion does not need to be a finished design or detailed business proposal. A message explaining the idea and why you think it belongs within HIKR is enough.

TL;DR — Original ideas are always welcome, even if they are only a rough thought at this stage.

HOW ARE COLLECTIVE NAMES AND IDEAS CHOSEN?

There is no single selection process for every HIKR idea.

Sometimes the Collective will vote between a final shortlist. Sometimes one suggestion will immediately feel right. On other occasions, several responses may lead us towards a completely new name or direction.

When making the final decision, we may consider:

  • How well the idea fits HIKR
  • Whether it connects with the story of the range
  • How original and memorable it feels
  • Whether the name is already in use
  • Whether it can work across several products
  • The response from the wider Collective
  • Whether it is practical for us to produce or develop

Where possible, we will explain how the final idea was chosen and what role the Collective played in shaping it.

TL;DR - Votes matter, but originality, availability, practicality and the overall fit with HIKR matter too.

WHAT HAPPENS IF MY NAME OR IDEA IS CHOSEN?

First, we will contact you to let you know.

The way we recognise your contribution will depend on how significantly it has shaped the finished idea. This could include:

  • A public thank-you
  • Credit within the story of the range
  • Your name or Instagram handle inside the garment label
  • A place in the Hall of HIKR Legends
  • At least one item from the finished range

Before publishing your name or handle, we will confirm how you would like to be credited. You may choose to use your full name, first name, social handle or remain anonymous.

Not every chosen suggestion will receive exactly the same recognition. A small piece of feedback and an idea that inspires an entire range are different types of contribution, and we will try to acknowledge each fairly.

TL;DR - Significant contributions may be credited on the product, added to the Hall of HIKR Legends and rewarded with an item from the range.

I'VE HEARD I CAN HAVE MY NAME IMMORTALISED. IS THIS TRUE?

Yes - it's true! We regularly post new ideas and ask for feedback on our Instagram page – including asking you, the collective to help us name ranges. If your idea becomes the range name, we'll add your name (or Instagram handle) into the label of each item of clothing from that range so everyone knows you are a part of it. You'll also get a free bit of kit from that range as a thanks too!

WHAT MAKES SOMEONE A HIKR LEGEND?

A HIKR Legend is someone whose contribution leaves a lasting mark on the brand.

That might be someone who:

  • Names a range
  • Inspires a finished product
  • Suggests a completely new HIKR idea
  • Changes the direction of an existing concept
  • Makes another significant contribution to the HIKR story

Becoming a HIKR Legend is not based on follower numbers, how much money someone has spent or how often they respond to our Stories.

It is about the impact of the contribution.

HIKR Legends may be permanently credited on a product, included in the Hall of HIKR Legends or receive at least one item from the range they helped create.

TL;DR — A HIKR Legend is someone whose idea or contribution becomes a lasting part of the brand.

WHAT IF MORE THAN ONE PERSON SUGGESTS THE SAME IDEA?

It is possible for similar names or ideas to be suggested independently by more than one person.

Where this happens, we will review when and how the suggestions were received and whether one contribution had a particularly clear influence on the finished result.

Sometimes an idea may also develop from a wider conversation rather than one individual suggestion. In those cases, it may be more appropriate to credit the Collective as a whole.

We will always try to handle shared or similar contributions fairly, but submitting a suggestion does not automatically guarantee individual credit or ownership of the final idea.

TL;DR - Similar suggestions may be shared by several people, and recognition will be handled as fairly as possible.

WILL EVERY PRODUCT BE DESIGNED BY THE COLLECTIVE?

No. HIKR will continue to create and develop its own products, designs and ideas.

Some ranges may involve several stages of Collective input. Others may be created almost entirely within HIKR and shared only when they are ready.

The role of the Collective is to influence the journey where your input can add something meaningful. That may mean helping to name a range, selecting between two directions or turning a small conversation into a completely new product.


We do not want to ask the community to vote on every detail. The Collective should help make HIKR better by joining the journey at the moments where your ideas, feedback and perspective can genuinely help shape what comes next.

TL;DR - The Collective helps shape HIKR, but not every product or decision will be put to a vote.

THE HIKR COLLECTIVE CHALLENGE FAQs

WHAT IS THE HIKR COLLECTIVE CHALLENGE?

The HIKR Collective Challenge follows the journey of HIKR flags as they are taken out into the world by the community.

Your adventure does not need to involve an enormous mountain or a faraway country. It could be a coastal walk, a trail run, a camping trip, a local summit, a road trip or somewhere completely unexpected.

The idea is simple: give yourself another reason to get outside, enjoy the places around you and take HIKR along for the ride. Every entry becomes part of a shared journey, helping us discover new places, celebrate different kinds of adventure and build a little friendly competition along the way.

Throughout the challenge, entries will be shared, added to the leaderboards and considered for several end-of-year prize categories.

The challenge is part of the wider HIKR Collective, but taking part is completely optional. Everyone is already part of the Collective — the flag challenge is simply another way to get involved.

TL;DR — A fun, friendly competition designed to get us all outside, exploring more and sharing the journey together — with a few prizes waiting at the end.

HOW DO I TAKE PART IN THE HIKR COLLECTIVE CHALLENGE?

Take your HIKR flag somewhere, photograph it as part of your adventure and share the image with us.

You can:

  • Tag @wearehikr in an Instagram Story or post
  • Send the photograph to us through Instagram
  • Email it to us direct if you do not use Instagram

Please include the location and any useful information about the adventure. For certain categories, we may also ask for evidence of distance, elevation or the date the photograph was taken.

Eligible entries will be shared through our official Instagram Stories and may be added to the challenge leaderboards.

TL;DR - Photograph your HIKR flag on an adventure, tag or message @wearehikr and tell us where it was taken.

HOW DO I GET MY FLAG?

HIKR flags will be included free with orders during the initial launch period, while promotional stock is available.

After the initial release, additional flags will be made available separately at or close to cost price.

The flag is not intended to be a high-margin product. It exists to become part of your adventures and connect everyone taking part in the challenge.

You only need one flag. The same flag can be taken on as many adventures as you like, over multiple years - the flag design may change year after year - but yours will always be valid.

TL;DR - Initial orders will receive a free flag while stocks last, with additional flags planned at cost price.

CAN I ENTER MORE THAN ONCE?

Yes. You can submit as many genuine adventures as you like. In fact, we encourage more than one entry!

Each new location or adventure can count as a separate entry. The more you take part, the more opportunities you have to:

  • Appear on the leaderboards
  • Be featured by HIKR
  • Reach the Community Favourite shortlist
  • Compete in the Most Shared Flag category
  • Build the story of your flag’s journey

Posting repeatedly from exactly the same location will not necessarily count as several separate adventures. We are looking for genuine journeys, experiences and memorable places.

TL;DR — There is no fixed entry limit. More genuine adventures mean more chances to appear and compete.

WHAT COUNTS AS A VALID ENTRY?

A valid entry should clearly show a genuine HIKR flag as part of a real adventure, journey or memorable location.

The flag does not need to fill the photograph, and you do not personally need to appear in the image. We simply need to be able to recognise the flag and understand where the photograph was taken.

For categories based on height or distance, we may ask for supporting information such as:

  • A location
  • A map reference
  • A route record
  • An elevation reading
  • Travel information
  • The date the image was taken

Normal photo adjustments such as cropping, exposure and colour correction are fine. Digitally placing the flag into a location where it was not genuinely photographed would not count.

TL;DR - The photograph must show a real HIKR flag in a genuine location.

WILL EVERY ENTRY BE SHARED?

Our intention is to share every valid entry through the official HIKR Instagram Stories.

There may occasionally be a delay if several entries arrive together, but we will do our best to make sure everyone gets their moment.

We may choose not to share an entry if:

  • The flag cannot be clearly identified
  • We do not have permission to publish the image
  • The content is offensive or unsuitable
  • The location appears to have been accessed illegally
  • The photograph promotes dangerous or environmentally damaging behaviour
  • The entry does not appear to be genuine

Being shared does not automatically mean that an entry has reached the shortlist or won a prize.

TL;DR - We aim to share every valid entry, but sharing does not automatically mean shortlisting.

HOW DOES THE COMMUNITY VOTE WORK?

Every eligible Community Favourite entry will be shared through the official @wearehikr Instagram Stories.

The likes recorded on our Story will count towards the voting total. Likes received on your own original post are appreciated but will not be included in the official count.

The five entries receiving the most Story likes during the published voting period will progress to the Community Favourite shortlist.

Those five shortlisted entries will then move forward to the final Collective vote. The final voting method and closing date will be clearly explained before voting opens.

We may review the process as the Collective grows, but we will not change the rules halfway through an active voting month.

TL;DR - Every entry is shared, Story likes decide the top five, and the top five move into the final vote.

WHAT ARE THE PRIZE CATEGORIES AND PRIZES?

The Collective Challenge is designed to celebrate different kinds of adventure rather than finding one overall winner.

The planned categories include:

FURTHEST TRAVELLED

For the HIKR flag that travels furthest from HIKR HQ as the crow flies.

HIGHEST LOCATION

For the entry photographed at the greatest elevation.

MOST UNEXPECTED SPOT

For the strangest, funniest or most surprising genuine location.

MOST SHARED FLAG

For the person who takes part and shares their flag across the greatest number of genuine adventures.

COMMUNITY FAVOURITE

Chosen with the help of the wider HIKR Collective through the official voting process.

The main prizes will be awarded at the end of the challenge year. Exact prize details will be announced separately before the winners are selected.

We may also offer smaller rewards, features or discount codes throughout the challenge.

If any additional categories are introduced, the eligibility and judging process will be clearly explained.

TL;DR - There are several ways to win, with the main category prizes awarded at the end of the challenge year.

WHAT IF I'M NOT ON INSTAGRAM OR MY PROFILE IS PRIVATE?

You can still take part.

If your Instagram profile is private, tagging us may not always allow us to see or share your post. Send the photograph directly to @wearehikr instead.

If you do not use Instagram, submit your entry through the contact form on the HIKR website.

Please include:

  • Your name
  • The location
  • The date of the adventure
  • A short description
  • How you would like to be credited

To include your entry in the public Community Favourite process, we will need permission to share the image through our Instagram Stories.

You can choose to be credited using your name, first name, social handle or anonymously.

TL;DR - Private and non-Instagram entries are welcome; send the image directly or use the website form.

ARE THERE ANY SAFETY OR ENVIRONMENTAL RULES?

No photograph, leaderboard position or prize is worth putting yourself, another person or the landscape at risk.

Please:

  • Follow local rules and guidance
  • Stay on permitted routes
  • Respect private land
  • Check weather and trail conditions
  • Avoid restricted or dangerous areas
  • Take the flag home with you
  • Leave the location as you found it
  • Avoid disturbing wildlife
  • Follow leave-no-trace principles

Entries showing reckless, illegal or environmentally damaging behaviour will not be shared or included in the challenge.

HIKR celebrates adventure, but adventure should always come with respect for the land and the people around you.

TL;DR - Explore responsibly, respect the landscape and never take unnecessary risks for an entry.

CAN HIKR USE MY PHOTOGRAPH?

By submitting an entry, you are giving HIKR permission to repost it in connection with the HIKR Collective and Collective Challenge.

This may include:

  • Instagram Stories
  • Social media posts
  • The HIKR website
  • Challenge leaderboards
  • Email updates
  • End-of-year challenge recaps
  • Future promotion of the Collective Challenge

You will continue to own your photograph. We will credit you wherever reasonably possible using the details you provide.

We will not sell your photograph as a separate product or transfer ownership of it without contacting you and receiving further permission.

Please make sure you have permission from anyone clearly identifiable in the photograph before submitting it.

TL;DR - You keep ownership, but you give HIKR permission to share the image as part of the Collective Challenge.

INSTAGRAM AND THE HIKR COLLECTIVE

WILL THE WAY WE USE INSTAGRAM CHANGE IN THE FUTURE?

Honestly - It may.

Instagram currently works well for quick discussions, suggestions, polls and Challenge entries, but the Collective may eventually grow beyond what Stories can comfortably manage.

In the future, we may introduce:

  • Dedicated voting pages on the HIKR website
  • Longer website-based discussions
  • Email voting
  • Separate submission forms
  • Member testing panels
  • New ways to share and develop Collective ideas

Any changes will be made to improve accessibility, fairness or the overall experience.

For official votes and competitions, the process will always be explained before voting begins. We will not change the rules part way through an active voting round.

The Collective may also be invited to help shape the methods we use in the future.

TL;DR - Instagram is our main platform for now, but the way the Collective communicates and votes may evolve as HIKR grows.

WHY DO WE USE INSTAGRAM STORIES FOR COLLECTIVE CHALLENGE VOTING?

Instagram Stories currently give us the simplest way to share every eligible Challenge entry with the wider Collective.

Sharing entries through the official @wearehikr account means they can be presented from one central place rather than relying on the reach or follower count of each person entering.

Story likes also provide a quick and familiar way for the community to support an entry without completing a separate voting form.

Using Stories allows us to:

  • Share every valid entry through the same account
  • Give each entry a clear voting opportunity
  • Avoid judging entries by the size of someone’s personal following
  • Keep voting easy and accessible
  • Allow the wider Collective to discover every adventure
  • Use the most-liked entries to create the final shortlist

Only likes received on the official HIKR Story will count towards the shortlist. Likes on the entrant’s original post are always appreciated but will not be included in the official total.

TL;DR - Stories give us one central place to share entries and offer the Collective a simple way to help create the shortlist, and being honest - it is the easiest and simplest option available at the moment.

WHY DOES SO MUCH OF THE HIKR COLLECTIVE HAPPEN ON INSTAGRAM?

Instagram is currently the easiest place for us to have quick, open conversations with the HIKR community.

Through @wearehikr, we can share ideas while they are still developing, ask questions, run polls, compare possible directions and receive direct feedback without requiring anyone to create a separate account or complete a lengthy form.

It allows the Collective to take part in the everyday development of HIKR rather than only seeing products once every decision has already been made.

Instagram is where we may ask you to:

  • Help name a new range
  • Vote between shortlisted ideas
  • Choose between colours, graphics or product directions
  • Suggest words, phrases or completely new concepts
  • Give honest feedback on something we are developing
  • Take part in the Collective Challenge both with submissions and also voting
  • Discover new products, projects and opportunities
  • Respond to ideas that may eventually become part of HIKR

Not everything will happen through Instagram forever, but right now it gives us the most direct way to involve the Collective in the journey.

TL;DR - Instagram is currently the main place where we share ideas, ask questions and invite the Collective behind the scenes of HIKR - mainly due to ease.

WHAT HAPPENS ON HIKR INSTAGRAM STORIES?

Our Instagram Stories are where many of the day-to-day Collective conversations take place.

We may use Stories to share early concepts, ask for honest opinions, run naming discussions, compare possible graphics, announce new projects or invite suggestions from the community.

Some Stories will include a simple poll. Others may use question boxes, reactions or direct messages to collect more detailed ideas.

You might see:

  • Early product concepts
  • Potential names for future ranges
  • Alternative colourways or graphics
  • Shortlists created from Collective suggestions
  • Community questions and open discussions
  • Collective Challenge entries
  • Voting rounds and final shortlists
  • Updates on ideas the Collective has helped shape
  • Opportunities to test products or get involved further

You do not need to respond to everything. Join the discussions that interest you and simply follow along with the rest.

TL;DR - Stories are where we share work in progress, collect suggestions, run polls and keep the Collective involved in what happens next.

DO I NEED INSTAGRAM TO BE PART OF THE COLLECTIVE?

No.

You do not need an Instagram account to be part of the HIKR Collective. There is no formal sign-up, platform requirement or minimum level of participation.

Instagram is currently our main place for quick discussions and live community input, so using it will make it easier to see and respond to more opportunities as they happen.

However, you can still:

  • Follow the wider HIKR journey through the website
  • Send ideas through our contact form
  • Submit Collective Challenge entries directly
  • Contact us with feedback or suggestions
  • Take part in opportunities that are made available outside Instagram

As HIKR grows, more discussions, votes and projects may also move onto the website or be shared through email.

TL;DR - Instagram makes it easier to join live discussions, but you do not need it to be part of the Collective.

WHAT IF MY INSTAGRAM PROFILE IS PRIVATE?

You can still take part in Collective discussions and the Collective Challenge.

A private profile may prevent us from seeing a Story or post in which you have tagged @wearehikr, even if the tag has been added correctly.

To make sure we receive it, send the post, photograph or suggestion directly to us through Instagram messages.

For Collective Challenge entries, please include the location, date and any useful information about the adventure. We may also ask for permission to repost the image through the official HIKR account.

Your profile does not need to be made public, and you can choose whether we credit your name, Instagram handle or keep your entry anonymous.

TL;DR - Private profiles are welcome; send anything important directly to @wearehikr so we do not miss it.

WILL EVERYTHING BE DECIDED THROUGH INSTAGRAM?

No.

Instagram helps us gather quick feedback and understand what the Collective connects with, but it will not determine every HIKR decision.

Some polls will allow the Collective to make the final choice. Others will help us narrow down a shortlist, test an idea or understand which direction feels strongest.

We may also need to consider:

  • Whether a name is legally and practically available
  • Whether a product can be manufactured successfully
  • Whether an idea fits the wider HIKR brand
  • Cost, quality and sustainability
  • Feedback from product testing
  • The long-term direction of a range

Whenever possible, we will make it clear whether a poll represents a final decision or is helping us explore the options.

TL;DR - Instagram helps shape HIKR, but practical, creative and production decisions still need to be considered.

WE THINK WE'VE GOT EVERYTHING COVERED

But if there's something you want to know which we havent mentioned or you just want to say Hi - drop us a message below.

GIVE US A SHOUT