Everything You Need for Hiking in Taiwan — Your One-Stop Street for Outdoor Gear.
Common Hiking Challenges for International Travelers
As an international traveler planning to hike in Taiwan, have you faced these struggles?
Luggage Restrictions
Flying to Taiwan with hiking gear can be difficult:
- Weight limits: Airlines restrict how much you can pack, making it hard to bring all your hiking gear.
- Bulky items: Sleeping bags and jackets take up valuable space.
- Prohibited items: Gas canisters and fuel are not allowed on planes.
- Limited luggage space: You’d rather save room for souvenirs and other essentials.
Forgot Something Important?
Many travelers realize after arriving that they’ve forgotten gear or still need something:
- Essential items like a headlamp, trekking poles, or warm layers are missing
- Their gear isn’t suited to Taiwan’s humid, rainy mountain conditions
- They didn’t plan to hike at first, but changed their mind after arriving — and didn’t bring any gear.
Looking for Local Trail Food & Gear
- You don’t want to carry bulky snacks or freeze-dried meals from home.
- You want to buy fresh trail food locally to ensure quality and taste.
- You’re open to trying something new — like Taiwanese gear brands or local trail food.
Zhongshan North Road: Taipei’s Outdoor Gear Street
Good news — you don’t have to search all over the city for hiking gear!
Just a 3-minute walk from MRT Taipei Main Station (Exit M7) takes you to Zhongshan North Road Section 1, a street packed with outdoor gear stores. In just a few hundred meters, you’ll find over 5 major outdoor shops, offering everything from hiking boots to backpacking tents.
Even better? The staff are experienced with Taiwan’s mountain conditions and can recommend the right gear for your adventure.
Top reasons to buy hiking gear in Zhongshan North Road:
- Super convenient location: Right next to Taipei Main Station.
- Multiple stores: Easy to compare prices and products.
- Expert staff: Store teams know Taiwan’s trails and offer practical local advice.
- Complete selection: Everything from GORE-TEX jackets to stoves and trail food.
- Emergency shopping: Perfect for last-minute gear needs
How to Get There
MRT Taipei Main Station (Blue Line & Red Line) Exit M7, then walk 3 minutes to reach Zhongshan North Road Section 1.
Outdoor Gear Stores Near Taipei Main Station
Ting San Iou (登山友)
Taiwan’s Oldest Outdoor Store
Founded in 1959, Ting San Iou is one of Taiwan’s most established outdoor retailers. It carries top global brands like SCARPA, LEKI, Karrimor, Houdini, and Arc’teryx, covering everything from technical climbing gear to camping stoves.
They operate 3 specialty stores on Zhongshan North Road, each focusing on different gear:
- Outdoor Gear & Camping Store: No. 20, Section 1, Zhongshan N. Rd.
- Houdini & Arc’teryx Store: No. 18, Section 1, Zhongshan N. Rd.
- Climbing & Apparel Store: No. 22, Section 1, Zhongshan N. Rd.
Hours:
- Mon–Sat: 12:00–21:30
- Sun: 12:00–18:00
TPSS (台北山水)
Staffed by Real Outdoor Adventurers
Founded in 1982, TPSS is known for its experienced staff who are active outdoor lovers themselves. They understand Taiwan’s mountains and climate and can guide both beginners and pros in selecting the right gear.
TPSS carries 100+ global brands, including MAMMUT, Fjällräven, OSPREY, Gregory, Arc’teryx, MSR, LOWA, and Montbell. Camping lovers can also find Snow Peak, HELINOX, OGAWA, and IKIKI here.
Three shops on Zhongshan N. Rd.:
- TPSS Apparel Store: No. 6-1, Section 1, Zhongshan N. Rd.
- TPSS Gear Store I: No. 12, Section 1, Zhongshan N. Rd.
- TPSS Gear Store II: No. 2, Section 1, Zhongshan N. Rd.
Hours:
- Mon–Sat: 12:30–21:30
- Sun: 12:30–18:00 (TPSS Equipment Store II is closed on Sundays)
Four Seasons Feather (四季羽毛)
Performance Clothing Experts
A top spot for GORE-TEX outerwear, down jackets, fleece mid-layers, moisture-wicking base layers, and travel-friendly clothing. They also carry Taiwan’s functional outdoor brand Windland.
Address: No. 30, Section 1, Zhongshan N. Rd.
Hours: Daily 10:00–21:00
Free Time Gears (墾趣)
Style Meets Function
Perfect for outdoor travelers who value both performance and design. Brands include icebreaker, MONTURA, Klättermusen, AKU, FIZAN, Alchemy Equipment, and BUFF—all known for high-quality, eco-conscious gear.Address: No. 6, Section 1, Zhongshan N. Rd.
Address: No. 6, Section 1, Zhongshan N. Rd.
Hours: Daily 12:00–21:00
Metro Oasis (城市綠洲)
Budget-Friendly Outdoor & Travel Essentials
Metro Oasis features gear for hiking, camping, cycling, skiing, snorkeling, and travel. They also carry their own brand Adisi, along with international favorites.
Address: No. 21, Section 1, Zhongshan N. Rd.
Hours:
- Mon–Sat: 11:00–21:00
- Sun: 11:00–18:30
Quick Comparison: Outdoor Stores on Zhongshan North Road
Store Name | Specialty | Address | Hours |
Ting San Iou – Outdoor Gear & Camping | Hiking and camping gear | No. 20, Sec. 1, Zhongshan N. Rd. | Mon–Sat: 12:00–21:30 Sun: 12:00–18:00 |
Ting San Iou – Houdini & Arc’teryx | Branded performance outerwear | No. 18, Sec. 1, Zhongshan N. Rd. | Mon–Sat: 12:00–21:30 Sun: 12:00–18:00 |
Ting San Iou – Climbing & Apparel | Technical climbing gear and clothing | No. 22, Sec. 1, Zhongshan N. Rd. | Mon–Sat: 12:00–21:30 Sun: 12:00–18:00 |
TPSS – Apparel Store | Hiking and outdoor clothing | No. 6-1, Sec. 1, Zhongshan N. Rd. | Mon–Sat: 12:30–21:30 Sun: 12:30–18:00 |
TPSS – Gear Store I | Packs, gear, and hiking essentials | No. 12, Sec. 1, Zhongshan N. Rd. | Mon–Sat: 12:30–21:30 Sun: 12:30–18:00 |
TPSS – Gear Store II | Extra gear and technical equipment | No. 2, Sec. 1, Zhongshan N. Rd. | Mon–Sat: 12:30–21:30 Sun: Closed |
Four Seasons Feather | Functional outdoor apparel (GORE-TEX, fleece, base layers…) | No. 30, Sec. 1, Zhongshan N. Rd. | Daily: 10:00–21:00 |
Free Time Gears | Stylish, high-performance outdoor gear | No. 6, Sec. 1, Zhongshan N. Rd. | Daily: 12:00–21:30 |
Metro Oasis | Outdoor (hiking, camping, cycling, skiing, snorkeling…) and travel gear | No. 21, Sec. 1, Zhongshan N. Rd. | Mon–Sat: 11:00–21:00 Sun: 11:00–18:30 |
Real Talk: My Go-To Outdoor Stores in Taipei
Here’s where I personally go and why — based on years of hiking in Taiwan’s mountains.
🎒 Backpacks, Trail Food, and Hiking Gear — Ting San Iou & TPSS
For backpacks, cookware, freeze-dried meals, energy bars, or hiking gear, I usually head to Ting San Iou or TPSS. Both stores have extensive selections and knowledgeable staff with real mountain experience who can provide professional advice based on your needs – trail difficulty, trip duration, pack weight, and budget.
💰 Clearance deals & Bargain Hunting — Four Seasons Feather
Four Seasons Feather is my favorite spot for “treasure hunting.” You can occasionally find functional clothing on clearance at great prices.
They also carry Windland, a Taiwanese outdoor brand which offers more affordable pricing.
💰 Budget-Friendly Outdoor Gear — Metro Oasis
Metro Oasis has their own brand, Adisi.
When I first started hiking 15 years ago, I wasn’t ready to invest in big-name “prehistoric animal” brands like Mammut or Arc’teryx. So I picked up an Adisi base layer and hiking pants.
After 15 years of various hikes — long and short trips — they’re still going strong! Just a bit of wear and tear, no holes.
If you’re looking for affordable, high-value outdoor clothing, Metro Oasis is definitely worth checking out.
🥾 Hiking Boots — Free Time Gears
As for hiking boots, I go to Free Time Gears, since I’m used to wearing AKU, and more recently LOWA — both of which are stocked at this store.
This street isn’t just for shopping — it’s your first step toward unforgettable hikes in Taiwan.
Top Hiking Trails to Try in Taipei
Just getting started? Here are some excellent hikes in Taipei — ranging from easy strolls to adventurous climbs. Take your pick!
Jiantan Mountain Trail
A short, beginner-friendly hike right next to Jiantan MRT. Features a plane-watching spot and great night views of Taipei. Perfect to visit around sunset or in the evening. Just a few minutes’ walk to Shilin Night Market for post-hike street food.
Battleship Rock Trail (Junjianyan)
Famous for its battleship-shaped rock formations and sweeping views of northern Taipei. Easily accessible from Beitou, so you can unwind in the nearby hot springs or explore the Beitou market after your hike.
Jinmian Mountain Trail
A moderately challenging trail with panoramic city views and a fun rock scramble section (no technical gear needed). A perfect mix of adventure and scenery, just a short MRT ride from central Taipei.
Stegosaurus Ridge Trail
Nicknamed the “King of Taipei’s Suburban Mountains,” this thrilling ridge hike features dramatic exposed ridgelines and epic coastal views. A must for hikers seeking a challenge and unforgettable landscapes near the north coast.
More Taipei Trail Guides Coming Soon ~
What are the prices like, comparative to North America, specifically Canada?
If you’re looking for European or American outdoor brands like Arc’teryx or Mammut, you’ll probably find better deals during sales at REI due to Taiwan’s import taxes.
However, these shops do carry Taiwanese local brands of comparable quality that are often much more affordable than their international counterparts. You can tell your requirement to the shop staff, and they can offer suitable suggestions.
For example, weeks ago at the one of the stores, the staff recommended a duck down-filled sleeping bag to me. (Temperature: 5°C ~ -10°C / FP800+ / 890g) The price is NT$6930. While it might not be as light as the big brands like Sxx to Sxxxxxx, it perfectly met my recent hiking needs in terms of weight, warmth, and of course price.
Locally produced gear can rival or surpass equivalent offerings from international brands in specs, features, and pricing. There will be some odd trade-offs though, e.g. Keepon relatively high-end sleeping bags featuring 850FP+ down that is not DWR treated – I guess they are marketing to mountain hut and not tarp sleepers.
What’s more interesting is that some of the store employees genuinely know a lot of insider information due to being involved in the production/testing of outdoor apparel. A year or so ago I heard at no/W (a boutique ultralight store in Taipei) that Nanga sleeping bags are actually around 800-900FP, far above the 770FP advertised. Obviously it should be slightly above the stated rating, but that’s quite a lot more. There is a discrepancy between how FP is measured in the US and and EU, and apparently also in JP.
Thanks for sharing such insightful info! Julian. Totally agree — some locally made gear here in Taiwan can really hold its own (or even outperform) well-known international brands, especially when it comes to value and innovation.