What Tariffs Mean For Hike & Dine Events

What’s Going On In The World & How It Affects Us as a Hiking Community

Hey Hike & Dine Tribe…

With everything going on lately in the news—tariffs, changes in national park policies, and retail shifts like Amazon canceling orders—I wanted to take a minute to break things down and show how it all connects to us as a hiking and dining group. Whether you hike once a month or every weekend, this stuff will impact our experiences, budgets, and even the kind of adventures we’re able to plan.

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1. NEW 125% TARIFF ON CHINESE IMPORTS

As of April 9, 2025, the Trump administration announced a 125% tariff on imports from China. This is a huge increase—and it’s especially important to us because:

• A lot of hiking gear, tech, and outdoor wear is made in China (think: boots, hiking poles, jackets, water bottles, first aid kits, etc.).

• These tariffs raise the prices of those goods before they even reach stores.

WHAT THIS MEANS FOR US:

• Prices on Amazon and other major retailers will likely go way up soon, especially for items we’ve come to rely on for affordable, quality gear while hiking.

• Those who are new to hiking might be priced out of getting started.

• Group supplies (like emergency kits, bug nets, and even some giveaways) may become more expensive, which affects what we can offer.

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2. AMAZON CANCELLING ORDERS FROM CHINA

In response to the tariff hikes, Amazon has started cancelling merchandise orders from China. This affects a big chunk of the gear we often buy because:

• Amazon is one of the few places where hiking equipment has been affordable, fast-shipping, and reliable.

• With canceled shipments, certain items may become less available, more expensive, or delayed.

WHAT THIS MEANS FOR US:

• We might have to start recommending different brands or shops.

• Bulk-buying or gear swaps within our group could become a smart move (like a “gear exchange day”).

• We may see an increase in counterfeit or knockoff gear trying to fill the gap—safety matters, so we’ll need to vet more carefully.

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3. TRUMP’S NATIONAL PARK STRATEGY & PUBLIC LAND CUTS

Aside from tariffs, there’s also concern about how public lands and national parks might be treated under Trump’s policies. Here’s what we’ve seen and what might come back:

• Major budget cuts to the National Park Service (NPS) and workforce layoffs (1,000+ NPS jobs lost already).

• Proposals to sell off or lease public land to private entities—meaning less access for everyday people.

• Environmental rollbacks that reduce protections for forests and open up areas to development or deforestation.

• Past government shutdowns under Trump left parks open but without rangers, trash services, or bathroom access.

WHAT THIS MEANS FOR US:

• Trips we plan to places like Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Zion National Park, or other national parks & forests could be cancelled or affected by closures.

• Safety could become a concern if services are unavailable.

• We may have to pivot to more state parks or local hidden gems if federal lands become unstable.

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4. WHAT WE CAN EXPECT AS A GROUP

Based on what’s happening, here are a few realistic expectations:

• Gear will get more expensive, especially imported gear.

• Some group events may need adjustments, depending on closures, pricing, or availability of supplies.

• National park trips may require extra planning, permits, or alternative sites.

• We may need to support one another more—sharing gear, carpooling, bringing snacks, etc.

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5. HOW WE’LL KEEP MOVING FORWARD

Despite these challenges, Hike & Dine was built on adaptability and creativity. So here’s how we’re going to thrive through this:

• Hosting more local hikes in Michigan’s beautiful state parks

• Launching gear swap or resale events for those who need equipment if things begin to get unrealistic

• Starting a resource list with recommended non-China brands or U.S.-made gear

• Communicating as early as possible about any possible changes to trips or events

• Engaging in collaborations with local businesses to keep costs low and support the community

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We will ALWAYS keep doing what we love—hiking, dining, and vibing—no matter what changes come, but it’s important that we stay aware and support each other as these national decisions affect our community in real ways.

If you have questions, thoughts, or ideas on how we can adjust, feel free to reply or DM me or LeLe directly.

We’re in this together.

Much love and WE WILL SEE YOU ON THE TRAILS!