Five years ago, I spent a fortnight solo walking and wild camping along St Olav\u2019s Way<\/a>, a pilgrimage trail in Norway. I walked more than 160 miles, camping on hilltops and in sleepy woodlands, wearing leggings I\u2019d bought at the supermarket, tops from a high street retailer and a cheap ill-fitting men\u2019s waterproof. You might presume I was unprepared, but the reality is I couldn\u2019t find suitable outdoor clothing to fit my size-20 body. <\/p> As I developed a love of long-distance trails, I discovered the limits of these items \u2013 my clothes were heavy and bulky, the only jacket that fitted me was uncomfortable and not very waterproof, and my layers weren\u2019t quick-drying or breathable. This didn\u2019t stop me from getting outdoors, but it made it uncomfortable and more challenging. <\/p> Over the next few years I began to connect with other UK-based plus-size outdoors enthusiasts over social media, and inspired by groups such as Unlikely Hikers<\/a> in the US, five of us decided it was time to try and create change within the UK outdoor industry. <\/p> The problems aren\u2019t limited to clothing either \u2013 there are similar issues with rucksacks, climbing harnesses, personal flotation devices and sleeping bags.<\/p><\/blockquote> In January 2022, with little more than a vague plan, we created Every Body Outdoors<\/a> (EBO), bought a domain name and set up an Instagram profile. The response was overwhelming, from plussize hikers, cyclists, paddleboarders, climbers, kayakers and more, all struggling to find the clothing and kit they needed to do these activities comfortably and safely. <\/p> While EBO was set up by women, it was clear that larger men were facing a lot of the same issues accessing gear, confirming that our work needed to span across genders. The problems aren\u2019t limited to clothing either \u2013 there are similar issues with rucksacks, climbing harnesses, personal flotation devices and sleeping bags. <\/p> As well as appropriate gear, people spoke about other barriers faced when getting outdoors, including common incidents where people were left behind by group leaders or made to feel unwelcome by other participants, and the widespread issue with judgemental comments or verbal abuse from others in the outdoor community. <\/p> As our community grew, it became clear there was a need for physical spaces where people in larger bodies could gain skills and confidence in the outdoors. This led to the creation of hill skills courses specifically for plus-size people, and training up the first group of regional volunteers to run local walks around the UK. <\/p> The aim is to increase the training offering, too, to create more safe and supportive spaces for plus-size people.<\/p><\/blockquote> These courses and walking groups have proved incredibly popular. \u201cThis was a lifechanging experience,\u201d one participant shared: \u201cI felt so empowered at the end of the weekend, like I could take on anything.\u201d <\/p> There are now 11 EBO groups<\/a> across the UK, from north and east Scotland to south-west England, with plans to start more groups in other areas of the country. <\/p> Over the coming years, the aim is to increase the training offering, too, to create more safe and supportive spaces for plus-size people. On the EBO Instagram and Facebook pages there is representation of larger bodies taking part in outdoor activities, kit reviews of plussize clothing, and a private Facebook group where the EBO community can ask for advice and share their experiences.<\/p> Members regularly share what a difference the group has made to them; how they\u2019ve tried a new activity because they\u2019ve seen someone do it on EBO social media, how they feel more comfortable with their body since seeing others who look like them, and how they felt more confident advocating for their needs. <\/p> You don\u2019t need expensive gear to get started \u2013 a waterproof jacket and boots are a great place to start. For entry-level items, Craghoppers<\/a> offers up to a size 24, Regatta<\/a> up to a size 26 (5XL) and Mountain Warehouse<\/a> to a size 32 (5XL). <\/p> The majority of more technical clothing stops at a size 16\u201318, but several companies \u2013 such as Patagonia<\/a>, Sprayway<\/a>, Alpkit<\/a> and Mountain Equipment<\/a> \u2013 offer options in a size 20. <\/p> US-based brand Outdoor Research<\/a> is now stocked in a few UK online outlets, including Vampire Outdoors<\/a> and Valley and Peak<\/a>, offering technical clothing up to a 4X (UK size 30). <\/p> Most plus-size clothing is only available online and sizes can vary hugely between brands, so using a tape measure is vital to find the right size. <\/p>![\"every](\"https:\/\/c02.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/47\/2024\/07\/plus_size_1.jpg\")
Learning new skills <\/h3>
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How to find the right outdoor kit:<\/h2>
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