Increasing diversity and inclusivity within the realm of outdoor recreation requires a multifaceted approach—supporting outdoor-focused BIPOC organizations and outdoor athletes are two direct ways to go about it, and REI thinks that reexamining its approach to gear can be another. Putting this to the test, the iconic Seattle retailer has collaborated with Outdoor Afro, a nonprofit that celebrates Black connections and leadership in nature to release an all-new hike capsule that will be the first drop in the multi-launch collection.
Avaialble today, the REI x Outdoor Afro collaboration currently includes 22 pieces of apparel and gear, including fleece, jackets, pants, packs, and more.
Outdoor Afro CEO and Founder Rue Mapp has always had one mission: to tell a new story about the outdoors and inspire and celebrate Black joy in nature. With the new collection, Mapp and REI wanted to understand and solve the unmet needs of the Black community when it came to outdoor experiences. Equipment and apparel have always been an issue for Black folks, which is why the Outdoor Afro x REI collab is so significant.