REI Co-op and Outdoor Afro Are Celebrating Black Hikers With Their Apparel and Footwear Collection
Images: REI, Outdoor Afro Inc.
Whether we’d like to admit it or not, there’s a large diversity gap in outdoor spaces. Participation in nature activities tends to be predominantly white-leaning, with most outdoor apparel and equipment brands specifically targeting white audiences. While many people of color have been changing this pattern through community action and education (cough, Chicana in Nature, cough) the diversity gap in outdoor rec still looms large.
For the fall 2022 season, outfitter REI has partnered up with Outdoor Afro, a network of nature enthusiasts who share their passion for the outdoors through community hikes and recreation meetups, to create a full hiking wardobe collection. Outdoor Afro, which has meetup groups in 60 cities across the nation, celebrates black leadership in nature through their education, recreation, and wildlife conservation efforts.
“When I started doing this work, I uncovered so many facets of black joy in nature that I felt and I had a knowingness about,” says Rue Mapp, Outdoor Afro’s founder and CEO. “I knew that I didn’t see a lot of people out there who looked like me in the media—strong, beautiful, and free—in the outdoors. Outdoor Afro set about to curate a whole new reality that black people could see themselves in nature.”
“When I started doing this work, I uncovered so many facets of black joy in nature.”
The REI Co-op x Outdoor Afro collection offers a full four-season wardrobe in men’s and women’s stylings. The collab includes hiking boots, trail pants, leggings, t-shirts, fleece pullovers, shell jackets, and polo shirts. Orange, black, purple, yellow, turquoise, and teal make bold appearanced throughout, with large text graphics of ‘OUTDOOR AFRO’ sprinkled on a handful of pieces. The drop includes everything you need for a long hike, including bananas to keep you cool, water bottles to keep you hydrated, and day packs to keep all of your essentials in one place. Standout items include a colorblocked fanny pack and an exclusive Outdoor Afro x REI Co-op patch.
Check out the full promo video for collection below, where Mapp shares more about the inspiration behind Outdoor Afro and the company’s partnership with REI Co-op.
Where can I buy the ‘Made Together’ REI Co-op x Outdoor Afro Inc. collection?
The full REI Co-Op x Outdoor Afro Inc. apparel and footwear collection is available now over on the REI site. Accessory prices range from $7 USD to $60 USD, while women’s apparel styles range from $40 USD to $179 USD. The hiking boots ring up for $150 USD.
Click the button below to shop the collection!