When one thinks of a long-distance hiker, often the image of a bronzed, Patagonia-clad athlete with bulging quads comes to mind; perched no doubt on a rocky summit in the White Mountains. And that’s fair enough because that’s the image we’ve all been served. But in reality, my reality anyway, the muscles are more akin to marshmallow fluff, the bronze patina is a shade of working-class pale, and the rocky summit is the first step off the parking lot curb. As for Patagonia? Well, it just doesn’t fit.
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A lesson in futility.
If you are a person of “fluffy” stature, you will probably agree with me when I say shopping for clothes sucks. It is to be avoided at all costs because it is not a pleasurable experience. Trying to cram a size 3X backside into an XL pair of hiking tights hoping the manufacturer was generous with the spandex, is an exercise in futility. Much as is flipping through countless clothes racks to come up empty handed time and time again. And when you do find something that fits, it’s in an ungodly color or pattern. Seriously, do clothing manufacturers save their scrap material for big folks? I don’t want a pair of yoga pants in a neon Hibiscus pattern. For the love of all things holy, why can’t I just get blue?
The crosshairs of targeted marketing.
I believe the lack of plus-size clothing in the outdoor industry has simply been due to manufacturers’ targeted audiences. Until very recently you didn’t see advertisements featuring fluffy folks on trails, mountains, ski slopes or engaging in any other athletic endeavor. That doesn’t mean we weren’t there. We were just at the back of the pack, quite literally. Mass marketing doesn’t target the back of the pack because it doesn’t represent the perceived majority (bulging quads on outcrops). A larger audience = a larger revenue opportunity. It really is a numbers game. To keep fluffy folks happy clothing manufacturers will throw us a bone, usually in the form of Hibiscus print yoga pants.
The good news – times are a changing.
There is nothing worse than stereotypes, and nothing better than seeing them shattered. Advertisers are starting to open their eyes, and thereby their markets to include folks of all sizes, shapes, and backgrounds. Why the change? Because enough people have decided that the back of the pack isn’t good enough.
I started this website, Peaks4Pounds, because I believe the outdoors has something for all of us. I believe you can do whatever you put your heart to. It may take a little longer than other folks, but we can make our way up that trail, over that mountain, one step at a time.
Outdoor clothing companies are starting to get it. Some big-name brands are realizing that fat people go outside. We hike, climb mountains, ride bikes. Holy crap, we exist! And we are a much larger (no pun intended) portion of the market than one might think.
Brands that are becoming more size inclusive.
While shopping for plus-size outdoor apparel may still feel like assembling Frankenstein’s hiker, there is hope. I have been quite pleased with the gear I have acquired for my thru-hike thus far. Some of my favorite outfitters include:
Outdoor Research
One company that seems to understand the need for quality plus-size attire is Outdoor Research. Based in Seatle Washington, Outdoor Research was founded as a result of research-led problem solving. From the very beginning, Outdoor Research has been committed to making gear better, more durable, and now more inclusive for plus-size adventurers.
I was quite pleased to find plus-size apparel at Outdoor Research in sizes ranging up to 4X. Two items of clothing that I was most concerned about for my Appalachian Trail thru-hike were a puffy jacket and rain gear. I was very pleased to discover Outdoor Research’s Aspire II Gortex rain collection, and their SuperStrand LT puffy. Available in sizes up to 4X, these items are lightweight and pack down nicely.
Smartwool
If comfy had a name, it would be Smartwool. Founded in 1994 in Steamboat Colorado, Smartwool is probably most famous for their performance Merino wool ski socks. In fact, they invented them. Like Outdoor Research, Smartwool was born with a mission – to improve outdoor gear through the innovative use of Merino wool.
Merino wool is incredibly soft, insulating, moisture-wicking and odor resistant. It is the key component in most of Smartwool’s products. Today, in addition to their pioneering socks, Smartwool offers excellent base layers, hats, gloves, and an extensive collection of apparel for outdoor enthusiasts.
I refer to Smartwool as my “comfy clothes” and am thrilled with my Smartwool Classic Thermal Merino Base Layer Bottoms and Classic Thermal Merino Base Layer Quarter-Zip Top, both of which are offered in sizes up to 4X.
REI Co-op (Recreational Equipment, Inc.)
REI has been my go-to retailer for researching and selecting quality gear and apparel. REI has been around since 1938 and is celebrated as a leader in the outdoor industry. Catering to a wide range of outdoor sports, REI offers high-quality camping, hiking, biking, climbing, and snow sports gear – just to name a few.
In addition to offering size inclusive brands such as Outdoor Research and Smartwool, they have a nice selection of plus-size REI brand apparel as well. One of my favorite REI purchases has been the REI-Co-op Activator 3.0 hiking pants. They are super comfy, lightweight, breathable and they repel water. These stretchy hiking pants are available in sizes up to 3X.
I also purchased my HOKA Speedgoat 5 GTX trail-running shoes through REI. With their 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed policy for members, I was able to select three different pairs of shoes before settling on the HOKA Speedgoats. The other two pairs were returned, no questions asked. REI’s return policy on most items is good for one year from the date of purchase. This really enabled me to order a variety of items with confidence, knowing that I could just return what I didn’t want for a full refund.
As a member-owned co-op, REI does not have shareholders. Instead, its members earn annual dividends on select purchases made throughout the year. This can really add up, especially if you are planning a thru-hike!
I would like to note that REI also rents gear. So, if you have a particular piece of equipment you are interested in but aren’t ready to make the investment, chances are you can test drive it through your local REI store.
Duluth Trading Company
When you hear Duluth Trading, it’s easy to imagine snarky advertisements featuring men’s boxer briefs, but Duluth Trading is so much more. In fact, they are a great retailer for plus-size apparel. I have about worn out my favorite pair of Duluth Trading hiking shorts.
It’s not just about clothing, we need gear that fits.
It’s great that outdoor clothing retailers and manufacturers are expanding their collections to include fluffy folks, but what about gear companies? It’s no fun squeezing a “traditional” sized backpack hip belt into place and holding your breath as you hike 10 miles uphill. I’m happy to report there is progress being made amongst gear companies as well.
Osprey
Based in Colorado, Osprey is one of the most recognized names in the backpacking industry. Crafting some of the world’s highest quality backpacks for nearly five decades, Osprey celebrates diversity and subscribes to the belief that outdoor adventure is for everyone.
Osprey recently launched their Extended Fit collection which offers larger folks the same comfort and performance of standard size packs. They sent me a Tempest 20 EF daypack to try out, and I have to say it is one of the most comfortable packs I have ever had on my back! The hip belt is extremely generous, fitting waists up to 70 inches. It makes a wonderful pack for long day hikes, climbs, snowshoeing, or even a travel pack. Osprey’s Extended Fit collection also features full-size packs up to 65L.
Gregory
Like Osprey, Gregory is a child of the 70’s. Based in Salt Lake City Utah, this company is all about making adventure possible for everyone. As with Osprey, they have recently developed a line of plus-size backpacks ranging from 16L day packs to 65L expedition backpacks.
ULA Equipment
Another Utah-based company, ULA Equipment is a leader in the ultra-light backpacking industry. Winner of The Trek 2022 Best Gear of the Year Award, the ULA Circuit is a favorite amongst PCT thru-hikers. This is the backpack that I have selected for my 2024 Appalachian Trail thru-hike. I chose the ULA Circuit because it is lightweight (just over two pounds), comfortable, and has an extended size hip belt which is removable. If you lose weight, or gain it, you can remove the hip belt and replace it with one of a different size. At 68L the ULA Circuit is perfect for a long-distance trek.
Shout it from the mountains – we’re going somewhere!
While plus-size outdoor gear and apparel may still seem a little hard to come by, there are options available, and retailers who recognize the needs of fluffy hikers. We may still need to piece together our gear from different manufacturers to create Frankenstein’s hiker, but the good news is that the outdoor industry is alive with change right now. The retailers are listening to new voices – our voices. We need to keep talking – keep shouting! It’s time to go outside and have an adventure. Join a hiking club. Blow up social media with your pictures and videos. Don’t settle for the back of the pack, set your eyes on the summit. Maybe book that trip to Patagonia. Insist on the blue!
