Making the Great Outdoors Great for Everyone | Men’s Journal

American Trails does just that, partnering with local organizations and companies to provide databases of trail information. Certain organizations can provide even more specialized information; for instance, Nature for All has a trail directory of hikes with Braille signage and guide ropes for those who are blind or visually impaired. And the info isn’t just for the benefit of those living with disabilities. It’s a way to bring us all together. “Simply put, there’s no greater statement of social acceptance than being asked to recreate together as a friend, peer, or colleague,” Passo says.

New equipment is making that possible. Take, for example, Outdoors for All, an organization that began in the late 1970s that helped people with disabilities ski. It’s since expanded to cycling, yoga, stand-up paddleboard, kayaking, rock climbing, hiking—nearly all outdoor activities. “The organization started with the idea that everyone counts,” says Ed Bronson, executive director of the Seattle-based group. Outdoors for All has a fleet of 250 adaptive cycles, and helps people bike or trike, sometimes for the first time in their lives. “It’s not just a benefit for the person with the disability, but for anyone else working with them,” Bronson says, “There’s a reciprocity of service. It’s so all of us, with and without disabilities, can be out and be active.”

Research outdoor outfitters to understand their values

Some outdoor outfitters are using their brands for good, such as more than 100-year-old Eddie Bauer. The company’s namesake, with his wife Stine, “were the commensurate outdoor people of their time,” Kristen Elliott says. They had an egalitarian view of the wilderness, teaching people where to find trails, and what they’d need for safety and success. They outfitted the community in high-quality outdoor gear and created “a community gathering place for people with outdoor experiences who wanted to share them,” Elliott says. “The Bauers made sure you had the gear you needed and knew the best places to adventure.”