The great outdoors is a space for all, yet the reality is that outdoor gear often excludes those who don't fit the 'average' size mold. This exclusion is what sparked a revolution in the hiking world, led by two determined women from Rutland, Vermont.
In 2019, Kara Hardman and Arwen Turner embarked on a journey to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, but their adventure was almost thwarted by a lack of suitable plus-size hiking gear. Frustrated by the limited options, they decided to take matters into their own hands and create a solution that would benefit the entire plus-size hiking community.
"It's like we were expected to make do with whatever poorly made, ill-fitting leggings we could find," Hardman recalls. "But we weren't going to let that stop us from enjoying the outdoors."
Turner echoes this sentiment, questioning why plus-size bodies are often overlooked in the outdoor gear industry. "We love the outdoors just as much as anyone else. Why should we be limited in our choices?"
And so, Thicket Adventure was born. In 2020, these women launched their own plus-size outdoor brand, determined to fill the gap in the market. They set out to create hiking pants that would not only fit plus-size bodies but also look good and perform well.
"We wanted to combine the best technologies from different hiking pants and create something truly innovative," Turner explains. "We surveyed over 1,300 plus-size individuals to understand their needs and preferences."
The result? The 'Brecken Outie' pants, launched in 2024. These pants feature an adjustable waistband, offering a personalized fit, and come in sizes 16 to 30. But it's not just about the size range; Turner and Hardman emphasize that their pants are designed to actually fit and flatter plus-size bodies, a rare find in the outdoor clothing industry.
"Our customers are thrilled! They're excited to finally find pants that fit well, look great, and allow them to fully enjoy their outdoor adventures," Hardman shares.
Currently, Thicket's products are only available online, but the women have bigger dreams. They envision a future where plus-size outdoor enthusiasts can walk into any retail store and find a wide range of well-designed, inclusive gear.
"That's our ultimate goal - to make outdoor adventures accessible and enjoyable for everyone, regardless of their size," Turner states.
And they're not alone in this mission. The plus-size outdoor clothing industry is rapidly expanding, with more brands recognizing the need for inclusive designs. Turner and Hardman hope that their work will inspire others to create thoughtfully designed clothing, ensuring that everyone can experience the beauty and benefits of the great outdoors.
"Just like a diverse ecosystem is stronger and more resilient, we believe that a diverse community of outdoor enthusiasts makes our natural spaces richer and more vibrant," Turner concludes.
This spring, Thicket Adventure will showcase their latest creations at a pop-up event at REI in Williston, offering a glimpse into the future of inclusive outdoor fashion.
