Smartwool Supports OUTO’s Mission To Make Outdoor Spaces Accessible To All

Smartwool, a manufacturer of Merino wool-focused products for active and outdoor living, is proud to announce a new partnership with OUTO (Opening Up The Outdoors), a collective committed to the progression of continued inclusion within outdoor spaces.

Founded in 2021, as a response to systemic racism, Opening Up The Outdoors (OUTO) is a not-for-profit initiative that focuses on the continued inclusion, education, and enjoyment of outdoor spaces by people of the global majority. They envision an outdoor community and industry that is truly diverse, equitable, anti-racist and accessible to everyone.

OUTO works to ensure that everyone, regardless of ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual identity or physical ability is welcomed and included when they step outside. It does this by providing education, thought leadership and research on the topic and supports the industry to become great allies for people of colour in the outdoors.

"We believe that time spent outside is invaluable, restorative, and essential for everyone. It’s critical that nobody is excluded from it. We are very proud to join a number of great brands supporting OUTO in its mission to make the outdoors a more inclusive space.” - Smartwool

Smartwool will donate €10,000 every year to support OUTO initiatives and projects. It will also collaborate with OUTO’s changemakers, media representatives and influencers on upcoming events, as well as social media activity and content creation.

One of OUTO’s projects, the Changemaker Programme, is designed to support changemakers whose businesses, initiatives and groups are working to build a more diverse, equitable and anti-racist outdoor community, by equipping them with the necessary skills and networks to thrive. Participants can also apply for development grants to further their initiatives, helping to foster a diverse and equitable outdoor community.

Based in Denver, Colorado, Smartwool® is a sock and apparel brand whose products are designed to get the most out of the inherent benefits of Merino wool and to bring comfort, confidence, and community to a life lived outside. For information on the full range of Smartwool® products or to find a dealer near you, please visit www.smartwool.co.uk.