OAS26 10th, 11th and 12th March 2026

Rebecca Dawson, co-director of Every Body Outdoors, is on a mission to make the outdoors truly inclusive—regardless of body size.

The nonprofit organisation works directly with brands and retailers to improve size inclusivity in outdoor clothing and gear. Their services range from consulting on plus-size fit and representation to advising on communication strategies that resonate with the plus-size community.

“We are a plus-size nonprofit community organisation,” says Rebecca. “We have two main roles: one is working with brands and retailers to encourage and support them to produce more clothing and equipment in plus sizes—and to actually stock it, whether that’s in bricks-and-mortar shops or online. The other is our community work. We provide a safe space for plus-size people to get outdoors, whether that’s on a group walk or through our plus-size specific hill skills and navigation courses.”

With 26 volunteer-led walking groups across Great Britain, Every Body Outdoors is not only advocating for better gear, but also empowering people with the confidence and skills to explore the outdoors on their own terms.

To help amplify the message, Rebecca spoke at Outdoor and Social 2025, held at Newfold Farm in Edale, in the heart of the Peak District, in March. The free, three-day immersive learning event is tailored for outdoor retail staff and combines expert-led product education with evening talks designed to spark fresh thinking across the industry.

Rebecca’s evening talk in the main marquee clearly struck a chord.

“It’s been an amazing event for me,” she said. “My talk generated more conversations—right after, and even into the next day. People from different brands and retailers came up to me saying how much they enjoyed it, and that it sparked ideas about how they could do things differently.

“They’re going to talk to colleagues and hopefully work with us in the future. From the point of view of getting the conversation about plus-size inclusion going—it’s been brilliant. I’m already planning to come back next year.”