Purpose of pulling up our socks with Smartwool fall 2023
Outdoor Afro and brand partner Smartwool found common ground in community, sustainability, belonging, and the outdoors since 2020. Each organization’s leadership has collaborated on outdoor industry initiatives together for many years prior. The national not-for-profit organization celebrates and inspires Black connections and leadership in nature. Smartwool provides comfortable, capable gear that empowers outdoor enthusiasts and athletes to go far – and feel good along the way. Both make a classic pair in what an authentic partnership looks and feels like in nature experiences for everyone. With a shared mission to make the outdoors easily accessible, Smartwool’s latest sustainability efforts and fall 2023 collection make the apparel brand a natural collaborator.
Outdoor Afro’s selected and trained volunteer leaders guide their hometowns in year-round activities – fishing, hiking, biking, kayaking, gardening, skiing, and more. Annually, community participants who join the Outdoor Afro Leadership Team in these monthly nature experiences often ask: What is the best gear and equipment to invest in for our next event? These Outdoor Afro network participants always want to make sure they’re exploring nature in their neighborhood safely, sustainably, and with the best comfort. Why Smartwool is Outdoor Afro’s top recommendations in foot protection and base layer support. Since 1999, the apparel brand has redesigned its base layers to provide all-day comfort and outdoor performance. Smartwool’s newest autumn arrivals connect with Outdoor Afro’s annual programs and monthly outdoor activities, just in time for a cooler and wetter season ahead.
COLD-WEATHER COMFORT: Smartwool’s new collection offers designs to accommodate cooler weather adventures. Pick from a range of Merino wool styles, socks, and gear in fall-ready colors for all generations. The outdoor fashion brand’s fall collection also includes newer prints of its Plus Size Classic Thermal Base Layers. With sizes from 1X to 4X, more women can enjoy autumn adventures feeling comfortable and confident in their gear and equipment. Speaking of new sizes, Smartwool’s Unisex Collection also features relaxed, open silhouettes for everyday styling. For upcoming plans to tackle the slope season, skiers of all levels and backgrounds can gain even more room with Smartwool’s Extra Stretch Calf Ski Socks.
ART OF THE OUTDOORS PROGRAM: This Smartwool program and collection celebrates culture, community, and creativity outside through collections and collaborations. The program brought together talented artists and storytellers from all walks of life. This year’s collection features artwork from creatives such as Brittany Lewis, Trickster Company, Jordan Ann Craig, and the Natives Outdoors Collective. Each brings their interpretation of the outdoors to various audiences to explore. It’s fun. It’s colorful. It’s for everyone to enjoy.
THE SECOND CUT™ PROJECT: The project is one of Smartwool’s efforts to achieve a more sustainable product line — and contribute to a more accessible outdoors. To date, Smartwool has donated more than a million socks, saving more than 86,000 pounds of waste from landfills. Shifting to a circular business model, the Second Cut™ Project turns old, unwanted socks into new, recycled ones. And get this: even dog beds. This year, Smartwool released its Second Cut™ Hike Sock — a trail-ready sock made from a 50-50 blend of sock waste and responsibly sourced Merino wool.
ABOUT OUTDOOR AFRO: Outdoor Afro is a national not-for-profit organization that celebrates and inspires Black connections and leadership in nature. What started as a kitchen table blog by Founder and CEO Rue Mapp in 2009 has since grown into a cutting-edge nationwide network with 100-plus volunteer leaders in 60 cities with network participation reaching 60,000 people. Outdoor Afro reconnects Black people with the outdoors through outdoor education, recreation, and conservation. Follow Outdoor Afro at outdoorafro.org and @outdoorafro today.
ABOUT SMARTWOOL: Based in Denver, Colorado, Smartwool® is a sock, apparel, and accessories brand whose products are designed to get the most out of the inherent benefits of Merino wool 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, visit Smartwool.com. Smartwool, a division of VF Outdoor, LLC, is a brand of VF Corporation.
Outdoor Afro's signature shirts restock with Oaklandish
Wear it on the streets of America. Watch the comments, curiosities, and questions that follow. “We recognized early our community loves our logo, and wants to represent it loud and proud,” said Outdoor Afro Founder and CEO Rue Mapp. “Having a merch store is a fun and accessible way for our community to continue to support our charitable work. Working with Oaklandish in the past, we’re even more excited to now embark on this new chapter of collaboration.”
Outdoor Afro worked with the longtime community partner to open a new digital store for supporters to shirt shop the collection. The national not-for-profit organization is easily identified within the outdoor industry because of its logo – an afro silhouette with a tree sprouting from the cultural throwback hairstyle. Recently rebranding its .com site to now outdoorafro.org, Outdoor Afro reintroduces its sought-after shirts: short sleeve, long sleeve, and hoodie varieties. Just in time for the holidays.
Mapp considers Oaklandish as the premiere Oakland purveyor of iconic design that beautifully represents Outdoor Afro’s hometown and headquarters location. “Rue herself is a force of nature,” said Angela Tsay, Oaklandish CEO, “and has done so much to raise Oakland’s profile on the national scene while staying true to her passion and the mission goals of Outdoor Afro. We’re so proud of everything she has accomplished and are proud to work with her in growing the brand.” In its now 13th year, Outdoor Afro and the iconic nature emblem continue to speak to Black joy, healing, and the network’s mission: celebrate and inspire Black connections and leadership in nature.
The afro logo has literally traveled from local neighborhoods and nationwide conferences. To The White House and celebrity events. To a cruise across international waters with Mapp in Antarctica during February 2022. Outdoor Afro also trains a select group of volunteer leaders who guide more than 1,000 local activities across the United States annually. After each activity, volunteers and community participants gather with the network’s signature logo banner to capture that memory in nature. Now that Outdoor Afro reaches more than 60,000 people nationwide, its logo stays on touring circuit rotation.
Purchasing the organization’s newest short-sleeve tee, long-sleeve tee, or hoodie through Oaklandish guarantees a comfy reminder of why Mapp established the now nature movement for Black people and Black communities. “Our mission at Oaklandish is to spread ‘local love’ by way of our civic pride tees and accessories,” said Theresa Hartwell, marketing and account manager. “Oaklandish is honored to partner with Outdoor Afro, and share the impactful work they do to uplift and reconnect Black people to the outdoors.”
ABOUT OUTDOOR AFRO: Outdoor Afro is a national not-for-profit organization that celebrates and inspires Black connections and leadership in nature. What started as a kitchen table blog by Founder and CEO Rue Mapp in 2009 has since grown into a cutting-edge nationwide network with 100-plus volunteer leaders in 60 cities with network participation reaching 60,000 people. Outdoor Afro reconnects Black people with the outdoors through outdoor education, recreation, and conservation. Follow @outdoorafro on social for more nature stories.
5 Stanley cookware hacks for holiday camping
Stanley products have literally traveled on oodles of American outdoor adventures for more than 100 years now. The brand has powered daily coffee breaks. Assisted meal prep days in nature. Provided the right amount of storage gear for food and beverages (on and off the road). With each passing year, Stanley continues to innovate, bringing timeless and modern solutions for outdoor exploration to backyard chill sessions.
Outdoor Afro champions brands like Stanley for helping to build more sustainable communities through modern, reusable products. Ways Outdoor Afro volunteer leaders, network participants, the organization’s staff, and even you can maximize time outside this holiday season by incorporating these multipurpose Stanley products:
TRY COOK SETS IN NEW SETTINGS: Typically food preparation is an indoor activity. With Stanley’s Adventure Full Kitchen Base Camp Cook Set, it’s easier to move cooking experiences outside. This best-selling set features a three-ply frying pan, stainless-steel pot, cutting board, spatula, serving spoon, plates, and bowls. This collection includes the essentials to transport kitchen conveniences pretty much anywhere – the front yard, backyard, campsites, or RVs. The set’s compact design allows hassle-free packing and unloading to comfortably and confidently cook away from the traditional kitchen.
INVEST IN MULTI-USE BACKYARD COOKWARE: Outdoor Afro volunteer leader, Tarik Moore, is a backpacker, car camper, and backyard camping expert. He loves the “ease” of how his family works together to create original fun at home. “Backyard camping is really convenient,” said Moore, “allowing our kids to use their imagination and help with preparing snacks like s’mores.” In between games and conversation, Moore often relies on Stanley’s Adventure Cook Set For Four to accommodate appetites. Ideal for heating soups and brewing coffee, this 11-piece set includes a 2.5L pot, serving utensil, bowls, and sporks for four.
VENTURE OUT IN CULINARY CREATIONS: Another Outdoor Afro volunteer leader who appreciates a camping quest with family and friends is Robin Roberts. “I revisited camping four years ago,” she said. “I took my kids to The Mighty 5 and have been camping ever since.” An outdoor chef in her own right, Roberts puts Stanley products to the test for network camping trips. Cookware she can always make great use of: the Adventure Even-Heat Pot Set. This durable collection comes with a 1.9-quart saucepan, collapsible cutting board, silicone trivet, and serving spoon to prep, serve, and delight. Roberts’ signature camping dish: her chili and cornbread. Two syllables: De-lish! With the help of this lightweight, camp-friendly set, her favorite camping meal has become a beloved tradition, especially with her kids. “We make it on the stove and finish on the campfire,” said Roberts. “They love it every time, and I must make it every time we camp.”
SAVOR NEWER COFFEE-LOVER SIPS: Freshly brewed. Hot. Morning coffee. Yes, please! The Perfect-Brew Pour Over Set by Stanley is a quick-and-easy fix to getting up and at ’em in nature. This coffee system helps you relive those kitchen table sunrise seconds with each sip. Paper filters not required, the stainless-steel setup contains a reusable filter paired with Stanley’s Classic Legendary Camp Mug. This fun-size mug keeps coffee heated by way of its double-wall vacuum insulation. The mug’s press-fit Tritan™ lid also helps prevent spills or splashes in the car or by the campfire.
CRAFT SIGNATURE COFFEES FOR TRAVELING CREWS: Complement early-morning breakfast among loved ones with the Stay Hot French Press. This compact coffee solution makes brewing specific types of coffee during group camping adventures easier to achieve in the outdoors. A mesh filter holds the grinds in place, resulting in a stronger, flavorful cup of coffee. Plus, its double-wall vacuum insulation keeps everything hot. The ergonomic handle ensures pouring is a mess-free process. The press guarantees coffee stays hot for four hours and iced for 24 hours.
ABOUT OUTDOOR AFRO: Outdoor Afro is a national not-for-profit organization that celebrates and inspires Black connections and leadership in nature. What started as a kitchen table blog by Founder and CEO Rue Mapp in 2009 has since grown into a cutting-edge nationwide network with 100-plus volunteer leaders in 60 cities. “Where Black people and nature meet,” Outdoor Afro reconnects Black people with the outdoors through outdoor education, recreation, and conservation. Follow us @outdoorafro on social.
ABOUT STANLEY: The Stanley brand has a rich 100-plus year history of forever changing the way hot drinks are consumed. Stanley fused vacuum insulation and the strength of steel in one portable bottle in 1913, inventing the all-steel vacuum bottle we know and love today. In the century since, this vacuum bottle has evolved from concept to icon, and has become an essential part of workdays, road trips, and outdoor adventures. In addition to drinkware, Stanley also creates food storage, camp cookware, coolers and jugs.
How Outdoor Afro got much-needed 'Sun Outdoors' 2022
State-of-the-art nature experiences are what Sun Outdoors brings to the picnic table for staycations, vacations, and even “bae”cations. A leader in the outdoor hospitality world, Sun Outdoor offers more than 175 campgrounds and resorts across the United States and Canada. During Outdoor Afro’s annual Outdoor Afro Leadership Training (OALT) held in Granby, Colorado, in April 2022, network staff and volunteer leaders received a rare opportunity to spend three days at Sun Outdoors Rocky Mountains. Waking up each morning to movie-like sunrises, TikTok-worthy trails, snow capped mountain views, and National Geographic wildlife.
Like OALT 2022, this new partnership with Sun Outdoors shared with Outdoor Afro the luxury RV and glamping possibilities. What transformative moments can look like for local networks to recreate outdoor recreation across the network’s four regions: Northeast, Midwest, South, and West. The leadership training alone showed the network how Sun Outdoors locations can redesign into spaces for panel discussions, hands-on workshops, nature exploration activities, and places of rest and healing. What distinguished Sun Outdoors Rocky Mountains from previous network training sites: its ample accommodations to manage extreme weather.
The site’s cozy vacation rentals and tent options allowed Outdoor Afro volunteer leaders to practice their wilderness survival skills while ensuring safety under snow storm conditions. This particular location featured prairie schooners and Airstream trailers equipped with modern conveniences for beginner to veteran outdoor enthusiasts. Additional outdoor housing choices the network can explore on future training trips. And do know Rocky Mountains is just one of many interpretations of what Sun Outdoors has to offer in outdoor travel fun. Other destinations for campers, glampers, and those somewhere in between:
Sun Outdoors Coos Bay in Coos Bay, Oregon, comes with never-want-to-leave-here outlooks of the Pacific Ocean. Literally camp by the ocean or cozy up in a Seaside Shanty vacation rental. And for travelers wanting more vacation rental space, Oceanside includes premium cottages to still capture the sights and sounds of the waypoint. Sightseers will appreciate resort amenities such as nearby state parks, wineries, and museums.
Sun Outdoors Myrtle Beach in Conway, South Carolina, is a Southern region camper's delight. This property sits near Atlantic Coast vacay community Myrtle Beach, which means instant access to the area’s water park, miniature golf course, low country dining, a video game plaza, and cabana-vibe poolside leisure time. Southern charm meets campsite vistas, this location speaks to cottage life fused with Deep South customs and old-fashioned fun.
Sun Outdoors San Diego Bay lives in Chula Vista, California – dubbed “The Lemon Capital” for its sundry of citrus trees. It’s also laden with nature parks and beaches. Therefore, San Diego Bay is all about creating bayfront memories in nature. This fairly new resort in Southern California furnishes RV sites and some of the coziest, open-air cottage rentals. Fresh Mexican and SoCal cuisine are just steps away. To deep dive into local marine life, the Living Coast Discovery Center and waterfront park are in the vicinity as well.
El Capitan Canyon in Santa Barbara County, California, holds the birthplace title to "glamping." That said, El Capitan is the nature station to indulge outdoor living in the state's central coast. Post up in cedar cabins, safari tents, or adventure yurts surrounded by historic oak and sycamore trees. Soak in the sun on top of rippling mountains that overlook the Pacific Ocean. More activities to check off: dining, wine tasting, hiking, llama farm touring, swimming, and listening to live concert music.
Sun Outdoors Frontier Town revisits the Old West from Berlin, Maryland. Snuggled on the scenic shores of inland waterway Sinepuxent Bay, the resort is lined with rustic tents and covered wagons. The Mid-Atlantic scene replicates an 1880s country Western town. Once settled into the RV site, explore farm-inspired shops, cowhand saloons, and iconic American fare.
ABOUT OUTDOOR AFRO: Outdoor Afro is a national not-for-profit organization that celebrates and inspires Black connections and leadership in nature. What started as a kitchen table blog by Founder and CEO Rue Mapp in 2009 has since grown into a cutting-edge nationwide network with 100-plus volunteer leaders in 60 cities. “Where Black people and nature meet,” Outdoor Afro reconnects Black people with the outdoors through outdoor education, recreation, and conservation. Follow us @outdoorafro on social.
ABOUT SUN OUTDOORS: Sun Outdoors is a leader in outdoor hospitality and committed to its mission of offering guests exceptional and transformative outdoor experiences. With over 175 locations across the U.S. and Ontario, Canada, Sun Outdoors offers guests several ways to stay: from RV sites to vacation rentals, from tent camping to glamping, whether they stay for a weekend, season or longer. Visit sunoutdoors.com to learn more. Sun Outdoors is a division of Sun Communities Inc., a publicly traded company which, as of September 30, 2021, owns, operates and has an interest in 584 developed manufactured home, RV and marina properties comprising over 155,900 developed sites and nearly 44,900 wet slips and dry storage spaces in 38 states, Canada and Puerto Rico. Sun Communities is a fully integrated real estate investment trust (REIT) listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol: SUI. suncommunities.com.
Back by popular demand: Kili Mapp Kili Print Hammock
OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA – Two words summed up Outdoor Afro’s Kili Mapp Kili DoubleNest Print Hammock by Eagle Nest Outfitters (ENO) when it initially launched in 2021: Sold. Out. But now it’s back. An updated, lengthier version ready to stretch out for seasonal lounging, and capturing special moments with family and friends. “I want people to feel warmth and joy every time they’re in this hammock,” said Leandra Taylor, Outdoor Afro volunteer leader and artist behind the in-demand design.
This unique print and co-branded product relaunched fall 2022 with updated features, making it portable, packable, and always adventure-ready. Outdoor Afro x ENO Kili Mapp Kili DoubleNest Hammock Print incorporates bluesign® approved fabric, hammock-specific hardware, a bonus internal stash pocket housed in the stuff sack, and an extended 9.5-foot (2.9-meter) hammock body that creates more room for more memories. "Our partnership is a pertinent, timeless, and inspiring story that speaks so deeply to Outdoor Afro's mission with the world," said ENO's Marketing Director Anna Rawlins. "There is no better canvas for showcasing the artwork than a hammock – one that can be enjoyed outside and inspires all ages to explore, connect, and relax."
The limited-edition print developed after Taylor joined Outdoor Afro’s 2018 Mount Kilimanjaro Expedition in Tanzania, Africa. She was the youngest volunteer leader on that unforgettable hike. “Even with my lack of experience in this type of hiking, I knew I was called to do this climb,” she said. But by Day 3, Taylor had reached her limit. Exhausted, she relied on her teammates’ support and encouragement to make it to the mountain’s highest point.
Pulling inspiration from that experience and her surroundings, Taylor’s print braids in deep hues, unusual patterns and land topography from the high-endurance trip. The design incorporates a snake representing the Kili trail song and the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, Uhuru Peak, which sits at roughly 19,341 feet above sea level. Knowing exactly what gear and equipment to pack for the expedition became a critical piece to ascension success. The same packing process Taylor always wants outdoor adventurers to feel with this on-the-go hammock while traveling the world for lounging and leisure.
Advance notice: The Kili Mapp Kili DoubleNest Print Hammock sells fast from in-store to digital shelves, so purchase this storytelling print online at enonation.com, or your local REI or outdoor retailer today. Proceeds from the collaboration help support Outdoor Afro’s mission of celebrating and inspiring Black connections and leadership in nature. Now in its 13th year, the national not-for-profit organization includes:
- A 60,000-strong participation network
- 1,200-plus online and in-person events
- 100-plus selected and trained volunteer leaders nationwide
- 60 cities the network impacts across the country
- 46 Meetup networks to join
- 32 states with local networks, including Washington, D.C.
- 4 regions (Midwest, Northeast, South and West)
Taylor can’t wait to reshare this newest version with fellow Outdoor Afro volunteer leaders and community members of her South Carolina network. “For me, swaying in this hammock is the definition of Black joy in nature,” she said. “Each color represents the vibrant culture of Tanzanian city Arusha and the joy we all felt on the mountain.”
ABOUT OUTDOOR AFRO: Outdoor Afro is a national not-for-profit organization that celebrates and inspires Black connections and leadership in nature. What started as a kitchen table blog by Founder and CEO Rue Mapp in 2009 has since grown into a cutting-edge nationwide network with 100-plus volunteer leaders in 60 cities with network participation reaching 60,000 people. Outdoor Afro reconnects Black people with the outdoors through outdoor education, recreation, and conservation. Follow Outdoor Afro at outdoorafro.org and @outdoorafro today.
ABOUT ENO: Founded in 1999 and based in Asheville, N.C., Eagles Nest Outfitters (ENO) is the leader in creating high-quality hammocks and portable relaxation gear that inspires people to explore, connect and relax outside. ENO distributes its products online, at specialty outdoor retailers across the nation, and in over 13 countries. As a bluesign® System Partner, ENO is proud to be committed to the journey of building more sustainable and responsibly made products, and to partner with an exemplary network of nonprofit organizations as a 1% for the Planet member. For more information, visit enonation.com.
