Diversity in the Outdoors: 20+ Groups & Inclusive Gear

The trail doesn’t check resumes. The wind at 12,000 feet doesn’t care about your tax bracket, and a scramble up a granite face requires the same friction regardless of who is in the boots. But if you look around the trailhead parking lot, the demographic reality tells a different story. The history of our public lands is written in access, not just altitude.

In my twenty years leading expeditions and teaching outdoor education, I’ve seen thousands of students navigate complex terrain. The most successful groups aren’t just physically fit; they are socially cohesive. Yet, the path to the wilderness remains steep with economic, social, and historical barriers that keep the outdoors exclusive.

While the mountains technically belong to everyone, “access” is more than just an open gate. This guide bridges that gap. We are moving beyond performative signals to provide a functional directory of the outdoor organizations actively reshaping the environment and the practical skills necessary to hike with inclusive awareness. You cannot claim to be fully prepared for the backcountry if you don’t understand the context of the diverse people you share it with.

Why Does the “Nature Gap” Exist in Outdoor Recreation?

The Nature Gap is not an accidental statistic. It is the quantifiable result of historical exclusion and economic disparity, where communities of color are three times more likely than white people to live in nature-deprived areas.

Understanding this gap requires us to look at the map differently. We often study topography to understand physical resistance, but we must also study environmental sociology to understand social resistance. Historically, practices like segregation in national parks, the displacement of Indigenous peoples, and discriminatory housing policies created a legacy where public lands were not viewed as safe or welcoming spaces for all.

Even after the 1964 Civil Rights Act, institutional inertia remained. Research from the College of Natural Resources at NC State corroborates that socioeconomic factors—such as the high gear cost and lack of transportation—continue to drive this disparity. When you combine economic barriers with a lack of representation in media, the message becomes clear: “You don’t belong here.”

This creates the “Adventure Gap.” Lack of access leads to a lack of skill development, which cycles back to further alienation for underrepresented communities. To be a competent outdoorsperson, one must acknowledge these barriers. You cannot navigate a terrain you refuse to map.

Pro-Tip: When studying the history of hiking, look for the stories often left out of the guidebooks, such as the Buffalo Soldiers who served as some of the first National Park Rangers.

Who Are the Organizations Leading the Change?

If historical exclusion is the terrain, these organizations are the trailblazers cutting new paths. This directory highlights the grassroots groups building the infrastructure for diversity, equity, and inclusion in the outdoors.

Which groups are building community for BIPOC hikers and climbers?

For many, the first step into the wild is safer when taken with a community that understands your lived experience. Outdoor Afro and Latino Outdoors stand as foundational pillars in this space. They connect outdoor leadership with nature-based joy, ensuring that outdoor experiences are culturally relevant and welcoming for minority communities.

Groups like Black Girls Trekkin’, Greening Youth Foundation, and Soul Trak Outdoors expand this mission by combining recreation with environmental stewardship. They aren’t just hiking; they are training the next generation of conservationists and naturalists.

For those looking to push into technical terrain, Melanin Basecamp and Big City Mountaineers are critical. They bridge the gap between casual hiking and technical mountaineering, providing the mentorship programs necessary to handle high-consequence environments. Initiatives like Black Outside and Black Birders Week further challenge harmful outdoor narratives.

According to statistics from the U.S. Forest Service, visitation demographics still lag behind national diversity numbers, making these affinity group hikes essential for safety in numbers.

These organizations offer more than trips; they offer a network. When you are finding local hikes, looking for chapters of these coalitions can open up resources that algorithm-based apps simply miss.

What resources exist for LGBTQ+, Indigenous, and Adaptive adventurers?

The definition of the “outdoorsy type” is being rewritten to include a full spectrum of genders, orientations, and abilities. Pride Outside and The Venture Out Project are creating safe spaces where LGBTQ+ hikers can learn wilderness skills. They remove the cognitive load of code-switching or hiding identities on the trail.

Native Women’s Wilderness and Indigenous Women Hike operate with a distinct focus: healing and land connection. Their work often centers on “re-storying” the land, acknowledging the deep Indigenous history in National Parks that predates the park system itself.

We must also challenge the archetype of the “athlete.” Unlikely Hikers and Disabled Hikers provide trail guides rated for accessibility, utilizing concepts like “spoon theory” and detailed notes on trail width. Given the health benefits of physical activity for people with disabilities outlined by the CDC, these resources are not niche—they are public health necessities.

How Can Hikers Practice “Inclusive Trail Preparedness”?

Inclusion is a practical skill set. Just as you learn to layer clothing for thermal regulation, you must learn to adapt your planning and behavior to ensure equity and safety for everyone in your group.

How does “Inclusive Gear Selection” differ from standard advice?

Standard gear advice often assumes a high disposable income and a specific body type. Inclusive gear selection starts by addressing the cost barrier. We need to normalize the use of gear libraries and buying used. You do not need ultralight Dyneema to walk in the woods.

Additionally, the sizing gap remains a hurdle. For years, the industry approach to women’s gear was to “shrink it and pink it.” However, brands are finally expanding inclusive sizing to accommodate plus-size bodies. Functional design must accommodate hips, busts, and larger frames without compromising technical performance.

We must destigmatize “Budget Hiking.” Economic impact data from the Bureau of Economic Analysis shows the outdoor economy is massive, but participation shouldn’t require a massive bank account. Athletic wear from a discount store is often sufficient for beginners. When you are ready to upgrade, consult guides on budget hiking gear rather than assuming top-tier brands are the only option.

What safety considerations are unique to marginalized hikers?

Trail safety is usually framed as protection against elements or wildlife. However, for many BIPOC hikers, the risks are social. Inclusive trail preparedness requires researching safe travel corridors. It involves checking the history of surrounding towns for sundown towns legacies before heading to remote trailheads.

The tragic realities exposed by cases like Ahmaud Arbery and the harassment of Christian Cooper validate the fear of remote places and racism on trails. Situational awareness is critical.

This is where technology serves a dual purpose. I often recommend satellite communication tools not just for rescue, but for security. When comparing devices like inReach vs SPOT, consider the ability to two-way text as a lifeline in hostile social environments, not just for medical emergencies.

Pro-Tip: “Affinity Hiking”—hiking in groups of similar identity—is a valid risk management strategy. There is safety in numbers, both physically and psychologically.

How can trail etiquette evolve into active allyship?

Etiquette is the social contract of the trail. We need to expand Leave No Trace to include respecting people. A simple, friendly greeting can de-escalate tension and signal to a marginalized hiker that you are not a threat.

Avoid “gatekeeping.” Unsolicited advice or questioning someone’s gear choices based on their appearance is a form of exclusion. If you see someone struggling, ask, “Is there anything I can help with?” rather than assuming incompetence.

True allyship involves active intervention. If you witness harassment, do not be a bystander. The guidance from the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics is clear: being considerate of other visitors is a core principle. Discriminatory behavior is as damaging to the trail experience as littering. Treating social justice as part of Mastering Outdoor Ethics ensures the outdoors remains a shared sanctuary.

Conclusion

The Nature Gap is a systemic issue, but it is not insurmountable. The coalitions listed here—from Outdoor Afro to Brown People Camping—are building the infrastructure for a better future. But infrastructure requires maintenance.

Inclusive hiking is a learnable skill. It requires us to adapt our gear selection, sharpen our safety planning, and refine our etiquette. By integrating these practices, we move beyond passive observation to active participation. The mountains don’t discriminate, and neither should we.

Follow three of the diversify outdoors organizations mentioned above, or donate your retired gear to a local gear library to lower the barrier for the next generation.

Risk Disclaimer: Hiking, trekking, backpacking, and all related outdoor activities involve inherent risks which may result in serious injury, illness, or death. The information provided on The Hiking Tribe is for educational and informational purposes only. While we strive for accuracy, information on trails, gear, techniques, and safety is not a substitute for your own best judgment and thorough preparation. Trail conditions, weather, and other environmental factors change rapidly and may differ from what is described on this site. Always check with official sources like park services for the most current alerts and conditions. Never undertake a hike beyond your abilities and always be prepared for the unexpected. By using this website, you agree that you are solely responsible for your own safety. Any reliance you place on our content is strictly at your own risk, and you assume all liability for your actions and decisions in the outdoors. The Hiking Tribe and its authors will not be held liable for any injury, damage, or loss sustained in connection with the use of the information herein.

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