Five years ago, I spent a fortnight solo walking and wild camping along St Olav’s Way, a pilgrimage trail in Norway. I walked more than 160 miles, camping on hilltops and in sleepy woodlands, wearing leggings I’d bought at the supermarket, tops from a high street retailer and a cheap ill-fitting men’s waterproof. You might presume I was unprepared, but the reality is I couldn’t find suitable outdoor clothing to fit my size-20 body.
As I developed a love of long-distance trails, I discovered the limits of these items – my clothes were heavy and bulky, the only jacket that fitted me was uncomfortable and not very waterproof, and my layers weren’t quick-drying or breathable. This didn’t stop me from getting outdoors, but it made it uncomfortable and more challenging.
Over the next few years I began to connect with other UK-based
