An outdoor clothing brand is taking steps to make nature more accessible for individuals with physical disabilities through a new custom alterations service.
Berghaus Adapts, operating from the company’s headquarters in Sunderland, is now offering free personalized modifications for a select number of customers.
Previously, the service focused on adapting professional outdoor gear, such as adding ‘armpit zips’ for ventilation and waterproof pouches for catheters.
Former rugby player Ed Jackson, who required specialized clothing following a spinal cord injury, emphasized the importance of adaptive gear in achieving his outdoor goals.
After fracturing multiple vertebrae in his spine from diving into a shallow pool, Jackson reached out to the Newcastle-founded brand in 2018 for custom equipment to help him climb Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon). Since then, he has tackled numerous hikes worldwide, including treks along the Pennine Way, the Alps, and the Himalayas.
“The journey I’ve been on since my accident is living proof of the transformative power of the outdoors,” he said.
Berghaus product manager Femeke Vesters explained that the initiative aims to provide tailored solutions for individuals, ensuring accessibility for all applicants.
“We’ve incorporated features like additional ventilation zips, access zips for catheters, and knee straps to assist with leg movement,” she said.
“It’s not just about climbing mountains—whether it’s a simple walk in the park or a challenging hike, the outdoors should be accessible to everyone.”
With an estimated 16 million people in the UK living with disabilities, many struggle to find suitable outdoor gear that allows them to enjoy nature fully.
In collaboration with the Millimetres 2 Mountains charity, the program is open for applications until 16 February.
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