One source for such items is Outlandish, the Crown Heights, Brooklyn, outfitter that opened in January. It was co-founded by Benje Williams and Ken Bernard, who are Black, expressly to encourage people of color to reconnect with the outdoors. The shop sells the necessary gear but also organizes hikes outside of the city and hosts a book club focused on works about nature by writers of color. He and his father, who hadn’t gone backpacking in 40 years, have been on three more trips since. For the adventurous dad, Williams recommends an ultralightweight stuff sack from Allmansright, whose backpacks and bags are handmade in the Bronx, or socks from the Brooklyn-based label William Ellery, which offers wool-blend pairs in nature-inspired colors with names like Chanterelle and Lichen.

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