l-r Ed Jackson, Niall McCann and Darren Edwards on the Vatnajökull glacier - copyright Coldhouse and Matt Pycroft.jpg
Pictured, from left to right, are Ed Jackson, Niall McCann and Darren Edwards on the Vatnajökull glacier

Berghaus Adapts initiative opens the outdoors to all

A North East outdoor brand is making nature more accessible by launching a new initiative to adapt outdoor clothing and equipment for people living with physical disabilities.

Sunderland-based Berghaus has announced Berghaus Adapts 2025, an initiative allowing members of the public to request bespoke kit modifications to help them enjoy the outdoors. 

The company’s product team will work with selected applicants to develop tailored solutions that remove barriers to adventure.

Alice Sainsbury, designer and Berghaus Adapts consultant, said: “This is such an exciting and meaningful move by Berghaus. 

“Thanks to the work we’ve already done, we have proof of concept, supported by powerful testimonies from those who have benefited from product adaptations.

“This collective lived experience is central to our progress and the authenticity of this work. 

“We’re now ready to thoughtfully expand the scope of Berghaus Adapts, including even more people with diverse needs. 

“While the initial number of new beneficiaries will be small, by opening Berghaus Adapts to the public, we aim to change the narrative and break down the barriers that prevent so many people from accessing the outdoors. 

“Ultimately, we hope this initiative will create an inclusive, welcoming space for all.”

Berghaus has a long history of adapting gear for adventurers with specific needs, including mountaineer Mick Fowler, who climbs with a colostomy bag, and Ed Jackson, a recovering quadriplegic. 

Their collaborations with Berghaus have enabled record-breaking expeditions, such as a 138km unsupported traverse of Iceland’s Vatnajökull ice cap by an all-disabled team consisting of Ed, Darren Edwards and Dr Niall McCann.

In September 2024, Berghaus also supported Mick and Victor Saunders in making the first-ever ascent of Yawash Sar, a remote 6,000-metre Himalayan mountain.

Ed added: “Quite simply, I couldn’t have achieved what I have done outdoors without the kit adaptations that Berghaus has made, for me, and for some of my fellow adventurers. 

“The journey that I have been on since my accident offers living, breathing testimony of the positive power of the outdoors, and what is possible, individually and with the right support.

“Berghaus Adapts has been a crucial partner every step of the way, and I am so pleased that more people are now going to have the opportunity to benefit from what the project offers.

“I hope that the Berghaus Adapts initiative will encourage and support acceleration across the industry in becoming more accessible as a whole, as ultimately the outdoors should be for everyone.”

Applications for Berghaus Adapts open on February 3, with the company expanding its Sunderland team to meet demand and further champion accessibility in the outdoors.

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