During the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, Kian Patel found himself struggling with the idea of venturing outdoors alone. Like many young people, he lacked friends or family to join him on hikes, which left him feeling disconnected and uninspired. Rather than resigning himself to indoor isolation, he decided to take matters into his own hands, and in doing so, he helped thousands of others find a way into nature themselves.
Patel founded AT95 (All Terrain 95), an outdoor community aimed at 24-30-year-olds who share a joy of photography, sports and adventures, whether big or small. What began as a small group documenting their outdoor experiences through the lens of a 35mm film camera quickly grew into a 15,000-strong collective of young men and women.
View this post on Instagram
His story reflects a wider challenge that younger generations face when it comes to outdoor recreation. Recent surveys by AT95 and a similar group known as Hiking Buddies UK, in collaboration with waterproofing brand Nikwax, have shed light on the barriers preventing Millennials and Gen Z from exploring the great outdoors. The biggest obstacle? A lack of people to go with.
AT95’s survey found that 41% of respondents within its group cited a lack of companions as their main reason for staying indoors. Similarly, 47% of those surveyed by Hiking Buddies UK said they struggled to get outside for the same reason. Additional hurdles included a lack of time (19%) and not knowing where to go or what to do (17%).
These insights come at a time when outdoor brands and communities are working hard to break down barriers to access. Nikwax’s ‘Formulated for Adventure’ campaign aims to empower young people to embrace outdoor activities by connecting them with like-minded adventurers and equipping them with the knowledge and gear they need.
Clare Marx, founder of Hiking Buddies UK, believes that building communities is the key to making the outdoors more accessible: “By fostering friendships and improving accessibility, we can inspire the next generation to embrace nature with confidence and care.”
Patel’s AT95 has already demonstrated how effective that can be. What started as a way to overcome his own sense of isolation has become a thriving space for young people to connect, explore, and experience the mental and physical benefits of outdoor activities. Through hikes, sports, and social events, members have discovered that adventure doesn’t have to be a solo pursuit and, instead, it can be shared, celebrated, and made all the more rewarding by the community around it.
As more young people seek out ways to reconnect with nature, initiatives like AT95 and Hiking Buddies UK are proving that the solution isn’t just better gear or more accessible trails, it’s about building relationships and creating welcoming spaces for those who might otherwise feel unsure or excluded.
