Spring showers won’t stop adventure

We’re pleased to announce a new five-year partnership with Grangers, the cleaning and waterproofing aftercare specialist, as our first official aftercare partner. 

This partnership will help more young people access life-changing outdoor learning, with support for bursaries and practical collaboration focused on caring for the kit that keeps young people warm, dry, comfortable and ready for adventure.

It comes at a timely moment. The Met Office says winter 2025 to 2026 was wetter than average across the UK, with England recording rainfall 42% above average. Meanwhile, DCMS-backed research published in 2025 found that cost remains one of the most common practical barriers to young people taking part in activities, including the cost of clothing and equipment.

Together, those trends point to a simple truth: young people should not miss out on outdoor adventure because the weather is challenging or the right kit is harder to afford.

Over an initial five-year term, Grangers will provide support to The Outward Bound Trust, including funding towards bursaries that help remove barriers for young people who might otherwise miss out.

The partnership will also create opportunities for practical collaboration around product support, garment care and extending the life of outdoor kit used in demanding environments.

Rose Albion, Partnerships Manager at Outward Bound, said:

“This partnership is about helping more young people step outdoors with confidence, whatever the weather. At Outward Bound, we know that some of the most important learning happens when young people face challenge, support one another and discover they are capable of more than they thought. Grangers brings real expertise and shared values to this partnership. Their support will help more young people access life-changing experiences and make the most of every moment outdoors.”

Natasha Barwell-Jones, Director of Marketing and Communications at Grangers, said:

“We are so proud to be partnering with Outward Bound to support young people through outdoor adventure. The right kit and the right care can make a real difference to comfort, confidence and experience outdoors, and we are excited to support an organisation conducting such important work with young people. By educating on aftercare at a young age, we can equip future generations with the knowledge of how to prolong their gear, keep it out of landfill and protect their future adventures.”

For us, this partnership reflects a shared belief that outdoor learning changes lives. When young people are properly equipped for the elements, they are better able to focus on what the experience can unlock: confidence, resilience, teamwork and a stronger sense of what they can do.

Looking ahead, the partnership will also include staff training on Grangers aftercare products and support to explore specialist cleaning solutions for Outward Bound’s wider kit and equipment. With unpredictable weather and the shift to PFAS-free technologies, caring for outdoor gear has never mattered more.