We provide insight.

To make a difference, we need to know what’s going on. That’s why we conduct research and collect insights into outdoor activity behaviours and the societal impact of outdoor activity.

Our projects.

Participation Barometer

How many people are out there? What are they doing? What motivates them? What barriers exist? Our participation barometer breaks down the demographics and behaviours of outdoor participation in Europe.

Benefits of Outdoor Sports for Society

The BOSS project outlines all of the benefits of outdoors sport for society and provides a model to calculate the social return on investment for outdoor activity projects.

Mind Body Boost

Mind Body Boost is an evidence-based intervention project, set in the university and college context, devised to support young people in managing their mental and physical health. Outdoor activity plays a central role in the intervention methodology.

Other relevant insights and updates.

There is a lot of information available on the benefits of outdoor activity for individuals and for society as a whole. We collect the most relevant insights and updates below.

It’s Great Out There Coalition Member Showcase Helly Hansen

Questions answered by Michael Uhl, VP Marketing and Brand Partnerships, Helly Hansen

Norwegian brand Helly Hansen is known around the world and has been active for almost 150 years. The company hasn’t been involved in the It’s Great Out There Coalition for quite that long, but has been a very proactive member since deciding to join in 2021. We’ve collaborated on some exciting and imaginative projects between then and now, and there’s more on the way, starting with Open Mountain Month in June.
Ahead of a busy summer, we caught up with Michael Uhl, Helly Hansen’s Vice President for Marketing and Brand Partnerships.

Grass roots projects across Europe secure #itsgreatoutthere grants to get more people active in the outdoors

We are delighted to confirm details of eight grass roots initiatives that have been awarded #itsgreatoutthere grants of up to €5,000. Between them and through the rest of the year, the projects will deliver over 1,300 Outdoor Activity Days in six different countries – Hungary, France, Croatia, Austria, Ireland and the UK. We received 37 applications for the latest round of grants and once again, it was a tough job to shortlist and select the successful projects. We’re grateful for the help of our members in completing that task.

Interview with Vittorio Forato – AKU Marketing Manager

In this member showcase feature, we will focus on AKU. This iconic Italian family-owned brand is known world-wide for its high quality footwear, and since the early 1990s has helped countless people to explore the outdoors, from the lowlands to the highest mountains. The culture of AKU is rooted in a love of nature, and the company is a proactive Supporting Member of the coalition, working with us to promote participation and the grass roots delivery of Outdoor Activity Days. In fact, AKU was one of the first coalition supporters to organise an event that was supported by #itsgreatoutthere funding, when the company arranged for a group to experience a trek with donkeys in 2016. We caught up with AKU’s marketing manager, Vittorio Forato, to find out more about what drives the brand and its people, and why the partnership with the coalition is important.

Council Member application

The Coalition is looking for Council members to contribute to the work on OUTO or IGOT topics. Both the IGOT Council and the OUTO Council will work in close collaboration with founding and member brands and supporters to contribute to strategy and long-term goals for IGOT or OUTO, as well as being the voice of the industry, grass roots groups and stakeholders in the outdoor space. We are looking for active community members to join the It’s Great Out There and OUTO council and sit with leading members of the industry to help make a more equitable outdoors.
Apply here before 16th March 2023!

Communications Manager (Job Advert)

Ever wondered what it would be like to combine your passion for the outdoors with a remote full-time paid role? Skiing in the morning, working in the afternoon? Surfing until sundown after a productive morning? We are looking for a passionate and independent outdoor storyteller who can live the dream while getting the job done. Will you strengthen our team?