The QHB Kit Fund

We have a pot of funds available to help queer hikers get the right gear to hike in all weathers. We don’t want the wrong shoes or leaky waterproofs to stop anyone enjoying our events.

You can apply using a short form, and we’ll assess applications as they come in. Our assessment will be based on needs, quantity of applicants and how much money we have left in the pot.

You can apply to partially or fully fund what you need. There’s no deadline at the moment.

We want to help you buy the hiking kit you need.

What we can fund

You can apply to buy things new or second hand.

Clothes and shoes

  • Walking boots

  • Waterproof jackets (‘shells’ in the biz)

  • Fleeces/warm under layer

  • Waterproof trousers

Repairs and re-proofing

  • Repair services for holes, broken zips etc

  • Re-proofing kits to make items waterproof again

Accessories

  • Day rucksacks

  • Walking poles

  • Walking socks

  • Waterproof rucksack covers

A map with a compass, walking boots, cameras, a coat and a backpack laid out. The photo is taken from above looking down on the items.

How much we can fund

We’ll assess each application individually.

You know your needs best. If you’re hiking every week, you might want to get something more expensive that will last longer. If you only hike from time to time, you probably don’t need anything top of the range.

We also support buying second hand and repairing what you have.

As a rough guide, we think this list will get you something decent new.

  • Waterproof (£40-70)

  • Walking boots (£40-90)

  • Day rucksack (£20-50)

  • Fleece/under layer (£20-50)

  • Walking socks (£10-15)

  • Waterproof trousers (£15-25)

  • Walking poles (£10-20)

Who can apply

Walkers from the back. One wears a white tshirt, pink shorts and a red backpack, the other a black backpack and green shorts. There are more walkers in front of them.

We can fund people who meet all of these criteria. You:

  • Live in or near Bristol

    We won’t check your postcode, but it should be feasible for you to attend some of our hikes.

  • Are LGBTQIA+

    You identify as part of the community, regardless of what kind of relationship or transition stage you’re in.

  • Have been on at least 2 of our hikes, and are intending to come on more

    These can be any of our events, from evening city walks to weekenders.

  • Need help to buy or repair gear

    You feel like you’d get out walking more if you were well equipped, and you’re struggling to do that on your own. There is no financial eligibility, but we will ask for a receipt for whatever you buy for our own records.

How to apply

The application is a form with a few questions to understand your needs. You’ll need to know what you want to buy (with a link) and how much it costs.

We’ve tried to make the form as easy as possible, but we know forms can be difficult. If you’re struggling, email queerhikingbristol@gmail.com and we can arrange to chat on the phone, over email or text instead of using the form.

Where to spend

  • You can get kit repairs from Cedar (find them on Instagram: @outdoor.fix). They are a local queer person and active hiker.

    If Cedar can’t do it, Alpkit on Whiteladies Road might. You can send your kit off or take it to the shop.

  • Vinted is a great source of second hand stuff, lots of it hardly or never worn.

    It’s worth going to an outdoors shop to try things on first, so you know how certain brands fit.

  • There’s loads of outdoor shops in Bristol and online.

    Mountain Warehouse is often the least expensive. Cotswold Outdoors, Blacks and Taunton Leisure all have branded, high quality stuff.

  • You can buy kits to re-proof waterproof items, like jackets and boots. It usually has a special detergent to wash them with, then a re-proofing spray.

    Mountain Warehouse do their own, and there’s a good brand called Nikwax.

    There’s lots of helpful tutorials on YouTube.