Rotary Club of Rutland

Mar 31, 2025
Arwen Turner and Kara Hardman
Disrupting the outdoor retail industry with Thicket Adventure

Arwen Turner is the Chief Imagination Officer of Thicket Adventure and a fat outdoors enthusiast.  The idea for this company came after Arwen went on a body-inclusive group hike, met a bunch of fellow fat hikers who were badasses, and got really mad that there was no gear and apparel for all the fat outdoorsy (and future fat outdoorsy) people out there.

Kara Hardman is the Chief Fun Officer of Thicket Adventure. Her favorite adventures include kayaking, walking and porch sitting. Kara has been in a plus-size body for many years and understands the thought work it takes to love yourself exactly as you are. In March 2019, Kara climbed Kilimanjaro with the Cury Kili Crew, an all-women’s group of curvy hikers, for International Women’s Day. This trip convinced her of the need for size-inclusive apparel.