For those who don't know you - who are you and what do you do?
My name is Lewis and it still feels pretty ridiculous to call myself a content creator but I guess that's what I do. You can mostly find me making videos on outdoor adventures and constantly trying to push my limits.
How has being a London-based creator shaped the way you move, train, or explore the outdoors?
It’s made me appreciate nature so much more. London is great, there is community, there is opportunity and there is so much going on… but with that comes noise. When I’m away from it I can really feel the peace and I think having the balance is what makes it special.
What’s one underrated UK spot you think more people should explore (city or countryside)?
I’m always banging on about it, but the South Downs for sure - especially if you’re based in London. It’s slightly less dramatic than the rest of the UK’s national parks but for me it is quintessential British countryside.
What kind of things inspire you to make videos and what feeds your creativity?
All sorts… Music, Film, other creators but mostly just being out in the world and living. The best ideas always hit me when I’m out experiencing new things, never when I am sitting around waiting for them to hit me.
How important is community within the outdoor scene for you, and how do you actively tap into it?
The community aspect is huge for me. When I was younger I knew very few people who were into camping / hiking / climbing etc. In fact I remember my mates poking fun at me for studying outdoor education. Thanks to the internet and group walks I’ve met bags of likeminded people who are into spending their weekends the same way as me.
What’s your favourite camping meal?
I won’t sit here and pretend I’m anything other than an extremely disappointing cook. But my friend Marc once made this Shakshuka out in the lakes which I still think about.
Where do you see the strongest crossover between sport and fashion right now?
Has to be running. You can’t ignore what’s going on there, the whole thing has gone crazy. I love those memes of how people dress for running now vs how they used to. I laugh but I’m totally part of the problem. Embrace moth tech.
Which brands stocked at Yards Store genuinely live in your day-to-day rotation - and why do they resonate with you?
I’m a huge believer in functional products. I try not to overthink what I wear too much but I do always find myself leaning towards technical products. Packable jackets are just as useful in the city as they are out on the trails… YETI, Gramicci, Goldwin, Helinox are all great. I’m pretty sure G-pants were the only pair of trousers I ever owned at one point.
What does London give you that you’d miss if you lived in the mountains full-time?
I’ve thought about this a lot because living in London is a huge contradiction for someone who claims they love nature so much. Being here has definitely boosted my confidence and made me thicker skinned and I love it for that. But I think above all else I’d miss the community I’ve built here, even if it is only a small circle.
Which pieces in your wardrobe work just as well on a tube platform as they do on a trail?
Two items spring to mind. I’ve got this Montane puffer jacket which genuinely packs down into a bag the size of my fist. You can chuck it into a rucksack and forget it’s there - I use it all of the time. I also went through a phase of wearing trail running shoes daily. Particularly the Altra Olympus 5 which has a wide toe box. They got as much use on the trails as they did on my daily commute.
Follow Lewis on Instagram: @outsideintel