Empty mind / Open spaces

FIELD REPORT : OUTSIDE INTEL

‘Field Report’ is an editorial series hosted in collaboration with Purple Mountain Observatory and Ali George Hinkins. It seeks to showcase members of the wider creative community in PMO gear in their chosen field, whether a literal field, a modern cityscape, a workshop, or a studio space. We aim to dive deep into the subject’s interests, outlets, and disciplines while

‘Field Report’ is an editorial series hosted in collaboration with Purple Mountain Observatory and Ali George Hinkins. It seeks to showcase members of the wider creative community in PMO gear in their chosen field, whether a literal field, a modern cityscape, a workshop, or a studio space. We aim to dive deep into the subject’s interests, outlets, and disciplines while wearing the latest from Purple Mountain Observatory.

For this edition of ‘Field Report,’ we connected with Lewis Smart, the individual behind OUTSIDE INTEL, an outdoor-oriented platform established in the throes of the post-lockdown world, where anything looked better than the four walls we were confined to.

Through OUTSIDE INTEL, Lewis is all about encouraging a positive connection with the outdoors and fostering a community around this. From ultra-marathon trail runs and solo camping to scaling peaks throughout the UK, Lewis highlights the many ways you can engage with nature – from what’s on your doorstep to within a car’s drive. Through his captivating short-form video content and their signature monologues by Lewis, we see the outdoors from a whole new perspective – through the eyes of OUTSIDE INTEL.

Now, we’ll leave the rest up to Lewis and let him introduce himself.

PMO: Hey Lewis, please introduce yourself and tell us more about the individual behind ‘OUTSIDE INTEL’.

LS: My name is Lewis, and I’m a content creator. I run the page OUTSIDE INTEL. The videos and photos I post are focused on being outside but also incorporate aspects of sobriety, mental health, and fitness. I started making videos years ago but was always too afraid of putting myself out there. I think it was always inevitable that I would do something like this eventually.

AGH: How did you first discover Purple Mountain Observatory?

LS: I discovered Purple Mountain Observatory through a friend who was shooting some products for the brand quite early on. We were camping in North Wales in the middle of winter. I remember we had some two-piece fleece sets to keep us cosy by the camp fire. I remember even then how the product stood out.

PMO: Can you tell us which Purple Mountain Observatory products you selected for your ‘Field Report’ and why?

LS: I chose the Lime Breeze Ombre Jacket. I remember seeing this and instantly falling in love with the piece. The colours pop so nicely, and the material is so sick. It’s also lightweight and breathable, so it’s something I could chuck on for a quick run on a colder day.

Secondly, I chose the Crinkle Rip Field Jacket in ‘Putty’. Again, this one instantly caught my eye. The material looks and feels so nice; it almost has a metallic look.

Sorry to inject, but this seems like an ample opportunity to discuss the garments in greater depth. Lewis’s selections, the Breeze Ombre and Field Jacke, are two charming examples of Purple Mountain Observatory’s ability to effortlessly combine fun styling with functional detailing. The Breeze Ombre Jacket is made using a micro-ripstop and treated with a DWR finish for an increased level of protection, while the Field Jacket is crafted from crinkle-rip nylon with a metal finish. The silhouettes feature multiple pockets, adjustable points throughout, YKK front zippers and ultrasonic seam taping where appropriate.

PMO: ⁠How does your choice of clothing aid you while camping and exploring?

LS: I’ve always enjoyed clothes; they play a big part in expressing ourselves. I’ve always considered myself quite a quiet/under-the-radar kind of guy, meaning I would subconsciously let the clothes I wear do the talking. Of course, when I am outside, function comes first, but where I can, I’ll always try and make ‘functional’ look good.

PMO: What does it do for you? Why do you choose to partake in this hobby?

LS: Being outside is extremely important to me. I’m not afraid to admit I find life generally pretty overwhelming, but being outside brings me back to earth, calms me down and reminds me how most things day to day are not that important. One of my favourite outdoor memories was my first solo summit. It felt pretty refreshing to be in the Mountains on my own and totally self-reliant.

PMO: What are some essentials that are always in your pack?

LS: Pack essentials? Other than the obvious, like waterproofs and water, just shit loads of food and sweets, to be honest. Scotch eggs always do the job, and Sour Patch Kids for the sugar boost.