The A Team of Positive Male Role Models in the Outdoors

Published on March 28, 2025 1 min read

Masculinity doesn’t have to be toxic

If you are looking for positive male role models to follow on Instagram look no further. Ben Fogle has created the perfect ‘A-Team’ of men that represent an authentic/vulnerable/relatable masculinity. His words below are powerful. It’s important for us all that we don’t allow toxic masculinity to creep back into our culture.

The outdoor industry has long been seen as a traditional ‘male’ environment. It’s crucial for our children to see male role models in this sphere who are empathetic, kind, and open-minded, as well as brave and adventurous.

Equally important is the representation of women in the outdoors. Explore Ben’s selection of the best male role models to follow on Instagram, and don’t forget to check out our Ordnance Survey Champions – a diverse group of men and women inspiring more people to embrace outdoor adventures.

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Ben Fogle on Toxic Masculinity

So much in the news about toxic masculinity and the dangers of the online world for our youngsters
As a father I am watching. The subject has my full attention.
Role models have always been important.
A recent poll suggests nearly a 25% of British boys aged 14 to 18 think women belong in the kitchen.
If any of my son’s friends ever peddle that nonsense they will all be chained to the kitchen sink.
25%? That’s a quarter of all boys! What went wrong?
The toxic few who peddle the misogyny have a big reach (thanks to tech algorithms) and make a loud noise (thanks to the press) but we must not let them drown out the great male role models who represent an authentic/vulnerable/ relatable masculinity.
For me modern masculinity does not mean you can’t be strong, and brave and hairy and muscly
It means you can be all of those things while also being empathetic, kind and open minded.
You can climb a dangerous mountain AND wash the dishes
You can run an Ultra AND lack confidence.
You can have big muscles AND cry
You can have a big beard AND believe in equality.
You can be successful AND relatable
You can be wealthy AND compassionate
Even popular culture shows like the BBCs Apprentice still pedal the wrong metrics of success
An expensive car or a sharp suit should not define the aspirations of success.
I want my son to aspire to a realistic, authentic masculinity.
Not one created by right wing bigots who merely use it as way to exert money, court fame and exert control and power over others.
There are SO many amazing inspiring men out there
If your sons need some inspiration give some of these guys a follow @beargrylls @ed_stafford @_mitchhutch @jason_carl_fox @aldokane @backshall.steve @hardestgeezer @kentoncool @seanconwayadventure @gordonbuchanan_wildlife @simon_reeve @astro_timpeake @dwaynefields
Maybe we need to put together a modern day A Team of positive male role models to tour schools and recapture the ‘manosphere’?

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