Thursday 29 August 2019
In the middle of South Pacific, roughly 200 miles from the nearest speck of land, sits tiny Palmerston Island, population 35—an unlikely refuge with an even odder history and unsure future. (via Outside)
Think you know the most effective ways to curb climate change? This insightful quiz, based on the recent UN report and driven by Project Drawdown, can be both encouraging and enlightening. (via CNN)
The Faroe Islands are some of the most visually mind-blowing landforms on Earth. On these soaring cliffs and rocky fields runs Sverri Steinholm, an avid runner and the local pastor. The beautiful short documentary inspires with more than just pretty pictures. (via The Atlantic)
Why is Swedish teenager Greta Thunberg, the climate activist that just arrived in NYC via sailboat, so damn good at pissing off conservatives? (via The Outline)
Thursday 22 August 2019
In April Canadian outdoor lifestyle brand Ten Tree created the 4th most liked Instagram post ever, with over 15.5MM likes, in the name of planting trees. This week they launched a second viral campaign, garnering over 353k comments and raising $20k for North American firefighters and the Canadian Red Cross. (via Ten Tree)
The trend of cold water surfing has officially gone mainstream. In this lengthy profile on surfing in Ireland, NYT writer Biddle Duke surveys the landscape—both literally and culturally—and decides this wild Atlantic coast might actually be a surfer’s paradise… when there are waves that is. (via New York Times)
Ever been to a local bike shop and been treated like you didn’t belong? You’re not alone. This op-ed argues bike shops need to change their attitude if they want to survive. A duh statement, but it's not so simple. (via Bicycling)
Chances are you saw the viral video of the tattooed guy with a Chicago accent thicker than a deep-dish pizza helping out a poor little coyote pup. It’s entertaining and heartbreaking. To learn the full story, The Cut caught up with the man himself, who happens to be a hobby botanist too. (via The Cut)
Thursday 15 August 2019
Sure, a vintage Land Cruiser FJ60 would be nice. But imagine the IG following you could amass with this safari edition 1975 Ferrari 308 GT4? The customized rig is for sale in Texas and fully ready to rip. (via Bring a Trailer)
You’ve heard of “third wave” coffee, but “third wave” outdoors? it. Vanishes, a new clothing project by designer Rob Darmour, who currently helms creative at Tanner Goods and previously worked with Kanye at Adidas, exists to bridge the gap between outdoor apparel and urban aesthetics. (via Tanner Goods)
A question we asked two years ago, and many have chimed in since. Is outdoor photography and geotagging ruining the outdoors? Katie Boué and REI consider the situation in this short film and article. (via REI Co-op Blog)
The urban outdoorsman vibe has finally caught the attention of The Gray Lady. From Virgil’s awful $1590 Luis Vuitton chalk bag to Prada’s mountaineering-inspired bags and apparel, fashion is looking to adventure sports for design inspiration more than ever. As stated, if you can get killed doing it, fashion wants it. (via New York Times)
Thursday 08 August 2019
After yearslong local protests and public campaigns by companies like Patagonia, the previously approved $1-billion Jumbo Glacier Ski Resort development in remote British Columbia has been effectively halted. A rare and huge win for environmentalists, grizzly bear conservationists, and First Nations communities alike. (via Keep it Wild)
For all you #cabinporn addicts out there, Instagram is coming to life in the form of Cabinland, a new project by school teacher turned whimsical cabin builder Jacob Witzling and Playboy model turned outdoor influencer. Get the full scoop on the off-grid Washington state property in this feature. (via Huckberry)
It’s official, walking makes us happier, healthier, and .. brainier? (via The Guardian)
America’s largest and newest Dark Sky Sanctuary has been designated in the northwest corner of Nevada, just a handful of miles from the Oregon border. Here, in one of just 10 dark sky sanctuaries in the world, he sky is entirely free of light pollution. (via NPR)
Thursday 01 August 2019
As captain of the USWNT, Megan Rapinoe led her team to another World Cup win this past month in France. She earned the Golden Boot award for most goals, and Golden Ball for best player, and Trump’s ire for being an outspoken lesbian activist. In this new interview Rapinoe puts it all out there, and it's worth a read. (via The New York Times)
Style expert and all around enthusiast of finer things, David Coggins launched a new digital publication of sorts this week. It’s modest, reminiscent of media in the 2010s, with personal blog-like musings of varying lengths, covering topics like travel, style, drinking and… fishing. I’ve been saying blogs are coming back! (via The Contender)
Finally some good news. Data shows that a growing number of women are interested in fishing these days, with 17.7 million women participating in 2018. Numbers for Hispanic anglers are up too. More diversity in the outdoors will benefit everyone involved. (via Gear Junkie)
Our good pal Bernard coined the term “Everyday Carry” decades ago with his eponymous tumblr. Now, it’s a widespread—and lucrative—product category, and some would say, a lifestyle. This well reported story dives into how both design-driven techies and the prepper MAGA crowd manage to coexist within the EDC landscape. (via Vox)
Thursday 25 July 2019
Hipcamp, the annoyingly named startup that provides access to private lands for camping, clamping, or parking an Airstream on, recently closed on $25 million in additional funding from mega VC fund Andreessen Horowitz, bringing it’s valuation to $127 million. Seems like this whole “get people outside” thing is catching on. (via TechCrunch)
Until a few years ago Page, Arizona was a speck in the desert, a pitstop for folks on the way to nearby Lake Powell. Then Instagram happened. Now Antelope Canyon—located on Navajo land—is an internet sensation. This well reported op-ed by one reporter who made the journey herself, dives into how the burst of fame is transforming a tiny town, and a tribe. (via Vox)
Supreme. Love it or hate it, Supreme changed lifestyle marketing and fashion forever. And though there’s no shortage of reportage on the global phenomenon of a brand, our good pal Noah Johnson might have just published the definitive story of Supreme. (via GQ)
As Greenland’s glaciers melt, sediment pours into its waters. Sand too. Now researchers are asking, can this tiny island nation produce sand for billions worldwide? From shoring up eroded beaches to concrete mixtures—one of the world’s most-used commodities—there may be an a light at the end of the dark climate crisis tunnel for Greenland. (via New York Times)
Thursday 18 July 2019
On Australia’s Rottnest Island lives the what has been dubbed the World’s Happiest Animal. The quokka, with the face of a smiling bear and a cat-sized body of a kangaroo, is found no where else on Earth. This 20+ minute documentary dives into how taking selfies with the naturally smiling marsupials is driving tourism on the remote nature reserve. (via The Atlantic)
How the military, a marathoner, and the relentless march of capitalism turned protein bars into an unlikely American staple for both serious athletes and office workers to busy for lunch. (via Topic)
Arc’teryx wants to buy back your old jacket. In an effort to reduce its global consumption of raw materials and environmental impact, the BC-based brand launched the Rock Solid program, taking taking in old gear, repairing and cleaning it, and offering it to new customers at a discount. (via Arc’teryx)
Glamping gets international attention, with companies offering luxury camping options in environments from Bolivia’s Uyuna Salt Flats to Rwanda’s Akagera National Park. (via New York Times)
Thursday 11 July 2019
Climber Elizabeth Briggs and her incredible pooch Loki recently became the first recorded summit of 14,411-foot Mount Rainier by a service dog. (via Komo News Seattle)
A look inside the emerging queer surf community, where LGBTQ athletes and outdoor enthusiasts look for freedom in the lineup while reckoning with continued barriers of entry. (via GQ)
California’s coastline is disappearing due to rising seas. The choices outlined in this extremely thorough, interactive article are few, and grim, but worth our attention. (via Las Angeles Times)
50 years ago this summer the crew of Apollo 11 became the first human beings to walk on the surface of the moon. Lucky for us, NASA documented much of the mission and the astronauts themselves packed cameras too. This slideshow depicts the most epic summer vacation of all time. (via New York Times)
Thursday 04 July 2019
A global Lyme Disease pandemic is underway. This comprehensive, multi-part series delivers everything you need to know, according to the CDC and leading experts. (via Medium)
In an insightful and succinct Q&A, artist and designer Tom Sachs shares thoughts on productivity, creative leadership, and the importance of idealism, alongside his experience working with Nike and other influential brands. (via Vogue Business)
With the airing of his episode this month, Quince Mountain became the first openly transgender person to be on TV show “Naked and Afraid.” In this op-ed, Quince explains how the seemingly difficult experience was actually freeing. (via New York Times)
It’s tradition that those who first ascend a route get naming rights. In male-dominated climbing, this has led to countless questionable—and often offensive—route names. Now many female climbers are asking, are these names set in stone? (via Canada’s The Globe and Mail)
Thursday 27 June 2019
What does “runner's high” actually feel like? To answer the age old question, a couple handful of longtime runners weigh in. (via Medium)
7 secrets to staying sane on long distance hikes, as told by a series of experienced thru-hikers. (via Therm-a-Rest)
Even as social media has arguably made fly fishing feel more accessible, allowing more diverse anglers to show it’s not exclusively an activity for old white men, Instagram has become divisive for many female fly-fishers due to, among other factors, old white men. (via Outside)
Inside the first true bouldering gym in the Caribbean, with a profile on the climber behind both the gym and the growing scene, based in Puerto Rico. (via Huckberry — btw, simply scroll down to escape the sign-in screen)
Thursday 20 June 2019
Outdoor advocates and medical experts alike have long exalted the benefits of spending time in nature. Now, researchers have answered the long asked question of just how frequently we should experience the great outdoors in order to reap its benefits. (via New York Times)
Don Sheldon was a legendary Alaskan bush pilot known for servicing and rescuing climbers on and around Denali. He once delivered a baby in the back of his single-engine plane, one hand on his controls while the other did as a doctor instructed through the radio. He waited out an 11-day storm in the northern tundra, tying his plane to frozen whale ribs so it wouldn’t blow away. And he even once narrowly escaped an avalanche by using its power to lift his plane’s tail as he took off. Read more in this inspiring profile. (via Range)
Canadian footwear brand Native Shoes has released a unisex sneaker made entirely from plant-derived materials—including eucalyptus, pineapple husk, and dried hevea milk—that are fully biodegradable, compostable and vegan-friendly. (via Dezeen)
At 4’2” and weighing just 55 lbs, 10-year-old Selah Schneiter recently became the youngest person ever to climb the 3,000-foot Nose route on Yosemite’s iconic El Capitan. (via Outside)
Thursday 13 June 2019
108 Women’s World Cup players reflect on their jobs, money, and sacrificing everything to do what they love, paired with disposable 35mm camera photos shot by the athletes themselves. (via New York Times)
As part of REI’s ongoing effort to equip and educate, this comprehensive, interactive checklist for backpacking is helpful for veteran hikers and first timer backpackers alike. (via REI Co-op)
You can never know too many knots, no matter your outdoor activity of preference. This website offers video tutorials on everything from boating knots and fishing knots to climbing knots and more. (via Kottke)
Oregon's potential to harness energy from ocean swell, currents, and waves is very high, but national interest has been relatively low. Oregon State University's PacWave Project is creating a testing facility six miles off the coast that will allow developers to bypass the mountain of processes that have halted this development. (via OPB by way of Obabika)
Thursday 06 June 2019
An insightful and encouraging profile on Jenny Bruso of Unlikely Hikers and the other grassroots organization leaders like her helping to increase representation and encourage more diversity in the outdoors. (via New York Times)
Out Magazine deputy editor Fran Tirado does a service to everyone with a well considered twitter thread on how corporations can support Pride month, while avoiding capitalizing on marginalization for corporate gain. Worth a read, whether you work for a brand or not. (via Twitter)
Even the presence of phone—turned off—causes stress hormones to rise. This article rehashes what we all know about “smartphone addition” but also offers insight into how the term “addition” has been co-opted by everyone and how organizations are helping people combat the FOMO. (via Crosscut)
June 9th is a “day of action” to help support the environment. Join Obabika and the Sierra Club in taking a stand against old growth logging practices that are unsustainable, and damaging to our coastal communities and lands. Here’s how. (Via Sierra Club BC)
Thursday 30 May 2019
Nirmal Purja’s image of a wildly crowded “Death Zone” approaching Everest’s summit has inspired many to consider the detachment of Everest from real climbing and mountaineering due to commodification of the “trophy experience” and media coverage of a continual conquering of its peak by “conquistadors of the useless.” (via The Guardian)
In an effort to drum up publicity The North Face and ad agency Leo Burnett sneakily changed search Wikipedia image results for iconic destinations to boldly feature TNF products, and Wikipedia is pissed. Maybe you should be too? (via AdAge)
Photographer J. Henry Fair uses aerial photography to document environmental contamination not usually in the public eye. In this insightful interview, he discusses his vivid and surreal images—documenting industrial animal farms, drilling and coal extraction sites, paper mills, etc—and hopes that they inspire viewers to ask questions and consider the costs of everyday consumption. (via VICE)
Everyone’s favorite environmentally friendly outdoor brand Patagonia sues Anhuser-Busch over “Patagonia” branded beer that claims to plant one tree for every case sold. And the owner of Budweiser isn’t going down without a fight. (via Outside)
Thursday 23 May 2019
Washington State governor Jay Inslee introduced a comprehensive, $9 trillion economic plan to create 8 million jobs, rapidly cut planet-warming emissions, and reduce income inequality. While some 2020 presidential hopefuls are pushing a sad “middle of the road” approach to our climate catastrophe, Inslee goes even further than a Green New Deal. (via HuffPost)
In an attempt to escape comfort, reconnect to the natural world and set a new bar for ocean adventure, twin brothers Casey and Ryan Higginbotham embarked on a 2,200-mile trip from Alaska to Mexico on 18-foot paddle boards. No support boats, no paddles, just two dry bags apiece, and a camera. They’re now seeking support for a feature length documentary. (via Kickstarter)
In 1960, David Latimer put some compost, water, and plant seeds into a large glass jar and sealed it up. A fully self-sustaining ecosystem has since grown exclusively using photosynthesis, and entirely devoid of human touch. This short, light hearted article lifts spirits and reminds just how magical the natural world is. (via Kottke)
After launching at the LA Auto Show last year, electric auto startup Rivian has leaned heavy into the outdoor space, even more so recently with the debut of their new overland-outfitted concept. With a suite of off-road components, a built-in camp kitchen, rooftop tent, and more, Rivian further makes the case for an electric-powered future of adventure. (via GearJunkie)
Thursday 16 May 2019
CBD: Cure-all or snake oil? This insightful, feature-length article takes on the question with rich detail, outlining the history of CBD, the legitimate research being done, the promises of vague but powerful benefits, and how it wound up being damn near everywhere. (via New York Times)
How VSCO builds smartphone photo filters by reverse engineering rare and discontinued film stocks. (via Wired)
In March, over one weekend over 150,000 people flocked to Lake Elsinore, CA to view the flaming orange poppy bloom. Similar instances have happened in Nevada and elsewhere too, with damage caused by people putting social media over the wellbeing of nature. In this NPR interview public lands advocate and Outdoor Influencer Katie Boue speaks to the bigger issue at hand. (via Nevada Public Radio)
How driving a decommissioned fire truck slash tiny house on wheels to Alaska taught this pro snowboarder a valuable lesson, and informed him of the imminent threats to Haines, AK from proposed mining projects. (via The Snowboarder’s Journal)
Thursday 09 May 2019
It’s time to break up Facebook. Whether you love or loathe the social network giant, the argument made by Zuckerberg’s original co-founder Chris Hughes in this lengthy and insightful Op-Ed is worth hearing out. (via New York Times)
Seattle’s MiiR introduces what they’re calling the world’s smallest, most durable and portable flat-pack coffee dripper, for making a better cup of joe, anywhere. (via Kickstarter)
Microplastics are raining down from the sky in France’s remote Pyrenes Mountains, and scientists are studying why. (via National Geographic)
In British Columbia, a contentious decision has been made to cull wolves in order to revive mountain caribou, and some groups are calling for a seal cull to save resident orcas. This article discusses how culling animals as a conservation tool divides scientists and animal lovers alike. (via Star Vancouver c/o Obabika)
Thursday 02 May 2019
Why is the story of climate catastrophe so difficult to tell? This article (avail in audio form too) seeks to find an answer. (via New Republic c/o Obabika)
Inside the wild celebrity and booze fueled carnival that one sleepy midieval town becomes when skiing’s most dangerous downhill race comes to town. (via The New Yorker)
Climbing coach and photographer (and Field Mag fam member) Bella Rojas talks advice for new climbers, working with kids, and the importance of diversity and inclusion in climbing with Outside. (via Outside)
A visually awesome, interactive, and actually helpful feature from the NYT answering many relevant questions on how food and your food habits interact and impact with climate change. (via New York Times)
Thursday 25 April 2019
Writer and notable adventurer Blair Braverman beautifully outlines what the physically and emotionally exhausting experience of mushing the 1,000-mile Iditarod dog sled race. (via Outside)
Contemporary legend and artist Frank Ocean talks rock climbing, writing songs, and getting “deflowered” by the music business in this rare and insightful interview. (via GayLetter)
An intelligent takedown of the self-serving mentality social media perpetuates, and the exploitation of the great outdoors for private gain, by way of @PublicLandsHateYou. (via The New Republic)
Since #EarthDay this simple image of a tiny tree posted by Canadian apparel brand Tentree has garnered nearly 14 Million likes (and counting), making it the 5th most liked post on Instagram ever. Tentree is on track to plant 1 Million trees as a result. (via Instagram)
Seeing as it's Earth Day week (?) and all, we want to include a shout out to Obabika, a environmentally focused nonprofit design studio worth checking out.
Thursday 18 April 2019
In this touching short documentary film utrarunner Rickey Gates turns to the 7x7 mile city of San Franciso in a search for a different kind of wilderness, running 1303 miles while traversing literally every single SF street in 46 days. (via Trail Runner)
Last Year the founder of SF clothing upstart Everlane vowed to remove all new plastic from his brand’s supply chain by 2021. Now he’s assembled a serious team to make it happen. (via Fast Company)
Ahead of its IPO, Airbnb continues to evolve. But with personalized trips and offers of all-inclusive vacations, literal hotel rooms, and even culinary courses, what even is Airbnb anymore? (via Quartzy)
In this highly visual parallax article, the Times climate team takes on North America’s shrinking glaciers, and how the effects will trickle down from Alaska and the PNW to impact much more than you may think. (via The New York Times)
Thursday 11 April 2019
Could NYC's 'Rat Island' become the next urban glamping destination? (via Gothamist)
A visually beautiful deep dive into what remains of Bears Ears as politics continue to put one of Utah’s most stunning (and previously protected) lands in danger. (via Washington Post)
Equality at the Boston Marathon is long overdue, and finally on its way (via Women's Running)
Too fast to live, too young to die: How punk is still impacting graphic design (via AIGA)
Thursday 04 April 2019
Patagonia stops selling its iconic power vests to financial firms and tech startups, prioritizing mission-driven companies. (via BuzzFeed News)
Is the answer to burnout a weekend in the woods? Microcabin startup Getaway thinks so. (via Nylon)
Netflix's beautiful new documentary Our Planet forces viewers to acknowledge their own complicity in the decline of nature. (via The Atlantic)
How the notorious Pond Skim came to mark the end to ski season across America since the 1920s. (via The Colorado Sun)
