May

A Brief Moment in a Beautiful Place

There is a fine line between a life-lasting memory and disaster. Whatever the discipline–alpinism, big wave surfing, foreign travel–we calculate risk, formulate plans and sometimes we have the spunk to see them through. Today, we’re headed to Laos to recount the story of two friends and one spectacularly bad idea. Join us as we follow Jacob Bain, Colin Brynn and a bamboo raft down a river at the edge of the world. Sometimes, bad ideas work out for the better. Sometimes.

Check out the photo enhanced version.

Music: While he is not traveling the world, the very-talented Jacob Bain also sings and plays in Seattle-based band Trolls Cottage. We’re also very fortunate to have the input of Sus Corez. When she isn’t hard at work in Patagonia’s photo department, Sus is making music with an organic edge.

Apr

A Thousand Words

There is no textbook on adventure journalism, but if there were one, it would contain one single, steadfast rule — you can’t photograph adventure from a safe distance. There are no sidelines in wilderness. El Capitan doesn’t have a press booth. Even for the most safety-conscious, danger can come in many forms–falling rock, toxic jellyfish, even a bad case of the Itch. This week, adventure photographer Corey Rich gives us photos and the untold stories behind them. They say a picture is worth a thousand words. Which words? Find out.

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Music: Born on the Cusp by The American Analog Set • My Sword Hand’s Anger by Apostle of Hustle

Music provided by IODA Promonet.

Apr

The Great Big Garage in the Sky

Many of us associate our vehicles with freedom, independence, and youth. Even as we come to terms with the fact that automobiles may be an unnecessary evil, it’s hard not to think back to that first surf or climbing trip, and day dream about open windows, loud music and a best friend riding shotgun. Can a hunk of metal have a soul? What happens when the motor finally stops? In this episode, we bring you the sometimes-true tale of a 1974 Mitsubishi Sigma, a boy on the cusp of adulthood and a life changing journey across Australia.

Music: Electronic rockers Ghostland Observatory provided music for Episode Three. If you haven’t heard of this Austin, TX duo, you’re missing out. They’ve routinely earned rave reviews for their two full length albums Paparazzi Lightning and Delete.Delete. I Eat Meat, but it’s their raucous, energetic live performances that have triggered a growing wave of fans.

Mar

The Monoboard

Gaper. Touron. Weekend Warrior. As mountain people, we can be a cold lot adhering to the “Us” and “Them” mentality, but at our root, what makes a dirtbag a dirtbag? Is it a look? The clothes we wear or skis we own? Or is it something deeper in our culture? Can anyone be a dirtbag? In our first episode, Fitz Cahall finds a kindred spirit in his monoboarding landlord. Welcome to The Dirtbag Diaries.