Field Notes

What Is Hardcore Anyway And Should We Care?

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Speaking with the bartender made me think about the concept of the hardcore participant in outdoor culture. How your willingness to charge heavy waves, or bomb big mountain lines, or ascend the highest peaks, or thru-hike the longest trails seemingly sit at the heart of the hardcore question. Can you still be a “core” surfer … Read more

Here’s a Little Something to Get You Stoked on Walking

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And though that makes walking experts out of all of us capable of walking, Duncan Minshull is an expert when it comes to thinking and writing about walking. Big long adventurous walks, and short head-clearing around the corner walks. He’s written books and essays for years about the meaning of going for a walk, especially … Read more

Is the Patagonia Work Wear Jacket a Down Puffy Beater?

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A few years ago, I profiled Bay Area naturalist/artist/author Obi Kaufmann for our print publication. We went for a hike. I wore a synthetic shirt, synthetic jacket, and synthetic shorts. Kaufmann wore denim pants, leather boots, a wool shirt, and a felt hat. He talked about how he feels like natural fibers are more durable, … Read more

The Art of Apprehensive Adventuring

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Ravine Cyrique, Dominica, 2008 Halfway down the rope ladder, I paused to collect myself. “Are you sure about this?” I asked. But there was no one there to respond. Paul, my boyfriend, had scampered down the ladder without a flinch and was now well out of view. As I clutched the weathered rails, staring at … Read more

A Few Words About Adventure Journal’s New Direction

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The most obvious change is that our website has a new look, with a design that mirrors what’s in print and a modern, best-practices e-commerce platform. This reflects a transition we’ve been making for a while, from ad-supported digital content to a reader-supported premium print experience. We will continue to bring you our most popular … Read more

Even My Tiny Alaskan Town Is Suffering From the Housing Crisis

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In Girdwood, Alaska, we’ll long remember the snowstorm of Dec. 6, just three months ago. But it won’t be for the school cancellations. We’ll remember it as the night dozens of residents traveled a snow-packed highway to testify at a public meeting — about housing. Residents across the West will recognize why so many came … Read more