UnBound
For those seeking their next outdoor adventure
I'm regretting coming to NYC without a camera...
Right now, I am in NYC for a few marketing/networking meetings, so I left the camera in Baja. It's bulky and I figured an iphone would do. It doesn't 🤷♂️ sorry for calling you out Apple.
However, yesterday I met with 30-ish brands/tourism boards/hotels at IMM by TravMedia
I'm buzzing.
Never Skip a Meal With Friends in the Dirt
Partially rehydrated bites of pad thai crunch between my teeth. If I was Alex Honnold, I’d use the the word, “mastication” but I’m just a simple outdoors guy who enjoys hanging with friends and eating food in the dirt. I mean, what more could you ask for than pretty view, some dirt under the nails, and a good night sleep under the stars?
I Failed By Day Three, So Here's a Flashback to Greece
Day three of my personal challenge to create a photo essay everyday I’m not on production came and went. Turns out, to create a photo essay in a single day, plus write a story about it takes about 2 to 3 hours and somedays I just don’t have that much time. A prime example, today.
But, who really cares? Let’s blow this popsicle stand and head to the Greek Island of Mykonos.
I Should Be On Everest Right Now, But I’m In Las Vegas
I am supposed to be on Everest, right now, the broken record in my head repeats. Why am I standing on top of my van watching the sunrise from Las Vegas?
Top Destination We Are Drooling Over This Week
Finding new destinations can be hard in today’s digital world where everyone is trying to sell you on something “new”. So, here at UnBound, we have created this space to highlight the best destinations we have explored. These destinations can be far fetched locations that we have fallen in love with, or, backyard hot spots that we just want to share with everyone.
Regardless of the location, these destinations are all places we have personally visited and think you should consider when planning your next trip.
Every Adventurer's Basecamp Is Just Outside of Rocky Mountain National Park at Trailborn Rocky Mountain
Adventure and hotel don’t belong in the same sentence, so why am I calling Trailborn Rocky Mountain the basecamp for adventurers? The answer I’m crazy. Just kidding. This adventure-forward hotel fosters a sense of community and encourages adventure. A steep task they have taken on, if I say so myself, but here’s how they do it.
I Was The First Tester for Big Agnes's Newest Bikepacking Tent
Earlier this year, Big Agnes called me with a desire to create their release promos for a new bikepacking tent, but, if you know anything about Big Agnes, they don’t like fake. So, the plan was to meet in Phoenix/Scottsdale for the Queen’s Ransom bikepacking loop.
The 5 Stages of Visiting Bear Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park
With the timed entry into Rocky Mountain National Park, access to Bear Lake at sunrise takes a little bit of planning. While there are day of permits available, they seem to be impossible to land. So, if you are making the trek out to Rocky Mountain National Park, I suggest you secure your entry permit months beforehand.
People Care About You and Your Work, If They Know You
"At the end of the day, nobody cares about you"
False.
It's the opposite. If you don't let people know you exist they don't care about you because they don't know you.
The Weekend Guide to Half Moon Bay
Looking for the perfect weekend escape from the hustle and bustle of the Bay Area? Nestled just 29 miles south of San Francisco lies Half Moon Bay, a charming coastal town that often flies under the radar but packs a punch when it comes to weekend adventures. Whether you're a surfer, poet, hiker, nature lover, or simply seeking a relaxing coastal getaway, Half Moon Bay has something for everyone.
An Evening Surf With Santa Cruz Local Pro Austin Smith Ford And Dermatone
Without much daylight left, local surf-pro, Austin Smith-Ford, waxes his board for an evening of surf a few miles north of Santa Cruz, CA. A local’s only spot where you’ll surely be yelled at if you can’t say “hey” to at least a few surfers in the line up.
The Coolest Adventures We Found This Week
Adventure comes in all shapes and sizes, yet, we feel it is hard to discover new adventures. So, the editors at The Adventure Travel Network have teamed up to create a space highlighting the best adventures we have heard about each week. Without further adieu, we give you the coolest adventures we found this week:
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Climbing Mount Massive
Mount Massive, Colorado’s second-highest peak, is the often overlooked step-sibling to the highest peak in Colorado, Mount Elbert, just across the valley. However, climbing this iconic mountain comes with its challenges, and mistakes can quickly turn an enjoyable trek into a tough lesson. Based on personal experiences, here are the top mistakes to avoid when tackling Mount Massive, so you can have a safer and more rewarding adventure.
I Caught My First Barrel Surfing Rancho Santana Nicaragua — And You Can Too
When I visited Rancho Santana, Nicaragua, I had one clear goal: surf a barrel. Despite almost 15 years of surfing experience, I had never successfully ridden inside a barrel and been spit out. Surfing Northern California's point breaks rarely presented opportunities for barrel riding, so this felt like my moment. To give myself the best shot, I enlisted the help of a surf instructor. Here’s how it all unfolded.
It’s Weird, I Know, But I Love Joshua Tree’s Backcountry
Exploring the backcountry of Joshua Tree National Park is an experience unlike any other. For some, the vast, barren desert might seem uninviting or even intimidating. But for me, it’s a place of serenity, creativity, and unmatched beauty. It may sound strange to some, but I genuinely love spending time in Joshua Tree’s backcountry, especially when I go solo. There’s something about being out there, surrounded by desert silence, that keeps calling me back.
Why Is Nobody Talking About This Free Campsite Near Joshua Tree National Park?
If you’ve ever tried camping at Joshua Tree National Park, you know how competitive it can be to snag a campsite. With limited spaces at popular spots like Hidden Valley Campground and Jumbo Rocks, visitors often face the disappointment of finding every site full, even with early arrival and perfect timing. After years of visiting Joshua Tree for climbing and photography, I’ve learned that camping near the park doesn’t have to be this frustrating. There’s a hidden gem that few people seem to be talking about: the free Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land just outside the park.
Finding a Campsite in Joshua Tree Is Hard, But Here's How You Do It
If you’re planning to camp in Joshua Tree National Park, you’ve probably heard that finding a campsite can be a challenge. With a limited number of sites, high demand during climbing season, and no shortage of weekend warriors, competition is fierce. But don’t worry—I’ve been through it and learned a few tricks to help you secure your spot.
Four Winter Escapes Filled With Sun You Haven't Thought About Yet
As winter casts its chilly spell across much of the northern hemisphere, the desire for warm, sun-soaked destinations intensifies. If you find yourself yearning for an escape, look no further than these four idyllic destinations. All accessible with a passport and relatively quick flight, these enticing destinations that not only promise delightful temperatures but also offer a plethora of activities to make your winter getaway truly memorable.
We Really Just Need To Play
Alarm goes off. Wake up. Do the morning routine. Go to work, because, you know, we have to. Work. Work. Meeting. Pretend to work some more. Work. Head home. Maybe spend time with friends talking about work and the stress it creates, but, you know, you couldn’t live without work.
That is not living. That is a life accepting the indoctrination of a consumeristic life without questioning what is really going on in this world. So, what is living?
Play.
Here's The Difference Between Backpacking and Camping
The allure of the great outdoors, with its untamed beauty and serenity, beckons adventure enthusiasts to seek solace beyond the urban hustle. Amidst the vast array of outdoor activities, backpacking and camping stand out as two distinct yet equally captivating choices. Both promise a rendezvous with nature, but their approaches, equipment requirements, and overall experiences set them apart. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the nuances of backpacking and camping, helping you decipher the ideal outdoor adventure tailored to your preferences.