The Dirtbag Diaries

Alison Kaplan shares her transformative story of healing after a breakup during a solo climbing trip, where she discovers solace in nature and new friendships. Monica Nigon reflects on the Zumbro River in Minnesota, connecting it to her family's history and her journey through grief after loss. Both guests emphasize the therapeutic power of nature and how shared experiences can lead to healing and rediscovery, illustrating the depth of human emotion intertwined with the beauty of the outdoors.

Brody Leven, a professional skier and endurance event participant, shares his journey of committing to outdoor exercise every day for four years. He discusses the mental and physical challenges he's faced, particularly during the pandemic. Brody emphasizes how outdoor adventures can boost mental health and the importance of relationships in this pursuit. He recounts a bike crash that led him to reflect on resilience and the kindness of strangers, blending humor with deep insights about facing personal challenges.

Matt Martin and his fiancé, Hannah, were just starting out on their shared life, when a breast cancer diagnosis rewrote the script they’d imagined for life. Matt stepped into a new role – caregiver. Life became a blur of treatment, worry and existing with unknown outcomes. After a year of caring for Hannah, Matt received the chance to attend one of First Descent's week-long trips down the famed Rogue River. Under the guidance of legendary kayaker and cancer survivor Willie Kern, Matt’s week on the river left him with a lasting understanding of the difference between reacting and responding to the difficult stretches. Support comes fromKuat Racks Terns Use code DIRTBAG to save 25% off your first orderDiaries+ Members-- Their support is powering the Diaries- thank you! You can join today.Our book, States of Adventure, 30 stories adapted from The Diaries, is out in the wild. See if it's available on your local shelves or order it here: geni.us/StatesofAdventure

Raised in the hollers of West Virginia, coal ran deep in Corey Lilly’s family, but it was the local ski hill with 600 feet of vertical that sparked his imagination and started an improbable run into professional skiing. After a head injury permanently impacted his vision and ended his career, Corey returned home to a struggling economy and the depths of the opioid epidemic. It takes a certain kind of person to see opportunity where others miss it and Corey went to work building a new future for himself and his community.Learn more about the Grasstops Collective and get involved.Support comes fromKuat Racks Diaries+ Members-- Their support is powering the Diaries- thank you! You can join today.Our book, States of Adventure, 30 stories adapted from The Diaries, is out in the wild. See if it's available on your local shelves or order it here: geni.us/StatesofAdventure

Brian Cole, an adventure enthusiast and connector in the outdoor space, shares his captivating experiences bikepacking the Baja Cape Loop. He delves into the joys and challenges of traversing diverse landscapes, highlighting how a positive mindset turns adversity into adventure. Cole recounts memorable moments spent with friends, emotional ties to family, and the strong sense of community fostered through shared journeys. He also discusses the practicality and innovation of outdoor gear like the Ibex Truck Bed Rack, celebrating both exploration and conservation.

To celebrate a new year and new ideas, we bring you a conversation with Alastair Humphreys, adventurer, writer, and connoisseur of the microadventure. His new book, Local, flips the idea of what it means to explore on its head. Sometimes, you can go bigger by going smaller.Submissions for The Shorts are open through January 19, 2025. Learn more or submit your essay today.Support comes fromKuat Racks Diaries+ Members-- Their support is powering the Diaries- thank you! You can join today.Our book, States of Adventure, 30 stories adapted from The Diaries, is out in the wild. See if it's available on your local shelves or order it here: geni.us/StatesofAdventure

As the year comes to a close, two beautiful stories about stepping back, reflecting and moving forward from Phil Herbert and N.S. David. “I had one roll of film for the whole trip, which gave me eight frames. Nine if I was lucky,” begins Phil. “I’ve done my fair share of wishing I was warm in my bed while strapped to the side of a granite monolith at 12,000 feet. I’ve torn holes in my clothes and my skin, I’ve broken bones,” writes N.S. as she explores the complexities of sharing her joys with her mother and their relationship. Submissions for The Shorts are open through January 19, 2025. Learn more or submit your essay today. Support comes fromKuat Racks Diaries+ Members-- Their support is powering the Diaries- thank you! You can join today.Our book, States of Adventure, 30 stories adapted from The Diaries, is out in the wild. See if it's available on your local shelves or order it here: geni.us/StatesofAdventure

In late October, Fitz headed to Duluth, MN for a live Dirtbag Diaries in front of a packed house. Joined by professional skier and Lakota activist Connor Ryan, indie rock legend and avid runner Alan Sparhawk and adaptive advocate and adventurer Quinn Brett, it was a night to remember with stories about trying hard, healing and growth. Thanks to the Minnesota Land Trust for making it possible.  Submissions for The Shorts are open through January 19, 2025. Learn more or submit your essay today. Support comes fromKuat Racks Diaries+ Members-- Their support is powering the Diaries- thank you! You can join today.Our book, States of Adventure, 30 stories adapted from The Diaries, is out in the wild. See if it's available on your local shelves or order it here: geni.us/StatesofAdventure

In 2020, partners Niki Choo and Jared Gentz started dreaming of an epic canoeing adventure. Two years later, they started paddling on the Pacific Ocean, embarking on a thousand-mile journey towards the Arctic that would test their skills, grit, and adaptability. Support comes fromKuat Racks Duer Through Dec 2, 2024, save 50% off your first order at shopduer.com/Diaries Diaries+ Members-- Their support is powering the Diaries- thank you! You can join today.Our book, States of Adventure, 30 stories adapted from The Diaries, is out in the wild. See if it's available on your local shelves or order it here: geni.us/StatesofAdventure

“I didn’t expect to get to the top, let alone send. I merely wanted to push the limits of what I believed was capable for myself,” writes Shara Zaia. With climbing, Shara found a space to push herself as she strove to climb harder routes and created a community of friends. Yet, even while flourishing, one question continued to arise for Shara– did she belong?A version of this essay first appeared in The Climbing Zine in Spring 2024.Support comes fromKuat Racks Duer shopduer.com/Diaries to save 20% off your first orderDiaries+ Members-- Their support is powering the Diaries- thank you! You can join today.Our book, States of Adventure, 30 stories adapted from The Diaries, is out in the wild. See if it's available on your local shelves or order it here: geni.us/StatesofAdventure