Outdoor culturecan be hard to define, and we wouldn’t have it any other way: it’s as diverse as those who work, play, and fight for justiceoutside. This year, ϳԹ’s culture writers delved into countless subjects, includingfat bears, the Camber Outdoors equity fiasco, Pattie Gonia, and more. The common thread? People connecting deeply with the outdoors—and each other—in both new and old ways.
Here are all of our favoritestories from 2019:personal essays, profiles, plus explorations ofthe events and discussions that shaped the outdoor world.
“Pattie Gonia Is Shaking Up the ϳԹ World”
Wyn Wiley, creator of the drag-queen Instagram star, explains that it all started when he grabbed some six-inch heels buried in his closet and decided to take a risk.
“Life Lessons from a 97-Year-Old Lobsterman”
Lobsterman John Olsonhas been on the water for nine decades, and he’sstill working. Thisstoryexplores Maine’s iconic industrythrough Olson’s eyes.
“How Shelton Johnson Became a Yosemite Legend”
The longtime ranger has spent decades sharing stories of and advocating for diversity in the national parks. But his journeystarted on the edge of a cliff in Germany.
“It’s Fat Bear Week, Motherf*ckers”
Revisit the best week of the year.
“Meet the Volunteers Behind Our Favorite Fat Bears”
Every year, Explorecalls on its A-team to capture the rotund glory of the brown bears in Alaska’s Katmai National Park.
“A New ϳԹ Guide for People with Disabilities”
The founder of the organization Disabled Hikersis making the outdoor industry more accessible, one trail guide at a time.
“Heather Anderson Found Healing on Her Historic PCT Hike”
In her new memoir Thirst,the celebrated thru-hikerdelves into the physical and mental struggles and the triumphs she experienced on the trail.
“A Muralist Paints the Camp Fire’sWreckage”
Shane Grammer’simagesbrought hope to his friends and family in the wake of California’smost destructive fire. Now he’sreturning to the region to reveal new work, including a major art installation.
“How Instagram Became Divisive for Female Fly-Fishers”
Some believe the platform has made the sport more accessible and lucrative for female anglers. But not everyone sees it that way.
“What We Can Learn from the Camber Outdoors Fiasco”
The organization’s equity pledgeignored the work of Teresa Baker and many others already striving to make the outdoor industry more inclusive. So we asked a dozen leaders in industry equityhow to move forward.
“What Happened at the SHIFT Festival?”
A public condemnation of the 2019 SHIFT Festival’sattempts to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion revealedbroader issues in the outdoor industry.
“Where Were the Women in Matchstick’s New Ski Film?”
After making some headway on gender inclusion, the on-screen slopes went back to a bro fest with Return to Send’er. The internet was furious.
“The Instagram Account Calling Out Harassers in Climbing”
New accounts sharing bad behavior, plus public stands from notable climbers, are bringing gross online interactions into the spotlight.
“Beyoncé Films at Havasu Falls. The Internet Reacts.”
The famous waterfalls appeared in about ten seconds’worth of Lady Bey’snew music video, and some people were angry about it.
“‘Any One of Us’Is More than an Inspirational Film”
Last spring, ϳԹ features editor Gloria Liu watched professional mountain biker Paul Basagoitia’sdocumentaryabout the spinal-cord injury he sustained at Red Bull Rampage. Ahead of its HBO releasein October, she and her partner viewed it again after their own life-altering experience.
“ϳԹs of an Openly Gay Outdoorsman”
The wilderness firefighter and author reflects on the risks and rewardsof being out in the wilderness, literally and figuratively.
“Miscarriage on a Mountain”
Sometimesthe path to parenthoodis an uncertain trek.
“Inside the Mind of a Very Good Boy”
What is a good boy anyway? How do you become one? These are the questions that keep me up at night.