This article was produced in partnership with columbia sportswear
Weekends are precious for outdoor adventurers: a respite from the hectic workweek schedules and a chance to slow down and enjoy nature. Just ask Yassin Dupont and Willie McBride, Columbia ambassadors and co-owners of Wee East Wolfpack, a Portland, Oregon-based organization dedicated to helping people stay active and connect with the outdoors. Dupont and McBride are both great endurance athletes From low to highAnd the Kirk Horton film depicting one of their FKT attempts. But in addition to hunting FKTs, they are passionate about helping people from all walks of life discover the fun and value of outdoor exploration.
There will always be more work to be done, says Dupont. men’s magazine“So I think it’s important to identify these times where you can just get out of them and go after them.”
For Diboun and McBride, getting out of the house brings all kinds of benefits. This includes physical, such as improved physical fitness, as well as mental, such as learning to overcome past challenges and giving your brain time to wander.
“Going out to these places on a regular basis is just a haven for me,” says Dupont.
A little exploration can pay off big
Whether they’re pushing themselves to the limit in a long-distance race or training clients at the Wy’East Wolfpack, Diboun and McBride’s work demonstrates the restorative benefits of time spent outdoors. Anyone can reap these benefits, regardless of your level of experience. Here’s a closer look at some of the rewards you can look forward to, whether you’re hiking or exploring your local park.
Keeps you healthy: No matter how you choose to spend time outside—running, biking, kayaking, or just walking to the grocery store instead of driving—you’re giving your health a boost. Training your muscles through external exercise is one benefit, but Diboun and McBride stress that moving your body helps your mind and soul, too. Getting away from screens and getting outdoors can help you feel recharged, refreshed, and prepared for whatever’s new on your work schedule.
Helps you overcome adversity: When you embark on a challenging day hike or a challenging bike ride – or whatever outdoor activity you choose – you have to dig deep and push through the odds to achieve your goal. Reaching the top or achieving your mileage goal is one bonus, but in the process, you achieve something even more important: the mental toughness to go beyond your comfort zone in pursuit of a bigger goal. This perseverance will help you deal with adversity in all kinds of situations, both on and off the track. In Wy’East Wolfpack, Diboun and McBride teach “comfort with discomfort,” a skill everyone needs to achieve their goals. Spending time in nature is a great way to develop it.
it is fun: This is obvious but important. Being outdoors is a perfect way to leave the demands of work and routine behind and let go. It can mean different things to different people: climbing up a mountain in search of pure powder, for example, or tossing a Frisbee in the garden on a sunny afternoon. No matter how you choose to rebuild, making time for fun is essential to a happy and balanced life.
Change your point of view: Cascading waterfalls, towering mountain peaks, serene forests, vast deserts – the land is full of wonders, and getting outside is the best way to experience it. But there is more to it than just seeing the sights; Spending time in nature and experiencing the Earth’s daily marvels firsthand is humbling, energizing, and powerfully reminding us that you, too, are a part of nature. Getting away from a man-made world and enjoying the dirt under your feet is the best way to strengthen that connection.
Community Strengthens: The outdoors provide a lot of solitude, but engaging in outdoor activities is also a great way to meet people. That’s a big reason why Diboun and McBride founded WyEast Wolfpack: to help more people from all walks of life build stronger bonds with nature and experience the joys of being outdoors. Getting out of the house is best when you share the trail with others, and building a relationship with nature isn’t the only connection you’ll make—you’ll make new friends along the way, too.
The gear that will get you there
When it comes to outdoor adventure, your gear shouldn’t stand in your way. This should help you move forward and stay comfortable, so that you can focus on the journey rather than the clothes you wear to get there. Whether they’re headed for a multi-day return trip, training clients, or enjoying a day trip, Columbia Silver Ridge™ Kit It can help you achieve your goals.
Columbia Silver Ridge Utility Light Plaid Long Sleeve
The Utility Lite Long Sleeve And the Utility Lite Plaid Long Sleeve The shirts offer built-in Omni-Shade™ UPF 50 sun protection and dual chest pockets for convenient storage on the road or in transit. pant benefit Features moisture-wicking two-way stretch fabric for maximum comfort. Even better, these shirts and pants have a relaxed, classic look that’s easy to wear while strolling, lounging in the city park, or wherever your trip takes you.
With dependable clothing essentials on your packing list, your clothing situation will be addressed. This means that you can experience the true value of adventure: meditate, push yourself, and enjoy the natural beauty around you.
Watch the video above to learn more about Diboun and McBride’s philosophy on weaving outdoor exploration into everyday life — and how with the right attitude (and the right equipment) you can make it a bigger part of your life, too.
Want to plan your escape? Browse our interactive map To get ideas for unique places to explore.
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