It started so harmlessly. Four years ago, professional skier Brody Leven embarked on a simple challenge – exercise outdoors everyday. In a complicated moment in time and life, it was a way to exert some control over his day to day. It was never supposed to last forever. 

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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

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. 

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Terns Use code DIRTBAG to save 25% off your first order

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

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.

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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

Welcome to Good Good Bad, our series kickstarted by our Diaries+ Members. Every adventure has its good parts, even better bits and its difficult moments. These memories create rich experiences, friendships and learning. Today, we tackle the Cape Loop, a rugged, but rewarding bikepacking loop around the southern tip of Baja. 

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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

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.

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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.

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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. 

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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. 

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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.

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Duer shopduer.com/Diaries to save 20% off your first order

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 our annual Tales of Terror, we bring you three terrifying tales. Disembodied voices. Eyes in the alder. An enchanted clearing in the forest. Grab a friend (and maybe their hand) as these tales will have you peering over your shoulder. Happy Halloween!

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Duer shopduer.com/Diaries to save 20% off your first order

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