We feel that this stands as a symbol of the insatiable curiosity of all mankind to explore the unknown. – Dr Buzz Aldrin
So, I’m just back from a week abroad during which time I hit two very different destinations: the remote and rural Koster Islands of West Sweden and America’s epicentre of political power, Washington DC. More about my visits to both places are soon to come. In the meanwhile though, the chance to share the new The Explorer campaign from The North Face seemed like a fun way to talk about one particular aspect of these past several days as a whole.
Something that both legs of my trip had in common was that bringing along my backpack really came in handy. That’s usually the case no matter where I’m going – whether it’s just a quick visit to the shop for some groceries or across the globe for a story. As ever, my Surge II bag from The North Face proved the ultimate carry on for my flights: not too big, not too small and with easy access to specific stuff I had stowed away but wanted to get at now and again.
Bobbling along in the wee hours of the morning in a small fishing boat on a “lobster safari” expedition, my Surge was there to keep my camera safe from the elements.
Checking into DC’s premiere luxury boutique hotel, The Hay-Adams, for a few days of scoping the city’s dining scene, that same low key black backpack didn’t look too out of place and helped me blend well enough with all the suits in the lobby with their business-y accoutrements.
The Explorer campaign with its inspirational narration by astronaut Buzz Aldrin seems to suggest that with the right gear goals can be reached and moments of profound wonder can be experienced. No, I can’t claim even a small fraction of the accomplishments Buzz Aldrin has achieved in his life, but I believe that I (and everybody else in the world) have the same drive “to see, to explore” that got Aldrin to the moon and back. Tapping into such passion and determination invariably leads to a richer, more fulfilling life. I reckon having a good backpack slung across my shoulder to carry the essentials helps me get to where I’m going to.
Published in association with The North Face. Opinions are my own.
