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Explorer Spotlight: Dusty Klein

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Name: Dusty Klein | Age: 24 | Location: Portland, Oregon -> Boise, Idaho!

What’s your day job?
I'm a web publisher/editor for the HP.com Software team. I work from home and wear my pajamas more often than I'd like to admit. My office doubles as my closet, so naturally I call it my "cloffice."

What are your favorite things to do outside?
Oh, man. Bonfires, hikes, camp trips, backpacking treks, mountain bike rides... I may or may not have the patience for fishing (hint: I don't). A perfect afternoon in town involves putting on some tunes and mellowly bicycling around.

What first drew you to the outdoors?
When nature calls, you answer. As soon as I was done with school I started working office jobs in front of a computer. When you're confined to spaces and responsibilities, it makes you appreciate fresh air, the elements, and freedom. Adventurous weekends contrasts computer time and keeps me level.

What’s your favorite hometown adventure? ...and, almost as important, where’s your favorite spot to get a beer after?
The best adventures in Boise are the spontaneous, "we should go camping tonight" evenings that inevitably include fireside jam sessions on makeshift instruments. Shaw Mountain, South Fork, Payette River near Crouch… different local locations, same result. Post-adventure you can find us at the nearest, cheapest bar with Brass Monkeys and Bloody Mary's in hand.

What’s your essential gear that never gets left at home?
I'm on a Mountain Hardwear kick right now and I've got a couple of articles that come with me no matter the circumstances. They are the absolute best no matter what we do/where we go. The Canon 60D (although looking to upgrade) rides shotgun, always.

What’s your favorite trail snack?
Winco bulk party trail mix. And a LOT of it, please.

Any go-to soundtracks when you’re hitting the road?
Currently vibing Sylvan Esso, Minor Alps and Junip. Give 'em a listen.

What’s the scariest thing that’s ever happened while you were adventuring?
One time on an early morning hike, a buddy and I heard faint wolf howls behind us and in the distance. The howls grew closer as we followed the trail and we kept shining our headlamps back expecting to see hungry, glowing eyes staring back. Luckily we never saw those eyes and continued on safely. In another experience, I woke a rattlesnake snoozing in a sagebrush while backpacking in Eastern Oregon. Even with a heavy pack on, I don't think I've ever turned and ran away so quickly. You never forget your first rattlesnake encounter…

Who’s your number one adventure partner-in-crime? Who inspires you?
I've got a special crew here in Boise. Everyone is up for adventure, down to have a good time and we all just simply love to be outdoors. I just happen to be the one with the camera. I'm inspired by these crazy Outbound Explorers. They really get out there and live. I know I've got a lot to learn when it comes to photography, but more so they light a fire underneath my feet to get out there, experience a legendary adventure, and come back with a story to tell. I'm honestly humbled to be affiliated with some of these guys and gals.

What are your top destinations for adventure travel?
I'm still trying to master Idaho and my home state of Oregon before I get too crazy. An extended road trip through the PNW would be nice. I would also really like to see what the Canada fuss is all about, too. Banff? Let's go!

What’s on the top of your must-do adventure list right now?
I'm scoping a few waterfalls for my next trip home to Portland, but I'm most looking forward to a Seven Devils backpacking trip in Idaho that we've currently got in the works. Could be of the epic variety.

Show us your most memorable photo, and tell us about it!
A memorable photo from a memorable weekend. We held a bachelor party in the Idaho backcountry at a couple of sicknasty yurts for a buddy who was getting married later in the summer. A combo of 20+ fun dudes and a seriously amazing location made for one hell of a trip. We'll be telling our grandkids about that some day.

And last but not least…What’s your personal motto?
"Surprise yourself."

See more of Dusty's adventures here.

We want to acknowledge and thank the past, present, and future generations of all Native Nations and Indigenous Peoples whose ancestral lands we travel, explore, and play on. Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

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