Some of us just prefer the high route.
The inspiration for this design came from a photograph I captured while climbing Mount Baker in Washington's North Cascades. What struck me most about the moment was the contrast between the climber struggling up the steep mountainside and the warm, peaceful light of the rising sun.
It's a juxtaposition that has always fascinated me about mountaineering. We willingly put ourselves through exhaustion, discomfort, and sometimes miserable conditions, only to find ourselves surrounded by moments of extraordinary beauty.
To me, that contrast perfectly captures why we climb.
I wanted to bring that feeling into the artwork, using the vibrant oranges and deep blues of an alpine sunrise to contrast with the dark silhouette of a climber making their way upward. The rugged, painterly style reflects both the harshness of the mountain environment and the beauty that draws us into it.
The words "Not All Who Wander Are Lost. Some Just Prefer the High Route" felt like a natural fit.
Because sometimes we're not searching for a destination. We're simply drawn to the challenge of getting there.
Inspired by real adventures. Created for those who find their way in the mountains.
