Chris Brinlee, Jr. is a Problem Solver.
In 2014, however, Chris realized that the only problems that should be solved in a cube were Rubik’s, so he left his behind to seek something more.
Chris's journey has led him to the furthest and most remote reaches of the globe: He's paddled fjords in Eastern Greenland in search of un-climbed alpine rock; summited 6,000m peaks in Nepal; sailed to Antarctica with Mike Horn; ridden a motorcycle across Vietnam; and crossed New Zealand's Southern Alps using skis and a packraft.
Each of those projects was realized as the result of problem solving: from the development of big ideas; to their execution through meticulous attention to complex details in a logistical sense; to the creation and launch of supporting content campaigns designed to connect and engage with a global audience through the use of influencer marketing, PR, and editorial outlets.
Chris’s exhaustive range of capabilities: creative direction; producing; photography; writing; video direction and editing; interactive and traditional design; and influencer marketing—as well as the insights and inspiration that he has drawn from his illustrious adventure career—make him a true force to be reckoned with. No project is out of his depth.
Additionally, as an editorial contributor for publications such as Outside, The Red Bulletin, LUXURY, Wilderness, Huckberry, and Gizmodo—Chris’s words, photos, and videos have inspired millions; his strong presence on social media provide periodic doses of inspiration.
Home Base: Front Range, CO | Age: 30 | Favorite Season: Autumn
Projects
“Working hard for something we don't care about is called stress: Working hard for something we love is called passion.”
― Simon Sinek
Expanded Perspectives
In September 2018, Chris and team set out on a multi-sport expedition to cross New Zealand's rugged Southern Alps. Technical mountaineering enabled exploration of the vertical realm; packrafts enabled the discovery of expanded lateral perspectives; and ski touring connected the two together creating perspectives that were as wide as they were tall—revealing the relationship between mountains, glaciers, and rivers; and how those realms connect us all.
Stepping Out: A Celebration of Discomfort
In March 2017, Chris and his partner Christian Lanley set out on a campaign to #CelebrateDiscomfort through a series of epic adventures in Alberta. How far did they go? Find out.
Pole 2 Pole: An Expedition to Antarctica
In November 2016, Chris flew approximately 11,000 miles over the course of four days from an assignment in the Aleutian Islands, Alaska to Cape Town, South Africa, where he rendezvoused with Mike Horn to embark on what would be a seven week sailing journey to the world's southernmost continent.
Zee Alps
Upon arriving in Chamonix, one will immediately come to realize why that particular village is the birthplace of Alpinism. Chamonix is a place where language is not defined vocalized communication, but rather by a mutual understanding of what each person seeks: a connection with the mountains.
It would make sense then, that an epic campaign through the European Alps should begin there; and that partnerships be forged there.
Edge of the Earth: Discovering the Remote Reaches of Eastern Greenland
There are few wild place left in the world. Eastern Greenland is one of them. In August 2017, Chris and his friend Andrew Yasso set out in search of adventure - paddling 100 miles through a remote fjord system in search of climbable rock and first ascents.
Photography
Photography and adventure are inherently linked—the essence of each is discovering new perspectives. Both of the world, and within.
Alpinism
Noun. Oftentimes used synonymously with "mountaineering," but implies climbing routes with minimal equipment in high and often snow and ice-covered mountains such as the Alps, where technical difficulties frequently exceed environmental and physical challenges.
Adventure
Noun. A: An undertaking usually involving danger and unknown risks. B: An exciting or remarkable experience.
Travel
Noun. The act of traveling; journeying, especially to distant places.
Impact
Verb. To have an impact or effect on; influence; alter.
Chris’s Journal
Chris’s personal stories from the globe, useful how-to guides, and more.
Featured
Features
Sometimes, people tell stories about Chris, too.
The Escape: Chris Brinlee, Jr.
\\\ Cotopaxi
Clients
Commercial
Honda
GoPro
Eddie Bauer
Icebreaker NZ
OtterBox
GNARBOX
Favre-Leuba
Alpacka Raft
Salewa
Cotopaxi
LifeStraw
Revo
Mike Horn x Mercedes
Oru Kayak
BioLite
Tourism
Travel Alberta
Visit Greenland
I Love NY
Visit Rapid City
Get in Touch
Interested in partnering on a project? Want to meet up abroad? Have questions about adventure travel? Chris would love to hear from you.
Contact Chris
Follow @chrisbrinleejr on Instagram
![This is @mikehornexplorer. He's been described as "the greatest living explorer" by many, and if you look at the envelope that he's pushed, it's easy to see why: a solo, two-year circumnavigation of the Arctic Circle without motorized transport; reached the North Pole in winter (along with @borgeousland) without dogs or motorized transport; and crossed Antarctica solo, unassisted, at its widest point. Despite his great achievements, he is also incredibly humble.
@colinobrady, who recently completed an Antarctic expedition, is currently parading around claiming purported Antarctic "firsts;" his claims are being rabidly reported by the media, with apparently no fact-checking done by the reporters who instead simply regurgitate whatever Colin and his PR team tell them. His claims are degrading to explorers past and present; and they set a precedent of falsehoods for better explorers who are yet to come.
So I asked Mike to weigh in. As with all things, Mike takes the high road; I wanted to share his response.
From @mikehornexplorer:
"Firstly it’s important for me to mention that any adventure is an accomplishment!
The issue with claiming firsts is that it belittles/cheapens the previous achievements of others. When in fact every feat is unique and deserves to be recognized.
What alarms me more so, is the lack of research done from media platforms before communicating false information.
Like with many things today, we focus more on what is said instead of what is actually being done. We listen, watch, read and believe - we passively consume information without taking the time to question what’s being said.
In this conversation, it all comes down to word-use and claiming. But in order to claim “solo”, “first”, and “unassisted”, rules and regulations need to be set. And for me, exploration is not about setting these boundaries, it’s about breaking them." [continued in the comments]](https://static1.squarespace.com/static/53110e74e4b0d7a86d4e9a4f/5a39135ad0e628452734d50c/5c63595207fc7bd1217fbf11/1550014807869/)
Everything that you need to know to learn how to become a ski mountaineer.