Pursuing Passion and Profession on Trail

An outdoor photographer heads out on the AT to enjoy 2,000 miles of adventure—and discover the ultimate work-life balance.

When most people think about thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail, they imagine leaving everything behind—including their career. But for adventure photographer Caleb Adcock, the Appalachian Trail has become the ultimate testing ground for balancing passion with profession.

Four months in, armed with his camera and a “bougie dirt bag” philosophy, he’s showing that you can chase miles and creativity side by side—and the trail is putting that balance to the test.

“[Throughmyphotography]Iwantpeopletoseetheexperienceforwhatitis.Iwantthemtoseethatthru-hikersareincrediblyamazingpeople,butthey'realsopeople.”

Caleb's story is proof that you don't have to choose between chasing your dreams and doing the work you love. Zoom in on his wild ride so far.

From Carolina Roots to Montana Dreams

Caleb’s love for the outdoors began in the misty ridges of western North Carolina, just outside Asheville. As a kid, he spent countless weekends hiking sections of the Appalachian Trail with his mom—mile after mile, season after season—covering more than 500 miles of its southeastern stretch. Those early adventures didn’t just spark a love for hiking; they planted the quiet but persistent dream of one day walking the entire trail in a single journey.

After college, Caleb followed his instincts westward, landing in Whitefish, Montana. Here, he fell deeper in love with the wild spaces of the backcountry while honing his skills as a photographer.

What began as snapping landscapes on an iPod Touch evolved into a thriving freelance career working with big outdoor brands. His creative journey mirrored his personal one: moving from beginner’s gear to professional tools, from casual weekend hikes to multi-day treks, from hobbyist snapshots to purposeful storytelling.

In both art and adventure, Caleb learned the same lesson—the tools matter, but what really shapes the work is the heart you put into it.

Living the "Bougie Dirt Bag" Life

Caleb describes his approach to outdoor photography with a term his friend James coined: "bougie dirt bag." It's the perfect blend of high-end gear and gas station hot dogs, of Hyperlite backpacks and convenience store swag, and of zero-day craft beer and trail-side Coors. This philosophy has shaped not only his content creation but also his approach to the AT.

Somewhere between backcountry minimalism and roadside indulgence, Caleb has embraced a lifestyle of contrasts: embracing a combination of simple and sophisticated on the AT. This balance—both practical and playful—carries over into the way he approaches his thru-hiking travels.

When he began his Appalachian Trail thru-hike in early April, he pictured a solo journey, miles of quiet introspection. But as so often happens on trail, life had other plans. A chance meeting with two hikers in a cold, driving rain quickly turned into an unspoken partnership. Over the miles, they found their rhythm together, eventually welcoming another friend into the fold. The trail has a way of building community when you least expect it.

Beyond the companionship of fellow hikers, Caleb has found inspiration in the generosity of strangers—the unplanned trail magic of locals who stop to offer a ride or share a story. These moments remind him that the trail isn’t just about the landscapes; it’s also about the connections forged in fleeting but unforgettable encounters.

For Caleb, the challenge hasn’t been finding beauty—it’s been capturing it without losing the joy of the moment. Working with outdoor brands while thru-hiking means balancing the need to create with the desire to simply be present. The trail is unpredictable. Some days bring golden light and boundless energy; others bring heavy rain, sore muscles, and a camera buried deep in a pack.

He’s learned to adapt, to document when he can, and to let go when he can’t. Sometimes that means shooting with a phone instead of a DSLR, or allowing a moment to pass unrecorded so it can be fully lived. By setting realistic expectations, he’s avoided the trap of turning a dream adventure into a creative grind.

For creatives considering similar journeys, his path offers a gentle reminder: your work will be better if you protect your experience. Take on only what feels sustainable, and let your passion, not pressure, set the pace.

"Takeonarealisticamountforwhatyoufeelyou'recapableof,andnotover-committingyourself,becausetypically,Ifeellikethatwouldcomeattheexpenseofyourexperience."

Finding Inspiration Where You Are

Balancing passion and profession on the trail isn’t about perfection—it’s about presence. It’s about letting the miles shape your perspective, letting the light and weather dictate your palette, and giving yourself the grace to create imperfectly.

Whether you’re a photographer chasing the perfect shot, a writer scribbling trail notes, or a hiker simply looking to soak in the world around you, Caleb argues the trail offers a kind of clarity that can’t be found at a desk within four walls.

“Youdon'thavetopostthemostbeautifulphotos,createthemostbeautifulcontent,orhaveallthegear.Outhere,you'rewelcometoexperienceitforhowyouwanttoexperienceit."

The balance between work and wonder is delicate, but when you find it, the result is something rare: creativity fueled not by deadlines, but by the deep, unshakable joy of being exactly where you are.

For other creatives considering similar adventures, Caleb emphasizes the importance of honest self-assessment and giving yourself grace. "Take on a realistic amount for what you feel you're capable of, and don't over-commit yourself, because typically that would come at the expense of your experience."

His tips for other creatives taking on a thru-hike:

• Set realistic expectations – choose manageable projects that won't overwhelm your trial experience.
• Embrace imperfection – any documentation is better than none—use your phone when your camera isn't accessible.
• Prioritize the experience – remember why you're out there and don't let work commitments overshadow the adventure.