As of Saturday, 28th November, the "adventure allowance" as part of the French lockdown measures has been extended from 1h/1km to 3h/20km. It will be a breath of fresh air for the most restless among us. However, it might still prove too little for hardcore adventurers. To help with the globetrotter-blues, here are 10 Adventure Documentaries (films and series) to ease the adventure cravings.
From Trekking to Mountaineering, Surfing to Saving the Ocean and even Food and Fashion (for the less intrepid), there’s an adventure out there for everyone. So sit back, put on your comfiest Snuggy and let’s go on an adventure!
Trekking: It Is The People – Hike the PCT with Elina Obsborne
The PCT (Pacific Crest Trail) is one of the 3 most notorious North American Thru Hikes. It consists of crossing the USA, starting from the Mexican border and finishing at the Canadian border. Immortalized in the 2014 movie Wild starring Reese Witherspoon, this hike is legendary. Elina Osborne, an endearing New Zealander, delivers an exciting and fun series of videos, showcasing her trek across 3 states with friends. Her cinematography and storytelling are excellent, making you crave a long walk and new friendships.
Bikepacking: Incredible bike trek through Tadjikistan with the adventurer Claude Marthaler
Claude Marthaler, a Swiss adventurer and writer, has cycled around the world for over 30 years. In this documentary, we follow him in Tajikistan, where the adventure is filled with breathtaking landscapes and touching personal moments. The film gives a rare insight into the emotional toll of a life spent traveling. His philosophy and dedication to adventure are truly inspiring.
Running: UNBREAKABLE -The Western States 100
The Western States 100 is an ultra-trail race of 161km. The documentary focuses on the preparation and performance of four athletes vying for the podium, including the famous Anton Krupicka. It is both inspiring and intense, revealing the madness of running 100 miles in a single stretch.
Save the Planet: How to Change The World
This documentary tells the story of Greenpeace, from its humble beginnings to its status as a leading environmental NGO. With archival footage and interviews, we witness the struggles, triumphs, and betrayals that shaped the movement. It’s an exhilarating and highly dramatized look at environmental activism.
Mountain Climbing: Everest 78
The allure of Everest remains strong, despite the danger and environmental impact of climbing the world’s tallest mountain. This documentary takes us back to the 1978 French expedition, featuring climbers wearing Gazelles sneakers. The retro footage offers a nostalgic and exciting glimpse into the insane world of high-altitude mountaineering.
Surfing: Given
Given follows the journey of the Goodwin family, professional surfers, as they travel the world with their child. The film is a beautiful ode to nature, freedom, and family, capturing the essence of adventure with its serene pace and dreamlike atmosphere.
Scuba Diving: Mission Blue – Sylvia Earle
This documentary celebrates the life of Sylvia Earle, a marine biologist and pioneer of ocean conservation. Her work has been groundbreaking, and this film will introduce you to one of the ocean’s most dedicated defenders.
Camping: Ray Mears’ Bushcraft Series
Ray Mears is the British expert in bushcraft and wilderness survival. His BBC series focuses on using nature's resources wisely, offering practical advice on how to live harmoniously in the wild. It’s not about survival stunts, but learning from and respecting nature.
Fashion: Refinery29 – Style Out There Series
If camping isn’t your thing and you prefer fashion over outdoor adventures, this series by Refinery29’s Connie Wang takes you on a global journey through unconventional and bold fashion trends.
Food: Arte Cuisine des Terroirs
Food is an essential part of traveling, and Arte’s Cuisine des Terroirs series invites you into homes and kitchens around the world to discover traditional dishes and their cultural significance. It’s a heartwarming culinary adventure.
The only downside to these adventure documentaries is that they might leave you hungry for more adventure.
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