Jeff recently sat down with Chad Hogan, a creative dynamo and adventure enthusiast, to discuss his journey from rallying friends for skateboarding and art as a teen to leading creative teams and exploring the backcountry. In 2008, Chad rekindled his love for the outdoors through backpacking, blending his passion for creativity with a lifestyle full of adventure. They talked about how he brings friends, family, and even his kids along for the ride, sharing the thrill of the wild.
Jeff: Chad, tell me how your love for the outdoors began. Where did it all start for you?
Chad: Ah, that’s a walk down memory lane! My relationship with the outdoors—and specifically backpacking—really kicked off during my teenage years. Back then, I was the “hub” of my group, always the one rallying friends for whatever wild thing we were into at the time. Skateboarding was huge for us, and when we weren’t skating, we were getting lost in the music scene or working on our art. Looking back, that obsession with activities and getting people together to experience them eventually pushed me into graphic design. It was like, “How can I capture the energy of what we’re doing?” One thing led to another, and I found myself knee-deep in creative work, eventually doing creative direction for startups. But then in 2008, something clicked. I reconnected with the outdoors—backpacking specifically—and, man, I’ve been obsessed ever since.
Jeff: I love that journey—from skating to graphic design to the backcountry. It sounds like you’ve always been about bringing people together. How does that all fit into your outdoor life now?
Chad: Yeah, there’s definitely a theme there! Creativity isn’t just a job; it’s a mindset, you know? It influences everything, even how I approach the outdoors. When I fell back in love with the wilderness, I couldn’t keep that excitement to myself. I brought my creative friends along for the ride, nudging them to try things they’d never done before. So the same energy I used to pour into planning a perfect design project or launching a creative campaign, I now channel into organizing outdoor trips. We’re talking everything from backcountry packrafting to canyoneering in slot canyons, and even simpler outings like camping weekends with family. It’s all about crafting experiences and getting the people I care about to engage with the world differently.
Jeff: You seem to be someone who dives headfirst into your passions. What’s got you fired up in the outdoors right now?
Chad: You nailed it—when I’m into something, I go all in. Right now, it’s all about backcountry adventures. I’m hooked on every part of it: planning epic trips, experimenting with the latest gear, diving into the science of layering clothes for changing weather, you name it. It’s not just about the thrill; it’s the lifestyle that comes with it. These days, it’s been especially meaningful to bring my kids along. We’re talking full-on backpacking trips, where I get to teach them everything I love about being out there—reading trail maps, setting up camp, understanding how to be good stewards of the land. It’s rewarding to see them light up with that same joy I discovered years ago.
Jeff: That’s incredible. It’s almost like you’re passing the torch to the next generation while still being that central figure for your friends and family. Do you feel like you’re still the “hub” of your community?
Chad: Absolutely, but in a new way. Back in the day, it was all about rallying people around music or art. Now, it’s about encouraging them to experience nature in ways they might not have considered. There’s something fulfilling about pushing my creative friends out of their comfort zones—like saying, “Hey, let’s skip the city trip this time and go backpacking or try canyoneering.” Watching them get stoked about the wilderness, seeing that spark in their eyes, it’s pure gold. Even my family has caught the bug. My role has evolved into being that person who can blend creativity and adventure, creating opportunities for people to grow and thrive outdoors. And who knows? Maybe my kids will carry on the tradition someday, becoming the next “hubs” for their own communities.
Jeff: Sounds like you’re building a legacy, one adventure at a time.
Chad: Yeah, you could say that! It’s a legacy of experiences, of learning, of being fully present with people you love. And I wouldn’t have it any other way.