Open main menu

Skurka Shares How to Make a Living as an Adventurer

by Seth Levy
January 11, 2012
Andrew Skurka in the Grand Canyon
Andrew Skurka in the Grand Canyon. (Andrew Skurka)

Alicia's recent article "Andrew Skurka's "Ultimate Hiker's Gear Guide," not only described a new guidebook by professional adventurer Skurka, it got community members thinking about how one makes a living as a professional adventurer.

"How does Skurka do it?" members wanted to know.

The Trailspace community's comments and conversation stuck a chord with Skurka, who promptly drafted a direct response, "How I Make a Living as an Adventurer."

Skurka's well-written article is unique because it's so guileless and simple, and answers the question on revenue streams so directly. He also credits his success to "hard work, good planning, intense focus, and some audacity" and describes himself as "someone who likes to completely and regularly check out."

But, like many elegant and simple answers, Skurka's is harder for most to implement than it may seem at first blush. His burning commitment to his lifestyle is obvious by the way he casually mentions moving every few months, and making sacrifices while casting off responsibilities that many cherish as encumbrances. 

Skurka's closing line — "Because I don’t need much to be comfortable and happy, I don’t need to earn much either" — is a welcome truth to most of us that find fellowship in the wilderness. And it's even more welcome now that we see what it takes to make a living out of such a lifestyle.

Read "How I Make a Living as an Adventurer" by Andrew Skurka

Share your thoughts on how to make an adventurous life below.