The Dirtbag's Guide to Life: Eternal Truth for Hiker Trash, Ski Bums, and Vagabonds

“I see the "How on earth do you make this happen?" question in various groups all the time. I'd love to just get this guide out there in response!”- Heather "Anish" Anderson.National GeographicAdventurer of the Year, record-setting long distance hiker, and author ofThirst: 2600 Miles to Home.Forget picket fences. Live your best life. Sleep in the dirt.Most people think that an adventure-filled life is only an option for the rich or the irresponsible. For the dirtbag, it is a birthright for the masses.In the spirit of classics like Thoreau’sWaldenand Rolf Potts’Vagabonding,The Dirtbag’s Guide to Lifeis both a celebration of an under-appreciated subculture and a practical how-to manual for building your own life of adventure.It distills the real-world experiences of hundreds of the most dedicated dirtbags to address the key challenges to creating a meaningful, flexible life outside, whether you’re a weekend warrior or a full-time nomad:How tostretch a small budget to accomplish big adventuresthrough seasonal work, minimalist living, and dirtbag financial strategies.How tobuild a career path that will support your passionsrather than working against them.How tokeep your friendships and make your mother proudin a life punctuated by six month thru-hikes and overseas adventure.How tomanage grown-up responsibilitieslike debt, housing, and health insurancewithout giving up time flexibility.How tolive intentionally and make your life meaningfulthrough a simple, adventure-centered lifestyle.Whether you want to travel the world, hike the Appalachian Trail, or just want to fit in more mountain biking on the weekends,The Dirtbag’s Guide to Lifeis an essential, inspiring, and consistently entertaining roadmap.A note on the 2025 revision:This book started as advice for a few friends who wanted to work less and go outside more. Somewhere along the way, it connected with thousands of readers. This updated edition is revised, polished, and expanded to keep the dirtbag dream alive.Read more