December Will Be WILD

Let’s start by saying that I’m pretty darn excited for Wild’s release in a few weeks. Upon reading “Wild” a few years ago, I quickly became a Cheryl Strayed inspiree. OK, I may have made up that word, but it’s the perfect description for the following she’s created through her writing. For those who haven’t yet read the book, “Wild” is about the author’s personal journey as she hikes the Pacific Crest Trail solo in her early twenties. It details all the ups and downs of her adventure, which is sure to make for a great movie. Shortly after reading “Wild,” I discovered “Tiny Beautiful Things,” a book compiled of years of raw and real advice columns Cheryl published on literary website The Rumpus under the pseudonym, Sugar.

In the past year, the active industry has shifted a huge focus to the female market. While most brands offer women’s-specific gear and apparel, the marketing message tended to be on the male consumer. It’s been a refreshing year with new product launches like Bern’s women’s bike helmets hitting in spring 2015, Interbike and Outdoor Retailer’s The Women’s Story female-focused active media event, and fashion campaigns like Sanuk’s #NeverUncomfortable. Women’s websites like Dirtbag Darling and Well + Good seem to have exploded in popularity and the media is incorporating more women’s-specific coverage into their editorial. Some of this may be due to the athleisure fashion trend exploding awareness of fitness and activity in one’s everyday lifestyle.

So, what does this have to do with the movie coming to theaters on December 5? It’s another promotion of badass women involved with outdoor activity. I’m fairly certain that this movie will inspire more women (and men, for that matter) to enjoy the outdoors via whatever activity interests them. I'm hoping it will promote getting outside and away from our technology-driven lifestyles that are so easy to get sucked into. Cheryl Strayed reinvigorated my love for the outdoors and she’s sure to do that with moviegoers this December.

On a side note: REI and FOX Searchlight have sponsored a photo contest surrounding the film. Submit your outdoors transformative experience on Instagram or Twitter and #LifeisWILD for your chance to win a major prize pack!

More info: http://contest.howwilditwas.com/