Award-winning documentary filmmaker Dave MacFarlane has produced film and photography for over 15 years. After becoming chief editor of an online adventure sports website Dave started his own agency, DMTwo Media, producing content for leading brands.
Kian Patel created AllTerrain95 during lockdown to swap cabin fever for fresh air. What started as a simple idea during a descent of Scafell Pike in the Lake District has now grown into a buzzing inclusive community of nearly 14,000 outdoor enthusiasts.
Team Nixwax put some adventure questions to them!
What does adventure mean to you?
Kian: Adventure for me is taking the leap into the unknown, facing challenges and new experiences. For myself this has currently been taking up running, undergoing more hiking challenges, and organising trips across the world to unique destinations like Nepal.
Dave: Adventure is always about what you experience on the way to getting somewhere, making the journey and the experiences along the way important. A bikepacking trip isn’t about getting to the end point or the hike isn’t about getting back to the car. The moments that have the most impact in the films I’ve been fortunate enough to make are the stories that are created along the way.
Tell us about your best adventure so far and who it was with.
Kian: A road trip to Chamonix last summer living out the back of a Mini Cooper for two weeks camping, hiking, and climbing with a group of friends (Harry, Muj and Louis). With no plan, we took every day as it came, and the adventure didn’t seem to disappoint! Completing our first Alp for sunrise up Aiguille du Tour is something we all will never forget.
Dave: I’ve been fortunate enough to make films on several continents, but some of the most memorable moments are wild camping in the deserts of Jordan, through Petra and Wadi Rum whilst filming two friends set a record on the 650km Jordan Trail, and hiking through Iceland on the Laugavegur Trail filming fundraisers on a multi-day wilderness hike.
How does Nikwax help you to enjoy your adventures, however big or small they are?
Kian: Nikwax keeps my gear in order! Whether I’m refreshing my boots on the pitch or re-proofing my jackets so they’re ready for UK mountain conditions, Nikwax makes me more prepared and comfortable in my gear outdoors.
Dave: I’m out on the hill for hours on end and having gear that performs at its best is essential. Keeping my kit clean and properly proofed with Nikwax makes a huge difference to how it performs outside when I really need it.
If you could have an adventure anywhere in the world, where would it be and to do what?
Kian: A Japan trip to climb Mt Fuji and explore the culture of the country is long overdue – it’s been on my list for some time now. I want to scout out the various items of clothing they have over there from Japanese brands such as Snow Peak, Nanga, and Montbell (most of their items never make it to the UK market).
Dave: A wild camping ski tour and sea kayak trip through Greenland.
Has the weather ever made your day an adventure? Tell us about it!
Kian: The weather always makes things interesting, but I have to say getting stuck in the thick of it is exciting; it pushes your limits. For instance, earlier this year, we faced hail, and 70 mph winds up The Old Man of Coniston – we had to stop and take shelter behind rocks whilst debating whether to turn back.
But, as a team, we kicked into gear and managed the situation, knowing there was a cave not far away that we could push on to for shelter and warmth. This made our day because we knew if we ever got caught in a situation like it again, we’d be able to overcome it. It’s all about the lessons you learn when adventuring outdoors!
Dave: Filming ski touring in the far north of Sweden in the arctic circle when the weather closed in on us and made what was supposed to be a ‘chilled’ day on the hill a bit more epic! Arctic winds and spindrift made it very difficult to ski but we were glad to make it back in one piece at the end of the day.
What key pieces of kit are you never without on your adventures?
Kian: My waterproof jacket and a suitable pair of hiking boots/trainers depending on the activity. I’m really into my SEALSON bags and I have one for every occasion.
Dave: It’s usually cameras for me; I tend to carry them everywhere and keeping them dry in bad weather is a constant battle.
If you could time travel for an adventure, when and where would you choose?
Kian: I’d travel to the future to see which innovative products and brands are leading the way in the outdoors scene. It would also be interesting to see how accessible places are and how transport has advanced, hopefully making it easier for people to venture outdoors.
Dave: I’ve always been fascinated by the literature of the Romantic period and with the preoccupation of art and nature, so I’d travel to Geneva and Chamonix, taking in sights such as the Mer de Glace that inspired scenes in Shelly’s Frankenstein
If Nikwax could develop your dream product, what would it be?
Kian: Self-repairing waterproof gear using nanotechnology! Imagine a spray-on or wash-in treatment that not only repels water but also heals small tears and abrasions in outdoor clothing and gear. This would be a game changer for hikers, climbers, and campers keeping gear durable and waterproof for longer.
Dave: An environmentally conscious all-in-one clean and proof solution so that I only have to wash my kit once.
Kian and Dave have certainly whetted Team Nikwax’s appetite for adventure this spring! From scaling mountains to cycling trails to enjoying a gentle walk, there is nothing better than being out in nature. Want to stay warm and dry whilst enjoying it, whatever the weather? Choose Nikwax, of course 😉
@davemacfarlane
@allterrain95
nikwax.com/adventure
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