Post 1 – Adventurecore

The aesthetic I’m choosing to explore is Adventurecore, it includes all things exploration, discovery, and connection with the natural world. The style is rooted in nostalgia for childhood adventures, literature, and media that center on journeys into the unknown, often using mountainous landscapes, practical or beaten gear, and a sense of freedom.

The Roots of Adventurecore

Adventurecore comes from a mix of classic adventure literature, such as The Hobbit (1937) by J.R.R. Tolkien, and outdoor exploration during the late 1900s. The aesthetic also has themes of wanderlust and self-discovery.

Some key media influences for myself in Adventurecore include films like Indiana Jones, The Secret Life of Walter Mitty, and Fallout. These stories all share an exploration into untamed wilderness, relying on wits, courage, and tools to navigate their environment.

Visual Elements

Gear and Tools, Natural Textures, Landscapes, Earthy Color Palette

  1. Warm tones like olive green, burnt orange, beige, and browns.
  2. Landscape examples – Rolling hills, dense forests, misty mountains, and winding rivers
  3. Artistic References Journals with sketches, annotated maps, and outdoorsy media

Clothing

  • Baggy pants
  • Canvas clothing
  • Flannels
  • Hoodies
  • Knapsacks
  • Multiple layers of clothing
  • Raincoats/boots

Cultural Context and Key Players

According to the website https://aesthetics.fandom.com/wiki/Adventurecore, one of the only informational Adventurecore sites, the modern Adventurecore aesthetic began in the 2010s on platforms like Tumblr, Pinterest, and Instagram. Some key players include influencers such as Alex Strohl and Chris Burkard who helped shape Adventurecore by showcasing breathtaking landscapes and minimalist outdoor living. Brands include Fjällräven, The North Face, and REI. Some more media examples include films like Into the Wild (2007) and animated works like Studio Ghibli films (Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind).

Influence and Legacy

Since its rise, Adventurecore has inspired subcultures like Goblincore (focusing on the magical and wild aspects of nature) and Dark Academia (which overlaps in its romanticized connection to exploration and knowledge). It also coincides with a broader societal interest in minimalism, slow living, and sustainable travel.

This aesthetic has encouraged younger generations to embrace the outdoors and value experiences over material possessions. Its influence is seen in eco-conscious tourism, DIY outdoor gear culture, and an increasing appreciation for analog tools and practices.

Adventurecore serves as a reminder of the beauty and simplicity of exploration, encouraging us to connect with nature and embrace life’s unpredictable journey.

Proofread and minimal structure generated through the use of ChatGPT

  1. Sona & Co. Photography. “Adventurecore Aesthetic.” https://sonaandcophoto.com/
  2. Kroll, Dwight. “Cover Photo for Adventurecore.” Image Source.
  3. Stiller, B. (2013). The Secret Life of Walter Mitty. Twentieth Century Fox.
  4. Tolkien, J. R. R. (2012). The Hobbit. HarperCollins.
  5. Pinterest. “Adventurecore Gear and Tools.” https://www.pinterest.com/pin/844493672269165/
  6. Patagonia. “Stories – Cover Story.” https://www.patagonia.com/stories/cover-story/story-18843.html
  7. Wisconsin Historical Society. “Historic Image Reference.” https://wisconsinhistory.org/Records/Image/IM37918
  8. Pinterest. “Adventurecore Aesthetic Inspiration.” https://www.pinterest.com/pin/5559199534975970/
  9. Aesthetics Fandom. “Adventurecore Overview.” https://aesthetics.fandom.com/wiki/Adventurecore

4 Comments. Leave new

  • Danny Vesselovskii
    January 24, 2025 1:45 am

    Hey Matt, your Adventurecore post inspired me as it beautifully captured the spirit of exploration and connection with nature, especially through ties into nostalgic movies like The Hobbit and Indiana Jones. Your inclusion of practical elements like gear, tools, and natural textures effectively grounds the aesthetic by lending it tangible details as well, which I can appreciate. I am curious about one topic I hope you can expand upon; could you discuss how Adventurecore intersects with modern movements like art nouveau or eco-tourism? Exploring this (no pun intended) adventurous question (no pun intended) might add more depth to the cultural impact of the aesthetic. Great work overall Matt! Your post truly inspires a longing for the untamed exploration and I hope one day to be as adventurous as your analysis!

    • Matthew Bloomfield
      January 26, 2025 6:17 pm

      Hi Danny, thanks for the comment! I’m glad I was able to inspire you, I think in the case of art nouveau, the organic nature of the art is certainly reflected in many of the themes of adventurecore. Antonio Gaudi is a great example of old architectural aesthetics that use natural elements and lead to a sense of adventure. In the case of eco-tourism, I believe that adventurecore can lead to many non-adventurous individuals to want to explore. I’ve also found that the aesthetic of exploration can lead to non-educated individuals wishing to jump into adventuring without learning the basic principles of Leave No Trace, or respecting the local ecology.

  • Abby Rindfuss
    January 23, 2025 4:54 pm

    This post was a fun read Matt! I think the photos you included did a great job of evoking the described sense of nostalgia and glee, especially the film style pics of people running/cartwheeling through fields and mountains. Many of us living in Colorado have felt this adventurecore feeling before – it’s just as much a visual aesthetic as it is an emotion. It’s also interesting to see how this design style manifests in different media platforms. From consumer brands like REI and Patagonia, to films, to social media, it seems to have such a wide influence. If you haven’t already, I’d recommend you check out Caiden Jackson on tiktok, youtube, or instagram.

    • Matthew Bloomfield
      January 26, 2025 6:23 pm

      Thanks for the comment Abby! I agree that adventurecore has a whimsical touch to it that is not entirely captured in the images or text, but more so in the ’emotion’ of the aesthetic. I’ve also found the style to manifest itself in advertisements, films, and many more places included what you’ve listed. I think the aesthetic works well as a selling point for many companies. I’ll check Caiden Jackson out for sure, some of my favorite examples I didn’t list are the North Face Victor de Le Rue films.

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