Matheson Brown is not your average climber. He is a wake-up early-bird adventurer. Think of the Young Indiana Jones series and he’s your Indi clone.
I came across Matherson via his YouTube doco, Chasing Vertical. Matheson is not just a young man with a mini-bus full of stoke, he is a storyteller and employs his editing skills to produce entertaining and moving films of his adventures. These are high class, none of that nuff that these modern adventure films anchor on. His work is raw, and people orientated. They pull you into the adventure that Matheson is documenting.
I came across Matherson via his YouTube doco, Chasing Vertical. Matheson is not just a young man with a mini-bus full of stoke, he is a storyteller and employs his editing skills to produce entertaining and moving films of his adventures. These are high class, none of that nuff that these modern adventure films anchor on. His work is raw, and people orientated. They pull you into the adventure that Matheson is documenting.
Matheson taking a video log that will end up in “Operation Northbound” as he walks out of North Carolina and into Tennessee while on the Appalachian Trail, 2018. (Photo Credit: Matheson Collection)
Matherson’s friends call him Bear. As you watch him scrounging through garbage for food to sustain him on his Appalachian Trail Walk or eating canned tuna in 104-degree F (40-degree C) plus heat in the California Desert, or while training for Half Dome, he embodies a bear, scrapping around for his next big fish.
|
Matheson hunts to feed his insatiable appetite for crazy, be it walking a trail, climbing the 50 highest peaks in each American state or learning the skills for sending Half Dome. The guy does it light, he doesn’t carry ego. But what he does do, is make you hungry for getting some for yourself.
Lick your lips. You are in for a story. Watching Bear’s docos on YouTube, speaking with him in person, and listening to others natter about his character, I soon realised Bear is a good egg. The guy has an infectious ability to draw you into the stoke of his fire. There is no need to do a climb or walk a trail for a like on Facebook or TikTok, the guy gains energy from the environment and the people he meets along the way. Think, Into the Wild and Chris McCandless. He is that sort of dude. Saying that, Bear’s hero is not Chris, it’s Fred Beckey, the great American mountaineer, author, and quintessential dirtbagger. Bear’s life began and centres in New Zealand. His family moved onto a small farm when he was eight, which was the best thing that could have happened for Bear and his bottomless pit of energy. As a kid he deviated from the norm of playing rugby, he had a love for the hills and wanted to get out amongst them at every opportunity. He says he began his move from the mainstream when he was twelve. “I got sick of other folks pulling out of camping trips. If folks came along, great but if they didn’t, it didn’t matter. By the time I was fourteen I just went out by myself, getting lost in the forest and enjoying how to make it work.” |
A tired and dehydrated Matheson returns to camp after another long day climbing in the 40 degree-C (104 degree-F) desert heat, California, USA, 2020. (Photo Credit: Matheson Collection)
|
Getting lost was about finding himself and he soon learnt his first lesson, “People are great but not important in achieving goals. I was going to get out of that door and just go for it. I wanted to know how I can improve.”
Bear finds a goal and works hard to achieve it. His analogy of an athlete: “If you want to be an Olympian you can definitely achieve that. They are driven, but that does not mean I can’t be driven too.”
It is not uncommon to see Matheson doing push ups on the floor of an alpine hut while everyone else is drinking. For him the adventure ahead is reason enough to live healthy. Like an Olympian, he too wants to excel but aims for his version of greatness.
Greatness doesn’t happen by chance and character doesn’t form by reading self-help books, it’s by living.
Bear found that experience has taught him much. He shared a Bear [Grylls] story of when he ate his first grasshopper. He was reluctant but he had been worn down by relentless storms while tramping in some God-forgotten forest in New Zealand. Crunchy but fine. Within days he was hoeing into them like popcorn. He learned he can adjust his mindset and his body will follow. He found you can adjust to hard living and that it felt pretty good.
Bear finds a goal and works hard to achieve it. His analogy of an athlete: “If you want to be an Olympian you can definitely achieve that. They are driven, but that does not mean I can’t be driven too.”
It is not uncommon to see Matheson doing push ups on the floor of an alpine hut while everyone else is drinking. For him the adventure ahead is reason enough to live healthy. Like an Olympian, he too wants to excel but aims for his version of greatness.
Greatness doesn’t happen by chance and character doesn’t form by reading self-help books, it’s by living.
Bear found that experience has taught him much. He shared a Bear [Grylls] story of when he ate his first grasshopper. He was reluctant but he had been worn down by relentless storms while tramping in some God-forgotten forest in New Zealand. Crunchy but fine. Within days he was hoeing into them like popcorn. He learned he can adjust his mindset and his body will follow. He found you can adjust to hard living and that it felt pretty good.
Matheson hanging from the "Proud Monkey Roof" in Wye Creek, Remarkables mountain range, New Zealand, 2019. (Photo Credit: Matheson Collection)
Each time he went out alone he went light, only taking the bare minimum, using the land for food and shelter. Each trip revealed that resilience is as important and that challenges are just puzzles to be solved. His parents were, well, a little concerned about his escapades.
“I only gave them the short version when I got home from each trip, but I think they could tell I have had good experiences.”
And they have. Mrs. Brown told me, “He is living his best life. I am concerned for Matheson’s psychological health. He pushes his body so hard he is prone to injury. He just does everything at 110%. Then again, it’s not for me to tell him to slow down. I just tell him to take care of himself.”
And Mr. Brown had some thoughts on his son, “I used to worry about Matheson when he was younger and adventuring, as any parent would. I don’t anymore. His decision-making is sound, and he loves life. He doesn’t want to take unnecessary risks as he has too much living to do!”
Bear wanted to test himself further and shared some deep-end ideas of going wild in New Zealand, but his folks suggested he finish school first. Bear laughs telling me this and said, “I remember thinking that was reasonable, so I did.” At aged 18 he finished school and with only 300 bucks made up of $20 notes, a gun licence in a zip lock bag, a pan for cooking and a fishing line, he was ready. His parents were away on holiday and, with the above belongings, he left his family home.
That trip was wild, he walked out of the bush after some weeks weighing just 40 kilograms (88 pounds), significantly thinner than when he went in. The wild had beat him up. Somewhat sullied he returned home to think through future adventures. He earnt himself an Outdoor Education Certificate and how to live on not much while gaining more insights through playing hard in his work and adventuring alone to feed his spirit.
Whilst completing his Outdoor Education Leaders Training, Bear lived out of his van and didn’t eat much. He did learn to make moonshine, which saved on cash buying alcohol. What he was developing was his independence and he found a challenge that could put his learning to the test - the Appalachian Trail in the United States.
By not eating much and by getting the odd guiding job, Bear saved enough to get there. In October 2018 he found himself at Springer Mountain in Fannin County, Georgia, with 2190 miles of trail ahead of him. Five months later after contracting E-Coli and Giardia, living like a street person, and feeling the serenity, he and a new-found friend stood on the summit of Mt. Katahdin. The trail had ended but it had opened a pandora’s box of adventure in the young fella’s head.
“I only gave them the short version when I got home from each trip, but I think they could tell I have had good experiences.”
And they have. Mrs. Brown told me, “He is living his best life. I am concerned for Matheson’s psychological health. He pushes his body so hard he is prone to injury. He just does everything at 110%. Then again, it’s not for me to tell him to slow down. I just tell him to take care of himself.”
And Mr. Brown had some thoughts on his son, “I used to worry about Matheson when he was younger and adventuring, as any parent would. I don’t anymore. His decision-making is sound, and he loves life. He doesn’t want to take unnecessary risks as he has too much living to do!”
Bear wanted to test himself further and shared some deep-end ideas of going wild in New Zealand, but his folks suggested he finish school first. Bear laughs telling me this and said, “I remember thinking that was reasonable, so I did.” At aged 18 he finished school and with only 300 bucks made up of $20 notes, a gun licence in a zip lock bag, a pan for cooking and a fishing line, he was ready. His parents were away on holiday and, with the above belongings, he left his family home.
That trip was wild, he walked out of the bush after some weeks weighing just 40 kilograms (88 pounds), significantly thinner than when he went in. The wild had beat him up. Somewhat sullied he returned home to think through future adventures. He earnt himself an Outdoor Education Certificate and how to live on not much while gaining more insights through playing hard in his work and adventuring alone to feed his spirit.
Whilst completing his Outdoor Education Leaders Training, Bear lived out of his van and didn’t eat much. He did learn to make moonshine, which saved on cash buying alcohol. What he was developing was his independence and he found a challenge that could put his learning to the test - the Appalachian Trail in the United States.
By not eating much and by getting the odd guiding job, Bear saved enough to get there. In October 2018 he found himself at Springer Mountain in Fannin County, Georgia, with 2190 miles of trail ahead of him. Five months later after contracting E-Coli and Giardia, living like a street person, and feeling the serenity, he and a new-found friend stood on the summit of Mt. Katahdin. The trail had ended but it had opened a pandora’s box of adventure in the young fella’s head.
ABOVE: click on image to enlarge and see caption. (Photo Credits: Matheson Collection)
Bear dirt-bagged through Europe, soon after that he hitch hiked through the United States and wintered a hobo trail through Canada, shivering through minus-40-degree nights (C/F). Bear met a rich bag of fellow travellers, learning to survive on near nothing and revelling in doing just that.
It was time to head back home to the land of the Long White Cloud. Bear was ready to hibernate and recuperate and all the while he watched his brain concoct the next big thing.
After Bear edited his film about the Appalachian Trail and put it out there for others to enjoy, he received a mass of positive feedback.
It was time to head back home to the land of the Long White Cloud. Bear was ready to hibernate and recuperate and all the while he watched his brain concoct the next big thing.
After Bear edited his film about the Appalachian Trail and put it out there for others to enjoy, he received a mass of positive feedback.
ABOVE: Matheson "Bear" Brown YouTube film Operation Northbound Remastered. Appalachian Trail Thru-hike 2018.
People liked Bear and the way he went about his journey. The guy just tells a tale with integrity; of the people he travels with, the places he visits and the learning he gains. Goodness just oozes from the screen.
Bear says, “People started messaging me telling me it inspired them to go on their own adventures. I was like. Jeez, this seems like I did a lotta good for a lotta people, and that felt kind of good for me. After that I knew I wanted to inspire others to go after their dreams, and that’s what I am trying to do several years later.”
The next big thing was Half Dome. Yosemite is the prized destination of climbers. The place just rocks. It's impossible to not be reverent in its earthly majesty and treasure of iconic climbs. Bear had visited on a previous trip, but he had a vision standing on top of Half Dome, a giant granite ball half buried in the ground and split with God’s sabre on one side leaving a 600-meter (1900 feet) vertical rock face. Bear was determined to come back and climb that striking feature.
Bear says, “People started messaging me telling me it inspired them to go on their own adventures. I was like. Jeez, this seems like I did a lotta good for a lotta people, and that felt kind of good for me. After that I knew I wanted to inspire others to go after their dreams, and that’s what I am trying to do several years later.”
The next big thing was Half Dome. Yosemite is the prized destination of climbers. The place just rocks. It's impossible to not be reverent in its earthly majesty and treasure of iconic climbs. Bear had visited on a previous trip, but he had a vision standing on top of Half Dome, a giant granite ball half buried in the ground and split with God’s sabre on one side leaving a 600-meter (1900 feet) vertical rock face. Bear was determined to come back and climb that striking feature.
ABOVE: click on image to enlarge and see caption. (Photo Credits: Matheson Collection)
In the fall of 2020, after nine months of hard-core training in New Zealand, and as a novice, Bear had forged himself (not without injury) into a skilled and able climber. He was ready to chase his next dream, the Regular North West Face of Half Dome.
It didn’t go to plan when his gear was stolen from his van, but by hook or by crook, he had scrounged enough from others. Then by chance much of his gear was found by the National Park Service and returned to him just in time.
Chasing Vertical is the film that he completed of his climb.
It didn’t go to plan when his gear was stolen from his van, but by hook or by crook, he had scrounged enough from others. Then by chance much of his gear was found by the National Park Service and returned to him just in time.
Chasing Vertical is the film that he completed of his climb.
If you haven’t seen it, make a time to sit down and watch how Matheson goes about his preparation and completion of the climb.
As always, Bear has the people he met and shared a rope with within the film. His Kiwi humour and honesty give the film stoke and character. As with Australians, Kiwis are not in the habit of talking themselves up. In spite of that, he wears his $2 sunglasses like a boss.
As always, Bear has the people he met and shared a rope with within the film. His Kiwi humour and honesty give the film stoke and character. As with Australians, Kiwis are not in the habit of talking themselves up. In spite of that, he wears his $2 sunglasses like a boss.
ABOVE: Matheson "Bear" Brown YouTube film Chasing Vertical: Can You Train for a Yosemite Big Wall in 9 Months?
Bear has an appetite for adventure.
What strikes me is the way he goes about it. He picks fruit for cash between expeditions, he doesn’t wag his tail for sponsors, his training is pull-ups on a tree branch or running a half marathon after work. In brief he gave me his training plan.
Depending on the gravity of each adventure, Bear determines the time he spends in preparation. Much of his time is spent on building his bank account. The next is physical training based on the mission. The final is real time committed to his goal. This one was for his attempt at the American 50 highpoints of each of their states.
“I spent 10 months working, two months training, and one month of performing.”
Bear prizes nothing but freedom and finds it in the hills. His latest crazy was breaking the Guinness Book of Records for climbing the 50 highest peaks/points of each North America State in the fastest time. No fancy gear, no coordinated brand name support crew, and quite frequently, no fucking idea on how he would reach his next peak. He’s like a walking energy bar in plain packaging. Meeting him you would not even recognise one of the world’s brightest adventurers.
What strikes me is the way he goes about it. He picks fruit for cash between expeditions, he doesn’t wag his tail for sponsors, his training is pull-ups on a tree branch or running a half marathon after work. In brief he gave me his training plan.
Depending on the gravity of each adventure, Bear determines the time he spends in preparation. Much of his time is spent on building his bank account. The next is physical training based on the mission. The final is real time committed to his goal. This one was for his attempt at the American 50 highpoints of each of their states.
“I spent 10 months working, two months training, and one month of performing.”
Bear prizes nothing but freedom and finds it in the hills. His latest crazy was breaking the Guinness Book of Records for climbing the 50 highest peaks/points of each North America State in the fastest time. No fancy gear, no coordinated brand name support crew, and quite frequently, no fucking idea on how he would reach his next peak. He’s like a walking energy bar in plain packaging. Meeting him you would not even recognise one of the world’s brightest adventurers.
ABOVE: click on image to enlarge and see caption. (Photo Credits: Matheson Collection)
What’s next for Matheson Brown?
I know, but I’ve been sworn to secrecy.
I can share this - it’s a big ass goal and he will have to pick a lotta apples to achieve it. If you are a brand king and your company is seeking a dude that just embodies adventure and perfumes sweat, then look no further than Matheson Brown. A friend of his is quoted as saying, “He genuinely wants to make everybody’s life he comes in contact with - better.” He’s your man.
Elite climbers and mad adventurers have a keen mindset, some would say bordering on narcissistic; it’s all about them and the prize of the summit or of breaking a record. Bear recognises that this has made it a challenge to have a relationship or build a home.
He shared with me, “I don’t have a girlfriend but there has been a girl or two along the way who have taught me a lot. I think my lifestyle doesn’t make it easy for people, but if I didn’t do these things, I don’t think I would be truly happy.”
Chasing dreams requires sacrifice but for Bear, he succeeds as he has worked out a way to balance everyday life with pants-filling adventure. He buries the lure of western culture responsibility and the promise of a relationship with another at the back of his head.
He responded to me with this, “I think it’s why I have been successful because I don’t let anything, or anyone get in my way. In the short term this is fine but, in the future, I will probably need to change. But right now, life is good, and I am loving it?”
How do you finish a piece on Matheson Brown?
It's impossible. At the time of writing Bear is packing for a weekend away from the orchard.
He writes, “I’m going to attempt Mount Aspiring (New Zealand) over the next few days, but once I start work again, I’ll have constant Wi-Fi.”
It’s worth staying connected to Bear by social media or via his You Tube adventures. He doesn’t want to just throw you content he wants you to share the experience with him. It’s his way.
He knows people have been enjoying following him, which in turn has reminded him of the value of living and of sharing his adventurous life. He didn’t intend to inspire others, but he has turned that into something special.
He reflected on this and told me, “Dave, if we could do so much good for people by accident [for example, making a YouTube vid like Chasing Vertical] then how much more could we do if we did it on purpose?”
I believe that Matheson "Bear" Brown is a young man with purpose, and I know that his next adventure will have us smiling and dreaming of tomorrow. I also know that Matheson is going to inspire me to keep getting off that couch and getting out there where nature offers all the medicine required to soothe the soul and clear the mind for greater things. I can hear the Indiana Jones music in my brain and know there is a Bear in there.
Matheson, we look forward to following your next adventure.
I am sure we will find a Bear in there, with stories to tell.
I know, but I’ve been sworn to secrecy.
I can share this - it’s a big ass goal and he will have to pick a lotta apples to achieve it. If you are a brand king and your company is seeking a dude that just embodies adventure and perfumes sweat, then look no further than Matheson Brown. A friend of his is quoted as saying, “He genuinely wants to make everybody’s life he comes in contact with - better.” He’s your man.
Elite climbers and mad adventurers have a keen mindset, some would say bordering on narcissistic; it’s all about them and the prize of the summit or of breaking a record. Bear recognises that this has made it a challenge to have a relationship or build a home.
He shared with me, “I don’t have a girlfriend but there has been a girl or two along the way who have taught me a lot. I think my lifestyle doesn’t make it easy for people, but if I didn’t do these things, I don’t think I would be truly happy.”
Chasing dreams requires sacrifice but for Bear, he succeeds as he has worked out a way to balance everyday life with pants-filling adventure. He buries the lure of western culture responsibility and the promise of a relationship with another at the back of his head.
He responded to me with this, “I think it’s why I have been successful because I don’t let anything, or anyone get in my way. In the short term this is fine but, in the future, I will probably need to change. But right now, life is good, and I am loving it?”
How do you finish a piece on Matheson Brown?
It's impossible. At the time of writing Bear is packing for a weekend away from the orchard.
He writes, “I’m going to attempt Mount Aspiring (New Zealand) over the next few days, but once I start work again, I’ll have constant Wi-Fi.”
It’s worth staying connected to Bear by social media or via his You Tube adventures. He doesn’t want to just throw you content he wants you to share the experience with him. It’s his way.
He knows people have been enjoying following him, which in turn has reminded him of the value of living and of sharing his adventurous life. He didn’t intend to inspire others, but he has turned that into something special.
He reflected on this and told me, “Dave, if we could do so much good for people by accident [for example, making a YouTube vid like Chasing Vertical] then how much more could we do if we did it on purpose?”
I believe that Matheson "Bear" Brown is a young man with purpose, and I know that his next adventure will have us smiling and dreaming of tomorrow. I also know that Matheson is going to inspire me to keep getting off that couch and getting out there where nature offers all the medicine required to soothe the soul and clear the mind for greater things. I can hear the Indiana Jones music in my brain and know there is a Bear in there.
Matheson, we look forward to following your next adventure.
I am sure we will find a Bear in there, with stories to tell.