Outdoor Research tapped us as their local production partner to bring a new perspective to trail running in Montana's Rocky Mountains. With an intimate knowledge of the terrain and a shared appetite for adventure, we set out to create bold, unconventional imagery that broke away from traditional running campaigns, trading familiar trails and predictable compositions for rugged alpine terrain, exposed ridgelines, and a grittier approach to outdoor storytelling.

At the heart of the campaign was a lightweight, highly packable rain jacket designed for fast-moving mountain objectives. Our goal was to showcase the versatility of the piece in its intended environment, where unpredictable weather, technical terrain, and the need to move quickly make every ounce count. Rather than relying on traditional product imagery, we wanted to capture the jacket in action, blending technical performance with the raw energy of alpine running and scrambling.

Over three demanding days, our crew covered more than 8,000 feet of vertical gain, following athletes through steep mountain terrain, technical scrambles, and remote alpine environments. With wildfire smoke creating unpredictable visibility and constantly shifting light, we adapted to the conditions and used the atmosphere to help shape the campaign's distinctive visual style.

The result was a collection of striking photo and video assets that brought a sharper edge to Outdoor Research's running category. Dramatic perspectives, dynamic movement, and an emphasis on scale helped create imagery that felt more aggressive and adventurous than conventional trail or road running campaigns, while showcasing the technical gear designed to make these ambitious objectives possible.