Seeker Journal

I set off at 1:30am from Mr. Mullet’s hostel in San Pedro, one of the towns on the edge of Lake Atitlan, Guatemala to hike up Rostro Maya (Indian Nose), a mountain shaped like the side profile of a face, with the plan to scramble up and stand on top of Pico de Loro (Parrot’s Beak) and take some self-portraits with the starry night sky and the ensuing sunrise.

Given the trail reports of bandits with machetes along the path waiting to charge hikers money, I also figured the middle of the night would allow me to avoid all but the most dedicated bandits. After 50 minutes of walking through San Pedro and San Juan, getting aggressively barked at by at least a dozen dogs along the way and probably waking up half the neighborhood, I arrived at the trailhead.

Another 1.5 hours of hiking up the mountain brought me to a spot on the trail just above Pico de Loro, which I figured would be the ideal spot to scout out the best vantage point to set up my tripod at. Venturing slightly off trail, I bushwhacked a couple steps before I decided that it was too steep and sketchy to continue, especially in the dark. Turning back, I stepped down with my left leg on what I thought was ground, but turned out to be loose branches. My foot went completely through and I fell backwards, tumbling 8-9 feet down a 60 degree slope before my right knee caught on a small root and stopped my fall. Lying upside down, my headlamp had been knocked off my head, but turning my head back, I could tell I was lying right on the edge of a cliff (which, when I could see it properly later during the daytime was definitely more than a hundred foot drop).

Lying on loose grass with barely any rocks or branches to support my weight or to hold onto, I recognized I was in a very delicate situation. Any sudden shift in weight could cause me to slip right off the edge of the cliff. I needed to move slowly and cautiously. I slowed down my breathing and my heart rate as I knew panicking would only make things worse. Reaching around with my arms in search of any solid rock to grab onto to haul myself up, I found nothing. just loose grass everywhere with no purchase. shit.

I stretched my arms to their absolute limits and finally found a rock waaaay off to the left. Phew. I hauled myself up on the rock and got back on the trail. Recognizing I could have almost fell to my death there, I felt grateful to have survived.

After taking a couple minutes to collect myself, I hiked down to Pico de Loro. Climbing it in the dark was absolutely out of the question. I’d already tempted fate once, and now that I’d lost my headlamp, I wasn’t about to scramble up this sketchy rock with just one hand and my iPhone flashlight in the other. So, I waited until it was bright enough to see the rock without a light and then climbed to the top. Flying my drone from there, these are the images that I captured. It was an absolutely incredible sunrise.

By the time I got back to the hostel it was about 8 and the town of San Pedro was just waking up. I took a well deserved shower and then hopped on my laptop and started my work day, the events of the past several hours feeling absolutely surreal.

Lesson learned. I’m definitely never again venturing off trail in the dark on a trail I’ve never been on.

- Ivan Chan

Several years ago, early on in my outdoor climbing journey, my buddy Adam and I set our eyes on climbing up The Chief, one of the crown jewels of Canadian rock climbing. A granite monolith towering 700m+ above the adventure town of Squamish just an hour north of Vancouver where I live, there are hundreds of routes up the face of it, which attract climbers from all around the world.

At this point, Adam and I had only been climbing outdoors for a couple months, and the highest route that we had climbed was approximately 200m, so climbing the Chief would be a big step up and a major milestone for the both of us. Adam and I had actually met each other while on the trail hiking up the Chief, and from that teamed up as climbing partners as we both wanted to start climbing outside, so this would be sort of a full circle moment for us as well.

On our first attempt, we underestimated how long it would take to climb to the top, started too late in the day, and ended up having to bail on the climb halfway up. Determined to finish it, we decided to make another attempt the following weekend.

As the weekend approached, Vancouver was hit with a heat wave, hitting temperatures of 34C. This might not be considered extreme in many other cities around the world, but because Vancouver is used to moderate temperatures, most buildings don’t have air conditioning, and when heat events do happen, its quite an ordeal. And at the very least, not ideal to be baking with no shade all day on the side of a 700m+ rock face.

But, determined to make up for our previous weekend’s failed mission, we decided not to delay our climb and set out bright and early on the weekend at 9am. The first couple hours went relatively smoothly, and we slowly made our way up the mountain. Eventually, the sun rose directly above our heads and we started to be slammed by the heat with nowhere to hide. Adam informed me that he had run out of water. We were maybe halfway. I gave him half of the remaining water that I had, but 30 minutes later, again told me that he’d run out. He was supposed to ration that for the rest of the climb! I guess we’d have to survive on barely any water for the rest of the climb.

When we reached about 75% of the way to the top, there was a section where we had to scramble up a sketchy exposed area without any protection with a rope. To fall here would be dangerously injuriously if not fatal. Typical practice would have been to coil our rope and put it around our shoulders and then climb through that section, but to save time, we decided to just keep the rope trailing behind us as we climbed the section and then to pull up the rope afterwards.

I felt very sketched out climbing through this section - I didn’t like that I wasn’t protected with a rope. But I made it through and breathed a sigh of relief. Until I went to pull our rope that had been trailing behind us up. The other end of the rope had gotten stuck in a crack, meaning I had to climb back down through the sketchy unprotected section, unstick the rope, and climb back up again. When I first climbed through it, having to climb it 2 more times was the last thing I expected to have to do.

Finally, we had the rope all sorted out, and could continue climbing, but now another concern presented itself. It was starting to get late in the day and we only had a short period of time before it started to get dark. We had to hurry. As relatively inexperienced climbers, we hadn’t predicted even the possibility of ending up in the dark and so we hadn’t packed headlamps with us. If we didn’t make it up before dark, we might end up having to spend the night perched on the side of a mountain.

We climbed faster than we had ever before and managed to make it up to the top just as it was becoming too dark the see the rock features in front of us. Exhausted, hungry, and dehydrated, we nevertheless sighed a sigh of relief. The only thing between us and a big meal was an hour hike back down the mountain. Using our phone flashlights, we slowly snaked our way down and finally got back to the parking lot.

But, as we got closer, it appeared the parking lot gate was closed. A quick google search revealed that the gates closed at 11pm every day, and we were about half an hour past that. Fortunately, Adam was living in Squamish at the time, and we called a taxi to bring us to his place, with a quick stop at McDonalds to refuel after our big day.

In the morning, I woke and went to grab Adam’s bike to bike back to the Chief to retrieve my car. But searching high and low, I couldn’t find my car keys. I finally came to the conclusion that the only point I could have lost them was in the back of the taxi the night before. Calling the taxi driver, I couldn’t get through - clearly he was still asleep after his night shift. In the end, I had to call my parents who were visiting me in Vancouver to drive the extra pair of car keys up for me, finally drawing the adventure to a close.

A day where everything that could have gone wrong pretty much went wrong, the story of the first time we climbed the Chief is one that we cherish and that we’ll be telling and laughing about for the rest of our lives.

- Ivan Chan

When I headed to Hong Kong in December 2023, I had the idea of taking a night climbing shot at the crags above the skyscrapers, illuminated by headlamp. The photos that I most like to capture are those that capture a sense of adventure in extreme nature and that I haven’t seen anyone else capture before. Over the years, I’ve developed a fondness for photos taken at night. They just seem to ramp that sense of adventure up to another level - its a time when most people are in bed.

I wasn’t entirely sure how I would make the shot happen considering I didn’t have any familiarity with the climbing areas there, didn’t know any climbers in Hong Kong, only had personal climbing gear with me, and would need to convince someone to go on a night climbing adventure. However, I knew that if I could make it happen, I would end up with a pretty unique shot the likes of which couldn’t be taken in many other places around the world - there’s not many places I know of where you can climb right next to skyscrapers.

My first attempt to meet other climbers was to post on the Hong Kong Climbing Facebook group. I got no responses. Ok. Next attempt. Let’s try to meet climbers at a local climbing gym. Well, as it turns out, a day pass at Hong Kong climbing gyms costs 280 HKD (36 USD). Yep, that’s a no go. Final hail mary attempt. Just show up to a crag and hope there are other climbers there I can befriend. This worked quite well actually. After a very sweaty and unexpectedly sketchy approach involving rope sections, scrambling, and metal rungs drilled into a steep slab, I arrived at Central Crags where I met Connor, Ronny, and Emma- 3 locals who were kind enough to let me climb with them.

I told Ronny and Emma about my idea for a night climbing shot and a week and a half later, we headed back to Central Crags at night to see if we could make something cool. Conveniently, there was a bolt next to a ledge at the very end of the crag located halfway up the wall that I could clip myself into and just hang there to take shots from. And so, here is the shot that I got from that night.

This photo is one of my favorites I’ve ever captured not only because its unique, but also because of the story and memories behind it. I had no idea how I was going to make the shot happen at first, but by just persevering, trying out different avenues, and pushing myself a bit out of my comfort zone by just rocking up to the climbing area and asking strangers if I could climb with them, I managed to make it happen. Its such a beautiful reminder for me what amazing things can happen if you just put yourself out there.

- Ivan Chan

Make sure you check out the Seek Discomfort x Ivan Chan collection, now live!

Last October, I flew back to LA from Paris for one of the biggest campaigns I’ve worked on: Guided by Nature.

The idea was simple but powerful: let nature lead the way.

We were inspired by the outdoors, the sense of freedom it gives, and how that aligns with Seek Discomfort. Vision boards were made. The product lineup was ready. And we picked the perfect place, Sequoia National Park.

I was especially nervous going into this one, mainly because I didn’t know anyone on the shoot.  The models and the videographer were complete strangers. And since I was in charge of photography, campaign production, and the long drive there and back, I really wanted everything to go perfectly. It was a lot to carry, and the nerves were real.

But from the moment we hit the road, something clicked. Instead of strangers, I found teammates. Instead of stress, it felt like an adventure. We laughed, we learned what “scrambling” is (thanks Amanda), and of course, I made sure we hugged a sequoia tree before we left.

The goal was for everyone to have a good experience (spoiler: they did!). That meant more to me than anything else. The photos and videos turned out even better than I imagined. Not just because of the landscape, but because you can feel the joy in them.

As the day came to a close, we pulled over to watch the sky explode into a cotton candy sunset. No words, just five people who started the day as strangers, standing together in silence, soaking it all in.

Huge shoutout to Josh, Amanda, Philip, and Nolan. Can’t wait to make more magic with you in the future. 

- Dez

I’ve always been terrified of heights, and honestly, I still am.

But while filming in Egypt, I couldn’t help but notice people seemingly falling from the sky above the pyramids. That’s when I stumbled upon Ammar’s video of him and his father skydiving together.

Two weeks later, I found myself back in Cairo, standing beside my dad, as we jumped out of the very same military helicopter.

Together, we faced our fear of heights head-on, turning what once felt like an impossible dream into an incredible reality.

- Richard Godby

Check out Richard's Instagram and Youtube for more adventures!

7 Years and we're just getting started.

Seven years ago, we set out on a journey with nothing but an idea, a simple phrase that carried a world of meaning.

Seek Discomfort.

At first, it was just a way to bring our message beyond the screen, to wear it, to live it, to share it with those who felt the same pull toward growth, adventure, and the unknown.

But it became so much more.

What started as an extension of our stories turned into a global movement. Seek Discomfort grew bigger, faster, and louder than we could have ever imagined. And with that momentum came incredible milestones.

We collaborated with brands we admired like Lululemon and MVMT Watches. We worked alongside artists, creators, and visionaries who embodied what it meant to step beyond their comfort zones. 

We even sponsored our first athlete, pushing the boundaries of what we thought was impossible.

This brand became more than just clothing. It became a way of life. A community that turned strangers into friends, challenges into breakthroughs, and dreams into reality.

You made that happen.

You wore the message. You showed up. You pushed yourself. You built something that reached far beyond us.

But no journey comes without obstacles. Each obstacle became a learning experience, and every lesson helped us become even stronger.

And now, we’re stepping into a new chapter.

We’ve evolved our logo. But it wasn’t chosen by us, it was shaped by you.

Inspired by the products, collections, and moments you loved the most.

We took what was great and elevated it.

With this new energy, we’ve introduced collections that capture who we are today.

Limited-edition drops. Refined details. Pieces that reflect our evolution while staying true to our roots.

Behind the scenes, we’ve leveled up, too.

A brand-new warehouse. A commitment to delivering better than ever before:

• 100% delivery guarantee
• Faster, global shipping
• Door-to-door tracking
• Revamped customer service

Because Seek Discomfort has never been just about clothing. It’s about the journey. The growth. The stories we create together.

Seven years in, and we’re only getting started.

Here’s to the next chapter. To bigger dreams, greater challenges, and limitless possibilities.

Let’s keep seeking discomfort, together.

The Seek Team X

How a Photo Contest Led to an Unforgettable Journey to Canada

In 2024, Joshua and I found each other through the Seek Discomfort Photo Contest. We were both featured on their Instagram, and when I saw his images, I was impressed. I decided to follow him, and not long after, he reached out through a DM. We quickly connected, but neither of us knew that a simple Instagram conversation would lead to an adventure we’d never forget.

It all started when I asked for travel recommendations on Instagram after my solo trip to Yosemite. Joshua, without hesitation, replied, "Banff with me." I wasn’t joking. I was serious about making this trip happen. By November 14, 2024, just eight days after that post, I had my flight booked for February 2025.

I’m from Florida, so I’m not used to temperatures like that. The last time I saw snow was in 2016 during a family road trip to North Carolina. This time, though, it was different. When I landed in Banff on one of the coldest days ever (-11°F), I could barely believe what I was stepping into. I didn’t meet up with Joshua until two days later, so I spent that time exploring with my boyfriend, Austin, who actually introduced me to Seek Discomfort and Yes Theory. Without him, none of this would have been possible.

Our first day was intense. The cold was unbearable, and I couldn’t have been less prepared for the freezing temperatures. We went to Johnston Canyon, where I literally had icicles on my eyelashes. I lost feeling in my right foot, and we had to go shopping in town for better gear that night. But even through all that, it was unforgettable. We finished the day by walking around Lake Louise, which was absolutely stunning, and I could feel the excitement building for the days ahead.

By the time we met Joshua and his girlfriend, Meg, on our third day, I was already fully immersed in the adventure. We hiked Tunnel Mountain Summit early in the morning. The cold air, the elevation, and the freezing weather made it challenging, but the view at the top was worth every second. It felt like a full-circle moment—especially when we invited two more people to join us. The hike was short, but it was the perfect way to bond, and it made the trip feel even more alive and fun.

Our last day took us to Peyto Lake. Austin stayed behind because he had gotten sick from the cold, so it was just me, Joshua, and Meg. The views from the top of the lake were beyond anything I had imagined. It was the kind of landscape that leaves you speechless. 

This trip was a test of endurance, not just for us physically, but also for our camera gear. But it was all worth it. Banff challenged me in every way, but it also opened my eyes to the power of pushing through discomfort.

This journey wouldn’t have happened without Seek Discomfort. We only planned this trip because of the community they’ve built and the message they stand for. Joshua and I have both taken their mission to heart, and it’s been life-changing. 

We’ve used it in our personal lives and decisions, and it’s created so many beautiful memories. We’re already planning our next trip, this time with other Seekers, and we’re thinking somewhere in the USA during a less cold time! We’re already planning our next adventure with other Seekers, and we’re aiming for somewhere in the USA during a warmer time!

For more of their epic adventures, follow Fabiana & Josh on Instagram: @byfabianamsolano @joshh.pacheco