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The Dirtbag's Guide to Life: Eternal Truth for Hiker Trash, Ski Bums, and Vagabonds
Forget picket fences. Live your best life. Sleep in the dirt. In the spirit of classics like Rolf Potts’ Vagabonding and Alain de Botton’s The Art of Travel, The Dirtbag’s Guide to Life is an indispensable resource for building your own life of adventure. Both a celebration of an under-appreciated subculture and a practical how-to guide, the book explains how to make adventure your lifestyle, drawing on the example of “dirtbags” - people who’ve organized their lives around outdoor pursuits like climbing, thru-hiking, trail running and surfing on the lowest possible budget. Asserting that a life of adventure should be accessible to everyone, Mathis distills the real world experiences of hundreds of the the most dedicated dirtbags to identify and address the key challenges to building the type of life you want, whether you're a weekend warrior or a professional - How to effectively manage your money to support your current aspirations while also planning for the future - How to make your career something that supports your passion rather than a barrier to doing what you want - Ways to incorporate important relationships into your journey - What to do with the responsibilities you’ve accumulated - How to live intentionally and make your life meaningful through the process ...and much more. Whether you aspire to quit your job to travel the world, plan to someday hike the Appalachian Trail, or just want to fit in a bit more mountain biking on the weekends, The Dirtbag’s Guide to Life is an essential, inspiring, and consistently entertaining resource. Praise for The Dirtbag’s Guide to Life “I see the "how on Earth do you make this happen?" question in various groups all the time. I'd love to just get this guide out there in response!” - Heather "Anish" Anderson. 2019 National Geographic Adventurer of the Year, and author of 2600 Miles to Home “Gosh I love your book! It resonates so much.” - Kathy Vaughan, Team UltraPedestrian and co-author of 98 Days of The Greatest Fail of Our Life “ If you’re not a full-on dirtbag this book is for you. If you’re interested in what it means to be a dirtbag, this book is for you. If you know someone that lives a weird dirty traveling lifestyle, but don’t understand why, this book is for you. If you already are living like a dirtbag, this book is for you. If you have any sense of travel or adventure, you’re going to get something out of this guide. - Snuggles of Darwin on the Trail and The Snuggle Diaries About the Author Tim Mathis was raised by working class parents in small-town Ohio, and has since spent years traveling extensively in North and South America, Oceania, Europe and Australia. He’s thru-hiked the Pacific Crest Trail and the Camino de Santiago, and with his wife Angel, he co-founded Boldly Went , a podcast and event series that collected stories from hundreds of outdoor adventurers and athletes. He’s written for Trail Runner Magazine, Grit City Magazine, The Oru Kayak Blog, The Race to Alaska Podcast, and has been featured on The Art of Manliness Podcast . He is also the author of I Hope I Was Wrong About Eternal An Absolutely True Memoir.
Subscribe for new projects at www.TimMathisWrites.com
Follow on Instagram @dirtbagguide
Subscribe for new projects at www.TimMathisWrites.com
Follow on Instagram @dirtbagguide
179 pages, Paperback
Published February 7, 2019
253 people are currently reading
429 people want to read
About the author
Tim Mathis
5 books13 followersJoin the mailing list at TimMathisWrites.com for ongoing projects.
Or follow on Instagram @dirtbagguide
I was born country, and raised near Middletown, Ohio - the town that was the subject of J.D. Vance's memoir of poverty and suffering, "Hillbilly Elegy." I didn't think it was as bad as he made it out to be, and I spent my childhood building forts in hay bales, behaving irresponsibly, and filling Quaker Oats containers with snakes that my friends and I caught in the creek.
I've traveled a lot since then. On my first trip overseas when I was a teenager, I went to Peru on an Evangelical mission trip with my youth group, and tried to share the Gospel by dressing up like a clown and performing for street children.
In my 20's I married my high school sweetheart, Angel, and we moved to New Zealand for two years, where I earned a Masters Degree by writing a thesis about various ways that people try to find sense, beauty and meaning in the messy evolutionary history of the universe. The scenery there made it feel like the right thing to do at the time.
After that we moved to the lovely, mossy Pacific Northwest, and it's been our base ever since - first in Seattle, and now in Tacoma (which is a way cheaper place for a dirtbag these days). Along the way I ended up as a psychiatric nurse, so now I do that in exchange for money.
Otherwise, Angel and I try to make the most of our lives by traveling and playing outside. We've run El Camino de Santiago in Spain and finished a bunch of trail ultras in the Pacific Northwest. We've hiked the Pacific Crest and Tahoe Rim Trails, along with part of Te Araroa and a bunch of the "Great Walk" system in New Zealand. We've spent about six months drifting around Latin America in buses, and have picked up a bit of Spanish, which helps.
Along the way I've done a fair bit of writing. I've written for Trail Runner Magazine, Grit City Magazine, Oru Kayak's blog, Ultrapedestrian.com, and I've been interviewed on The Art of Manliness Podcast.
Or follow on Instagram @dirtbagguide
I was born country, and raised near Middletown, Ohio - the town that was the subject of J.D. Vance's memoir of poverty and suffering, "Hillbilly Elegy." I didn't think it was as bad as he made it out to be, and I spent my childhood building forts in hay bales, behaving irresponsibly, and filling Quaker Oats containers with snakes that my friends and I caught in the creek.
I've traveled a lot since then. On my first trip overseas when I was a teenager, I went to Peru on an Evangelical mission trip with my youth group, and tried to share the Gospel by dressing up like a clown and performing for street children.
In my 20's I married my high school sweetheart, Angel, and we moved to New Zealand for two years, where I earned a Masters Degree by writing a thesis about various ways that people try to find sense, beauty and meaning in the messy evolutionary history of the universe. The scenery there made it feel like the right thing to do at the time.
After that we moved to the lovely, mossy Pacific Northwest, and it's been our base ever since - first in Seattle, and now in Tacoma (which is a way cheaper place for a dirtbag these days). Along the way I ended up as a psychiatric nurse, so now I do that in exchange for money.
Otherwise, Angel and I try to make the most of our lives by traveling and playing outside. We've run El Camino de Santiago in Spain and finished a bunch of trail ultras in the Pacific Northwest. We've hiked the Pacific Crest and Tahoe Rim Trails, along with part of Te Araroa and a bunch of the "Great Walk" system in New Zealand. We've spent about six months drifting around Latin America in buses, and have picked up a bit of Spanish, which helps.
Along the way I've done a fair bit of writing. I've written for Trail Runner Magazine, Grit City Magazine, Oru Kayak's blog, Ultrapedestrian.com, and I've been interviewed on The Art of Manliness Podcast.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
February 6, 2019
I’ve almost finished Tim’s book and of course I am incredibly proud of him and somewhat envious of where he is in his life! I wish I could say I influenced his decision to be a dirtbag by taking him on grand outdoor adventures as a child. (Maybe I shouldn’t feel so guilty about putting him outside for days at a time as a toddler and letting him forage for food with the neighborhood cats!) Instead, I have been influenced by my son and his wife to get myself outside, doing things in my 60’s that I only watched others doing when I was in my 30’s. Thank you, my child, for writing this book and putting together a lifeguide for how to make it outside in God’s beautiful world.
May 19, 2019
I picked up this book after seeing a brief review in an adventure magazine. It’s the third book written by Tim Mathis, who is behind the boldlywent.com website and promotional company.
“Partly a celebration of an underappreciated subculture of hiker trash, ski bums, and vagabonds, and partly a "how to" guide for adventure on the cheap, The Dirtbag's Guide to Life is the first solid attempt to define an outdoor movement that has taken root in backpacker hostels, long trails, and climbing crags around the world.” ~ Tim Mathis, The Dirtbag's Guide to Life
I would qualify for status in any dirtbag club. If you want to understand about dirtbags, I’d suggest Googling the term and then click images tab, and you’ll see a comprehensive dirtbag photo gallery. You'll see images like these:
For those of you who are more linguistically oriented, here’s the Urban Dictionary’s definition: dirtbag - “A person who is committed to a given (usually extreme) lifestyle to the point of abandoning employment and other societal norms in order to pursue said lifestyle. Dirtbags can be distinguished from hippies by the fact that dirtbags have a specific reason for their living communally and generally non-hygenically; dirtbags are seeking to spend all of their moments pursuing their lifestyle.”
I’m not sure that many folks who are standing at some crossroad where they are pondering a career direction would make the serious lifestyle alterations necessary to adhere to the tenets of dirtbag life, but if you have interest in wandering this book is a good start.
I’m reminded of a popular book of the 1980’s entitled Voluntary Simplicity by Duame Elgin. I have always wanted to re-read it and looks like that book will be my follow up to this one.
I’d offer that any book’s references that back up a book’s premises reflect the best examples of sucessful applications to real life that are available to bolster their position. Within the pages are numerous examples of dirtbags that have money, as they have somehow captured a niche in society that allows them to live cheap and enjoy their hours on earth. Yvon Chouinard comes to mind. He’s a billionaire that prefers driving old cars. The Patagonia clothes that he wears are years old, and he hardly buys anything new. He continues to lead a very simple life, and describes himself as a non-consumer of anything. To this day, he claims that he prefers sleeping on somebody’s floor than in a motel room, which is clearly dirtbag behavior.
There is a downside to the most dirtbags’ lifestyle (which gets harder as you get older,) which is perennial mandatory cheapness, often due to the lack of any reasonable retirement plan. If you don’t punch a time clock for decades, there’s no pension, and in some cases those years of working for cash results in a very meager social security check.
The bottom line is that living a simpler existence away from the consumer-driven life can lead to a respect for the natural world. Many of us older dirtbags have more than than a thousand dollars in our bank accounts. In my case I built my own small house over 40 years ago from wood that I cut down frm my wood lot that allowed me to have a post and beam oak frame house that I still live in. I retired from full time work 17 years ago, which has enabled me to experience life at least 18 months 100% dirtbag lifestyle in earng my Triple Crown of hiking in 2014. I have patched together several “jobs” that allow me to continue to gather an adequate pile of those elusive pieces of rectangular paper with pictures of dead presidents.
I’m always fantasizing about hitting a long trail again, because I’ve understood that collecting experiences is more important to me than amassing creature comforts and material objects.
For those of you who are intrigued by the Google gallery of dirtbags, I’d suggest check out Dirtbag: The Legend of Fred Beckey (96 minutes).
Hailed as one of the most prolific and influential climbers of all time, Fred Beckey has become a cult hero in the outdoor world It explores in cinematic rapture the unmatched drive, superhuman achievements and enigmatic genius of this man who set the bar for what is possible in an uncompromised existence. Co-starring Yvon Chouinard and Conrad Anker. I don’t know how long it will be available, but do check it out for rental at the present dirtbag deal of $0.99 .
“Partly a celebration of an underappreciated subculture of hiker trash, ski bums, and vagabonds, and partly a "how to" guide for adventure on the cheap, The Dirtbag's Guide to Life is the first solid attempt to define an outdoor movement that has taken root in backpacker hostels, long trails, and climbing crags around the world.” ~ Tim Mathis, The Dirtbag's Guide to Life
I would qualify for status in any dirtbag club. If you want to understand about dirtbags, I’d suggest Googling the term and then click images tab, and you’ll see a comprehensive dirtbag photo gallery. You'll see images like these:
For those of you who are more linguistically oriented, here’s the Urban Dictionary’s definition: dirtbag - “A person who is committed to a given (usually extreme) lifestyle to the point of abandoning employment and other societal norms in order to pursue said lifestyle. Dirtbags can be distinguished from hippies by the fact that dirtbags have a specific reason for their living communally and generally non-hygenically; dirtbags are seeking to spend all of their moments pursuing their lifestyle.”I’m not sure that many folks who are standing at some crossroad where they are pondering a career direction would make the serious lifestyle alterations necessary to adhere to the tenets of dirtbag life, but if you have interest in wandering this book is a good start.
I’m reminded of a popular book of the 1980’s entitled Voluntary Simplicity by Duame Elgin. I have always wanted to re-read it and looks like that book will be my follow up to this one.
I’d offer that any book’s references that back up a book’s premises reflect the best examples of sucessful applications to real life that are available to bolster their position. Within the pages are numerous examples of dirtbags that have money, as they have somehow captured a niche in society that allows them to live cheap and enjoy their hours on earth. Yvon Chouinard comes to mind. He’s a billionaire that prefers driving old cars. The Patagonia clothes that he wears are years old, and he hardly buys anything new. He continues to lead a very simple life, and describes himself as a non-consumer of anything. To this day, he claims that he prefers sleeping on somebody’s floor than in a motel room, which is clearly dirtbag behavior.
There is a downside to the most dirtbags’ lifestyle (which gets harder as you get older,) which is perennial mandatory cheapness, often due to the lack of any reasonable retirement plan. If you don’t punch a time clock for decades, there’s no pension, and in some cases those years of working for cash results in a very meager social security check.
The bottom line is that living a simpler existence away from the consumer-driven life can lead to a respect for the natural world. Many of us older dirtbags have more than than a thousand dollars in our bank accounts. In my case I built my own small house over 40 years ago from wood that I cut down frm my wood lot that allowed me to have a post and beam oak frame house that I still live in. I retired from full time work 17 years ago, which has enabled me to experience life at least 18 months 100% dirtbag lifestyle in earng my Triple Crown of hiking in 2014. I have patched together several “jobs” that allow me to continue to gather an adequate pile of those elusive pieces of rectangular paper with pictures of dead presidents.
I’m always fantasizing about hitting a long trail again, because I’ve understood that collecting experiences is more important to me than amassing creature comforts and material objects.
For those of you who are intrigued by the Google gallery of dirtbags, I’d suggest check out Dirtbag: The Legend of Fred Beckey (96 minutes).
Hailed as one of the most prolific and influential climbers of all time, Fred Beckey has become a cult hero in the outdoor world It explores in cinematic rapture the unmatched drive, superhuman achievements and enigmatic genius of this man who set the bar for what is possible in an uncompromised existence. Co-starring Yvon Chouinard and Conrad Anker. I don’t know how long it will be available, but do check it out for rental at the present dirtbag deal of $0.99 .
February 28, 2019
The Continuum of Dirtbags is Expansive
Tim Mathis does a fantastic job of laying the groundwork on how to be a dirtbag when your either working full-time or traveling out of your backpack.
The financial advice is sound and helped strengthen my resolve to pay off debt.
Where the guide really shines is in the sections discussing this counter-culture's friction with society-at-large. He lays out the barriers that most might encounter when embarking on a dirtbaggy adventure or life and gives advice and strategies to deal with those issued that arise.
I appreciate that the author doesn't sugarcoat this lifestyle and links to many other resources to help broaden the scope of this guide.
I do wish he would have touched on gear - which is probably the most expensive expense for most dirtbags.
Tl;dr: practical and inspiring advice for the current or future dirtbag.
Tim Mathis does a fantastic job of laying the groundwork on how to be a dirtbag when your either working full-time or traveling out of your backpack.
The financial advice is sound and helped strengthen my resolve to pay off debt.
Where the guide really shines is in the sections discussing this counter-culture's friction with society-at-large. He lays out the barriers that most might encounter when embarking on a dirtbaggy adventure or life and gives advice and strategies to deal with those issued that arise.
I appreciate that the author doesn't sugarcoat this lifestyle and links to many other resources to help broaden the scope of this guide.
I do wish he would have touched on gear - which is probably the most expensive expense for most dirtbags.
Tl;dr: practical and inspiring advice for the current or future dirtbag.
April 28, 2020
What better time to read a book about finding adventure then when you're stuck at home during a pandemic and your husband is isolated in a different house as he works on a COVID-19 Unit at his hospital?
Truthfully, it was just the panacea I needed at this time, when it's spring and I want to start getting outside and I'm going through a million life transitions.
What a great, fun, informative and inspirational read this was! I'm not sure that my husband and I count as dirtbags, but in our lives we've wanted to prioritize the outdoors -- particularly hiking, along with cycling and a bit of traveling. Mathis does an excellent job of showing the variety of ways this is lived out -- whether you're literally dumpster diving for your daily dinner or (more like we are) working jobs we generally enjoy to help fund our love of the outdoors.
And I couldn't help but think while reading this that there is no one right way to love the outdoors -- or to live your life. Sure I want to save up to go on a great National Parks adventure in the near future. I also want to save up to go to the theater at the Shaw Festival, someday get to a performance at the Stratford Festival, and have the occasional fancy dinner. In fact, every time that Scott and I have gone on some adventure, it seems like in one day we go from being mud-covered from a hike into dressy outfits for a special dinner. We run the gamut. I'm totally digressing here, but while reading this I realized two things:
1. I want more outdoors in my life and I can make that happen.
2. Time to cut away the bullshit and focus on what I really love and embrace the wide range of it all.
And I appreciate the inspiration!
Favorite lines:
"A lot of life is determined by what you ask for."
"When you see possibilities rather than freak out about limitations, you can do cool things."
"The world needs people in touch with their humanity, their mortality, and place in the natural world."
"People talk about 'living your dreams' like it's magic or rocket science or something, but we're really just talking about cutting out the crap you don't care about and devoting your time and money to the things you do want to do."
Truthfully, it was just the panacea I needed at this time, when it's spring and I want to start getting outside and I'm going through a million life transitions.
What a great, fun, informative and inspirational read this was! I'm not sure that my husband and I count as dirtbags, but in our lives we've wanted to prioritize the outdoors -- particularly hiking, along with cycling and a bit of traveling. Mathis does an excellent job of showing the variety of ways this is lived out -- whether you're literally dumpster diving for your daily dinner or (more like we are) working jobs we generally enjoy to help fund our love of the outdoors.
And I couldn't help but think while reading this that there is no one right way to love the outdoors -- or to live your life. Sure I want to save up to go on a great National Parks adventure in the near future. I also want to save up to go to the theater at the Shaw Festival, someday get to a performance at the Stratford Festival, and have the occasional fancy dinner. In fact, every time that Scott and I have gone on some adventure, it seems like in one day we go from being mud-covered from a hike into dressy outfits for a special dinner. We run the gamut. I'm totally digressing here, but while reading this I realized two things:
1. I want more outdoors in my life and I can make that happen.
2. Time to cut away the bullshit and focus on what I really love and embrace the wide range of it all.
And I appreciate the inspiration!
Favorite lines:
"A lot of life is determined by what you ask for."
"When you see possibilities rather than freak out about limitations, you can do cool things."
"The world needs people in touch with their humanity, their mortality, and place in the natural world."
"People talk about 'living your dreams' like it's magic or rocket science or something, but we're really just talking about cutting out the crap you don't care about and devoting your time and money to the things you do want to do."
February 5, 2019
Inspiration is found here. Whether you’re fantasizing about the unconventional life or taking the plunge and exploring the depths of that rabbit hole, this is a great read. Part manifesto, part how-to guide, this is an exceptional book for any who dream about living their best life. Highly recommended!
January 16, 2021
I love everything I read by Mathis, and am extremely envious of where he’s at in his life in terms of travel. I resonated with the financial advice he gives in this book, the less you have that weighs you down, the more you can accomplish. Overall great advice moving forward regarding a more minimalist lifestyle.
February 2, 2026
Felt like more of an ad than a book. Mostly advertising great resources for sure. But still an ad. And what little content it does gather it gets repetitive in its narrative of. The proper stories or case studies of various dirtbags lives and lifestyles was the most enjoyable aspect. And these sorts of stories compiled more readily could be a great book. But the novella as it is now feels more better suited for an article or professional grade blog post than a book. And because of its misplacement into this genre it feels poorly paced, clunky, rambling at times in its listing that draws away from the mood they try to convey and even a bit bland.
As an aside for a story from the perspective of a dirtbag for dirtbags the narrator still somehow comes off so detached from nature itself in a truly among it and formed by it way if that makes sense. The way a mountain bicyclist views nature around them in rapid passing versus a meandering hiking or dirtbag or what have you who truly makes some connection with their surroundings. And how they affect it and it affects them. Which I feel should be a major perspective talked more on as it is not just hate for capitalism that drives people into being a dirtbag. And priviledged and idealized perspective. Its far better than many on this but still falls into many of the pitfalls liberal white folk often fall into. Like pushing the picking yourself up by the bootstraps narrative very intensely. It also fails to properly address how to adequately get knowledgeable of where the person is going to. As in this group knowing how to keep safe around nature, scammers, people with ill intent, classist law enforcement and the like is vital to prevent tragedy and major losses or trauma.
Interesting concept. Not great execution. But helpful resource for those needing a finger to point to various other people to properly educate you on what you opened the book for
As an aside for a story from the perspective of a dirtbag for dirtbags the narrator still somehow comes off so detached from nature itself in a truly among it and formed by it way if that makes sense. The way a mountain bicyclist views nature around them in rapid passing versus a meandering hiking or dirtbag or what have you who truly makes some connection with their surroundings. And how they affect it and it affects them. Which I feel should be a major perspective talked more on as it is not just hate for capitalism that drives people into being a dirtbag. And priviledged and idealized perspective. Its far better than many on this but still falls into many of the pitfalls liberal white folk often fall into. Like pushing the picking yourself up by the bootstraps narrative very intensely. It also fails to properly address how to adequately get knowledgeable of where the person is going to. As in this group knowing how to keep safe around nature, scammers, people with ill intent, classist law enforcement and the like is vital to prevent tragedy and major losses or trauma.
Interesting concept. Not great execution. But helpful resource for those needing a finger to point to various other people to properly educate you on what you opened the book for
August 21, 2024
For people interested in a counter-culture sort of life, I highly recommend this read. Mathias discusses a broad range of topics dealing with the “dirtbag” type lifestyle, from finances to nutrition to relationships to personal identity. He points out the superb positives of prioritizing life over work, but also emphasizes the harsh realities and how to deal with them. One of my favorite aspects of this book was the countless resources listed for making an out-of-sorts life a reality. I’ll be honest — the first few pages had me taken aback, but by the halfway mark, I was calling myself a “dirtbag”! After reading this book, I feel welcomed into a community.
December 31, 2019
This book really centered me and reminded me of my priorities. It is total inspiration for anyone that is on, or seeks to be on the path to freedom. Great read for anyone that wants tips and guiding principles on how to free themselves from their societal expectation shackles.
There was one particular topic that I really wanted the dirt regarding. This topic was talked about within the context of the overall approach, but I really wanted to get into the nitty gritty on it. The great thing is, this book is loaded with additional resources. Thankfully, the very first link I selected under the resource list based on the article title brought me right to the level of detail I was looking for. So, all I'm saying, is if there's something super specific you're looking to dissect, if it's not right there on the page, the author made it super easy to access additional wisdom from a finely curated resource list, sourced from only the finest and most experienced dirtbags.
I really like so many points made in this book. I don't want to give too much away, but as the author points out, as fun as it sounds to drop everything on a whim and live without an income, it most likely takes time and careful planning. This book helps guide you in the right direction and motivate you to make decisions in line with your ideals. I was waning a little from that path, but this book puts my heart and brain back on track. Now's the time to work towards making my life what I want it to be, wild and free!
There was one particular topic that I really wanted the dirt regarding. This topic was talked about within the context of the overall approach, but I really wanted to get into the nitty gritty on it. The great thing is, this book is loaded with additional resources. Thankfully, the very first link I selected under the resource list based on the article title brought me right to the level of detail I was looking for. So, all I'm saying, is if there's something super specific you're looking to dissect, if it's not right there on the page, the author made it super easy to access additional wisdom from a finely curated resource list, sourced from only the finest and most experienced dirtbags.
I really like so many points made in this book. I don't want to give too much away, but as the author points out, as fun as it sounds to drop everything on a whim and live without an income, it most likely takes time and careful planning. This book helps guide you in the right direction and motivate you to make decisions in line with your ideals. I was waning a little from that path, but this book puts my heart and brain back on track. Now's the time to work towards making my life what I want it to be, wild and free!
January 27, 2024
Tim Mathis really wants to write a manifesto and be the voice of the Dirtbag community. The problem is he doesn't really live like one, and even admits towards the end that he got burned out on the lifestyle. Throughout the book, he name drops and quotes other individuals that have been at the forefront of the minimalist and outdoor communities. Yvon Choinard, Chris Guillebeau, and Alex Honald are quoted (among others) in his book. I feel like he binge-watched "Valley Uprising" and "180 Degrees South" and decided he wanted to write a book bringing together the dirtbag and minimalist movements.
Tim vacillates between minimalism, traveling on the cheap, enjoying the outdoors, and espousing on what values he thinks the dirtbag community should strive for. Between small details on saving money on the road he quickly interjects political rants about how we're destroying our planet. It feels disjointed. And his philosophy of "cool begets cool" is, I think, an awkward and laughable attempt at expressing his philosophy.
Personally, if your goal is to travel and experience the outdoors more, you're better off checking out authors like Rolf Potts (and his Deviate podcast) or being inspired by the adventures of people that travel on the cheap; Lands of Lost Borders by Kate Harris would be a good start.
Tim vacillates between minimalism, traveling on the cheap, enjoying the outdoors, and espousing on what values he thinks the dirtbag community should strive for. Between small details on saving money on the road he quickly interjects political rants about how we're destroying our planet. It feels disjointed. And his philosophy of "cool begets cool" is, I think, an awkward and laughable attempt at expressing his philosophy.
Personally, if your goal is to travel and experience the outdoors more, you're better off checking out authors like Rolf Potts (and his Deviate podcast) or being inspired by the adventures of people that travel on the cheap; Lands of Lost Borders by Kate Harris would be a good start.
April 30, 2025
i’ve met and known a few dirtbags through climbing and know even more aspiring dirtbags, one of whom first recommended this book a year ago on spring break trip to red rocks. at the time, i didn’t know if i was fully on board to dedicate my life to outdoor pursuits but things may be changing.
this book gives concrete advice on how to manage money, career, relationships, etc. while living the dirtbag life. my favorite chapter was the last, about finding meaning, because why else would you dedicate your life to living frugally so you can work as little as possible and play outside as much as you can. so yeah it goes from being advice and stories of impressive people to a more deep discussion of what it means to live a meaningful life.
i would recommend this to the aspiring dirtbag (obviously), someone flirting with the idea of quitting their job to travel for months, or anyone curious how these people freaking do the damn thing.
this book gives concrete advice on how to manage money, career, relationships, etc. while living the dirtbag life. my favorite chapter was the last, about finding meaning, because why else would you dedicate your life to living frugally so you can work as little as possible and play outside as much as you can. so yeah it goes from being advice and stories of impressive people to a more deep discussion of what it means to live a meaningful life.
i would recommend this to the aspiring dirtbag (obviously), someone flirting with the idea of quitting their job to travel for months, or anyone curious how these people freaking do the damn thing.
May 27, 2020
Although I have no desire to be a true dirtbag, I feel I have a little dirtbag inside. I picked this book up purely from the cover art and title. I had never heard the podcast before. I must say that I was not disappointed. I feel that there was enough soul poured into the book to make it relatable, without being all out personal. Some of the perspectives conveyed in the book inspired me to take steps to be more adventurous with my outdoor activities. I feel more inclined to add some dirtbaggery to my life, without sacrificing my ascent up the corporate ladder. I have since started listening to their podcast and enjoy it as much as the book. Makes me smile every time. It’s a quick read that has lots of reference material making it worth holding on to for a while before passing it along to someone else.
July 11, 2021
Simply put examination of a different way of life, and bonus it comes with resources. Don’t live the traditional “American dream” live your dream. Figure out what are nonnegotiable for you and figure out how to live your dream.
February 8, 2026
For the outdoorsy types who dream of leaving everything behind and living a live of adventure and freedom, this is the book for you. While reading this, I realized I just don't have it in me to leave the security of a steady income and some kind of financial cushion for the future. The best part of this book is the focus on living a life of meaning beyond consumerism, and how that can be accomplished. Some of the principles that apply to dirtbags also apply to everyday life for those of us trying to clear out the clutter and gain a better understanding of what a meaningful life is. There are really practical financial tips and resources that are listed in here. It's a great book, but also isn't reality for many of us.
January 4, 2021
Sometimes we need a reminder of our priorities. This is what this book was for me. It has a lot of useful information and resources that can help if the dirtbag lifestyle is of interest to you. In fact, I'd suggest reading this if you're struggling to live within your means or want to learn to be more frugal. That's something dirtbags are excellent at, and there's a lot you can learn.
I recommend this book to anyone interested in a lifestyle change it anyone that is just curious about what this lifestyle is all about. It may inspire you.
I recommend this book to anyone interested in a lifestyle change it anyone that is just curious about what this lifestyle is all about. It may inspire you.
June 24, 2020
An extremely important book for us all.
Mathis has written a terribly important book about following our bliss and our heart and our soul. It is a courageous book, a bible, in the true sense of the word. This book will save your life, but most importantly, it will save your soul.
Mathis has written a terribly important book about following our bliss and our heart and our soul. It is a courageous book, a bible, in the true sense of the word. This book will save your life, but most importantly, it will save your soul.
May 13, 2024
This book is amazing. The author does repeat himself quite a bit regarding certain points, but I felt that easy to overlook because the book was both hilarious and also one of the most informative books I’ve ever read in terms of how much new knowledge I now have that I will be applying to my life. Even if you don’t strive to be a dirtbag (living as cheaply as possible and working as little as possible but enough to fund your lifestyle in order to have as many adventures as possible), which I don’t, there are definitely resources that he mentions which allow you to save or make money that I will be using. I 100% recommend. Laugh out loud book. The audio book was amazing also, even though the virtual reader mispronounced “should”. 😅 As for the resources, you’ll have to read the book to find those- not giving those away for free! (You won’t regret reading it).
Here are some of my favorite quotes:
“I would imagine that plenty of others are aiming to have it all: ample time spent adventuring and lots of time spent on a healthy, productive career that will allow a comfortable lifestyle, without the stress over which type of cat food will make the best taco filling.” (This will make sense more if you read the book.)
“If you feel like that’s abuse of the system, I don’t buy it - the system’s abusing you. And health care should be a right anyway. It’s been scientifically proven that the US is a rich country that can afford it, but is full of assholes that choose not to. Ok, sorry, I’ll calm down.”
“The practice of yogi-ing: a subtle art that involves striking up conversations, usually with day hikers, in the hopes that they will offer you snacks, a ride into town, or even a couch to crash on. It’s considered shameful to ask directly for these things, but if you simply behave like the type of person that a stranger would want to offer food, a beer, or a place in their home for the night in exchange for regaling them with stories of adventure and humorous anecdotes from the trails, then you both made a new friend, and you got that burger that you’ve been thinking about for days.”
“The good life can be had even for those of you with no inheritance, no skills, and no prospects. The best things in life are free. And the shit that’s not, you can buy at the thrift store.”
Here are some of my favorite quotes:
“I would imagine that plenty of others are aiming to have it all: ample time spent adventuring and lots of time spent on a healthy, productive career that will allow a comfortable lifestyle, without the stress over which type of cat food will make the best taco filling.” (This will make sense more if you read the book.)
“If you feel like that’s abuse of the system, I don’t buy it - the system’s abusing you. And health care should be a right anyway. It’s been scientifically proven that the US is a rich country that can afford it, but is full of assholes that choose not to. Ok, sorry, I’ll calm down.”
“The practice of yogi-ing: a subtle art that involves striking up conversations, usually with day hikers, in the hopes that they will offer you snacks, a ride into town, or even a couch to crash on. It’s considered shameful to ask directly for these things, but if you simply behave like the type of person that a stranger would want to offer food, a beer, or a place in their home for the night in exchange for regaling them with stories of adventure and humorous anecdotes from the trails, then you both made a new friend, and you got that burger that you’ve been thinking about for days.”
“The good life can be had even for those of you with no inheritance, no skills, and no prospects. The best things in life are free. And the shit that’s not, you can buy at the thrift store.”
October 10, 2024
An inspiring, surprisingly nuanced take on what it means to be a dirtbag and how to become one. I appreciated the author’s honesty and his obvious desire to help other people live a life committed to exploration and adventure. Mathis includes lots of resources and helpful examples to facilitate people getting into dirtbaggery. I found some sections repetitive or wished the writing was better, but overall this was a good book I’d recommend to anyone wanting to spend more time outside, live simply, and go farther on less
June 19, 2023
I read this book near the end of a year of backpacking around Europe and I was wondering if I wanted to go back to work and a normal life.
This book provides simple practical advice on surviving on a shoe string budget as well as delving into spiritual issues like finding meaning in your life without getting too full on.
I'd recommend for anyone who is feeling a little lost and thinks there must be something better than the average 9-5 job until you die scenario
This book provides simple practical advice on surviving on a shoe string budget as well as delving into spiritual issues like finding meaning in your life without getting too full on.
I'd recommend for anyone who is feeling a little lost and thinks there must be something better than the average 9-5 job until you die scenario
March 29, 2025
I love this book! It explores the counter culture of living life as minimally and light as possible, whether you’re traveling the world, climbing or pursuing trail running. I loved thinking of life this way, and there was great financial tips to escape consumerism as well as some explorations on meaning and what true productivity isas someone who works at 9 to 5 job, I love this read as a exploration of the world beyond working.
January 22, 2023
This book was free, so I read it. It’s a collection of cliche quotes and personal anecdotes. If you have spent more then 20 minutes at a ski town bar, you’ve already heard a liftie with a mustache on ski season number 3 paraphrase this book to you. Just go camping and talk to your friends about their escapist fantasies instead of reading this book.
September 10, 2023
Some useful tips. Does not deliver on the “eternal truths” boast. For a deeper treatment of the psycho/spiritual/philosophical aspects of what Mathis calls dirtbagging check out Ed Buryn’s vagabonding books.
July 21, 2022
A useful read that taps into themes of anti-capitalism, anti-work, and sustainability. You don't have to want to be a "dirtbag" in order to benefit from some of the insights here.
January 7, 2023
I love this book. It is for everyone trying to live a meaningful life, not just dirtbags.
December 24, 2023
I liked this one! Simple and straightforward advice on how to go for it and be a vagabond of some variety! The author provides additional resources for follow up on subjects of interest too.
March 15, 2025
A accumulation of lot of digital nomad and Geo arbitrage resources. I’ve read online but put in a story form. Very quick read
April 1, 2025
Very insightful. Now inspired to dive in head first into the dirtbag lifestyle.
December 8, 2025
Really enjoyed the book, great information for living the dirtbag lifestyle. I was a little disappointed there weren't as many dirtbag life stories, but that is on me! Highly recommend.
May 29, 2023
This book is excellent for anyone who feels like the status quo of society isn’t for them. This book gives really great insights into how to make a change in your life. It’s a breath of fresh air because it’s a statement about how it’s okay to not want to keep up with the Joneses or have a shiny new car or a brand new iPhone. Living according to what society says is acceptable is totally overrated and overwhelming and this book is an excellent commentary on that. Some of what the author talks about doesn’t quite work for everyone, some of the financial advice won’t work for those who don’t have a little bit of a savings account but overall I think the book is great for those interested in doing things differently.
October 5, 2024
There's absolutely nothing groundbreaking here, but the author puts things into words in a much better way than most
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