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Columbia’s Director of Toughness: The Best Outdoor Job

Austin Parker
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Director of Toughness
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We’ve all had a dream of ditching the cubicle, board room, or dorm for an adventure travel odyssey. Of course, the logistical problems with a few months (or years) of travel keep most people from realizing their dreams. What if you could travel the world, get your adrenaline fix in, and get paid to do it? Outdoor brand (and winner of one of our coveted Outdoor Retailer Best In Show Awards) Columbia just launched their search for a Director of Toughness.

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Last year, the inaugural Director of Toughness program sent the two winners on adventures from volcano climbing in Ecuador to exploring Arctic coastline in Manitoba, Canada. Of course, if you’re selected you won’t just be traveling to exotic destinations. Columbia’s two Directors will ensure that gear from the brand lives up to their #TestedTough guarantee, as well as tell the story of their travels. If you’re really serious about applying, the clock is ticking. Columbia is conducting interviews in remote locations in the wilderness near their Portland headquarters, as well as undisclosed locations on the East Coast, Canada, and the United Kingdom. Additionally, expect to have to hike, scramble, navigate, and sweat to even make it to each mystery interview location.

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What’s the pay off? We can’t think of a better way to spend nine months than playing outdoors, testing some of the world’s best gear, and seeing the best wild places the world has to offer. So start making plans to ditch the suit and briefcase in favor of an Outdry ECO jacket and hiking boots. This opportunity to prove that you are Tested Tough is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. What’s your excuse for not applying? If you still need some extra motivation, check out last year’s Director of Toughness sizzle reel below.

Related: Our Favorite Outdoorsman Knots

Directors of Toughness | The Final Trip

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Austin Parker
Austin Parker
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Austin Parker is a former contributor at The Manual Parker is a powder skier and sport climber and is no stranger hauling…
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