Emi Matsushima is always on the go. That being said, the half-German, half-Japanese model, photographer and art director grew up all across Europe and Japan, so it’s not exactly surprising that she still never seems to be in one place. “I grew up moving between cultures, and I think that restlessness stayed with me until I landed here,” says the now Ojai, California-based creative. 

Matsushima is one of the many creatives who have managed to build a career out of wanderlust and carve out their own lane in the outdoors space. The photographer is always spotted near a mountain, grassy field or body of water of some sort, appearing so in her element that it’s hard to believe she wasn’t always into the outdoors. Though Matsushima has seemed to reach the highest level of nature-maxxing, her advice to nature novices is simple: just go for it, regardless of the circumstances.

The influx of gorpcore content can make it feel like you need an entirely new closet in order to touch grass, but to Matsushima, having the right gear is more about setting yourself up for success on the trail. In that spirit, Matsushima recently wanted new gear to continue her adventures in the wild, which is where Oakley came in. Stopping by the Santa Monica store, she found exactly what she was looking for: the Field Gear Line Collection. Offering comfort and durability for all conditions, the collection is engineered for functionality in every environment. 

Read all about what going “field mode” means to Matsushima, below.

What’s your earliest outdoors-related memory? 

Emi Matsushima: I think my earliest outdoor-related memories are of living in Spain and going to the rocky mountains called La Pedriza, and absolutely loving to scramble up and down the rocks there while the rest of my family were walking on the trails. Being outdoors and adventurous has felt so natural from very early on.

What’s something you always bring with you on an adventure? 

Emi Matsushima: My camera. I love shooting photos and find so much inspiration from the landscapes I’m in.

What’s your favourite piece in the Oakley Field Gear Line Collection, and how have you been styling it?

Emi Matsushima: They are all great, but I do love the jacket. The hood is super cool (love a good hood!), and it’s a super cool layer that I can move freely in.It has a very protective feel to it and I love that it's water-repellent so I find comfort in that especially in the various conditions out in the wild. When I went into the Santa Monica store, I saw that they built this installation to showcase the durability of the products within real life environments and knew I had to get a few pieces myself.

When do you feel the most grounded? 

Emi Matsushima: Funnily enough, I have two totally opposing answers. One is when I am just totally relaxed at home or by a river somewhere on a day off, and the other is when I am outside pushing myself at a moderate level hiking, or ski touring in breathtaking mountains. Feeling really small and insignificant gives me a grounded and at peace sense of feeling.

What’s the top adventure on your bucket list right now?

Emi Matsushima: I want to spend real time in the Japanese Alps, not a trip, but a proper season, maybe. Part of that is the terrain, which is genuinely extraordinary. Part of it is something more personal. I'd like to experience that side of Japan since I have not experienced much of it when I used to live there, and wasn’t a very outdoorsy person.

You’ve been granted a free plane ride to anywhere in the world. Where are you flying to?

Emi Matsushima: Probably Iceland! I’ve been there multiple times and just adore the country.

What’s one piece of advice you’d give to those looking to get outdoors more?

Emi Matsushima: Stop waiting until you have the right gear, the right fitness level, the right weather window. Go with what you have, somewhere close, for less time than you think you need. The relationship builds from there. Really. 

What does going into the field mean to you?

Emi Matsushima: It’s a headspace and a checklist at the same time. You know your gear, you’ve scouted the trail, you’ve thought through the logistics, so when you’re actually out there, you can stop managing and start being present and open to receiving whatever comes your way.

To find out more information on the Field Gear Line Collection, visit your local Oakley Store near you or at oakley.com.