If you need a healthy dose of wanderlust, stalking the Instagram of outdoor creator Kellyn Wilson is a good place to start. There are shots of Wilson criss-crossing snowcapped mountains on skis, dipping into arctic waters in a wetsuit, and strutting through Copenhagen in various sporty-chic ensembles. Even for the most indoor-loving folks among us, it’s hard not to want to turn your phone off, lace up your sneakers and touch some grass after scrolling through the 30-year-old’s feed. 

Wilson, who’s now based in the idyllic ski town of Telluride, was born and raised in Colorado, so it’s not surprising that the Rocky Mountain native loves nature. Over the years, she’s managed to turn her passion into a career by skiing, creative directing and consulting for brands. She’s also one of the three minds behind TOGS, a Substack that explores the intersection of fashion and the great outdoors. Most recently, Wilson teamed up with Oakley to celebrate their new Field Gear Line Collection. Designed in Japan, the collection pushes the boundaries on innovative gear engineered to protect from the elements. 

Below, we chat with her about what’s left on her bucket list, her top adventure tips and going ‘field mode’.

What’s your earliest outdoors-related memory?

I have a pretty distinct and wonderful memory of camping on Pikes Peak with my dad, and his friends and their kids, all singing AC/DC’s “Highway to Hell” around a campfire. Have you ever heard a gaggle of 5-year-olds singing that song? It’s exactly as ridiculous as you’re imagining it. 

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

I always bring a camera. The days outside are the ones I want to remember forever. And I always bring a foldable sit pad. Once you roll that thing out, every human and dog alike seems to flock to it and find a comfy seat. It’s never once not come in handy.

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

I love the fits of all the Field Gear Line Collection – I feel comfortable and mobile in each of these pieces (which isn’t always the case with outdoor gear), but I am especially fond of the pants. They’re so light and have fast drying features which provides me with optimal coverage on my adventures. They also have such a great silhouette.

When do you feel the most grounded? 

I feel most at peace in the mountains, on a dark and stormy or snowy day. The mountains are home, and a stormy day reminds me of my grandmother, who loved a brewing storm. She would stick her face up into the wind, and so I do. Living at nearly 9,000 feet in Colorado means the majority of our days are spent under a harsh sun, so I cherish the moments when the weather offers a bit of respite.

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

Nepal has been a dream of mine for as long as I can remember. Japan’s incredible skiing and culture are always calling me back, and anywhere in the Nordic countries always feels like a home away from home. 

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

How do you choose?! I really would love to explore the Faroe Islands. I’d start in my favourite city, Copenhagen, and then immerse myself in nature on the Islands. I’m a sucker for cold water and a rugged coastline!

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

The outdoors belongs to everyone. It's one of the few things that truly does. It can ground you after a hard day, restore you after a hard year and offer purpose when you need it most. It's equally the best place to be completely alone or to forge deep connections with others. And it’s all there just waiting for you! Of course, you can join hike clubs or ski groups, but my biggest advice is to just simplify the process and go be outdoors – there's no wrong way to do it. 

What does going into the field mean to you?

As a former theatre kid, I love the act of putting on an outfit that prepares me for a role: I feel this way when I put on my favourite hiking pants or a good pair of sporty sunglasses, and enter field mode. I often write about “nailing the role” in this context – your clothing and gear can help you get into character and be better at your sport, or more confident in the outdoors.  It’s not about conquering the outdoors, but rather being a humble cog in nature’s perfectly balanced machine: leaving places better than you found them, appreciating the sounds, sights and smells, and simply witnessing the beauty of wild places. 

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