Exploring extreme places

Free solo

Tag along 70m/229ft down in to an old mine

-Name: Anders a.k.a Free solo

-Nationality: Swedish

-What: Exploring extreme places

-Age: 47

-Profession: Adventurer/Lecturer

-Bag used: PRO DRYBAG 55L

Photos: ©Free Solo

Anders also know as “Free Solo” has inspired us since Day 1 when we first saw his incredible video how he was exploring a hidden cave and had to crawl thru tunnels that were so tight he could hardly move and he just went deeper and deeper in to the completely black cave with half his body in freezing cold water without knowing what he would face next.

We checked in with Free solo and asked him some questions before his next thrilling adventure.

The following interview has been translated from Swedish.

– How did you get in to exploring these unknown places?

Since childhood, I have been interested in climbing and exploring. Already in primary school, it was the canteen ceiling and the school’s chimney that was the driving factor.

Mountains and natural formations have of course been there and attracted, but it is buildings and the urban environment that have always been the driving factor.

– Are you ever afraid when you for example lower yourself down 70 meters in to a old mine and dive deep inside the tunnels as rocks are falling down above your head?

In my opinion, fear is one of the most important ingredients in an adventure.

It is there and gets used when something is wrong and is thus your absolute best friend in a critical situation. But as inalienable as fear is in the form of a warning bell, it is just as devastating as an ever-present one.

Experience and knowledge are undoubtedly the best prerequisites when it comes to staying calm and balanced.

– What is your worst memory after your years of exploring unknown places?

There are of course some instances that could be seen as questionable. But perhaps one of the most critical is probably when I got stuck during a dive in an old underground test facility.

On the way out, a cable ladder collapsed and pinned me to the bottom.

Alone and with little visibility, a very clear battle against the clock began. Being entangled is one of the absolute worst situations a diver can find himself in.

15 long minutes of cutting and cutting and I managed to get free. Undeniably a very educational experience you won’t forget so easily. But definitely something I’d rather avoid in the future.

– You have a high engagement rate from the content you post, what is your key to success?

When it comes to succeeding with the social platforms, I think the answer is as simple as it is undramatic.

To be honest in what you do. Stick-on attitude quickly shines through.

Have fun and try to convey what you feel.

Feel free to take advice from others and humbly listen to their tips and ideas, but remember that you are you and no one else.

Above all, a platform has two sides. One is you, the other is your audience. Together you create a whole, a place to meet.

For me, it is unthinkable not to respond to the comments that are born from a post. If you want to experience a live forum, communication is what counts.

If someone writes, you simply reply.

Personally, I get so much joy and love from all the fantastic people who now follow and are part of the page.

– What are your initial thoughts about the SUBTECH bags that you have been using?

I spend a lot of time in old mines, caves, underground facilities and other stressful environments with water and dirt.

My bags from SUBTECH are now a given when adventure approaches. They give me the opportunity to take sensitive equipment with me in environments that were previously completely unthinkable and the fact that the bags themselves create fantastic buoyancy is a very good safety bonus for me.

Tag along Free solo as he explore more mind-blowing places we had no idea existed:

Facebook: @freesolo

Instagram: @freesolo75

Solo Motorbike Traveller

Meet solo motorbike traveler Hanna

6 Years | 76 Countires | 90.000+ km

Hanna is an enthusiastic, easy going girl with a burning desire to explore the world. So one day, 6 years ago she decided to quit her 9-5 job, pack her necessities and hit the road on her motorbike. Since that day she has never looked back and she is now living out her dream and get the explore all the hidden gems on two wheels.

Solo Motorbike Traveller

Adventurer: Hanna Johansson

Solo riding: Since 2017

Countries explored: 76

Kilometres traveled: 90.000+ km

Currently: Just starting next bike adventure in Thailand

Expedition Bags used: PRO DRYBAG 55L

Hanna has just arrived in Thailand where she will pick up her Triumph bike to explore beautiful Thailand on two wheels.
We checked in with Hanna just a day before she left to do a quick interview.

– Tell us in short about your upcoming adventure and what you look forward to the most?

I’ll spend the upcoming weeks in Thailand, one of my favorite countries. I look forward to exploring this country to the fullest, everything from beautiful beaches to riding in the mountains of Chiang Mai.

– What would you say to others that dream about what you do so that they can dare to take the leap and follow their dream and passion in life?

Life’s too short to wonder, “what if?”.

The first step is the hardest, but when that’s done… The rest is like a dance!
No matter how hard it’ll be (because it will be challenging sometimes), the burning passion in your chest is a feeling you can’t beat.
No Teams Meeting will ever give that satisfaction.

– What gear will you bring with you on your coming adventure and how will you pack it on your Triumph?

I won’t camp on this trip, so my luggage will be small.

I use a Subtech Pro Drybag 55L from the Black Series.

I strap it on the bike behind me, using the frame and saddle to attach the straps
Easy and simple, just the way I like it.
It’s such a relief knowing that my belongings are dry and safe behind me.
We hope Hanna will have an amazing time exploring Thailand on her very exciting motorbike adventure that starts right now!

If you want to follow Hanna’s adventure, check her links below:

Instagram: @hanna.c.johansson

Facebook: @hanna.c.json

Website: www.hannacjohansson.com

Poster shop: www.hannasadventureprints.com

Kite Foil Adventure

Kite foil adventure from the North coast of Brazil to the Amazon

By team adventurer and filmmaker Tiago Azzi.

Video By: ©Tiago Azzi

Adventurer & Filmmaker: Tiago Azzi

Latest Expeditions:

  • Foil kite across lake Balkhash.
  • SUP across Indian Ocean.
  • Foil kite from North of Brazil to the Amazon 

Expedition Bag used: PRO DRYBAG 55L

Full Video

We are proud to have some of the world’s best athletes, adventurers and photographers on TEAM SUBTECH that keep pushing the boundaries with our gear. So that we can constantly improve to make sure we offer the best waterproof bags out there.

World Record Expeditons

"Every wasted minute is a minute we'll never get back"

Life Lesson Learned by World Record Adventurer Diogo
When you have a few minutes to spare, take your time to watch this thoughtful film made by the Guinness World Record Adventurer Diogo Guerreiro and the life lesson he has learned throughout his memorable adventures in life.

Video By: ©DeepBlueFilms. ©Diogo Guerreiro.

Adventurer: Diogo Guerreiro

World Records: 3

Expeditions:

  • Windsurfed the whole Brazilian coast.
  • Windsurfed from Pacific ocean to Atlantic ocean.
  • SUP across the Indian ocean.
  • Foil kite across lake Balkhash.
  • Crossed Greenland by foot.
  • Sailed around the world, among many other adventures.

Expedition Bags used: PRO DRYBAG 55L & PRO DRYBAG 100L

We are proud to have some of the world’s best athletes and adventurers on TEAM SUBTECH that keep pushing the boundaries of what’s humanly possible with our gear. So that we can always keep on improving to make sure we offer the best waterproof bags out there.