Meet Taylor Burk, one of the co-founders of packup. Taylor is a full-time professional photographer in the outdoor adventure & travel space. Utilizing Instagram as a way to market himself, he has been able to gain popularity and secure many sponsors and clients from around the world. His work is not only a representation of his skill, but a testament to the deep affinity for nature he possesses. When he’s not traversing the globe, Burk keeps busy exploring his new home of Gibsons, British Columbia.

Worst experience in the backcountry?

I’m not going to get into too much detail, I'll let your imagination wander but it involves rock climbing in Mexico, montezuma's revenge and sudden bowel movements which led to a very uncomfortable but memorable experience on a wall. If you're entertained by poo stories I'd be more than happy to share the full story with you!

Would you rather camp on a beach or on a mountain?

Does a beach at an alpine lake count?

What is one thing you learned about yourself recently?

During the lockdown I have learned how to be more vulnerable and open up more. I have also learned that I can not sit still, I need to constantly be doing something which ultimately led to creating packup with Mack and Tony!

If you could camp anywhere in the world next weekend where would you go?

Socotra Island, Yemen. It’s like something out of a Dr. Seuss book. Seriously, Google it. I've never seen anything like it before and would love to visit.

What are your favourite outdoor activities?

Backpacking, Biking, Backcountry skiing, Climbing, Running (love/hate), Hiking, Paddling. Pretty much anything that keeps me active and provides a challenge.

What is one item that you couldn't live without?

Hats. Big hat guy, I never used to be but now I don't go anywhere or do anything without one. Definitely has nothing to do with my hair thinning out.

Share about a time when you felt the most alive and fully yourself?

Backpacking through New Zealand in 2011, that’s where I first got into the outdoors and my life changed drastically. I spent a lot of time in the backcountry learning about myself without any distractions, avoiding cities and civilization, only going in town for food when I needed to restock supplies. Still chasing that feeling of simple living, freedom and discovery.

What injustices in the world make you angry?

Inequality, across the board. Why can't we all just get along?

Is a hot dog a sandwich, and why?

It could be a cousin of the sandwich for sure, it's in the same family group. Same, same but different.

What is your biggest dream in life?

To be successful enough to easily and consistently spend quality time outdoors and with the people that I love the most, also to be in a position where I can give back to my community in more meaningful ways.

What motivates you to work hard?

I am the most driven when it comes to creating or building things that I am passionate about. Anything that will make life better for the people around me and myself.

Was the outdoor lifestyle something that you grew up in or was it discovered?

I grew up in a very urban environment, my parents enjoy being outside but we never did a ton of family camping trips or anything like that. I made the transition from “city boy” to “granola” after high school when I did some travelling. I made new friends who introduced me to that lifestyle and I couldn't believe it took me that long to fully “discover” it.