As I write this post, we’re in the depths of a winter which has had less than inspiring weather for getting outside. Not to be deterred, we’ve been getting our outdoor fix hunkered down in front of the fire watching some incredible outdoor documentaries.

Many of them are sports I have no real interest in doing myself. Things like surfing or snowboarding. I’ve been skiing a few times but only been on a snowboard once (in New Zealand where I gave myself mild concussion). Even so, I still love watching films about people who do these sports and get completely inspired by the athletes featured.

We have Disney+ so some ideas on this list are found there. But many others are free of charge on YouTube.

So, in no particular order, take a look at some of the awesome outdoor adventure documentaries I’ve been watching this winter.

Edge of the Unknown with Jimmy Chin

Jimmy Chin is a professional climber, photographer, and film maker. He’s made some incredible adventure films and this ten-part series did not disappoint. Activities featured include mountain skiing, whitewater kayaking, surfing, polar exploring, climbing, and more.

It’s non-sensationalist series where athletes test the limits of human endurance, and push their own boundaries. They describe a pivotal moment in their career and how they’ve been able to continue participating in the activities they love. Jimmy Chin gives context throughout, and his mellow voice instantly relaxes you.

How to watch in the UK:

Watch Edge of the Unknown on Disney+

Also check National Geographic and Amazon Prime streaming

Beau Miles

Beau Miles is a quirky Australian YouTube filmmaker. He’s best known for taking other people’s junk and making it into something useful. But he also goes on longer adventures such as kayaking in Africa, running the 650k+ Australian Alps Walking Track, and retracing an old overgrown train line near his home in Melbourne.

Beau is also a huge advocate for clearing up litter. One of his films is about kayaking down Sydney’s 23k Cooks River - apparently Australia’s sickest urban river. Another is about picking up 10,000 bottles and cans for recycling. But you can’t ignore his slightly off-beat films about eating only canned beans for 40 days or eating nothing but a pumpkin for three days. Whatever you watch, you’ll always come away laughing!

How to watch in the UK:

Links to some films are available on his website: Beau Miles.com/films

Also check his YouTube channel where you’ll find the full selection

Jeff Pelletier - Bob Graham Round

In June 2023, Canadian Jeff Pelletier spent a month in the Lake District training and preparing for an attempt of the Bob Graham Round. The challenge, created by Keswick hotelier Bob Graham on his 42nd birthday, connects 42 Lake District peaks which have to be completed within 24 hours.

This video, lasting just over an hour, covers Jeff’s month in the Lake District. It shows him preparing by training with local runners, before attempting the challenge himself on his 42nd birthday. It’s a superb film - and if you want more of the same, he has other films on his YouTube channel, including racing the Ultra rail du Mont Blanc.

How to watch in the UK:

Watch A Fell Running Adventure - Bob Graham Round free of charge on YouTube

Cycling from Alaska to Argentina with Greg McCahon

In July 2022, Greg McCahon and Victoria Cedillo started cycling from Alaska to Argentina. Before the trip, Greg was a professional video editor in London so it’s no wonder he’s produced a series of fabulous videos documenting the first year of their journey - ending in Mexico.

The videos are split into 14 different episodes, each lasting between 10 and 30 minutes. Before starting the journey, Victoria hadn’t cycled since childhood but her grit and determination, all while laughing and smiling, is inspiring. The videos show the warmth and support from people along the way, especially during the depths of a Canadian winter. Highly recommended to give you an uplifting feel.

How to watch in the UK:

Watch Cycling from Alaska to Argentina free of charge on YouTube.

You can also support their journey via Patreon using a link on Greg’s website

Climbing videos from Brit Rock Films

Alastair Lee has been filming climbing videos for over 20 years. His repertoire includes blockbusters such as The Asgard Project and The Last Great Climb. The Brit Rock collections (five at the time of writing) pull together short films featuring climbs and climbers from around the world.

Brit Rock V features climbers Freja Shannon, Robbie Phillips, Emma Powell, Neil Gresham, Matt Wright, and Alastair Lee himself. The story telling is interesting, and the filming top notch as you’d expect!

How to watch in the UK:

Buy Britrock V from Brit Rock Films

Book at ticket to see the Brit Rock Film Tour at one of your favourite locations.

Danny MacAskill: The Ridge

Danny MacAskill is a Scottish street trials cyclist, from the Isle of Skye. The Ridge, filmed by Cut Media, is a 7-minute vertigo inducing traverse of the Cullin Ridge by mountain bike. Expect to see beautiful views and incredible bike skills.

For something more light-hearted, Danny’s YouTube channel has plenty of short fun films like his Wee Day Out. His Postcard from San Fransisco is 5-minutes of bike skills and tricks around the city. You can also watch a behind the scenes series of videos which show how everything came together.

How to watch in the UK:

Watch The Ridge free of charge on YouTube.

See more on Danny MacAskill’s YouTube Channel

Red Bull TV

I might not be the biggest fan of Red Bull as a drink but there’s no denying their support for outdoor adventure - from sponsoring athletes, the hosting great events, and creating a library of superb free films on their website.

Some of my favourites include Valley Uprising (a 2014 film about rock climbing in Yosemite) and Rob Warner’s Wild Rides (six films of mountain biking around the world). I recommend you head over to the films section and start searching in the sporting disciplines you enjoy.

How to watch in the UK:

Watch Rob Warner’s Wild Rides on Red Bull TV

Watch Valley Uprising on Red Bull TV

Patagonia Films: The Meaningless Pursuit of Snow

This film follows five people across the planet who devote their lives to backcountry skiing and snowboarding. It asks what keeps them going back and uncovers an innate connection to nature, the joy of struggle, and finding a community in the mountains.

Lasting just over an hour, it’s a beautiful film, full of adventure and depth. It left me with a warm feeling.

How to watch in the UK:

Watch The Meaningless Pursuit of Snow free of charge on Patagonia Films.

Also check Signatures by Sweetgrass Productions on YouTube

Free Solo with Alex Honnold

Free Solo follows climber Alex Honnold as he prepares to achieve a lifelong dream of climbing the 3,000 ft El Capitan in Yosemite without a rope.

The filming is incredible and it has plenty of jaw dropping, heart in your mouth moments. But it’s about so much more than the climbing. It covers his relationship with his girlfriend, and the views of the camera people as they prepare to film something with such a high potential of falling to death.

How to watch in the UK:

Watch Free Solo on Disney+ (free with your subscription)

It’s also available on other platforms such as Amazon Prime, You Tube, Apple TV and Google Play for a small fee.

The 2023 Barkley Marathons Documentary

The Barkley Marathons is a race that expects runners to fail! When this documentary was filmed, only 15 runners had completed the Barkley Marathons in 38 years. It’s a hugely secretive race, yet hundreds apply for entry every year. The ones who are accepted receive a letter of condolence saying they’re in!

Runners need to find pages from 13 books in the woods. The race start time is unknown, just sometime in a 12 hour window with a conch shell is blown to give a one hour heads up. The route is unknown and navigated without GPS. This fascinating documentary follows runner, Joe McCoonaughy’s first attempt at the Barkley Marathon. It also features other athletes, including John Kelly, Damian Hall, and Jasmin Paris.

How to watch in the UK:

Watch The 2023 Barklay Marathons free on YouTube

Hope you enjoy the films.

If you have a favourite which you think others would enjoy, feel free to add it in the comments below.

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Outdoor-Girl is run by Jacquie Budd, an outdoor adventure and marketing content writer for brands that care about their impact on people and the planet.

www.jacquiebudd.com