How much “fun” can the outdoors really offer? What kind of “joy” can hiking mountains and crossing ridges bring? These are things only those who truly know how to “enjoy” the outdoors can tell you. This time, we’re rounding up the “food-centric” activities of the GORE-TEX?Adventure Club since its founding. The “cuisine in the wild” has outdoor enthusiasts willingly falling for the “trap.”
Rainy-day barbecues taste even more unique
"Sing to your wine while you may"—what better way to spend a dusky evening than with light rain falling as over eighty adventurers set up camp by a small river. The “Huairou Houchuan Hiking Trip” reached its climax amid a barbecue bonanza. Despite the drizzling rain, team leader “Orange in Bloom” had come prepared, rigging up a makeshift rain shelter with simple tools. Neither damp grills nor foul weather could dampen the enthusiasm of the grill masters. The meal that everyone thought might be canceled went ahead as planned. “We all worked hard to bring so much food. Even though we hit a little snag, we can’t let it spoil the mood. Who ever heard of going on an outing just to bring the food back uneaten? This rainy-day barbecue was definitely a first—finding our own fun, that’s what adventuring is all about,” said leader “Orange in Bloom.”
It took less than an hour to climb from the mountain foot to the peak, but the steep incline meant the group, mostly newbies, stretched out along the trail. The blazing sun, heavy breathing, and sore legs left most of the rookies collapsed in a heap once they finally reached the top of Tianmen Mountain. But the moment the leaders and veteran hikers laid out a feast, everyone sprang back to life. There was a “summit hot pot” with two flavor options: freshly fried chili oil for dipping and classic Beijing lamb hot pot, plus marinated beef served in tangy soup that had everyone diving in as soon as it was ready. On another burner, a sizzling wok churned out vegetable after vegetable, alongside pasta, roast chicken, roast goose, and a variety of fruits... If not for the sheer cliffs surrounding them, you’d think it was a picnic in a meadow. The rookies were awestruck by the veterans’ expert cooking skills. Leaning against the rocks and gazing at the surrounding peaks, they savored their hot pot, fatigue and exhaustion melting away. “So you really can bring a restaurant to the mountaintop? The outdoors is amazing—this is the best hot pot I’ve ever had!” The rookies were thrilled, well-fed and content, eagerly following their leader toward the next adventure.
Food tastes better when you have to fight for it
Though the hike up YanYu Mountain was rugged and the group accidentally veered off course, the unique scenery and experience made it all worthwhile. Arriving at Liugou for a tripe feast, the hungry hikers couldn’t wait to dig in—the farmhouse auntie’s spread vanished almost before they could properly appreciate it. The main dish, spicy tripe hotpot, came with crisp cucumbers, tender braised potatoes and flat beans, and uniquely flavorful tofu in black, white, and green... When the second wave of dishes arrived, the leader had the owner switch from serving in plates to metal buckets—generous portions indeed. As the hikers chatted animatedly about their climbing exploits, their chopsticks danced nonstop between bowls, plates, and buckets. The small room was lively and warm, with old friends and newcomers alike digging in with gusto, eating heartily and talking freely.
Good food is something no one wants to miss, no matter where they are. Since outdoor adventures and food go hand in hand, why not try something creative and out of the ordinary? To “adventure” is an attitude—it’s not necessarily about the original reason for heading outdoors, but about the journey itself, about enjoying the physical and spiritual experiences along the way.
Adventure: the faster you go, the further you’ll explore
GORE-TEX?brand, drawing on its deep understanding of the outdoors and consumer insights, was the first to propose and actively promote the “adventure” philosophy of outdoor exploration. From the launch of the Adventure Club to the successful conclusion of its membership drive, 2,500 members and hundreds of “Adventure Across the World” challenges have turned the club into a hub for thrill-seekers, allowing outdoor enthusiasts to experience the power of GORE-TEX gear while on the move. In addition to the “food-centric” activities, there are also special routes and creative themed online sharing events underway. Enjoy the journey, embrace adventure—the GORE-TEX?Adventure Club’s “Adventure Across the World” is waiting for you to join.