They’ve splashed through rushing rivers in Canada, trekked up prayer-flag-dotted foothills of the Indian Himalayas and hiked the hardy, fynbos-covered coast of South Africa’s Western Cape. But Mongolia — with its rust-red cliffs of Bayanzag and the endless, undulating dunes of Tugrugrin Sheree — may have been their most magical journey yet.

Stephanie wore her trusted Columbia Sportswear boots through it all. Season after season, country after country, they’ve been proof that good gear doesn’t just support your body — it becomes part of your story.

On assignment or off-grid, Columbia gear is always part of my journey. EXPLORE more of my field-tested adventures with Columbia Sportswear.