A Collection of Art Inspired by the Great Outdoors

A new book presents over 100 years of outdoor and sporting graphics and illustrations.

June 3, 2025

Anne Hebert,

Photo: Utah State University, McKay Jensen

Sometimes, a unique project spawns another equally exceptional undertaking. This turned out to be the case with the May 2025 book release of The Outdoor Archive: The Ultimate Collection of Adventure and Sporting Graphics, Illustrations, and Gear. Written by Chase Anderson, industry relations manager in outdoor product design at Utah State University, and Clint Pumphrey, archives manuscript curator at Utah State University, the synergy and successful work between the two led to a serendipitous series of events.

Approached by a professor teaching Utah State’s four-year curriculum of History of Outdoor Products, Anderson and Pumphrey were asked to gather a collection of imagery that students could use for the class. Collecting 1200 outdoor and sport catalogues, the two began to curate imagery from the past and present. Along the way, they created an Instagram page showcasing art selection. “The account became a hit, and enabled outdoor enthusiasts drawn to a vintage outdoor aesthetic, to take a walk down memory lane,” says Anderson.

Photo: Utah State University, McKay Jensen

The Instagram page drew the attention of publisher Thames & Hudson, who reached out to inquire about the possibility of a compiling the material for a book. “The project was proposed at the beginning of the pandemic and created fruitful work that could be done from home with significant potential to serve as a resource for graphic designers, creative studios, and photographers,” explains Pumphrey. “In addition, we hope the book will resonate with those who fondly remember the covers and art from catalogues and magazines,” Anderson adds.

The Utah State University Archive is the first of its kind with images from product catalogues including North Face, Patagonia and Columbia. Cover art from outdoor lifestyle magazines is also a predominant part of the archive. A list of archive contents can be viewed online. Open to the public, individuals and groups are encouraged to visit or reach out to Anderson and Pumphrey with questions.

Photo: Utah State University, McKay Jensen

Once released, the limited-edition volume will be available at large booksellers and independent bookstores across the United States. “Some of the best parts of the book are the contributions of experts in this field,” says Anderson. “With a specially commissioned forward, and special reflections written by over 20 outdoor experts, creatives, and industry leaders, combined with the stunning array of outdoor photographs, illustrations, and graphic designs, the book is available May 6, 2025. “The beauty of the book,” says Pumphrey, “is that different images evoke a different time and experience for everyone.”