I Am a Proud Dirtbag

Dirtbags are...

1. Poor

Should not be surprising.  Climbers are naturally poor.  We rely on tuna, our rope, and the crappiest transportation (usually).  We COULD stay in motels for cheap, but that is counterproductive when tents are free and we really want some gear.  Also, we love drinking beer but not really paying for it.  Good luck getting that money back.  We should retire gear sooner, but "eh it will work out fine". (kidding make sure your gear is safe to use) Got a hole in your favorite shorts or shirt?  Duct tape baby!  Saves any clothing!

2. Smelly

I feel odd being proud of this because before climbing I was kind of a shower fiend.  After climbing, I shower only when necessary when at home and when not at home, rely on baby wipes or a local body of water.  I have become someone who likes being dirty while climbing because it brings you closer to nature.  No not really, I just think it is funny to make my friends gag when they smell my nasty climber feet from 10 feet away.  Classic.  Dirty clothes?  Clothes rarely get washed.  Only "cleaning" that happens is accidental, when you jump in water with them on.

3. Homeless

Basically.  I have met many a Dirtbag especially in Kentucky who camp out year round helping a campground owner in exchange for food and a free stay.  Miguel's has been known to house these folk.  We are fairly easily to spot at campground because they never wear a shirt.  We walk the ground with generally only sandals and shorts.  Going with this theme I would like to add that we are...

a. Nomads

We also tend to travel a ton, moving from one camp to another climbing for at least a week in each area avoiding any kind of commitment possible.

4. Slacklines

We do enjoy other things OTHER than climbing.  Even though it can improve your climbing by bettering your balance.  The slackline is a great break from climbing or a good time killer while waiting for food to cook.  Any Dirtbag can be found on these messing with friends.

5. Mooch

Oh you are not going to finish that mac n cheese?  You got some extra beers that you do not want?  Discounted/free gear?  Sure I "GUESS" I will have them.  We have no money and we love gear, food and beer, get over it!

After researching what others thought about what the title Dirtbag means to them I stumbled upon this hilarious "You might be a Dirtbag quiz".  Check out the quiz and post your scores to my comment box!  Are you as Dirtbag as you thought OR not as much OR more Dirtbag than you thought?