Weekend 1440 Project – Celebrating Every Minute Spent Outside

Let’s talk numbers for a moment. Did you know there are 1,440 minutes in a day?

In late 2012, we dreamed about what it would look like to showcase how our community of adventure- loving people spend those 1,440 minutes. From snapshots of thru hikers on the Appalachian Trail at sunrise to the runner enjoying a twilight training run in Big Sur, we love seeing how you celebrate every minute outside.

The other number worth mentioning is 500,000. That’s how many photos have been tagged #REI1440Project on Instagram. That’s a lot of moments spent outside!

In honor of the 500k milestone, we asked the 1440 community to share a photo and include a caption that answers the question “Why do you love spending time outside?”.  Below are a few favorites  – we hope you enjoy!

Sittin round the fire with friends… #REI1440project #camping #pnw #northwestisbest @rei

A photo posted by Cody Chapman (@codychapman) on Feb 16, 2015 at 5:05am PST

I love being out in the wilderness. A place where Mother Nature hasn't felt the spoils of man. #REI1440Project #menofoutdoors #pnw #neverstopexploring @rei @thenorthface #snowlake

A photo posted by Randall Oglesby (@randalloglesby) on Feb 15, 2015 at 7:32pm PST

@REI asked a great question this week: "Why do you love being outside?" When I asked myself that question, so many little reasons came to mind. But every reason all comes back to one; being outside is the only thing that quiets the chaos in my mind. Anxiety and stress take over more often than I like to allow, and being outside is like hitting the restart button. When I go about my day, I so often have my mind on one thing while doing something else. But if I can feel a breeze, breathe fresh air, and feel the burn in my legs while hiking up a mountain, I am fully present. It makes everything else matter just a little bit less. || #REI1440Project || #LoveOfPhotos

A photo posted by Alison (@pnwthewayiseeit) on Feb 15, 2015 at 6:43am PST

@rei "asks why do I love spending time outdoors?" Easy: It changes you, it heals you, it teaches you things about the world in which you live. How small or large we can be, how much impact we'd like the have. It gives you the energy you put into it. The outdoors tell you things about yourself and those around you. It cleans you off and makes you dirty. Makes you smile and frown. It gives you a story and keeps you as part of it's story. A never ending symbiotic relationship. In the end, the outdoors can make you who you are, and in contrast, we can make the outdoors what we wish, for better or for worse.

A photo posted by Carlos Eliason (@elias_visuals) on Feb 15, 2015 at 5:14pm PST

Why do I love being outside? @rei Because it teaches my heart to still and my mind to rest just enough so that I can appreciate the moment for what it is – a gift. #rei1440project #joshuatreenationalpark #sunset #california #nptour2015

A photo posted by emilybruton (@emilybruton) on Feb 15, 2015 at 10:14pm PST

@rei I love being outside because it gives my husband and I an opportunity to get out and spend time together ? #REI1440Project

A photo posted by Amanda Gilbuena (@mrsgilbee) on Feb 15, 2015 at 6:19pm PST