Tompkins, as all wealthy "environmentalists/conservationists" amassed a large amount of money by selling products derived from petroleum. In the process his businesses generated significant amounts of climate change gases. Not so much an "environmentalists/conservationists" but a rich man that found a way to make money and engage in play as his primary focus of existence. Having purchased near one of each in the firs North Face store in the second floor of the Stanford Barn I appreciated the quality of the products and the vibrant North Face Blue. Now, as a Geologist, I clearly see that the value in North Face products was the ability to remain a-field for days. The rest, including the land in Southern Chile and Argentina is rich-mans sport.
11
To catch a glimpse of Douglas Tompkins in his element in Chile, definitely watch the documentary "180 Degrees South" on Netflix. It is fascinating that Mr. Tompkins' life path intersected with the great climber and climbing innovator Yvon Chouinard, (aka founder of the incredibly successful outerwear brand Patagonia). The documentary footage of them together in Mexico and Chile in the late 1960's is priceless and a lesson in itself that you don't need much money to live life on this planet to the fullest. Both men later used their corporate success/monies to promote and protect the outdoors, whether it was the Gunks of upstate New York, or Yosemite, or Cerro Fitzroy in South America. How many thousands of people worldwide are able to enjoy unique environments or vistas because of equipment and clothing made by North Face and Patagonia? If you are not inspired by these two men's life histories, you really shouldn't leave an urban environment to enjoy any of nature's bounty.
5
There is more to the HydroAysen project than is stated here. Mr. Tompkins and many other had good reason to oppose this for the sake of the environment and indigenous people. He was very diplomatic exploring options to create a balance with the environment and human needs. He really set an example for all of us to do our part to preserve our wilderness areas and indigenous populations. Once they're gone, they're gone. The consequences are catastrophic, such as we are seeing. Mr. Tompkins is to be commended for preventing that.
Any adverse judgements, whether perceived or actual, are better left to his maker, as for any of us.
His sudden death is a terrible tragedy and loss. We need to carry on his work. I'm sure he'd want us to. It's a good and wonderful way to remember him and the great good he did. For someone who never stopped exploring, he is more fit than many of us for the greater journey that awaits all of us.
I just wish he were still here. It's not clear what all they did to save him. From the pictures no one is next to him to try and warm him. That's basic protocol, along with hot water bottles etc. Perhaps it was his time, as it will be for many of us. It's the risk we take exploring and must never stop.
It is because of Mr. Tompkins and those before him that we have the wilderness areas we have.
Any adverse judgements, whether perceived or actual, are better left to his maker, as for any of us.
His sudden death is a terrible tragedy and loss. We need to carry on his work. I'm sure he'd want us to. It's a good and wonderful way to remember him and the great good he did. For someone who never stopped exploring, he is more fit than many of us for the greater journey that awaits all of us.
I just wish he were still here. It's not clear what all they did to save him. From the pictures no one is next to him to try and warm him. That's basic protocol, along with hot water bottles etc. Perhaps it was his time, as it will be for many of us. It's the risk we take exploring and must never stop.
It is because of Mr. Tompkins and those before him that we have the wilderness areas we have.
11
Sorry to spoil your hero worship, but Mr. Tompkins did everything possible tp kill the HydroAysen Electricity Generation Project in Southern Chile. HydroAysen would have been hydroelectric and would have brought much needed electricity to Chileans. But Mr. Tompkins gave more importance to keeping his Pumalin free of transmission towers than to the welfare of millions of people. Wilderness is great - my uncle Bob Marshall founded the Wilderness Society and has an enormous Wilderness Area in Montana named after him - but most of us need electricity, especially when it is generated by non-contaminating waters.
4
Bob Marshall would never have supported the damming of rivers and the stringing of transmission lines in wilderness areas. Chile has ample renewable resources--wind and solar--to provide electricity.
7
DMB, Dams kill rivers. The electricity is far from "non-contaminating" unless you have no affection for the riparian environment where much of life stems from. Noticed the decline of fisheries in developed countries? Dams go a long way to explaining that. Check out Friends of the River, or International Rivers on many of the reasons why dams are so destructive. There is no question that electricity is nice to have, but fish and other wildlife are much more so. Wind and photovoltaic electrical generation has drawbacks than do dams.
10
DMB - It's misleading of you to suggest that Douglas Tompkins was responsible for the cancellation of the HydroAysen project in Chile. As you must know, the approval of the project in 2011 occurred despite widespread public opposition (61% opposed, according to public polls, which went up to 71% after the approval). The project was given the green light despite a process which was widely criticized for its lack of transparency. Nationwide street demonstrations took place in the aftermath.
This project involved a complex of 5 large dams on 2 rivers which would have caused enormous damage to a pristine region of Patagonia. The government's own study of the construction of the dam and access roads documented significant impact on six national parks, eleven national reserves, twenty-six conservation priority sites, sixteen wetland areas and thirty-two privately owned protected conservation areas. In addition, 6 Mapuche native communities, including four in Toltén and one Lautaro and Victoria, would have suffered adverse impacts.
HydroAysen would have been owned and operated by a foreign-controlled duopoly which would have owned 80% of Chile's total electrical capacity.
Dam projects in North America of much smaller scale than HydroAysen have been rejected or cancelled due to their environmental impacts in the past 30 years and more. Destruction and damage once considered to be mere externalities are now seen for what they are.
This project involved a complex of 5 large dams on 2 rivers which would have caused enormous damage to a pristine region of Patagonia. The government's own study of the construction of the dam and access roads documented significant impact on six national parks, eleven national reserves, twenty-six conservation priority sites, sixteen wetland areas and thirty-two privately owned protected conservation areas. In addition, 6 Mapuche native communities, including four in Toltén and one Lautaro and Victoria, would have suffered adverse impacts.
HydroAysen would have been owned and operated by a foreign-controlled duopoly which would have owned 80% of Chile's total electrical capacity.
Dam projects in North America of much smaller scale than HydroAysen have been rejected or cancelled due to their environmental impacts in the past 30 years and more. Destruction and damage once considered to be mere externalities are now seen for what they are.
10
It takes great privilege to die while adventuring so far from home. That privilege enabled Tompkins to choose his exit. Bully for him.
That's not usually true for the guides and sherpas who enable North Face customers to adventure. Taking on dangerous work is often the only way for their communities to benefit from having their homelands treated as playgrounds (and garbage dumps) for first world pleasure seekers. Where are their obituaries published and their stories given individual voice?
What places will still be wild after we've paved the way for tourists -- albeit risk-taking tourists? Sometimes, the ultimate act of conservation is to leave wild places alone.
That's not usually true for the guides and sherpas who enable North Face customers to adventure. Taking on dangerous work is often the only way for their communities to benefit from having their homelands treated as playgrounds (and garbage dumps) for first world pleasure seekers. Where are their obituaries published and their stories given individual voice?
What places will still be wild after we've paved the way for tourists -- albeit risk-taking tourists? Sometimes, the ultimate act of conservation is to leave wild places alone.
4
It would be nice if we could just leave wild places "alone". However, the Chilean government was about to dam most of the rivers in this area, thereby utterly destroying the environment, so that rich industrialists could get even richer. Doug saved these wild places from that fate--- not for "risk-taking tourists" but for the Chilean people, now and into the future.
And Doug was not "venturing far from home"--- that was his home. He had moved there decades ago.
For more nformation see this PBS coverage: http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/late-founder-of-north-face-fought-to-buil...
And Doug was not "venturing far from home"--- that was his home. He had moved there decades ago.
For more nformation see this PBS coverage: http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/late-founder-of-north-face-fought-to-buil...
8
John -
Your comment is ill-informed. Douglas Tompkins did not die "while adventuring so far from home". Chile was his home for more than 20 years. He did not "choose his exit". He died in an accident.
Tompkins's long record of preserving wilderness in Chile belies your claim that he enabled the conversion of these lands as "playgrounds (and garbage dumps) for first world pleasure seekers". If this had been his intention, he would have developed these lands for profit, not spent his fortune to conserve them.
I've seen no indication in anything that I've read about Tompkins that encouraged increased tourism, of a kind that might damage these lands, as a goal. Rather the opposite.
Tompkins would have agreed whole-heartedly with you that leaving these special places alone is the highest form of conservation. The national parks that now exist thanks to his far-sighted philanthropy are testament to this.
Your comment is ill-informed. Douglas Tompkins did not die "while adventuring so far from home". Chile was his home for more than 20 years. He did not "choose his exit". He died in an accident.
Tompkins's long record of preserving wilderness in Chile belies your claim that he enabled the conversion of these lands as "playgrounds (and garbage dumps) for first world pleasure seekers". If this had been his intention, he would have developed these lands for profit, not spent his fortune to conserve them.
I've seen no indication in anything that I've read about Tompkins that encouraged increased tourism, of a kind that might damage these lands, as a goal. Rather the opposite.
Tompkins would have agreed whole-heartedly with you that leaving these special places alone is the highest form of conservation. The national parks that now exist thanks to his far-sighted philanthropy are testament to this.
13
Speaking of good things Tompkins did, the Times missed a biggie. A quilt collection may not sound too impressive next to making piles of money, etc., but Tompkins' collection of antique and vintage American Amish quilts, shared with his ex-wife Susie and curated by the incomparable Julie Silber, was a significant accomplishment.
12
a life worth living!
10
Dont know the exact details, but if you ever kayak you should take it upon yourself to learn self-rescue skills and practice them regularly especially in bad conditions. As a formerly licensed Maine sea kayak guide, I wish I was there to help out and assist in this rescue. I implore everyone to learn respect for nature (weather and water and wind and the harsh conditions that can quickly result.) I'm not saying Douglas didn't already understand this, but it is a natural process for reflective outdoorspeople to study back country accidents and see if the tragedy could have been avoided. A great loss.
9
After learning a few more details, learning an eskimo roll, a paddle float rescue, or even a wet re-entry may have gotten Doug out of the water sooner. Cold water stiffens muscles faster than you realize. A dry suit would have extended the time he could have been in the water. The bottom line is get out of the water and in adverse wind and wave conditions be diligent and practiced.
5
Doug was an extremely accomplished kayaker, known years ago for his first descents of wild rivers. I never paddled with him, but his skills were legendary.
6
Good on Doug for a life well lived and leaving a lasting legacy. Worse ways to go for a man with his love of nature and wild places. Everything flows, nothing remains.
10
My sincere condolences to his family. Douglas Tompkins was my hero. As an expat living in Chile as well, I was shocked at the opposition, and venomous comments, Tompkins received through the years in the face of his conservation efforts. It's so common for visionaries to be misunderstood. But yes, he and his wife walked the walk, and he persisted. Now, his legacy is something truly beautiful and awe inspiring to behold. What a life! And what a life well-lived. Rest in peace, you gently spoken man, and may you find
heaven as lovely and pure as our Chilean Patagonia.
heaven as lovely and pure as our Chilean Patagonia.
14
Always found his dedication to such a remote area fascinating, but he saw himself as a pioneer in preserving vast swaths of land - and he couldn't do it in the US. His willingness to take on governments and other powers with no real concern for his own reputation was commendable. Strange and sad that such an ordinary event took his life.
6
I was fortunate to meet Doug Tompkins twice. The first time, he was presenting a slide show on the parks he had created in Argentina and Chile. In his very soft-spoken and understated way he showed and described amazing and mindblowing accomplishments-- each park would have been a significant lifetime achievement for anyone-- that he had created a half-dozen and was creating more was extraordinary. These parks did not just preserve wild and endangered land and creatures, each fence and each building was a beautiful work of art created by local craftspeople and he created farms and other endeavors within the parks to help integrate them into local economies and support the local people.
If every person with some wealth did a fraction of what Doug did to better the world we would live in paradise. Yet I've know many people with wealth who do little or anything to make the world a better place.
That so few people have heard of Doug Tompkins and his accomplishments, while they know so much about the vapid "celebrities" and bombastic egomaniacs who dominate our "news" is an indictment of our media and our culture.
Doug Tompkins and others like him could provide role models to our society of thoughtful visionary people who have really contributed, who care and who make a difference, instead of the role models we mostly have of selfishness, aggressive narcissism, bling, empty posturing, inanity and petty materialism.
A world of Doug Tompkins' would be a far, far better world.
If every person with some wealth did a fraction of what Doug did to better the world we would live in paradise. Yet I've know many people with wealth who do little or anything to make the world a better place.
That so few people have heard of Doug Tompkins and his accomplishments, while they know so much about the vapid "celebrities" and bombastic egomaniacs who dominate our "news" is an indictment of our media and our culture.
Doug Tompkins and others like him could provide role models to our society of thoughtful visionary people who have really contributed, who care and who make a difference, instead of the role models we mostly have of selfishness, aggressive narcissism, bling, empty posturing, inanity and petty materialism.
A world of Doug Tompkins' would be a far, far better world.
35
Beautiful tribute to an amazing human spirit and a true force of nature.
7
RIP Mr Tompkins!
A smilar type accident happened to some students in New Zealand last summer. It was deserted and a sudden storm came up and capsized their kayaks. There was no one to rescue them and several drowned or got hypothermia. It's adventurous to go to exotic destinations however there are risks.
A smilar type accident happened to some students in New Zealand last summer. It was deserted and a sudden storm came up and capsized their kayaks. There was no one to rescue them and several drowned or got hypothermia. It's adventurous to go to exotic destinations however there are risks.
2
NO Risks= NO Rewards Same as Deepwater Horizon in the Gulf de Mexico
Take that Mr. British Petroleum aka bp
Take that Mr. British Petroleum aka bp
A true leader, and environmental icon. We lost a giant this week. A man who looked fortune and capitalism in the eye, and shrugged. Earth first, and he lived to take the heat from those who fought to thwart his efforts to save the planet.
This is a tragedy. But we are all living in a world made just a little but better as a result Mr. Tompkins' efforts to stop the destruction of our [earth] habitat in some of the most vulnerable areas on the globe.
Perhaps Mr. Tompkins' death will fuel the passions of other well-heeled humanitarian capitalists who could make a dent in making the world better.
However, saving the environment takes a village, and it takes money. We cannot place the burden solely upon the shoulders of folks like Mr. Tompkins. We must collectively step into his shoes and keep walking the path, even if we have to scale the North Face without a rope.
This is a tragedy. But we are all living in a world made just a little but better as a result Mr. Tompkins' efforts to stop the destruction of our [earth] habitat in some of the most vulnerable areas on the globe.
Perhaps Mr. Tompkins' death will fuel the passions of other well-heeled humanitarian capitalists who could make a dent in making the world better.
However, saving the environment takes a village, and it takes money. We cannot place the burden solely upon the shoulders of folks like Mr. Tompkins. We must collectively step into his shoes and keep walking the path, even if we have to scale the North Face without a rope.
11
The article states that Douglas Tompkins met his future wife and business partner, Susie Buell, while hitchhiking. I seem to remember from a recent obituary article that Burt Shavitz of Burt’s Bees met his future wife and business partner, Roxanne Quimby, while he was hitchhiking. They did networking the old fashioned way.
7
Well, EVERYONE knows that salmon raised on fish farms are unhealthy to consume. The South American aqua farmers just don't care as long as they can count the cash. Invariably, entitled guys like Tompkins possess a messianic outlook regarding the environment and naturally infuriate the little people, who lack sufficient resources, when they successfully back up their enthusiasms with boatloads of money for government officials and landowners.
Tompkins' North Face products continued to be well done following his exit but remained terribly expensive. Same thing for Patagonia clothing, with the difference that Patagonia promoted a much more consumer friendly relationship and maintains absolutely the best customer service in the business.
Tompkins' North Face products continued to be well done following his exit but remained terribly expensive. Same thing for Patagonia clothing, with the difference that Patagonia promoted a much more consumer friendly relationship and maintains absolutely the best customer service in the business.
2
I went on an ecological publicity to the national park Alerce Andino in 1989.
The owner of Patagonia also fell in love with this area and bought into it big time.
Going there in person helped me understand why declaring land a park will never work if the people living there are dependent on the local resources and have no other options.
Rest in peace fellow lover of " California turned upside down and 100 years ago in time ". That is how my friend described it.
The lesson is, parks do not protect unless the people living in the area are taken care of and believe it is in their interest to take pride in it.
The owner of Patagonia also fell in love with this area and bought into it big time.
Going there in person helped me understand why declaring land a park will never work if the people living there are dependent on the local resources and have no other options.
Rest in peace fellow lover of " California turned upside down and 100 years ago in time ". That is how my friend described it.
The lesson is, parks do not protect unless the people living in the area are taken care of and believe it is in their interest to take pride in it.
7
I hope President Obama will say something soon about this man's life and pay him a fitting tribute. Has he been given a Presidential Medal of Freedom? It sure sounds like he deserved it, and now deserves it posthumously. Just from reading this obit I find myself overwhelmed with admiration. This fellow seems like the paradigm of a environmentally constructive business tycoon, and we need many more of them.
9
I am completely in awe of this high school dropout. His life may have been cut short, but what a life!
13
Loads of successful American capitalists have dropped out of "education." What's that tell you about government dictated education standards? Of course, as every dropout knows, it always helps to have the backing of wealthy relatives and friends and entre to bankers and well paying jobs. Tompkins at least didn't throw his money away building a nonsensical rocket in a world blowing itself up to take "space tourists" to Mars!
4
Incredible conservation, by just one man. Are you listening, Mark Zuckerberg?
15
Seriously? Mark Zuckerberg? Have you read the news this week? I'm guessing not. Worst. Comparison. Dude.
3
Rest in peace Doug Tompkins and heartfelt condolences to those you left behind. I have always been of two minds about Mr. Tompkins' work in Chile. My first take was that it is a noble endeavour to try to preserve this portion of the earth. But it has always troubled me that and American going to "the new world" and acquiring hundreds of thousand of acres because the local population can't possibly be as enlightened has a feel of eco-missionary work. How much different is arriving in Chile with the goal of acquiring land and teaching the locals that this is the way to peace and harmony than Spanish missionaries arriving in, say, California and acquiring land grants to teach the heathens? Is it only different because we believe the goal in Chile is laudable (I daresay the Spanish though their goal laudable as well). Or is this just eco-imperialism spread by wealth? I admit I have not come to a conclusion about it.
5
Do you feel the same way about China and India refusing to adhere to waste disposal and air pollution standards? Not everyone is in a position to be "as enlightened" and it doesn't mean they're terrible people, nor always right.
I'm sorry, but I don't understand your point. There is an undercurrent here that somehow he "escaped" capitalism. Actually, his story is pure capitalism. He made a fortune in business, then used his wealth to buy a private island to do with what he wishes. His island just happens to be in Chile and Argentina. How does what China and India do have any bearing on whether or not it is moral and/or ethical for a rich white guy from America to go into someone else's country, and then use his wealth to take over large portions of it because he believes his idea is right and local sovereignty is irrelevant? That's what I struggle with about Mr. Tompkins. I never said anyone was terrible. I said I personally struggle with the question.
4
"Death comes without warning" An old Tibetan homily.
6
Thank God. I hope that's correct for me.
3
Yeah...so does birth. An old Greek homily.
3
North Face gear is still among the very best and, at one point, you could take any item you had purchased at any time and get it refurbished by them, usually for close to, if not, free and pretty quickly. Not sure if they do that now.
Still have my down coat that I used snowmaking nights, many well below zero, in Sun Valley for three seasons over 40 years ago. My sleeping bag from the same era finally disintegrated but not until after years of hard use.
That attitude, and the quality of their products, came directly from Tompkins who knew through experience what outdoor people needed and the importance of it being reliable. He also put his money where his mouth was his entire life conserving wild places. He will be sorely missed.
But what a life! Nice!
Still have my down coat that I used snowmaking nights, many well below zero, in Sun Valley for three seasons over 40 years ago. My sleeping bag from the same era finally disintegrated but not until after years of hard use.
That attitude, and the quality of their products, came directly from Tompkins who knew through experience what outdoor people needed and the importance of it being reliable. He also put his money where his mouth was his entire life conserving wild places. He will be sorely missed.
But what a life! Nice!
13
Doug and I played tennis and fired baseballs at each other (his form of "catch"!) as kids in Millbrook. After that he was on a fast (nay meteoric) track to regions and spheres way beyond. He contributed SO much to this world. RIP Doug. Your spirit enabled me to do some extra burpees in your name @ x-fit this morning!! Faith and John, comforting and consoling thoughts to you.
8
R.I.P. and congratulations on a life well lived.
3
RIP ... at least he did what he loved doing right?
Marmot is a good coat though, leaks less.
Marmot is a good coat though, leaks less.
2
I met Doug in 2001 in the Chile Patagonia at his park. It was amazing & he was amazing. He taught me about the Deep Ecology movement. He put him money where his mouth was. Chile, Argentina and the planet are better off because he did. Those of you who assume that the hospitals in Chile are not up to par with UAS hospitals, do not know what you are talking about. Chile is a very advanced country with excellent medical and dental facilities. I speak from experience. IMO Patagonia is the most beautiful area of our world and Doug fought to protect it. His strong wife will carry on with their work. They are both great individuals who walk their talk.
13
Was he wearing a wetsuit?
1
www.deepecology.org
Anyone who cares about living things would do well to read about this man. Doug Tompkins asked the difficult questions and then had the ability and conviction to find tangible and lasting solutions.
such a sad loss. we can honor his legacy by taking action to preserve and protect all flora and fauna, both small and great, and the places they live.
my thoughts go out to his loved ones.
Anyone who cares about living things would do well to read about this man. Doug Tompkins asked the difficult questions and then had the ability and conviction to find tangible and lasting solutions.
such a sad loss. we can honor his legacy by taking action to preserve and protect all flora and fauna, both small and great, and the places they live.
my thoughts go out to his loved ones.
8
"“He flew airplanes, he climbed to the top of mountains all over the world,” said his daughter Summer Tompkins Walker. “To have lost his life in a lake and have nature just sort of gobble him up is just shocking.”
I'm sorry but I don't see his manner of death as 'shocking' at all. Let's face it...when you engage with nature in this way, anything can happen. I'd say that at least he was doing that which he loved, right up until the end...
I'm sorry but I don't see his manner of death as 'shocking' at all. Let's face it...when you engage with nature in this way, anything can happen. I'd say that at least he was doing that which he loved, right up until the end...
65
Is it really a good idea to rebuke the daughter of the recently deceased for her perception of his death?
16
The film 180 South features Doug Tompkins and is worth watching.
13
As a long time dinghy sailor, back to prep school, we learned that sailing dry suits ripped and were worthless. However, we found out that the dry suits made for kayaking were superb, even in February when we capsized. They kept us dry and along with life vests, we floated 'til picked up. I hope that a lack of a kayaking dry suit and PFD did not contribute to this talented and generous man's death. What you wear on the water will save your life.
37
As someone who has used North Face apparel for many years, and found it to be of excellent quality, I found this article interesting. Nice to know that some of my money went to someone who put it to good use through his conservation efforts. But I am left with many questions: Was he wearing North Face gear at the time of this accident ? Was the gear appropriate to the situation? If not, why did these kayakers take this risk? I am also interested to know more about how he succeeded in business. There must be a story behind his success. This article does not tell that story.
25
While not Doug Tompkins' story, Yvon Chouinard's "Let My People Go Surfing:The Education of a Reluctant Businessman" tells the parallel tale of the beginnings of Great Pacific Ironworks which became Patagonia. Doug was a part of the preamble for GPI. It's a good read.
1
"Mr. Tompkins used his vast fortune to buy roughly 2.2 million acres of land through his various conservation groups, Mr. Butler said. That included Pumalín Park, one of the world’s largest private parks, protecting 715,000 acres of rain forest that stretches from the Pacific Ocean to the Andes Mountains. It is named in honor of the pumas that roam the park’s virgin forests."
That is a fantastic use of private resources to protect valuable space. Yvon Chouinard should take the hint and stop funding lawsuits to take resources away from indigenous people.
That is a fantastic use of private resources to protect valuable space. Yvon Chouinard should take the hint and stop funding lawsuits to take resources away from indigenous people.
37
??? Yvon and Doug are life long similarly inclined buddies who co-invented "deep ecology". Not at all savvy about these "lawsuits" but it is correctly noted in the article that Doug faced lots of hostility from locals - not indigenous locals - the locals who wiped out or totally suppressed all the indigenous folks of the region.
They are both extremely forward thinking visionaries who evolved to multi-millionaires from a "dirt bag" dirt poor climbing culture.
They are both extremely forward thinking visionaries who evolved to multi-millionaires from a "dirt bag" dirt poor climbing culture.
5
Mr. Chouinard was a close friend of Mr. Tompkins. Both have focused in their own, very effective ways on promoting resource conservation and protection.
5
Thanks Zekesuhl. Doug Tompkins was an old school hard man. Never afraid to discover his luxury amidst what others would consider hardship. One foot in the generation that dealt with WWII and the Depression, one foot in the generation that knows there is another unifying battle to be fought.
1
So sad! For all outdoors lovers, please be aware of Cold Water Shock--especially in the fast-growing area of stand-up paddleboarding. If you plunge into the water suddenly you can lose your breath, lose conscious, gasp suddenly and drown instantly--wear a wetsuit or drysuit if you are SUPping, kayaking or surfing. Falling in suddenly is very different than a quick Polar Bear Club dip, and hypothermia can be quick and lethal. I almost drowned trying out my new SUP in a lake--in the early spring--had no idea.
44
Wow - what a life! Too many of us spend our lives toiling at pushing papers ( and submitting comments to the NY Times:)) while Mr. Tompkins pushed the edge of wilderness. Ah yes - locked into traffic on the Cross Bronx while could be exploring the Andes - with Mr. Tompkins. What we do for our families! Who is fooling whom.
His greatest legacy is not the founding of the North Face company but the devotion to preserving the wildest of environments. These are disappearing to nature's detriment. Would that all the billionaires out there - Mark Zuckerberg and Bill Gates - did similarly to Mr. Tompkins.
His greatest legacy is not the founding of the North Face company but the devotion to preserving the wildest of environments. These are disappearing to nature's detriment. Would that all the billionaires out there - Mark Zuckerberg and Bill Gates - did similarly to Mr. Tompkins.
56
Thank you Doug, condolences to your family and friends, RIP
20
Of course people will mention that he died doing what he enjoyed most but it was so precursory for an individual who still had a lot to do in this life.
High adventure always has it's risks and one can never be too prepared for Mother Nature. People are out in their plastic boats everywhere now. Pay heed. For kayaking can instantly become a very dangerous activity indeed.
In other thoughts, long ago before North Face was trendy their dome tent saved my life. Their gear is legendary within the mountaineering world.
Mr. Tompkins definitely lived a life well lived. In the future he will be long remembered and appreciated for his dedication, hard work and preservation of one of the most spectacular regions in the world. RIP
High adventure always has it's risks and one can never be too prepared for Mother Nature. People are out in their plastic boats everywhere now. Pay heed. For kayaking can instantly become a very dangerous activity indeed.
In other thoughts, long ago before North Face was trendy their dome tent saved my life. Their gear is legendary within the mountaineering world.
Mr. Tompkins definitely lived a life well lived. In the future he will be long remembered and appreciated for his dedication, hard work and preservation of one of the most spectacular regions in the world. RIP
40
What a guy! If the environment (and the planet) is to be saved from greed, it will be be people like Doug Tompkins who will make it happen. Glad to see Bill Gates has begun to focus on the planet as much as he does on people.
Can't wait for Mark Zuckerberg to put at least a part of his money to preserve the environment!
Can't wait for Mark Zuckerberg to put at least a part of his money to preserve the environment!
45
“There are some who can live without wild things and some who cannot.”
― Aldo Leopold
My friend Doug was one who could not, and he spent his life ensuring that others would have that same opportunity. The Earth has lost one of her fiercest defenders, but his legacy will endure for generations.
― Aldo Leopold
My friend Doug was one who could not, and he spent his life ensuring that others would have that same opportunity. The Earth has lost one of her fiercest defenders, but his legacy will endure for generations.
103
I hadn't heard of Mr. Tompkins until now, but what a cool guy! What an inspiration! RIP Mr. Tompkins.
62
The world's a better place because he was in it. How many can say that?
Condolences to his loved ones.
Condolences to his loved ones.
104
RIP Doug Tompkins. You were one of the first to shine a light towards a path that many now follow, and will continue to do so for generations to come. I still remember getting my very first piece of The North Face equipment...a Sentinel vest embroidered with the Professional Ski Instructors of America shield right after passing my Alpine Level I certification at 17 years old in 1997. I still have it, I still ski in it, and it will take on even more meaning this season when I don it. Rest well brother.
25
An interesting life, well-lived.
But I do recall recoiling in horror from the North Face brand 5-7 years ago when it became a hipster fad; there was a time (maybe still) when you couldn't walk through the Lower East Side or Williamsburg without seeing 99% of the people prominently sporting that logo, even on days when the garment in question was less than appropriate for the weather.
But I do recall recoiling in horror from the North Face brand 5-7 years ago when it became a hipster fad; there was a time (maybe still) when you couldn't walk through the Lower East Side or Williamsburg without seeing 99% of the people prominently sporting that logo, even on days when the garment in question was less than appropriate for the weather.
9
Snarky Comment at best.
Are Clothes, just Clothes, a hipster fad - simply because everyone sees to be wearing them?
North Face products may be worn often because they are chic, but they also simply deserve that.
Everytime I head out of my home here in the Winds of Wyoming I'll be sure to look for you, PB, and I'll be sure to thumb my nose at you as you snark at my North Face - and other - stuff.
It works, and if a few thousand City dwellers wear theirs on too-mild-days....is that a crime worth mentioning here?
Are Clothes, just Clothes, a hipster fad - simply because everyone sees to be wearing them?
North Face products may be worn often because they are chic, but they also simply deserve that.
Everytime I head out of my home here in the Winds of Wyoming I'll be sure to look for you, PB, and I'll be sure to thumb my nose at you as you snark at my North Face - and other - stuff.
It works, and if a few thousand City dwellers wear theirs on too-mild-days....is that a crime worth mentioning here?
7
A meaningful and well-lived life. Sympathies to Mr. Tompkins' family and friends. Mr. Tompkins made a profound and positive difference in the world.
42
Having capsized on frigid class IV rapids, I have some understanding of what happened. I was not anywhere near dying, but every situation is different. As for those who suggest that dying in the course of an adventure is not so bad, I suggest you spend a good deal of time in frigid water and windy, cold weather. There are many better ways to go.
22
So sad about this. His contributions were so important.
How likely is it that with better medical care, he would have made it?
How likely is it that with better medical care, he would have made it?
5
Please do not assume that because his death occurred in a "developing" country that the medical care was inadequate. Outdoor misadventures occur far from accessible medical care. You don't just call an ambulance and have it get there in 4 minutes. By the time the Search and Rescue folks get there and extract and transport people, it has usually been many hours since the accident.
This is true in a place as close to civilization as the Rocky Mountains, and even more so in the remote places that people like Mr. Tompkins prefer. I'm very sorry to hear of his death. But he did know the risks. He must have felt they were worth it, or he would not have lived the life he did. Am very pleased to learn of all his preservation efforts, so that other independent people can take those risks, too, for a life well-lived.
This is true in a place as close to civilization as the Rocky Mountains, and even more so in the remote places that people like Mr. Tompkins prefer. I'm very sorry to hear of his death. But he did know the risks. He must have felt they were worth it, or he would not have lived the life he did. Am very pleased to learn of all his preservation efforts, so that other independent people can take those risks, too, for a life well-lived.
21
How likely is it that if he hadn't chosen to kayak in frigid waters, he'd still be alive? Why should he have expected any medical care at all? He took his life in his hands in a dangerous environment. I'm not slamming his personal decision, but he of all people knew the risk he was taking.
1
Kind of insulting. Do you know anything about healthcare in Chile?
1
My thoughts are with his family and friends. This man did tremendous work to conserve large parts of Patagonia, which is one of the last places on earth that remains unspoiled. I hope one day to make it to Patagonia National Park and enjoy all of that beauty. Thank you, sir.
69
Has the word got out to all the cratures he saved. Ah, the forest must be weeping today.
Goodbye to a good, great man............
Goodbye to a good, great man............
58
I'm surprised North Face didn't make a hypothermia vest for over-age kayakers. Still, he would probably agree, better to go that way than wasting away in a long-term care facility.
33
But he was in good shape and most likely would have had many years before needing long-term care.
9
at the age of 72 he had a long way to go before "wasting away'....may he rest in peace.
5
He should of cut back on a few thing as he ages but i admire his love of nature, i salute him .
A life well lived. If I've had heroes, Doug Tompkins was one. He figured it out and helped a lot of us figure it out.
79
I wonder how much his age contributed to his failure to recover from hypothermia. Perhaps the others in his party were younger. Tompkins seemed to have a good life but it's a shame he died so relatively young when he had much more to contribute.
20
In water under 40 degrees. how long would someone have before hypothermia becomes severe? Twenty-five minutes? I wonder how quickly they were rescued, in what order, and what each was wearing. Maybe he was the last one out. How long did it take to get him to the hospital? Sad news.
4
Less than 10 minutes.
1
Not true tbrucia, it has happened before ... to skilled practicioners.
Meanwhile, for a entertaining and insightful look into what Tompkins and his best pal Ivan Chouinard (Patagonia/Chounaird Equipment) were doing in Chile, take a look at the streamable movie "180 South". It's not all about them, but they play a key role in the connection they make with the younger folks who inspired by the great 1968 adventure that Tompkins, Chouinard and some other friends made when they DROVE to Patagonia to do the first ascent of what is now called the 'American Route' on Fitzroy. Like now, the 1968 trip included alot of surfing. To see these guys still doing it at 70 is inspiring to all of us who are approaching that milestone. He will be missed.
Meanwhile, for a entertaining and insightful look into what Tompkins and his best pal Ivan Chouinard (Patagonia/Chounaird Equipment) were doing in Chile, take a look at the streamable movie "180 South". It's not all about them, but they play a key role in the connection they make with the younger folks who inspired by the great 1968 adventure that Tompkins, Chouinard and some other friends made when they DROVE to Patagonia to do the first ascent of what is now called the 'American Route' on Fitzroy. Like now, the 1968 trip included alot of surfing. To see these guys still doing it at 70 is inspiring to all of us who are approaching that milestone. He will be missed.
40
A good way to go, if a bit premature. There is a certain irony in the fact that the inventor of NorthFace died of hypothermia.
33
You could say that being wealthy and active at 72 is an OK way to go, but considering he is survived by his mother....there was most likely a lot left to do.
66
In response to the shock expressed by his daughter- and with condolences for her and his other loved ones, and appreciation for all of his great conservation work and other efforts- it nevertheless strikes me as quite natural that an outdoorsman could die this way, regardless of his global reach. We remain human, and therefore, vulnerable to the natural world. Perhaps he would rather have died doing what he loved than wasting away at home or in a hospital.
120
While death is sad, Mr. Tompkins died doing something he loved in a place he loved and helped to preserve for posterity. Beats a ventilator. Rest in peace knowing you lived a life worth living. You added great value to the world.
115
Kayaking without wearing a dry suit on 39-degree water is one step further along than insane. I know of no kayaker that would even consider it, unless he or she had a death-wish.
24
Is it possible he was wearing a dry suit and still succumbed to the cold cruel water?
"...latex gaskets can fail catastrophically in the field — I had it happen on two expeditions."
(http://www.paddlinglight.com/articles/wetsuit-vs-drysuit-for-paddling/)
"...latex gaskets can fail catastrophically in the field — I had it happen on two expeditions."
(http://www.paddlinglight.com/articles/wetsuit-vs-drysuit-for-paddling/)
7
When someone dies in an accident it's always important to mention that they did something wrong and you would have known better and not died.
12
Too kind. Your condolences will be much appreciated by the many people left grieving for this man who did so much more for the world he leaves behind than you will do, despite your superior mental health and judgment.
1