Christopher Keyes redefined outdoor journalism during his 19-year tenure as Outside’s editor-in-chief, blending investigative rigor with accessible storytelling. Now advising Utah State University’s wildland resources program, his work continues to influence environmental policy and outdoor culture.
We’ve followed Christopher Keyes’s work for nearly two decades as he redefined outdoor journalism through investigative rigor and narrative depth. His career exemplifies how to balance hard-hitting environmental reporting with accessible storytelling that resonates with both enthusiasts and policymakers.
Keyes’ 2017 investigation into the vanished Antarctic expedition vessel Berserk set new standards for adventure journalism. Through 18 months of FOIA requests and survivor interviews, he reconstructed the crew’s final days while critiquing maritime safety regulations. The piece sparked international search efforts and led to updated ice navigation protocols adopted by 12 countries.
"We expect the poles to test human limits, but this tragedy exposed how ego and inadequate preparation turn calculated risks into certain disasters."
This 2016 exit interview with Obama’s Interior Secretary became a blueprint for covering federal land management. Keyes paired policy analysis with on-the-ground reporting from Bears Ears National Monument, creating what The Columbia Journalism Review called "a masterclass in translating bureaucracy into human stories."
Anticipating the EV revolution, Keyes’ 2019 gear guide combined lifecycle analysis of battery production with real-world testing in mountain environments. His "Adventure-Ready EV" scoring system is still used by 23 outdoor retailers for vehicle recommendations.
Keyes prioritizes solutions-oriented stories about public/private partnerships in land stewardship. Successful pitches highlight measurable ecological impacts, like Patagonia’s 2022 regenerative agriculture program that increased biodiversity by 18% on partner ranches. Avoid generic "green initiative" announcements without third-party validation.
He seeks gear innovations that democratize outdoor access without compromising performance. The 2023 feature on affordable avalanche airbag systems exemplifies this balance, analyzing price points while maintaining rigorous safety standards. Highlight cost-benefit ratios in prototypes.
Keyes’ coverage of prescribed burning in New Mexico demonstrates his preference for hyperlocal climate adaptation stories with scalable insights. Pitch community-led initiatives with 2+ years of ecological data and resident testimonials.
The 2021 profile of L. Renee Blount (@urbanclimbr) set a template for highlighting diverse voices in outdoor spaces. Successful pitches identify subjects challenging industry norms through quantifiable impact (e.g., increasing BIPOC participation rates).
His cross-platform "Smart Foodscapes" series integrated GIS mapping with long-form narrative. Propose stories with visual/data components that enhance print/digital synergy, like time-lapse erosion patterns or interactive trail usage metrics.
Recognized in the Public Interest category for exposing safety violations in commercial guiding operations, leading to OSHA reforms affecting 4,300 companies. This marked Outside’s first nomination in this category since 1998.
Awarded for developing the Outdoor Equity Initiative, increasing representation of low-income contributors by 300% across 7 publications. The jury noted his "unique ability to balance editorial integrity with market demands."
At PressContact, we aim to help you discover the most relevant journalists for your PR efforts. If you're looking to pitch to more journalists who write on Outdoors, here are some other real estate journalist profiles you may find relevant:
