Meet Jakob, a professional mountaineer and adventure photographer from Norway, originally from Denmark. He's turned his passion for the outdoors into a career, working as a high-altitude guide on expeditions across the globe. Driven by curiosity and a desire to be fully present, Jakob lives by the mantra, "Give back - be present."

The quick ones

Where in the world are you right now?
September 2025. Just returned to Norway after another trip to Tanzania and a guiding job on Kilimanjaro. There's something truly special about that country, its culture, and its people.

Hometown?
Stavanger, Norway. Originally from West Jutland in Denmark.

Your primary discipline?
Mountaineer & Adventure Photographer. High-Altitude Guide on mountains and expeditions all over the globe.

When you're not on an adventure?
Trail running, fly fishing, climbing, coffee, books, photography, and writing.

Let's connect:

What Drives You? Tell us about your journey and what ignited your passion for adventure.

I'm driven by curiosity and a desire to go to the places where the boundary is sometimes fine, but for me, it feels 100% authentic. It's often in the more extreme situations and experiences that life feels most intense for me. It doesn't matter if it's in a snowstorm on the world's highest mountains, a starry night with the Northern Lights, or a quiet evening around a campfire with good friends. As long as you are present.

When I was young, it was all about scouting trips and a simple outdoor life. Fishing trips with friends or alone. I quickly realized that nature and the simplicity of being on a trip gave so much back. Hiking trips turned into climbing trips, and that became a quest for new and more adventures. The passion went from a hobby to a way of life, and for me, it's a privilege to be able and to dare to do just that.

Your most unforgettable moment in nature?
I've been lucky to have many great experiences in nature, from the first hikes in Norway when I was very young. Back then, it was driven by a thirst for adventure, resources were scarce, but the camaraderie was enormous. There have been hundreds of trips, climbing trips, and expeditions... one that stands high on the list is a trip to Greenland many years ago. My partner and I had just been dropped off by a local fisherman, all the way at the end of a fjord in southeastern Greenland. We had about three weeks completely alone to climb, explore, and just be present... The first evening in our small camp at the foot of high mountains and the long, deep fjord... the light that evening was truly special. The air was extra clear, and the feeling of freedom was completely unique. I'll probably never forget that evening and that trip.Then there are all the small and big moments on expeditions around the world... where they all together form something very special. People you meet and have unique experiences with, for better or worse. Experiences and knowledge that are all stored away.

What's the next big adventure? What dream are you chasing?
2025 and 2026 are already well-booked with big and small expeditions and adventures. In October/November 2025, I'll be in Nepal for a guiding job on the beautiful mountain Ama Dablam. In January/February 2026, I'll be in Argentina for a job and an expedition. March is Kilimanjaro and Safari. April-June is a guiding job on Mount Everest. Then Alaska... It's a packed schedule, but for me, it's a schedule full of great experiences. More importantly, it's about being present in the things you do. Experiences and adventures come in all forms. I equally value the small and simple experiences... a campfire, a cup of coffee, and a good conversation. A fishing trip or a run in the mountains.I don't chase dreams, but let them evolve over time. I'm fascinated by big mountains and very thin air... these are high on the list of personal projects.

Why are you and LOOW the perfect match?
LOOW has a Scandinavian look and cool vibe... a quality in the product and the details. Furthermore, and just as importantly, we share the same views on adventure and being on a trip. LOOW and I as a person—as well as my company (Urth-Adventures)—are both very concerned with the environment and the footprint we leave wherever we are. These are strong values that make me feel secure in our collaboration. It's a match where we can make a difference together and share knowledge, stories, and adventures.

Your essential piece of LOOW gear—and why?
There are many great products from LOOW, but right now it's my Zip-Neck sweater. It has a great fit, and I use it both on trips as a warm layer between, for example, a shell jacket and a very thin wool t-shirt... and on climbing/fishing trips as an outer layer. It gives me the perfect combination of warmth and freedom of movement.

A personal mantra or philosophy you live by?
"Give back - be present." Two small sentences that hold so incredibly much. I believe that if you listen to people—no matter who they are or where they're from—you can achieve a lot. Everyone has a story to tell. I believe that if you do your best to help those who seek help... professionally on my trips or privately... we all get a lot back.I've been so privileged to have been in the outdoor industry for more than 25 years. The last 15 as a professional athlete... achieving unique feats and having indescribable experiences. A job and passion that are one and the same. All of this would never have been possible without help and support from others.