Rob Gauntlett: Adventure Can Inspire Change

At incognito, we’ve always believed that adventure is about stepping into the unknown, facing nature head-on, and coming back with stories that inspire others to live bravely. When we sponsored some of our initial batch of insect repellent spray to Rob Gauntlett and James Hooper for their pole-to-pole expedition, we knew we were supporting something special. What we didn’t realise at the time was just how deeply Rob’s story would resonate with the world.

Rob and James weren’t your ordinary young adventurers: the pair had already climbed Mount Everest by the age of 19, a feat most people wouldn’t dare to dream of. But for these two intrepid youngsters, that wasn’t enough. Together they set out on a 26,000-mile, treacherous journey from one shifting geomagnetic pole in the north to the other in the south. With no blueprint and no guaranteed success, they were just two teenagers with little more than determination, borrowed money, and an unshakable will to live life to its fullest.

Their expedition began north of Greenland in March 2007. They skied and dog-sledded across the Arctic ice to reach the northern geomagnetic pole, a task made far more difficult by thin ice and rocky headlands. They pressed on despite falling into some crevasses, often improvising risky methods to recover and move forward.

After weeks on the ice, the harsh conditions forced them to summon Inuit dog teams. They then boarded the Ice Maiden for a sailboat expedition and navigated notorious iceberg-strewn waters down to New York. Though they had almost no sailing experience, they quickly learned on the job and took turns at the helm, enduring fog and freezing conditions.

From New York, they cycled over 11,000 miles through the Americas to the tip of South America. During this leg, they lived off minimal resources and earned money by giving talks, selling T-shirts, and staying resilient despite financial strain and bike crashes.

Having reached Punta Arenas, Chile, they chartered a 67-foot aluminium schooner to sail the final 9,000 miles to the southern geomagnetic pole. The Southern Ocean was merciless as they encountered hurricane-force winds, seas up to 70–80 feet high, and a dramatic moment where Hooper was clipped off the boat, clinging to a mast as the vessel capsized and righted itself.

They finally navigated through the southern geomagnetic pole on April 24, 2008, and arrived in Sydney on May 9, completing the first ever pole-to-pole traverse using only human and natural power.

Their journey turned out to be almost fatal in several places. Rob fell into Arctic waters and was pulled out unconscious after minutes beneath the ice to be airlifted to the nearest hospital, where he insisted on continuing from his ICU bed. They cycled 11,000 miles through the Americas, broke down in the Atacama Desert where no living creature dares to inhabit, and endured hurricane-force winds in the Southern Ocean. With all the odds stacked against them, they made it. 409 days after setting out, they sailed through the south geomagnetic pole and into history as National Geographic’s Adventurers of the Year 2008.

For us at incognito, it was an honour to play a small part in protecting Rob and James from the countless hazards of their journey. Insects may seem minor compared to crevasses or 80-foot waves, but Rob and James knew that small details mattered. Whether it was a lost glove, a broken bike, or a single mosquito bite, the smallest detail can have a huge impact on their mission and wellbeing. Rob’s story didn’t end with that journey. He continued to seek out challenges, inspire young people, and live with the same boundless energy that carried him across the planet. On January 10, 2009, Rob tragically lost his life in an ice-climbing accident while ascending Mont Blanc in the French Alps. He was only 21.

Today, as we remember Rob, we’re not only thinking about the risks he took or the records he set. We’re remembering his unwavering positivity and his determination never to give up. He believed that adventure could truly inspire change. His courage is still a reminder of why we stand behind those who dare to step out of their comfort zone and into the unknown. Rob Gauntlett’s life may have been short, but it was lived to the fullest. At incognito, we’re proud to have been part of his journey and to continue sharing stories that inspire others to follow their own path with courage and resilience.

In memory of Rob. May his spirit continue to inspire adventurers everywhere.