In this episode of the Sierra Rec Now Podcast, Charlie Pankey sits down with Matt Moreau, founder and CEO of The Landmark Project—an outdoor lifestyle brand built around art, storytelling, and a deep connection to America’s national parks and forests.
With National Parks Week and Earth Day around the corner, this conversation explores why public lands matter more than ever—and why so many of us keep coming back to places like Yosemite, the Sierra Nevada, and beyond.
From first backpacking mistakes to unforgettable moments in the high country, this episode blends real trail experience with a bigger conversation about conservation, travel, and building a life around the outdoors.
- Why national parks continue to draw us back
- Yosemite experiences beyond the crowds
- Backpacking lessons (and early mistakes)
- The role of National Forest lands
- The story behind The Landmark Project
- Giving back to public lands through outdoor brands
00:00 – Intro: National Parks Week & Spring Adventures
00:27 – Meet Matt Moreau (The Landmark Project)
01:55 – National Park T-Shirts & Brand Origins
02:30 – How The Landmark Project Started
04:25 – Giving Back to Public Lands
05:13 – National Parks Bucket List (Yosemite, Cascades)
06:33 – First Backpacking Trip Mistakes
08:00 – Discovering Yosemite & Lasting Impressions
09:22 – Planning Trips & Gateway Communities
10:41 – Why Yosemite Keeps Pulling You Back
12:28 – Tuolumne Meadows & Tenaya Lake Stories
14:12 – Yosemite Backpacking Routes
15:32 – Sequoia, Kings Canyon & Joshua Tree
18:16 – National Forest vs National Parks
20:39 – Sierra vs Cascades Perspective
22:05 – Designing National Park Apparel
23:15 – Smokey Bear & Outdoor Culture
25:52 – How Landmark Project Gives Back
33:00 – Rapid Fire Questions
34:45 – Discount Code & Where to Find Landmark
38:00 – Final Thoughts
Explore their gear and support public lands:
https://thelandmarkproject.com
Use code SIERRAREC15 for 15% off your order
What’s one place you keep going back to—no matter how many times you’ve been?
🎙️ In This Episode:⏱️ Timestamps🌲 Featured Brand: The Landmark Project💬 Join the Conversation
